Diary of an Internet Addict

Blink, and half the trip’s gone.

This day, we were headed to Tsomoriri, another lake in Ladakh.

Tsomoriri is lesser known on account of it not appearing in the hugely popular movie “3 Idiots” (okay, I didn’t watch it though). We would be passing by the hot springs of Chumatang. After my hot spring experience in Hakone, Japan, I was eager to find out how the two hot springs would differ from each other.

One of my greatest regrets would be to not have a working GPS on this trip. So many beautiful sites, with names that remain mysteries to me.

Chumatang

And then, we finally reached Chumatang!

Aside from the bubbling depression in the ground, we could see a stretch of yellowed water beyond the fenced land. Out of bounds? Perhaps.

I could smell sulfur rising from the water.

If you are looking to bath in hotspring, this is not it, although I have read some blog posts which the person had bathed in the water. Another season perhaps?

Tsomoriri

Enroute to Tsomoriri was an ice-covered lake with a handful of white tents perched at its edge. Our guide said it was Tsomoriri, smiling as our jaws dropped at the prospect of another freezing night.

Judging the distance in Google Maps, the lake is probably Kyagar Tso, a very short drive to Tsomoriri.

Red-cheeked shepherds tended their flock on the pasture – extraordinarily furry goats dotting the brown landscape with their cream hides. By the roads, the tents stood against the wind.

Shortly after, we caught a glimpse of the lake.

The cold felt like a slap (or many slaps) to our faces as we stepped out. Shivering, we stood on the shores of the lake, admiring its beauty while trying not to run back into the warmth of the car.

Tsomoriri did not disappoint. It had the relaxed feeling to it. We could see the people about their daily business. The weather was so cold that the water in the pipes was frozen, but still – I loved it more than Pangong!

It hit sub-zero that night. And there were no electricity after 10pm. We huddled beneath fleece blankets, warmed by the stove / heater in the centre of the room.

A first and very interesting experience for me.