pastureland of Tisaling.
Day 22:
-
By now, we are well acclimatized to conquer our third pass,
the Shibuk La (4900 m), and about 2-hour journey. From the
top of the pass, we have an incredible view of the
surrounding mountains and of our next destination, Tsokar
Lake. With a breathtaking view to ease our exhaustion, we head down
towards the valley accompanied by the shrill whistles of the shy and active
marmots, which is characteristic of this harsh region. It's approximately a 4
hrs walk to the Tsokar basin, and our camp for the night will be the windy
Pongunabu.
Day 23:
-
Today is an easy day, and we follow a dusty jeep road
towards Tsokar Lake. Along the salty shores of the lake, we
have a rare impeccable opportunity to see some of the
endangered migratory birds of the world. From here we carry
on
along the trail to the right of the lake, keeping to a barren land until Nuruchan,
where we will be welcomed by a grassy land with streams nearby.
Day 24:
-
We have to get set for a tough day ahead. We will cross the
icy cold stream in Nuruchan before gradually ascending
Horlam Kongka La (4900 m). From the pass, we will have a
view of the turquoise blue Tsokar. After an easy 40-minute
walk down to Rajungkaru, we will encounter several typical Tibetan nomads
with their flock of yaks, sheep and pashmina goats. Following the stream for
about 50 minutes, we will enter another nomad settlement. These nomads
are of Western Tibetan origin. When the Chinese subjugated Tibet these
nomads and their animals faced numerous hardships, fighting biting cold and
losing many lives while fleeing into Ladakh from Tibet.After sharing a cup of
butter tea with the nomads, we will continue to ascend the Kyamayuru La
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