A Journey To The Lama's Land, Part - 9

A Journey To The Lama's Land,  Part - 9

We went straight to the shores of the lake to take the pictures of the Sumoriri Lake. After dropping us off, Nazir went to repair the car of one of his known driver. We also went to take pictures of the lake gladly.





Located at an altitude of about 14850 feet, the lake is a large closed body of water. The lake is mainly filled with the melting water of the surrounding mountains. About 26 km in length and 3-4 km in width, this lake is one of the highest lakes in our country. Lake water is not sweet. It is Alkaline. The water of the lake is now glistening in sun shine. There were Silver crown of ice on the heads of the surrounding hills. Its broken reflections were in the waves of water.





There were too many of birds, the diver birds were playing in the water. It was a pleasant environment. Nazir appeared by blowing the car horn. Today we will go to see Soker Lake on our way to Leh via Tang Lang La Pass. Today is our last night in Leh. We will leave Ladakh for Kargil tomorrow.

The car drove towards Soker Lake. It was really impossible to drive through this rough road. In fact, it should not be called a road. Just like a complete barren rough desert, sometimes we were near the lap of the mountain, sometimes we were climbing the ditch. After a while, Nazir  showed us the village of nomads.





These nomads stays here for Soker Lake. From here they go to Tibet with salt. I have read about the huge nomadic settlement in this region before. Occasionally horses were seen grazing in the field. There are a lot of yaks too. Horses are kept by nomads. However, I have seen another animal like horse in this area grazing in large numbers. These are wild donkeys of jute color. Quite a bit higher in height than a normal donkey. They walk around in groups. I liked these beautiful animals very much.

Gradually we reached Soker Lake. just prior to arriving we saw the locals were making salt beds surrounded by stones. I have seen  this ancient method of making salt by holding salt water and evaporating it in the heat of the sun before at the villages on the shores of Chilka Lake in Orissa. As I approached, I saw that the two banks of this 8 km long salt lake and several parts of it had formed a layer of salt at least 4 to 5 feet thick. When we saw the lake from a distance, it was looking like a white colored island. Probably the most of the supply of salt for Ladakh is going from this lake. After visiting Soker Lake, we started our journey again.

Some distance ahead, this broken road merges with the Manali-Leh National Highway. At the junction of these two roads, a food shop was found under a large tent. Today is our lunch break here. The hotel owner's house is in the next village. The inside of this shop is very neatly decorated. There was an option for the food. Either we will have to take Rice, pulses and vegetables or Maggie. We ruled in Maggie's favor. He carefully made Maggie for us with onions, green chillies and eggs. Seeing his daughter and son-in-law, I wanted to drink Ladakhi butter tea. Red tea was made very strong and kept in a pot for a few days. Then a little of hot water, butter and some home-made spices had been mixed together. The red tea left in the pot was mixed with this mixture and a strange enchanted pink drink was prepared and served hot to us. This tea has a sweet aroma with the smell of butter. 

After finishing the delicious lunch, I went out of the tent shop. A foreigner was sitting in a chair on the side of the road with his hands on his cheeks. He was looking very pale.  This gentleman is coming this long way by a bicycle from Manali after crossing the Rohtang pass. He came alone from Moscow, Russia to visit Ladakh, India. At home, his wife and baby son are waiting for him. He was unable to send any message to his family at Moscow after arriving this country. So he made his personal request to my nephew if my nephew could send an e-mail to his wife after reaching at Leh. His request was very touchy. The news was also sent to his wife in time. Hope this gentle man is well now.

We started our journey again by car. After a while we reached Tang Lang La Pass. We saw this pass first when we came to Leh from Manali by this road. It has the reputation of being the so-called second highest motor road of the world. The snow is scattered here and there. The snow fall was going on. We stop here for a while to take pictures.

The condition of road was very good in this area. The car was also running in a high speed. Within few minutes we entered the city of Leh. Leaving the hill with the trident on the left side, we came in front of Leh Market. The minds of our entire team member are heavy today. Tomorrow morning we will leave Ladakh valley and go to Kargil. The mind does not want to leave this place. This indescribable pure nature is trying to hold me with both hands to provide its absolute warm embrace. O’ glorious Himalayas, you fill me from inside, purify me, and give me a place in your heart.

We entered at the lobby of our hotel. The festival of Muharram has started from yesterday. Nazir will say us goodbye today. He has to celebrate the festival at his home and in the village. His little son and daughters are waiting for his return. I will have a different driver with me from tomorrow. Nazir's eyes were wet with tears. I know that he will not like to leave us. I hugged him for a long time. There is very little lucky man like me who have been blessed by such an absolutely good friend like Nazir. We promised to meet again, and said goodbye.

The red stain of the twilight is now on the red crown of the Stoke Kangri. I felt very sad. The hotel boy came to serve the tea. Our Hotel Owner Mr. Zoom came and introduced a man with me. He is our new driver and  will take us to Kargil tomorrow. I promised him to be ready early in tomorrow morning.

To be continued........................................................................................................................