Mission Australia 2013 - Day 03

Perth – Wave Rock 

Given the comfort we were getting from Vineet & Shilpa, getting up in time was really getting difficult. We struggled through the heat outside and it was well past 10 AM that we could depart for our 5 hour journey to Wave Rock via Tin-Horse Highway. The first hour went on smoothly but then Ayana started getting really cranky and was not ready to sit in the tight harnesses of the baby seat. Already Neha was there on the back seat by her side to comfort her but no, she wanted to get out. Despite making a late start, I wanted to relax and so on Neha’s insistence of getting Ayana out of the baby seat – with reluctance I decided to halt amidst nowhere. 10 minutes passed by with complete silence – I could only restart when Neha conceded & promised to keep Ayana in the baby seat.

Ayana at peace after a cranky session

The Tin-Horse Highway was quite lonesome (unlike similar state highways in NY – due to the much lower population in WA) and looking at the time & the road condition, I decided to skip detours for any more landscapes & reached Wave Rock just after 3 PM. Despite the terrible heat; we made the most of our once-in-a-lifetime visit to Wave Rock and clicked many pictures of us together. We also met the A-Line Clothing Manufacturers who were there for an ad photo-shoot. They were quite kind to offer us a bottle of mineral water which Neha reluctantly took.

Climbing the Wave Rock

The parking-cum-entry ticket was a $10 affair but a smart oriental girl traveling with friends offered to give us hers for $5. I was apprehensive of this earlier but later agreed to it and found myself saving $5. I also tried to play the same game upon my return and I had succeeded but just before leaving, my customers came back with a true claim of being exempted from the ticket because they were camping in the campervan park. I, gleefully & promptly, returned their money (later explaining Neha that I did this with happiness because I always want to portray an honest image of India).

Entrance to Wave Rock

While returning towards home in the sunset, I recalled that Budget Rental required me to be within the Perth Metropolitan Area between sunset & sunrise and got really concerned about our schedule ahead. Also, main cause for the worry was that our phones did not have any signal since we left the urban area. When we stopped at Stumpy’s Roadhouse for filling up the Gas, it was perfect sunset & my worries touched the twilight sky. I recalled the stories of kangaroo crashing into the car at twilight & after dark – and with Ayana howling all the way, I was really concerned of what could happen. Neha grew really tired & sympathetic with Ayana and decided to take Ayana in her arms at which I immediately flared up in anger and blasted her off. Obviously I had to regret instantly but at that point my anger seemed the only way to over come Neha’s motherly emotions that risked us in the view of the Police.

Neha enjoying the Cleaning at Stumpy's

With Neha's childhood friend Abhishek

at Chatter's Restaraunt Midland 

Anyway, minutes after my scolding, we drove past the forest area and Perth city lights appeared in view. Checking our phones got us a clear signal & we could talk to Vineet. On the other hand, Neha’s old school friend Abhishek was waiting for us at Dinner at Midland & when we confirmed our plan to arrive soon; we fell into deep regret for not joining our hosts for dinner – albeit we had planned so.

Vineet took our decision in stride – telling us that we’ll have to eat the Rajma next day anyway – which we gladly accepted. We joined Abhishek at Chatters where our new hosts were surprised to know that we were veggies sitting in a Seafood place. Anyway, he arranged mock-chicken (tofu) dishes for us which Neha ate reluctantly after much insistance from me. Overall, we had a good time with the soft drink thrown in. After picture session, when it was time to leave, I fell into horror when I realized I had dropped my car keys. Fortunately, an attendant appeared from the cafe nearby and handed over my keys. Oh My God! Abhishek & I thought to ourselves and I resolved that I would never ever give my keys to Neha again!

We reached safely to the comfort of our Perth home where we shared our horror stories of the day with Vineet & Shilpa before making the bed apart from plans for the next day.

