When people plan a trip to Ladakh, the question often arises as to how much time is needed to see all the sights. While some believe 5-10 days is enough, one traveler feels that simply visiting a place and 'living' it are completely different things. This question was answered by Pirna Dalal, who left her corporate job to become a digital content creator. She arrived in a small village near Leh but quickly decided to stay there for 14 days.
Thanks to this stay, she saw Ladakh from a perspective usually missed by tourists. The author advises those planning a trip to include this village on their bucket list, as the true beauty of Ladakh lies not in popular spots, but in these untouched mountain settlements rarely trodden by human feet.
Pirna shared her experience of a 14-day journey in a video posted on Instagram, which drew attention to this hidden village, and her video went viral. The details of her experience are revealed below.
14 Days in a Special Ladakhi Village
Pirna Dalal, who was 35 at the time of the trip, left her corporate position and started working as a digital content maker. She spent 14 days in the village of Stok in Ladakh. She shared this unique experience, clarifying that she has been in Ladakh for two months, of which 14 days were spent specifically in this village.
Where is the village of Stok located?
The village of Stok is located among the Kangri mountains, about 15 kilometers from Leh. In addition to its beauty, it offers an opportunity to closely experience the local culture and way of life. According to Pirna, she initially came here to sightsee the surroundings and understand village life, but gradually this place became special to her.
This is where the King's House of Ladakh is located
In her video, Pirna mentioned that before coming to Stok, she did not know that the last king of Ladakh's house was located there. Having spent so much time there, she now knows everything—from the local grocery store to the most suitable routes in the vicinity. The video also showed an old bridge, mountains, cows, and a small shop.
Learned to cook Ladakhi momos
Pirna didn't just visit tourist attractions in Ladakh; during these days, she also learned to cook Ladakhi-style momos. During her stay at the guesthouse, conversations with the hosts over tea and getting to know the locals became an important part of her journey.
Prefers slow travel
Pirna believes that if she had returned after only seeing a few famous places, she would not have gained such a wonderful experience. In the caption of the video, she wrote: 'The more I travel this way, the clearer I realize that the best thing is slow travel. You can get to know the locals, feel the tranquility of daily life, and when you return, a small part of this place stays with you forever. It is a journey I will always choose.'
What is slow travel that is gaining popularity?
Nowadays, many people plan trips to see as many places as possible in a short time. It has become common to visit many tourist sites in one day, take photos, and move on. However, slow travel differs from this approach. Instead of rushing through a place, one spends some time there. Part of this experience is interacting with locals, understanding their cuisine, walking through village streets, and observing daily life up close.
