The Trails of Ladakh - Day 7
Saturday 16th, Hemis Shupachen to Temisgam (8 miles / 13 kilometres)
After breakfast which we again eat outside, we set off across a trail that leads us through fields with magnificent views across the valley and mountains around us.
The path climbs gently to our first stopping point which apparently has the highest toilets in the world at around 12,500 feet (3,800 metres) above sea level. Here there are two stupas joined by prayer flags which leads into the valley below. It’s quite a steep descent followed by a sharp ascent via crisscross paths that lead us to Lago La at 12,600 feet (3,832 meters). The view from here is amazing and we see snow capped peaks in the distance.
The path up to Mebtek La Pass at 12,450 feet (3,796 metres) is steep and narrow. And there’s also some drama as high above us men are blasting rock and boulders which tumble down in front of us. Our guides shout and wave wildly to the men to stop blasting which they do until we pass and then they start again. It’s a bit scary seeing rocks tumbling down at speed because even a small fragment traveling at speed could cause some serious damage.
At the summit of Lago La at 12,600 feet (3,832 metres) the views across the south side of the Indus Valley are amazing. The sheer scale of the mountains and valleys in Ladakh is hard to take in and although I've taken many photographs, none of them can really do the place justice. After a brief rest to refuel we descend to the village of Ang and on towards Temisgam.
The guides really have been fantastic on this trip. At first it seemed as though the pace was too slow, but as the treks became tougher it makes perfect sense. The food is also excellent with the right combination of carbs that we obviously need to fuel us for the effort we expend.
The campsite is set amid and apricot orchard and is delightful. We also have a wonderful surprise - hot showers! It’s great to be able to wash the dust and dirt away after a few days of long, dusty and dirty treks. Heaven indeed!
After tea we walk up to visit the local monastery perched on a hilltop overlooking the village. This was a decent walk which gave us even more of an appetite. Dinner was again carb rich with pasta, potato and chilli paneer followed by fresh mangoes unlike anything you’ll ever taste in the UK.
#travel #ladakh #india #himalayas #trekking