Mission Australia 2013 - Day 02

Perth – Caversham Wildlife Park & City Beach 

Jet lag was not so apparent for the 150 minutes but I recall now how it was difficult to wake up before 8 AM at Perth on all the days. Vineet had already left for the day and after a relaxed breakfast, we finally decided to head to the Whiteman Park & Caversham Wildlife Park where you could not only see but also touch the native wildlife. We reached quite late into the day but still had the time to visit all the animals and watch all the shows.

Ayana touching Koalas with the back hand

Ayana touching the "Lizard"

Ayana with the "Python"

Ayana touching the "Rat"

And Finally the Kangaroo

After a lot of photography with kangaroos (both red & white), wombats, koalas, when I decided it was time to go, Neha requested that we visit the neighboring Whiteman park so that Ayana could enjoy some time in the water. I let her do that and I called up back home to pass my time.

Ayana enjoying at Whiteman Park

Soon departing from the park, we headed off to the City Beach (I had to catch the sunset over the Indian Ocean and today seemed feasible for this). We were really hungry by the time we reached via a section of the Great Indian Ocean Road and directly checked into the Clancy’s Fish Bar. It had an interesting structure jutting over the beach sands and made for a good view of the dropping sun. After a round of fries & cranberry juice, we headed to the beach although it was turning cooler. We strolled around the beach and when I decided it was time to leave – again on Neha’s insistence, we found a spot on grass where we spread out a picnic sheet. We enjoyed idling there however it was not long when I vehemently forced Neha out of her inertia and headed straight for home.

Sunset at Clancy's Fish Bar

Idling at City Beach

At home, Vineet & Shilpa were waiting for us at dinner to which we refused owing to recent snacks but later we shamelessly accompanied them for their quick in-kitchen dinner. Neha & I had decided in our minds that the next day’s dinner would have to be with our Hosts. After a quick discussion on the next day’s plan, I decided not to head off to Albany but to the mysterious Wave Rock for which I had planned the Perth trip in the first place. I also felt this 8 hour drive would test our capability as a family to travel with the safety of coming back to a “home” rather than to a “hotel”.

Mission Australia 2013 - Day 01

Delhi – Singapore – Perth 

The morning started quite early at 2 AM with travel bugs biting my stomach and one by one, all three of us got ready and were ready to leave at 5.30 AM. As usual I felt hungry and after a quick breakfast of aloo-parantha (which we’ll be craving for the next 18 days) with yogurt and family blessings, we reached the Airport before our target time 7 AM. Check-in was smooth at the comfortable T3 and so was the following immigration followed by the security check. We traveled the Jet Airways 9W 18 to Singapore and were pleasantly treated to care & courtesy – thanks to our baby. On feeling sleepy, she was even provided a bassinet which was a first for us. The food was really good, as is with 9W usually. On arrival, my primary concern, of course was to reach the Departure Gate as soon as possible. It took us 2 round trips of the connecting train to figure that we had to get out once and re-board another train to reach our terminal. This, in my opinion, was cumbersome and I recalled US Airports where a single train connects all the terminals/concourses in a loop of sorts.

Ayana with her "pose" aboard 9W 18 (DEL-SIN)

Anyhow, after security check, we were getting really concerned & elated about our food and drinks which had not been thrown by any security team yet. However, at the thought that it would be disposed at Perth Airport and the food in the connecting Qantas would not be Indian, we reluctantly decided to just stuff our tummies with home food and finish off most of it (offering another Indian couple also).

Once aboard Qantas, again on the front seat, we were offered Indian food (on enquiry) which had been specially reserved for us and we had a gala time wiping off the dishes in our tray. Neha, of course, kept aside some fruit & desserts for later. After a quick dinner, everybody slept and soon we saw the first glimpses of Perth city lights in the dark. Arrival Immigration was a breeze & DAFF, according to our declaration, got our bags opened to which we enthusiastically responded by showing our “veggie” meals (with list of ingredients) and they let us off really soon without keeping any of our stuff for quarantine.

