Over centuries, poets, travellers and romantics have woven praises of the lure of the remote mountains. And in India, few places offer a better opportunity to immerse oneself in the pristine beauty of the mountains than Ladakh. Nestled in North India and wedged between Pakistan, Tibet and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Ladakh is the wonderland of the Himalayas.

Written by communications specialist, sustainability and mental health advocate Misha Paul, this article is part memoir of a journey few are fortunate to make, part reflection on the changing nature of our relationship with work and ourselves and part ode to the unmanicured terrain, rich tradition and fragile ecosystem of Leh and Ladakh.

This September, Odds & Ends shines the spotlight on Sundooq - a homegrown business that believes food is a powerful vehicle to share stories not often heard. Founded by Virkein Dhar, Sundooq creates ready-to-cook curry mixes and versatile-use chutney mixes, inspired by heirloom recipes from regional Indian kitchens and delivers them straight to your home. Read on to know more about this beautiful initiative, find a recipe to delight your stomach and heart and of course, a cool little discount for our readers when they order these sumptious delights.