Lamayuru

Post for 9th October, started on 12th October

Departed Leh in good time. Drove into the first petrol bunk to fill the tank, and my extras.

The bunk accepted credit cards, but wanted to try out my new payment application - BHIM. 

Well, as I had driven in to Leh the previous day, had realised that many here did not accept credit cards. Cash was possible, if ATMs were around. In Chennai, this never hits, but here it does.

So, downloaded and installed Bhim.

It worked first time, no issues. That relieved me as I now may have put aside the need to hunt ATMs where I was going.

The drive out of Leh is a flat top.

 Till you reach the confluence of the River Zanskar with the River Indus.

The terrain changes a bit.

The terrain changes with the River Indus getting more visible from the road.

 The mountainsides start closing in.

 

The consistency of the mountain rock kept changing.

By now, I was crawling, fascinated by the changes in colour, type of terrain.

Anyhow, did not have far to drive.

Checked in to Hotel Moonland by 1100.

The area is famous for it's huge Gompa and the rock formations around the village. 

Had to sit out in the sun for an hour before the room was given. No complaints as sitting out in the sun when temperatures are low is great.

Went into the village to pick up a beer. It was a Sunday and it felt right.

Got one extra strong 500 ml can of beer called Godfather. 8% proof. Tasted quite good.  

Came down for tea later to find a large biker group from Thailand checking in. Loud, very loud. They beat our local tour gangs.

Good hotel. Had a shower, and good food.

Very competent lady manager.