Perth Airport was an excellent example of “ended right after it started” and I was surprised to see Vineet & Shilpa in the arrivals lounge. I was guided, thence, to the Budget Counter and with the formalities done, we found our way to our Hyundai i45 outside where it was surprisingly quite cold (First sign of our un-preparedness for any cold weather). Struggling much with the baby seat, we started following Vineet with his address fed into the GPS Navigator. Upon reaching home, we chatted for a long while – we ate (even after having eaten a lot all the day) – and after much argument with the hosts, we were guided towards the only master bed by them – much to our comfort yet chagrin.

Ayana elated at her separate Seat

Perth Airport - Budget Pickup

Mission Australia 2013 - Day ZERO

Jul 08, 2013 – Nov 06, 2013

Planning – Planning & More Planning!

Having been to USA & Indonesia, I had the confidence of travelling international but the catch was our 2 year old daughter about whose health and travel capability I was really concerned. However, assured by my better half and partner in crime ‘Neha’; I went ahead with the planning of my old time favorite Aussie Trip.

Vineet, my friend from Allahabad, had already invited me over and he came about to the start point of my research & planning. Soon I realized that if I wanted to do justice to Australia, visiting New Zealand in the same trip would be a big challenge and would not be doable within a 15 day holiday that I could get.

Thus, I went ahead and formulated a rough itinerary of including Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Cairns, Gold Coast & my favorite – Uluru (thereby eliminating Adelaide & Brisbane). Also, due to the fact that Uluru had direct flights just from Cairns or Sydney and given the fact that I could fly out to Delhi from either Melbourne or Sydney only; the most optimized route came about to be Perth -> Cairns -> Uluru -> Sydney -> Gold Coast -> Melbourne.

Following the fixing of itinerary, I had to now look upon the budget allocation (airfares & accommodation) as well as the visa procedures, which I did, in due course of time and after 1500 email exchanges, 400 minutes on international calling; I finally applied for the Australian Visa and got it within 2 days.

When it was time to proceed with the booking of air tickets, the deal price touched the skies due to exchange rate still I had to do it. Following week, I booked the accommodation at most places leaving just Melbourne open & flexible. Soon, my inviter friend Vineet explained to me about his exam just after our visit and its implications to which I decided to extend my Perth stay by one day (thereby advancing my departure) and renting a car right outside the Airport. Also, I had decided to rent the car at Uluru when I read really negative reviews about the monopoly of AAT Kings tours there. Melbourne obviously had to be by rental car for the Great Ocean Road.

Following weeks, we got totally busy preparing the Check-list or as we call it the “Pack-List” and shopping for the essentials that we didn’t have. I assigned Neha as the in-charge of packing and after so much planning and brainstorming, 2 days before the travel date, our bags were up and ready for check-in (hats-off to Neha).

Mission Ladakh Zanskar Siachen 2007 - Day 15

Kiratpur – Ambala – Sonepat – Delhi

Last evening, 3 things were enough to irritate me with HRTC – Unauthorized Luggage handler asking for 5 rupees a piece AGAIN; 60 minute halt at Kullu and the final dinner halt at HP Tourism Pandoh Café where there was no other option and the Dinner, a pathetic one, was on buffet at 60/- per head. We had opted to go hungry and eat some dry-fruits instead.

I woke up in broad daylight around 7, switched on my cell phone and fell asleep again. Soon I was woken up by a call from home. When I hung up, people were coming out of the slumber as the Bus prepared to stop over at a Dhaba. According to my estimates, we were an hour or so away from Delhi. It was apparent that the Driver is loitering time in order not to reach ISBT before time. We touched ISBT at 8.30 sharp – hired an auto and when we reached home – I could only hug my father and say “You have to go there, Papa”.

And Papa could merely take leave of a narration of my experiences!

Mission Ladakh Zanskar Siachen 2007 - Day 14

Patseo – Manali – Mandi – Kiratpur

The morning started early with Bed Tea and Rest Room Management meanwhile Hari and I stepped out for some photography.

