Into Chicham day 1 - Snow Storm

We took a walk to the Kaza market to get some chocolates. The snow that had hit Kufri had made itself felt here. The road from the place we were staying sloped downwards. Most of it was iced. You can imagine us gingerly picking our way down the slope. The last shop in the market was open and had what we wanted. 

It started snowing again as we walked back from the market.

Net result, efficiency of shoes tested in ice. Warmth in body. Had a quick wash. The mind was told that the next bath would be on our way back. 

Dinner was in the kitchen, the warmest room during a cold snowy winter.

Went to sleep after tasting the local brew. Was a potent drink. Stayed with my finest after the first couple of sips.

The rooms were warm, what with the bed warmers, and the three layers of blanket and quilt. The warmers were switched of as we got under the layers.

Woke up 4th morning bright, to see a muggy sky.

Got organised and went into the kitchen for breakfast. Eggs with aloo paratha was eaten well.

We had been using a Isuzu till now. Unfortunately it was a 2 wheel drive. So Kesang switched to a Gypsy 4*4. Better for the roads. But worse in terms of seat comfort and cabin heating.

Came around 0900 to pick us up. It was cold with snow around as we left.

Walked gingerly down the iced steps. 

The gypsy was not too bad, though sitting in the front seat my knees were knocking on the dashboard.

Fueled up. It was self service as the guy running the service was too cold to come out.

Headed out of Kaza towards the rising mountains.

The rising mountains fascinate me. The snow clad heights even more. 

We started on snowy roads. Already in the heights. You can imagine my feelings.

On top, we were finally getting to the crux of our trip - the Chicham / Kibber area, where Snow Leopards were supposed to be seen this time of the year, as they come down from their normal hunting grounds behind the Ibex and Blue Sheep which come down behind their food source. 

The drive was amazing. Any direction was worthy of a picture. And, you will see loads of snow over the next four days, as we were climbing from around 3000 meters in Kaza to 4140 meters in Chicham.

Not much later we got our first sight of the local wildlife. More fun because it was my sighting.

It was a mixed bunch of Ibex and Blue Sheep. We were all thrilled. Took it as a very positive sign for much greater heights of wildlife sightings.

Headed to the Homestay in Chicham with the intention of coming out once we had some lunch tucked in.

The weather Gods decided against it. 

A snow storm came it, blowing hard. Visibility came down to almost nothing.

We sat around the bokhara in the room we were to be living and sleeping in. Initially had asked for two rooms. But seeing the size of the rooms and what it took to keep it warm, decided to stay in one room.

The toilet was a common toilet. Fortunately there were no other guests. But that was not the only surprise. The toliet was heated by a gas heater. It was lit at 0630 and kept on till we left for the morning. And, again at 1730, till we went to bed.

 

Water used inside the Homestay was carted over 500 meters by the people of the house from the only point in the village where water was flowing from fast flowing mountain stream. Water we used to wash up was heated. But, not in the toilet. That had ice in it. Was an experience, to say the least. Got used to it. Even joked about it.

Sat around, had our lunch - rice, dal, aloo gobi. Was low on oil, high on taste. Stayed there, drinking tea and hot water.

Came evening. Got up for a wash. Settled back for a drink and dinner.

Hoping the snowfall would bring the cat we wanted down to where we could see it.