Chandra Taal

 29th September 2022

This is being written a day late as there was no network at Chandra Taal.

Chandra Taal is a lake located at an altitude of 4500 meters. It is said that this is from where Yudhishtra ascended to heaven, in Indra's chariot. The place is considered sacred. There is no direct source of water to the lake, even though it is surrounded by snow capped mountains.

Accomodation at Chandra Taal is about 4 kilometers from the lake. There are multiple camps that provide a place to stay and food.

Departed Kaza at around 0800. To me, the drive is as much if not more important than the destination. Stopping to take pictures and making videos is fun. Like writing this diary.

The initial stretch of the road was just brilliant. Single lane, lovely top, great scenery. It was flat land for a while, as the drive wound it's way North and then West thru the mountains.

The climb started gradually, as the terrain changed, grew rougher.

And then, it was flatland again.

The climb started again, with the roads getting a bit worse.

Kept crossing the River Chenab along the route.

 

And then the road top just disappeared. Just before that there was a police check post. Officer there very kindly informed me that past the check pot, the road would become bad. And, there would be no network signals.

It was as he said.

The drive thereafter averaged 20kilometers per hour. First and Second gear. 

 Reached Kunzum pass. Stopped for a necessary break. Went into the mountain side for some clear space, checked wind direction before doing my best.

Took multi directional pictures after that.

 Got back on the road. It was 1100. Had less than 30 kilometers to drive.

The road just got worse. 

 Reached the camp by 1300. Checked in to UC Adventure Camp.

 Asked the guys to make me some lunch. Met the guy who owned the place. He had come up from Kaza before me. Believe he did the run every other day to pick up garbage and dispose the same at Kaza.

He told me that I could trek to the Lake if I was interested. Was shown a grass patch and asked to keep right constantly. Was a 2 kilometer trek. The camp was at an altitude of 4250 meters.

Had a good hot lunch. Was about to set off when I was advised to carry water, and extra warm stuff. The wind which was blowing would be much worse 250 meters higher.

Walked of with a purpose. In case of a gradient stopped every 30/40 steps. Was soon gasping for breath. Not that it put me off. Was expected. Fortunately, the trek was easy, gradual climb.

Took very few pictures. Was too busy staying focused. I had been told that the trek was less that 2 kilometers. 

It took me an hour to get to see a lake. The wind was killing. I had to pull on my woolen head wear under my hat, to keep my ears and neck from freezing. I was sweating, so could feel the chill thru my jacket.

But, it was worth the trek.

 Stayed for a bit, then decided the wind chill was enough.

Took a lot more pictures on the way back as I was going downhill. Stayed on the grass.

Had a doubt about the place I had reached as I had not heard any vehicles.

The first thing I did when I got back was show the picture of the lake for verification.

The lake I had reached was called Samudra Taal. Also, Alien lake. And, it was twice the distance away from the camp. Believe I had not stuck to the right but strayed left somewhere on my way up.

Decided to do it the next day. The sun was setting. It was getting cold.

The camp was by now full of loud people, having tea while I was sipping some good alcohol with hot water.

Went to the kitchen tent and settled down after my couple. Had soup and dinner served in the tent as I refused to tangle with a crowd for food.

Got under the two blankets and one quilt.