Patseo - a small Station covered by Cliffs all around

Hari with his Tea Mug outside our Barrack

Pahaadon ke beech mein Vaadi aur Vaadi mein Main

Once again, the bridge at Darcha banged loudly with us crossing over. The yellow BRO board at Baralacha La had been replaced by a new Light Green HP Tourism Board and we got to know the name of that beautiful lake – Suraj/Vishal Tal because of a new HP Tourism board.

First Sight of a full-grown tree in 14 days!

Waterfall that was not there before!

We were enjoying our way down from there. Our eyes were feasting on the beautiful newly created waterfalls and recently sprouted shrubs and lush green grasslands – especially those around Sissu, Koksar and Keylong. I must have been fast asleep when we crossed Gramphoo because I couldn’t see the bifurcation to Kaza again.

Argh! Almost unanimously, we nodded our heads in frustrated negation and sneered our noses as we approached Rohtang La. Drivers became crazy and were on an overtaking spree – our poor “mature” Ladakhi Driver was abusing the Himachali’s :-) Now I understood why he wanted us to change the car again after Darcha – The condition of the traffic is a reason simple enough for anybody to be afraid of.

We had crossed Rohtang Top at 11.20 AM and touched Manali Bus Stand at 1.40 PM. By the time, we confirmed the departure point for our Bus and subsequently, cleared the accounts with Rigzim, it was well past 2. We decided to head straight for a restaurant, expecting that we could keep our luggage there only, for the post-lunch couple of hours. We were trying to buy more time but as expected, the surd restaurant-owner turned drastically hostile immediately after our lunch and asked to keep our luggage at the Cloak Room rather. We decided to spend our time in the Park. Leaving Hari and Bikiran there, I and Farhan decided to go and check out the conveyance options for Leh near Hotel Himadri and yes, there were a flurry of JK-10 vehicles waiting for the day. To our amazement, we met Rigzim again with other senior drivers from Leh and discussed all the issues involved in taking the passengers back.
On getting back, I didn’t have the energy to explain the entire details (with the issues) to others and hence, Hari went out with his discontent over the cost of the conveyance. His logic was we could have booked a direct bus from Delhi to Leh or Manali to Leh because for him “Destination was important – How we get there, Does not Matter”. I replied “For this trip, Journey was more important than the Destination itself” – to which nobody could reply anything. I also felt low for a moment at recalling how much I had toiled for this trip to be successful and immaculate. To my content, all my team mates soon consoled me and convinced me that there is absolutely no problem with this trip and this is one of the best trips they could have ever had :-)

Mission Ladakh Zanskar Siachen 2007 - Day 13

Karzok – Polakongka La – Tso Kar – Pang – Sarchu – Darcha – Patseo

Last Day in Ladakh started at 5 AM. The hues of the lake were astounding – we had a quick tea and some cookies and boarded the Car. On our way ahead, we were supposed to cross Polakongka La and Tso Kar before meeting the Leh – Manali Highway.

A Woman guiding Pashmina Goats (and a School in background)

The Shooting Hot Spring

The road, for most part, was a dirt track. We retraced till Sumdo and then took the other way. It was difficult to believe my eyes as we kept staring as a passing School. Soon, we found another Hot Spring, from which hot water was shooting out, rather than oozing out. As we proceeded, the terrain changed and we climbed Polakongka La. A small Tibetan temple with flags all around, amidst stones and a dirt track was all that was visible on the pass. Few other small lakes dotted the way to our next destination. When we reached, it took us few seconds to believe that this was Tso Kar. There was not even a single person in sight – Not a single person! Rigzim asked us to walk to the shore – and when we insisted on taking the Car – he replied “It’s not hard soil and the tyres get jammed in the quick soil”. We agreed to walk and thought it would not be more than 800m. However, when we started, the shores didn’t seem under reach until 20 minutes later – that too at a constant Brisk Walk speed.

