Stan Sesser goes to Ladakh for a trek, and comes back impressed about many things – it’s landscapes, friendly people and ancient culture.
My trip began with an early-morning flight from New Delhi, with views of snow-covered peaks reflecting the rising sun—and a heart-stopping descent into Leh through a mountain pass, when the airplane’s wing tips seemed to scrape the rocks on each side. To avoid potentially fatal altitude sickness, visitors must spend their first three days at 10,600 feet in Leh doing as little walking as possible—which isn’t as hard as it sounds; one can hire a vehicle for visits to ancient monasteries in the countryside.
Read Himalayan Mountain High on the Wall Street Journal.
During the journey from Manali to Leh, and to other places in Ladakh, the roadsigns by Border Roads Organization constantly entertained me. I managed to note down some, listed here. If you recall having seen any more of those funny signs from BRO that are frequently seen all along the Himalayas, do post them in the comments.
Curves are blind and sharp
Drive your vehicle like playing a harp
After drinking whiskey
driving is risky
Safety on road is
safe tea at home
Know aids no aids
111 rcc tan tana tan
Don’t gossip, let him drive
Don’t be a gama
in the land of lama
Drive, don’t fly
Be gentle on my curves
Fast won’t last
If you sleep
your family will weep
Gati yane durgati
Life is short
don’t make it shorter
Enemies of the road
liquor, speed and load
Drive slower
live longer
Driving risky
after whiskey
Mountains are a pleasure
only if you drive with leisure
Life is precious
Do not waste it.
Short cut may cut short your life
Heaven or hell or mother earth
choice is yours
He who touches ninety
flies to die at nineteen
Drive on horsepower
not on rum power
It is not rally
enjoy the valley
Go fast and test our recovery
(recovery – BRO’s accident recovery vehicle)
