Caroline in her Sari.

Carrie takes a lesson in dressing up...

Caroline in her Sari

Shanti Stupa, Ladakh

On the side of the mountain above our guesthouse is Shanti Stupa - a large stupa built by the Japanese for world peace. It's a terrible slog up the steps to get there, but a great view from the top.

Shanti Stupa

On the move again...

After six weeks in Ladakh, we're on the move again. We flew down to Delhi, which seems to be in the throes of an early monsoon - we were braced for 40 degree heat, but should have packed our wellies instead. After spending a day or two gorging on food (beef, beer, wine & cheese), shopping, and suffering culture shock from being back in proper India again, we're now on our way to Jaisalmer - a desert town in Rajasthan, where it will be shockingly hot and dry.

Gompas

There's lots of monks and nuns in Ladakh. There's old wizened monks, the sort that Carrie enjoys smiling at (it makes them giggle), and there's young funky monks - the sort who have wrap-around shades, ride Enfield motorcycles, and wear Nike trainers. We've even met the monk from the Sprite commercial (but that's another story). All the young nuns chew bubblegum.

Gompas

A buddhist monastery is called a Gompa, and we've visited quite a few ancient ones while we've been in Ladakh. They're usually built on top of a hill; have amazing views from the roof; lots of prayer flags and prayer wheels; an assembly hall where the monks pray and eat; wall paintings; and shrines with large statues. The monks are very welcoming, and happy to show you around.

Leh Bazaar

We really like shopping in Leh High-street.

Leh Bazaar

Roads of Ladakh

There's some amazing roads up here - Ladakh has the top three highest motorable passes in the world, and they require a special kind of road to get up and down them. The roads are kept open year-round by the Indian Army, and they put up jaunty little signs along the way to remind you to drive safely....

Ladakh Roads