In the third episode of Ink On The Move, her book tour travelogue, Jennifer Nandi travels to Leh, Ladakh to talk about her book, No Half Measures. As always, her tribe of well-wishers and friends enriches her experience
The Grand Dragon in Leh, Ladakh, stands as the most prestigious hotel in the region—a beacon of luxury amid the rugged beauty of the Himalaya. When one of its owners, Danish, graciously offered to host a book event, I knew it was a golden opportunity, one that carried both excitement and a fair share of nerves. Determined to make the most of it, I rallied my network of well-wishers—friends, in particular, David Sonam, colleagues, and everyone who believed in my journey, especially Tsering Chondol at reception. Their enthusiasm matched my own, and together, we pulled out all the stops to ensure the event was nothing short of extraordinary.
Instead of just worrying, I worked out a strategy—I would use the dining hall during breakfast and dinner to approach random strangers, talk to them about the book, the launch scheduled for the next day, and much else besides.
Ink on the move
This proved a success.
Strangers are always eager for new experiences.
And I capitalised on it.
As the date approached, the anticipation grew, and I found myself worrying over every detail—would people show up, would they connect with the book, would the event do justice to the incredible setting of The Grand Dragon? Instead of just worrying, I worked out a strategy—I would use the dining hall during breakfast and dinner to approach random strangers, talk to them about the book, the launch scheduled for the next day, and much else besides. This proved a success. Strangers are always eager for new experiences. And I capitalised on it. Even though their schedules were tight, they bought the book on Amazon, took pictures with me and got onto my Instagram account.

I always enjoy such exchanges. Most people welcome the chance to converse with others but they are just too shy to make the first move themselves. It’s a boost to my well-being when I’m acting a little more gregariously. My social life is vibrant on account of it.
The turnout was beyond my expectations, the atmosphere electric with energy and warmth. The event flowed seamlessly, from the engaging conversations to the connections forged, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Ladakh’s peaks. The sophisticated high tea was served in ornate tiered stands—its canapés artfully presented, offering a perfect balance of flavour and texture. As guests gravitated toward the tea, the setting was filled with the soft murmur of conversation an atmosphere of refined indulgence. Every bite was a celebration of flavour, every sip a moment of pure luxury.
It was a moment that perfectly captured the spirit of my journey—one of adventure, community, and a shared love for storytelling. I realised then that all the effort and support had come together in a way I hadn’t dared to hope for. The Grand Dragon event was more than just a book launch; it was a celebration of resilience, friendship, and the power of coming together. In the end, all the books were sold out. I needn’t have worried at all.
But what was the significance of the ‘spark’?
After the book-reading two young men, Wangchuk and Rohit, came up to tell me that they remembered me. I used to visit their school, Bishop Cotton, Shimla in the late 1990s and early 2000s. I was there every month for a week to conduct natural history programmes. I had even accompanied the senior boys to Kagbhusandi and the nearby Bidhan Parbhat, mountains in Uttarakhand. The two young men reminded me that I had accompanied their class of boys on a camping trip to Mori Garwhal on the banks of the Tons River. The village is on the border of Himachal and Uttarakhand.
I remember a student bring the birdwatching hike to an abrupt halt with the words,
ink on the move
“Ma’am come quick, he’s passing sperm!”
He had witnessed mating frogs at a stagnant pool and had identified the behaviour correctly and even had at the vocabulary to describe it!
As clear as crystal, I remembered how one early morning I had enticed a few 11-year-olds to crowd around a shrub, to watch a spider ambush its prey. It was supposed to be a birding trip but the others of the group were still getting ready. To occupy those who were already up, I interested them in arachnids! On that same camping trip I remember a student bring the birdwatching hike to an abrupt halt with the words, “Ma’am come quick, he’s passing sperm!” He had witnessed mating frogs at a stagnant pool and had identified the behaviour correctly and even had at the vocabulary to describe it! So I switched from birds to amphibians.

I remembered the earth tremors in the region as I slept in my tent and woke up to the consequences of an earthquake. These young men, now married with babies, had been in that same class. And they remembered me. That’s why they had attended the book launch. One of them owned Chospa, a hotel a little further up from the Grand Dragon, towards the market. He asked that I attend another ‘high tea’ the following day. He would invite people from the university, from the travel industry and wannabe travel guides.
These moments were deeply fulfilling, reaffirming that my work wasn’t just about writing a book or guiding in the field – it was about creating connections and planting seeds of curiosity that could grow into something far greater. Engaging with young minds gave me hope that the passion for nature that had fuelled my own journey could continue to inspire others, keeping the flame of exploration and conservation alive for future generations.
Read the previous episode in this series. Look out for the next episode of Ink On The Move. Consider buying or gifting a copy of No Half Measures on Amazon.in or at a bookstore near you