Hinduism in Bali - Being a Hindu in India
Hinduism - Belief beyond Expectation and Karma
I am a proud Indian Hindu and all throughout my life I've been taught to govern my actions by beliefs and values of family and my religion. In mind, Gods and goddesses have been projected as normal human beings but of supreme souls, paramount to human existence.
In India, each god has some attached significance, be it wealth with Laxmi, be it education and learning with Saraswati, power with hanuman and so on. We know on whom to rely when we encounter situations.
Gods and Godesses are invoked at birth, in life and at death. Fairs, festival, functions etc cannot begin without solicitation from gods.
Now when i reach Bali, an indonesian island, with nearly 83% hindu population, my sense of pride in being a hindu multiplies. Various hindu sects exist here today, namely vaishnava, shaivites, ganpatya etc.
As I land at the Ngurah Rai International airport in Jimbaran, a local driver named Mr Kaar comes to pick me he seemed to be a gentleman guy at very first sight and all throughout the trip he was just awesome. Very helpful and cooperative.
We checked in to the hotel and next day marked start of our sightseeing.
We were taken to Batubalan village to see magical show of Barong and Keris dance.
Barong is a panther like creature, in Balinese mythology, and king of spirits.
My first impression was that this was a legacy of practice of animism. Wearing masks is considered very spiritual and belief that god can be found anywhere. Mask act as a medium of passing on messages of gods and ancestral spirits back to this world.
So for Balinese, gods everywhere, a slight difference from what we belive that god is an entity itself and everything we see around is just his creation.
What i felt seeing various statues and artefacts around Bali is that Balinese people deeply followed Mahabarata , Ganesh, Shiva and Vishnu (Garuda).
Like in hindu, sacred water of Ganga and other rivers is used to purify things, as mark of similar symbolism , also sprinkle water (tirtha) over the head to purify minds, drunk to purify speech and sprinkled to purify body.
A very common sight you find at most religious places and functions is a canang sari (bowl made of palm leaf). In it it has, betel leaf symbolizing vishnu, lime - Shiva and gambier- Brahma. Household offer this daily as a mark of self sacrifice owing to the time and effort it requires.
In India, usually a thali (plate) with rices ,tika, prasad is prevalent during religious ceremonies.
When i think of god, instantly a picture gets framed in mind. Good and bad times, we are taught to rely on gods.
But for Bali people god is not just a picture , figure or a statue, but solid belief that everywhere there is god.
Unlike our common towering indoor Hindu temples, puras (temple) are designed as an open air place of worship within enclosed walls, connected with a series of decorated gates between its compounds.
Tirta empul , a water temple was good. it is dedicated to lord vishnu and the water considered very spiritual with healing and purifying power.
Your knees and shoulders need to be covered.
You can hire a sarong at the temple’s entrance for a small fee.
Take off your shoes before entering the temple
Females are not permitted to enter if they are menstruating
Pregnant women are not permitted inside temples
It’s offensive to point your feet towards shrines or other holy objects
Jana waterfall in Naggar, Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Bollywood's Favourite Place - Naggar, Manali
Drive from Naggar to Jana falls is worth every penny. On the way pine trees, deodar trees, apple orchards and snow-peaked mountain, make this drive all worthwhile.
This fall has developed as picnic spot and a tourist point. Jana waterfall is just 12 kms from Naggar Village and 32 Kms from Manali Bus Stand and even equally distanced from Kullu.
The village enearby is equally beautiful and famous for local red rice, localy know as zaatu chawal.
With changing agricultural ways and more importance to economically viable horticulture production, like Apple, pears, plum , the rice field are giving way to these products. The demand for red rice is hight but supply diminishing day by day.
Zaatu chawal is being sold for nearly Rs 300 per KG.
There are few dhabas around which will serve you the nutritious Zaatu chawal near Jana water fall.
