Into Kargil

13th October 2022

When I left Padum, Zanskar Valley, this morning, I had no clue that I would end up in Kargil. This was for tomorrow.

The stay tonight was at a place called Rangdum. Will get to the whys of the change when the drive reached there.

Had no great expectations for this run. It was a short run to Rangdum, 99 kilometers. 

The route wound between two mountain ranges, beside the river Zanskar.

And, it started of as such.


Goats heading to their feeding range, blocking the road, was interesting enough for the camera to come out.


 





Entertained myself a best as I could, knowing it was a short run. The road was under construction, so could not expect any improvement.








The climb started. And, the terrain and range changed drastically.

It was like getting into another world.






 Getting out of the vehicle and taking the shots was freezing. The wind just cut thru. Fortunately, had the warmth of the vehicle to get back into.

The other side was ordinary compared to this blast.



 Came across these lakes at what I would consider the pass between the ranges. The Indian flag was flying proud. There were benches around it. Would take a braver soul than me to sit there even for a minute.

Sat a bit, in my vehicle and then drove on.






All part of the process of driving when the roads are being built.





 That is how it will be when you guys come here in a year or so.





 That was the second. They were concreting the borders.



 Drove in to Rangdum around 1300hours.

The place I was to spend the night was Dak Bungalow Homestay. Located it.

The sheets were dirty. The bathroom was common. There was no water.

Decided to get the hell out of there. The water did it.

The run to Kargil was 120 kilometers of road that was probably as bad as what I was on till now.








 The run took me thru roads that were dirt tracks till they realised that they needed one more connect between Kargil and Leh. And, the Zanskar valley offered them the route to Manali also.

So, curved over the mountain roads.

Till I hit the plains in time for schools to let the kids loose.

Was asked for lifts from kids, girls and boys. Refused. Girls here are so cute, as are the women.

Drove in to Kargil around 1645.

Checked in to Zojila Residency.

It has clean sheets, hot water, private bathroom. Good decision to keep driving.

Tomorrow is a rest day, since I drove today for tomorrow.

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