Is an unplanned trip truly better than a planned one? For me, the answer is a resounding yes. Planned trips often fill me with anxiety. Itineraries, timelines, and checklists seem to drain the joy right out of travel. I prefer to let the road guide me—no rigid plans, just a general direction and an open mind. Perhaps this is my way of coping with travel nerves, but every spontaneous journey I have taken has left me with pieces of myself in unforgettable places. Even now, closing my eyes brings back vivid memories of those adventures.
My Unplanned Leh Trip with Friends
One such adventure took me to Hunder in Ladakh. It happened in September when my friends and I decided on a trip to Leh. We had no fixed itinerary, just a few places we hoped to see. After landing, we spent two days acclimatizing before starting our sightseeing. We visited stunning spots like Pangong Lake, Alchi, Lamayuru, and Hunder.
We booked an Innova for the entire seven-day trip. Seven days felt perfect—long enough to slow down and truly absorb the landscape. Most mornings, we began early, around 7 or 8 am, to maximize daylight. If you search online, you might find that the distance from Leh to Hunder takes about four hours. Here is a valuable tip: never trust that estimate. In Ladakh, distances are not measured in kilometers or hours but in moments. You stop repeatedly because the breathtaking views demand it. With a relaxed pace and countless photo breaks, we reached Hunder around 4 pm.
A Memorable Stop at Khardung La Pass
One halt that stands out is Khardung La Pass. The cold was intense up there—so bitter that we eagerly devoured boiling hot Maggi from a small shop. The place was packed with people, and I briefly worried my turn would never come. But when it did, that Maggi tasted like the best meal of my life. I still crave that warmth and flavor.
After spending time taking photos and navigating the crowd, we continued driving. Little did I know, Hunder held a wonderful surprise.
Discovering Hunder: A Slice of Central Asia
The road seemed endless, and we savored every second. Leh is one of those destinations where long drives linger in your memory long after the journey ends. Then, suddenly, Hunder appeared. As we approached, everything felt different. It did not resemble Leh at all. Instead, it felt like a piece of Central Asia unexpectedly placed in the Himalayas. Once a resting point on the historic Silk Route, Hunder still echoes with tales of trade, exploration, and wonder.
The landscape transformed instantly. Silent sand dunes stretched before us, surrounded by towering mountains. It looked unreal—like a scene from a picture book.
Tourists found plenty of activities to enjoy there. A highlight was the Bactrian camels, known for their distinctive two humps. These hardy animals, often called the 'ship of the desert,' can go days without water. They were used for camel safaris, which many visitors experienced. We decided to skip the ride for personal reasons.
Best Time to Visit Hunder
We visited in September, which is considered the ideal time to explore Hunder. The area remains accessible and vibrant during this month. Daytime weather stays pleasantly cool, making camel rides and desert strolls enjoyable. I recommend avoiding the winter months when temperatures drop below freezing and most campsites close.
An Unforgettable Night Under the Stars
As the sun set, cold air quickly moved in. After trying archery—yes, that was available there—we searched for a nearby homestay to rest. But the night had other plans. The sky turned crystal clear, revealing endless stars. We sat for hours, gazing upward, until exhaustion finally led us indoors.
The next day, we continued our journey as usual. Visiting Hunder made me realize that unplanned trips need no justification. Hunder stayed in our hearts. Until next time, I hope to return soon.
About the Author
Panchali Dey is a traveler by choice from Northeast India. She feels constantly called back by mountain echoes. Although the Northeast does not always receive media attention, she believes everyone should set travel goals to experience it at least once. She dreams of returning one day, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