Tso Kar

The line dividing the Dirt Track and Quick Soil

Touched the shore of Tso Kar

Rock Salt (Sendha Namak)

Trying to find Stability over Quick Rock Salt Soil

The soil near the lake was very quick and was stinking due to some obnoxious gas. The adjoining shores were covered with Rock Salt, which initially seemed snow to some of us. My shoes, which I had realized were broken at Siachen, were letting lot of that quick soil to get inside as my feet started drowning in the soil. The only solution was to retain as much of your weight with you as possible and walk faster.

Walking Back - Foot in Foot, cautiously
Back to the Car - Tired!

Quickly clicking some pictures, we walked back to the car and the entire trip took us more than 45 minutes. Phew – We were tired! At a distance, we found a small settlement with a Gompa where a Lama asked us for a hitchhike. We couldn’t help him as our Car’s back was full with luggage. The most virgin part of tourist Ladakh was what followed Tso Kar. This was the km stretch where we did not see even a single tourist – only 6 PWD workers. Terrain changed dramatically and it took us time to realize that we had entered More Plains. We were back from a different side and soon, joined the Highway.

And now, the entire route was being retraced. All of us felt the pressures of Nature’s Calls; we stopped at Pang Transit Camp – the World’s highest Transit Camp to answer them. The Officer there feasted me to Suji Halwa there – it seemed heaven with that hunger. As told by Uncle, I arranged for a message to pass to Sarchu Transit Camp for lunch. Immediately after Pang, the bridge on the Pang river was blocked due to some repair work going on.

We stopped at Sarchu Transit Camp for lunch. Although we were late, they took special pains to treat us with the delicious homely food. As told, we had crossed the JK-HP border and after paying the bribe at the newly created HP Check point, proceeded to Patseo. It took us a little time to get a room at Patseo but I must say – due to the rains and greenery there, that place seemed to be the best Hill Station. Surrounded by high peaks all around, the place looked like a miniature eye as compared to the vast expanse of Mountain peaks.

What a Name!

The Officer-in-Command invited us to have dinner when we stepped out in Bathroom Slippers. It was quite late when we realized that this was a major mistake as we read the Rules at a notice board. The Assistant there, however, calmed us and said “Now you’re here and there are no Officers, Peace!” We enjoyed our dinner and went in deep slumber. This would be our last night in the lap of this natural Air Conditioner.

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

Mission Ladakh Zanskar Siachen 2007 - Day 11

Leh – Karu – Sakti – Chang La – Lukung – Leh

As decided, we picked CMP Officer from Alpha Mess again at 6 AM sharp. Learning from the previous day, all of us had decided to decrease the clothing because of hot weather. How could we have imagined what was in store for us ahead? As we proceeded, Prakash cruised ahead past the Taxi Check Post – without stopping – shouting “Army” out of the window. We could see his exhilaration on driving one of the VIP vehicles in Leh, right now.

I had done the mistake of having Tea without cookies in Leh, and as we approached Zingral, I started experiencing pangs of Acidity. My stomach was paining excessively and I needed some food urgently. I decided to have Eno only after breakfast. Meanwhile, during rest, I got to know that due to some miscommunication, No arrangement had been made for our Breakfast and there was a Major General, with his family, on the way. Luckily, soon we were served Breakfast and my stomach ache started subsidizing.

Mist and Rains and Snow as we climb the Mighty Chang La...

The ascent to Chang La is really tough and steeper than any other passes, we did. That is the reason behind calling it “The Mighty Chang La”. When we reached there, the weather was very bad – It was extreme cold – surrounded by Clouds and Snow everywhere – and the precipitation was changing from rain to snow without any warning in a matter of seconds. I had a pressure to piss for quite some time and when I tried to do it there, I could not. I tried hard but I could not. I gave up.

