Dumra [May 15]

Today I am checking out of Leh and travelling towards Nubra (or Dumra locally). Nubra is also a river. Nubra has lower altitude than Leh but we need to cross a pass on the way which is at a higher altitude. Nubra has better vegetation due to the milder climate as a consequence of lower altitude. The roads again and again reminds me that I am travelling through a cold dessert, with minimal flora and rare fauna. 

Also as we started gaining altitude, I could see some grand views.

It started snowing as we further went up. I am seeing a snowfall after a long time. 

   After sometime all one gets to see is white.

As the snow was fresh I was able to grab a handful.

And Abdul helped with this click.

Then we reached the highest point (altitude) of this trip at Khardung La, at 17,582 feet (or 5,359 m as per wiki) above sea level. The height mentioned at the location was however 17,982 feet. It has the second highest motorable road in the world. This pass connects the Indus river valley and the Shyok river valley. If one is travelling from Leh to Nubra of Siachin, one has to go over this pass. It was freaking cold out there and with some amount of physical exertion one would start panting.

The place was crowded with tourists. Views were undoubtedly spectacular with the sun peeping out of the clouds.

I and Abdul had tea at the pass. After spending some time at the top, we headed down on the other side of the pass to Nubra. I could see nature's art work on the canvass of ice.

It was us, road and snow covered hills for some time downhill.

 

On the way down we stopped at North Pullu (there was a South Pullu, on the way up as well, both are military posts). Abdul and his XUV are in the foreground of this pic.

We had snacks at North Pullu so that we don't get hungry on the way. Then we headed to Nubra. On the way we met Shyok river and road stays with the river for sometime. Then your's truly had a chance to involve in Go Karting.

This activity was previously available in Powai, Mumbai, but was costly and I felt this is not worth it. The track in Nubra was longer and in one ride we get to drive 6 times on the track. So I tried it here, and felt it was pretty difficult to control the steering (it was understeering I felt). Two people overtook me on the way and one of them hit the tire fence placed on the sides of the track. 

Then we headed to the next attraction here - ATV. I felt this to be costly and I gave it a skip. Post this there is Zip-lining. This again was way too costly for a few minutes of thrill. Abdul agreed with me that they are equivalent to take out money and just burning them away.

Post this we headed to Diskit Monastery. There was a fair bit to stairs to be climbed, but if take it slow its a cakewalk. On top you get to see a huge (108 feet) Maitreya Buddha statue. The monastery is in a nearby building and this tourist attraction is looking down upon Shyok river.  

The views from the top was colorful. As mentioned there is more greenery in Nubra.

Once done with Diskit, we set forth to Hunder Dunes. We had lunch in a restaurant on the way. The sand dunes reminded me of the dessert safari while at Dubai.

Here I tried my hand at archery. My performance was poor with only the first arrow hitting the second innermost ring. Rest of the four arrows missed everything. I blamed it on the weather, the wind, the bent arrow, my mother, my wife and so on...

One can also ride on the double humped camel found in this cold dessert. These camels are smaller and have fur.  I think all animals here have fur and they shed them in summer and regrow them in winter. The camels had already started shedding as they are preparing for the oncoming summer in June-August.

The camel in which I rode had lots of fur and I felt it with my hands after removing my gloves.

It was a pleasant and smooth ride. Post this we called it a day and headed to Sandfields guest house booked for me by MMT. Nubra is Abdul's hometown and he headed to his relative's place nearby.

This guest house was very good although the room is pretty small. The staff was very friendly and they provided homely food for dinner and breakfast. The room did not have a heater but I was fine and have now got used to this weather. Running hot water was available throughout and I took a relaxing bath after a long day. 

Tomorrow off to Pangong Lake.