There is a single lane road which is end at Bijli Mahadev Temple and the condition of the road is not good after Jana. The road is surrounded by beautiful pine trees and view on the way to Jana is awsome of snow clad mountains. It is a small waterfall but the USP of the place is the local delicious food served here . It is good picnic spot for families and children and a beautifual place away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Recently , a film was shot at this location. It was Brahmastra and starring none other than legend Mr Amitabh Bachhan and Ranbir Kapoor.
When in Manali , do pay a visit to Jana falls with family.
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Village life in Kullu Manali - People, Traditions and Culture - How a te...
Kullu and Manali, is known for rich cultural heritage. The customs and practices have been going on for centuries.
Just witness rural life, a village tour in Kullu Valley, where a temple is being built by the village community.
Tourism in Kullu Manali - Himachal Pradesh
Planning to tour Himachal Pradesh - Kullu Manali
Just watch this video and you will know exactly why Kullu Manali has to be on your bucket list.
For planning a trip, do reach us countrysidestays@gmail.com
Subscribe to our channel on Youtube : countrysidetravels
Winters in Manali - Snowfall and Coziness of Tandoor
While I write this post today(26th September), I admit the chill has set in and its onset of winters.
Winter usually start with a dry spell in October and severity in December, January and February.
With time a lot has changed, and daily life of the people of the valley is not paused now with onset of winters rather people continue living normally. A few years back, it was not the same, these few months, were focussed on getting ready for long winters.
Stock pile of wood, food items, warm clothes etc were rationed for the winter season. It was all but obvious that there would be days without water and electricity. Mobile phones, televisions and other electronic items were not there then barring a few households.
Today the things have changed, maximum population in the valley today relies on information exchange, be it Facebook, Instagram etc, and would do anything to get their mobile phone charges to keep up with the world pace. Younger generation wouldn't hold on for even one day without electricity and would go to extent of charging their mobile phones and gadget in their cars.
With very very little work in winters and religious activities , congregations very few during winters, this time of year is used for socialising with each other. Villages become a to happening again, Under sunshine, locals can be seen gossiping/chatting over tea.
Every house hold, has special room where tandoor is fired. Tandoor is fire oven in which wood is burnt. It helps to warm the room and maintain a cosy temperature. Without tandoor, it is very difficult to sit in room, even with a quilt or blanket. So essentially, tandoor, helps bringing family together. To keep themselves warm each of the family member sits int the room.
Hot water is kept in a kettle, which has multiple uses like for instant cooking, washing utensils, bathing etc.
Few people (adventurers) also set out to ski slopes with snowboard and ski. Solang valley and Sethan are some areas around with good ski slopes.
During winters, most of the months are said to be dark months (nyara mahine) and very few social events like mariages, etc are held.
Only major event, start in February, and is called a Fagli. The festival is organised to observe the "victory of good over evil".
This festival is celebrated to mark the end of winter or the beginning of spring. It is celebrated in the entire valley on the moonless night or Amavasya.
In many villages, like Malana, Men dressed in traditional attire with masks on their faces were seen dancing in circles while hundreds of locals also gathered to watch the event.
Local beverage, Chaakti/Lugdi made from rice is served in the evening to all the guests.
So winters, in Kullu valley are pretty long and thanks to internet, it does keep most people busy.
Do watch our YouTube video on snowfall in Manali:
Ghost Stories of Pirpanjal Himalayas
World beyond ours and spirits beyond our world
When one thinks of mountains, few things some to mind, the slope, the treacherous road, snow, river and beautiful people (of course girls too). But one other thing which is always there in the mind and may not directly show up or rather I would say some condition would trigger the thought, like being in dark place, hearing unwanted noise or being alone, and yes I am talking about spirits and ghosts.
Mountains, in fact were synonyms of ghost stories in earlier times and the folk/tales of same still exist.
Though development, construction activities, rising population today has sent such spiritual /ghost experience into the oblivion now a days.
But let me be true, you may call it hallucination or tiredness of mind or whatever, but the thing is stories of such ghost/spirit encounters still exist.
In my next blog, I''l take you through such experience......
To be continued, watch out for my next blog...
Dashal - The Khajuraho of north - The tales and folklore
The beginning of Dashal as a village
Tales and folklores are synonyms of village life. There are few such tales associated with one of village in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, namely, Dashal.
