Covid-19 Pandemic has not dampened globetrotter John V Tauro who toured Ladak, flashpoint of India

By John V Tauro
Bellevision Media Nettwork

Mangaluru, 07 Aug 2021: Bellevision cameraman John V Tauro, a globetrotter who had already travelled along with his wife Regina to over 110 countries so far, fortunate to return to hometown Mangaluru during February 2020 from 5-nation-tour of South America when India’s PM Narendra Modi announced Janata Curfew, 2 month’s nationwide first lockdown on March 24, 2020 to curb Covid-19 pandemic.

 

Although international flights from India are on hold till end of August 2021; the inland tourism is booming across the country especially to north eastern countries where monsoon has set idealistic atmosphere for family tours. Nevertheless, the persons on a move like John and his wife Regina cannot be confined to home for a long time as every citizen was forced to be at home fearing Covid-19 that has already taken the toll of over 5 lac victims (as per official data issued by union ministry of health). Meanwhile, the floods caused by incessant rains and landslides in north Indian states has not deterred the adventure seeking tourists. 

 

John and Regina reached Mumbai from Mangaluru on August 25 by GoAir flight where they met the group of 28 tourists (both included) and boarded Indigo flight to New Delhi and then to Leh Airport that is situated on the ridge of Himalayas. 

 

 

Our tourists group visited Alchi – Lamayuru and Kargil. We proceeded Kargil via Fotu La Pass and Namki La Pass. Kargil War was fought Indian armed forces with Pakistan in 1999 and every year India celebrates Vijay Diwas to mark India’s victory over Pak. En route, we also visited Patthar Sahib Gurudwara - a beautiful Gurudwara Sahib constructed in the memory of Guru Nanak, Magnetic Hill - also known as Gravity Hill where vehicles defy the force of gravity, Sangam of the rivers Indus and Zanskar - two of Himalaya’s mighty rivers; Zanskar and Indus converge  to form a spectacular view, Alchi Gompa - known for its magnificent and well preserved 11th and 12th century wall paintings, Moon land - the land resembles that of moon, Lamayuru Monastery - one of the largest and oldest Gompas in Ladakh.

 

On July 26, we toured Kargil – Drass – Leh. We visited Drass War Memorial, also known as Vijay Memorial - built in the memory of the martyred soldiers of 1999 Kargil War. We also visited Mulbekh Monastery. In the evening we arrived at Leh.

 

On July 28, we proceeded to Nubra Valley via Khardung La - the world’s highest motorable pass. Nubra valley - the Shyok River meets the Siachen River to form this large valley separating the Ladakh and Karakoram Ranges. Upon arrival, we visited Diskit Monastery - oldest and largest Buddhist monastery in Nubra Valley. Later, we visited Hunder Village and Cold desert - the only place in India where twin humped camels are found.

 

From July 29 to July 31, we proceeded to Turtuk village which was first opened for the tourists in 2010, while visiting Turtuk we viewed Thoise Airport (Military Airfield), and then we visited Turtuk wooden bridge, Turtuk Monastery, later we walked through Baltic village. Further, we visited Thang village (with special permission of Indian army) - Northern - most last village at LOC between India and China. Here we took photo stop at LOC point.

 

We bid farewell to fellow tourists and boarded Indigo flight to Mumbai. Later, we boarded GoAir flight to Mangaluru from Mumbai to complete our tour to Ladak, flashpoint between India and China.