Much to my surprise, all my worries disappeared into the clear skies of Leh. Surrounded by barren mountains and a blanket of blue skies, no number of words can do justice to the everlasting beauty of the place. The next four days of my stay in this gorgeous location turned out to be gifts that I would cherish for a long time.

Away from the chaos of Delhi and into the serenity of Leh, away from the monotonous schedule of the work life and into the calming presence of nature, Ladakh was an unforgettable experience. While the sublime skylines and cloud formations made the spectacle all the more attractive and irresistible, it was the locals who made this trip to one of India's coldest destinations a delight. 

Flooded with Buddhist monasteries, the Ladakhi capital city hosts the annual Naropa Festival. Monks and followers from across the world make a trip to this Indian city on this joyous occasion. Having spent two days at the festival, I interacted with scores of locals who had made their way to Leh and learned of their journeys and stories.