Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Mission Ladakh Zanskar Siachen 2007 - Day 12

Leh – Upshi – Chumathang – Mahe – Karzok

As promised, Farhan and I woke up early and reached Alpha Mess at 7.30 Sharp. We could see a Scorpio parked outside and Uncle greeted us with a smile. He said the car is arranged but the rates are too high. The Officer in charge explained the rates to us and we had no other option, than to agree. In Ladakh, anything is better than nothing! :-)

Uncle got us served hot tea and ensured if we had enough money, meanwhile Aunty woke up and greeted us. Soon, we bid good byes to both and Uncle started explaining the conditions to our new driver – Rigzim. All his contacts were taken and he was cautioned to ensure our safety and comfort. Back to Lasu House, we caught some quick pictures with Meme, Uncle and Oliver and headed off for breakfast in the city. The poor guy must have been under military effect already, because when all 4 of us asked us in succession about the CD player, he tried to arrange for it – while we stopped for breakfast. The breakfast was not at all good. My Veg Thukpa, Farhan’s Mutton Thukpa – nothing was good. I decided to leave it half way and call home. I also called one of my batch mates to know about the results and was quite glad that all of us had passed all the courses. Rigzim returned and told us that he could not arrange a CD player. My CD Pack must be getting rotten, by now.
Farhan, Me (Ankit), Bikiran, Oliver, Uncle (Sami's Dad)
sitting: Meme (Sami's Grandpa) - Hari behind the Cam

As we left Leh Gate, each one of us thought “I would be back soon”. We took the diversion from Upshi towards Mahe. We crossed Chumathang at 12 and decided against stopping there for Lunch. We did not know the way ahead so we decided to reach Karzok as soon as possible. Our permits were checked at Mahe Bridge Check Post, where the road to Tso Moriri takes a diversion. As soon as we were told that the road from now on is under PWD; we started getting the threats from the Zanskar road; but to our delight, a lot of work had been done there and roads were new and smooth. For some part, we felt like we were cruising in Afghanistan (tracks similar to those shown in Kabul Express). On the way, we got some excellent views of another smaller lake – Tso Kogyo.

Don't be a Gama!
Tso Kogyo
reminds me of Kabul Express...
but naah... India is much more beautiful than Afghanistan

Soon, we got the first views of Tso Moriri – looking like a starry blue eye. The area around it is strictly barricaded by Wildlife Protection Agency – and we could see why. Numerous varieties of Birds were flying around. We went ahead to Karzok and found that the PWD Rest House was closed. On checking other places, to our horror, we found the rates for Tents as high as 1850/- for a Tent (for 2). Finally, we settled at a Resto-Tent (similar to those at Sarchu or Pang) for 50/- per Bed.

Driving along Tso Moriri to reach Karzok

ITBP welcomes you to Karzok (really :))


Tso Moriri - across the abandoned house - from Karzok


Karzok village across the abandoned house - from the Lake
After the lunch, we went to the shores. It was a long trek and the wind was chilling. We reached the shore around 4 and for next 3 hours, apart from clicking Pictures and Videos, it was all discussing FMS – inside out. Several secrets – both hidden and obvious – were shared. All in all – the only other (apart from Rangdum) excellent Bakar session! Dinner happened amidst drunk local Drivers – happened to meet few ITBP men who calmed our apprehension by explaining that these local people don’t cause any harm.

Watching the pebble bounce over the waters...

and I thought 'Wild Horse' is just a fragrance...

Taking Off!! (Beautiful Shot)

A routine Cyclone getting diffused!
Sunset over Tso Moriri from Karzok