T A N G T S E . K A R U

How to reach there?

Tangtse Karu (I am not sure whether this is really it's name) is a small, brackish water lake at an altitude of more than 4000 metres above sea level. It is something of a prelude to Tso Moriri, being only several kilometres before Tso Moriri. The scenery around here is simply breathtaking. The banks of the lake is formed by typical beach type sand, the junction between two being slightly whitish in colour, probably being salt, due to evaporation. There do not appear to be any feeders to the lake. The Lake in every different angle provides some magnificient clicks. In one angle, four snow clad peaks are all that are seen, giving an indication that how high the lake is, that only the tips of surrounding mountains are seen. The landscape around is the same desert one, completely barren, with some shrubs growing here and there. There are no signs of any vegetations. It is impossible for any human to lead an existence here. But however, some nomads defy this, and stay there, with their huge flock of Pashmina Sheep, and sometimes, Yak. The females wear a reverse triangle shaped ornament hanging from the head downwards, studded with precious stones. It's value may be worth over a lakh of rupees. According to the sources, though the nomads appear to be living in poverty, they are quite moneyed people. The main source on income being the wool of the Pashmina sheep. We never know what the truth may be. Now back to the lake. The road is well far off from the lake. The air being thin, gives a deceptive feeling that the bank is close by, but in reality, is quite away. So if you plan to walk to the bank, remember that you have to walk back also. Acclimatization takes some time. So don't run in excitement, just hang around.

Now for a description on Tso Kar. Tso Kar comes on the way when one returns from Tso Moriri to Leh, via Tanglang La. There also comes, a geyser with a hot water spring, on the way. The remains of a former match producing factory can be seen there. The major part of the road, upto where it joins the Manali Leh Highway, is littered with lots of sulfur deposits, with the pungent smell, and fumes coming from a small opening in the ground, intermittently. Tso Kar is again a small lake with the backdrop formed by the chain of snow peaked mountains. The banks are too far from the road, and it is not advisable to go near it, as there are a lot of sulfur deposits nearby. With a binocular, one can see some birds swimming in the lake. There is not much to see around. As you go ahead, and reach one end of the bank, there are some deserted houses, previously housing nomads. However, one monk may be there. Staying alone. He has some bottles of Coca Cola with him. The reason, he wont tell. The road then continues, through the completely deserted desert land, and joins the Manali Leh Highway. Then you can continue via Tanglang La to Leh.