We started descending and soon, we crossed the Check post at Tangtse. We were just sitting mute expecting the sights of lake when it first appeared. As soon as I saw the signboard saying “First View of World Famous Pangong Lake 4 KM” I asked him to stop and went running to click pictures. Now, it was just a matter of few minutes, when we would be standing at the shores of the lake. When we took the final right turn towards Lukung, there it lied – The Largest Highest Brackish Lake in the World – Pangong Tso. The L-shaped Lake is 145 km long and 5 km wide, and two-thirds of its portion is with China. When the car stopped, we immediately ran towards the shore and got ourselves clicked. I removed my cap and to my distress, the wind was so strong that within few minutes, my ears started paining severely. I replaced my Cap.
Our CMP Officer asked us to go for boating right now as we are the first ones and there is no crowd right now. We agreed and fastened the Life – Jackets. Leaving my bag on the shore only, we boarded the Boat – a Military Boat. As the engine roared, we were shipped in the middle of the lake and then the Boatman stopped the engine and started telling us the facts about the lake. He showed us the point where India ends and China starts. He told us the names of the Birds flying there – including the Chinese Seagull.

Those 2 opposing slopes protruding in the Lake form the Indo-China border!

I was still trying to get back my senses and believe that it was all happening with me actually, when the wonderful ride ended. The lake was changing color – every few minutes. There was no amount of pictures that could capture the beauty! We waited for Prakash to come back and take us ahead to Spangmik. Now, he acted smart and told us that this is Spangmik – little did he know that I was smarter; but I did not say anything because everybody else also seemed less interested in going ahead. We went a little further and on our return, entered a Bay formation; where we got ourselves clicked numerous times and shot quite a few Videos also.

We proceeded for Lunch at Lukung Military Camp – Excellent Rajma with White Rice on the shores of Pangong Tso; after which Farhan and Hari went to climb Garnet Hill. On the other hand, Bikiran and I decided not to fly as much as them, just after lunch. We went on looking for our CMP Officer, who didn’t have his lunch because of money. We insisted on paying for him but he decline outright.

On the return, however, we made sure he had something. This time, however, the road was blocked due to some Landslide just ahead of Chang La. We crossed Chang La and joined the short queue – waiting for the road to clear. I was tired and the high altitude was affecting me when suddenly, I heard a strong loud blast. Alone in the car, I was shaken so much that I climbed out immediately. Our CMP Officer went ahead to enquire about the situation, and returned with a band news that the Blast had been unable to clear the road. A second – even stronger blast – supposedly cleared the road and it was around 1 hour, when we were allowed to pass.

On crossing Zingral, I asked Prakash to stop at the point where the road bifurcates to Wari La and then to Agham village and Khalsar. I had seen a signboard, near Sakti, telling all the distances so I thought it would be a good catch. He did, as told, and to our surprise, we found that Wari La is the 4th Highest Pass in the World. We smiled to ourselves, feeling proud of the achievement of BRO.

Wari La - 4th Highest Motorable Pass - also in BRO's belt!

As soon as I told him to take to the Army’s Transport Company for Billing, he got distressed immediately and started calling the Car’s Owner. He started blabbering and showing his tantrums, although very mild but we chose to remain silent. After dropping our CMP Officer, we reached the company and were asked to wait in the Officers’ Mess but when the wait grew longer; I decided to go out myself to the Office and settle the account. I could see the agony on Prakash’ face but one thing was sure – The loss, he is cribbing about, is the Opportunity Cost – not any actual Cost. C’mon 16/- per kilometer is not less.

We were asked by the Officer there to go to Uncle’s house for scheduled Dinner and meanwhile, the final payment amount would be finalized and we can make the payment to Uncle. Prakash was asked to drop us at Alpha Mess and we didn’t say anything. We could not thank him properly also due to the overall circumstances growing around but we couldn’t have helped it. An extremely delicious food awaited us at Uncle’s House, where our friend and her Mom attended us while Uncle was busy with his Guests. Aunty even exclaimed “Today, you look really tired, unlike previous occasions”. We explained the delay to Chang La blockage and the wait at Billing Office.
Uncle explained to me how difficult it was getting to arrange for a transport to travel from Tso Moriri to Pang. He told me “In case, nothing is arranged, there would be 2 options – Either, do a Day trip or give it amiss”. Our meal ended with the tasty dessert and since it was quite late, I asked for a drop home. Uncle “hijacked” some other gypsy and dropped us home.