This is a story as told by my father, Mr Gajender Thakur.
Village Dashal, derived from the word DEV-God and Shala- Place, i.e. gods place.
Because, the place being abode of many Devi devtas (god-goddess) the place was rechristened as Devshala in earlier times.
There existed gods and goddesses, Devi Kotli, Patal Devta, Gauri Shankar, Naar singh, Vasuki Nag and Nanda Patal.
It is situated on the left bank of river Beas (ancient Vedic name- Vipasha).
Initially, as the tales goes, a village by the name Bhotgraan existed there by the bank of the Pakhnoj Nallah(stream). It is said that that mine of Pukhraj, of precious stones, existed somewhere near the source of the nalah.
At some later time, this entire village was completely washed away by floods due to the Nallah. The families of KHUS, RAHU, KOL, KIRAT sub-castes were the original residents of this village. The flood ruined and devastated these inhabitants.
The chief deity of these inhabitants was Nanda Patal, also Agni pataal devta was there in the village. His place was at a nearby place up the hills, called Chharahan.
The flood just ruined the entire existence of the village and happened due to a lake being formed uphill due to landslide. This dam like structure at a place called "Tateri Thhach" was damaged resulting in collapse and large volume of water from the artificial lake coming down as flood.
It is said that, while entire community perished, there was just one survivor, a Shepard and during the time of flood he was grazing his sheep.
A few years back utensils of the old village were found. OKHLEES (paddy husking pits on thick slab of stone).
So there was a large unclaimed fertile land in this village , which started attracting many outsiders to this village, which in present day is called Dashal.
Valley of God - Kullu - Himachal Pradesh
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Beliefs of Himalayas
Take a look at beliefs and religious followings of people of Kullu Valley
Youtube video of Hampta Trek: https://youtu.be/281T2A1jncM
Kullu valley, or rather entire Himachal is known for its modest and simple people, their living, their beliefs and customs.
People are united not just in good times like festivals , marriages etc but also stand together in tough times.
Social bonding between people of the societies in Kullu valley is very much evident during various times.
Today, we look at beliefs of kullu valley people, how they see gods and what place shamans hold in peoples belief system.
Kullu valley is nestled in the Himalayas, along the valley flows the River Beas, at an altitude of 1200 m. A huge hit with nature lovers as well as adventure fanatics, this valley has a remarkable religious side as well. Its a valley of Legends, folklore, myths.
And very aptly called as the Valley of gods
Kullu valley is home to numerous ancient temples. Every village in Kullu has its own deity, adhering to their different set of rituals for some centuries now. A number of villages have the main idols carved out of solid gold, with the idols serving as village heads as well, intertwined in the daily life of the people here.
Those in the know will also be privy to the fact that the deities are housed in revered structures, usually the highest building in the village.
Each of these temples has a legend attached to it; legends as fascinating as the one about the Hadimba Temple in Manali. It is believed that during the exile of Pandavs (Mahabharat era), this temple was constructed in the name of wife of one of the pandas( Bheem).
The YouTube video, above showcases, once in a decade visit of Vasuki Naag delta to Vashisth village for holy bath and during the journey , Vasuki's son, shirgan pay him a visit at Jagatsukh.
Shaman are people who interact with gods.
Its shamans who communicate to the people, desire, wrath or expectations of the gods.
Shamans of both snake god communicate with each other. Juniper leaves are burnt as a mark of purity close to gods
local people ask gods, through Shamans, about their future, health, careers and permission for various events.
This is our kullu culture, hope you liked the story
Trek to Malana in Kullu - Manali - Worlds oldest democracy
Malana Trek via Naggar(Rumsu) and Return via Manikaran/Kasol
Level of beginner and moderate trekkers
Altitude of 9500 feet
1 Night/ 2days trek
Local people , proudly describe themselves as descendants of Alexander the Great.
Base camp - Bharhka Countryside Cottage Resorts, Bharhka, Sarsai.
Things To Carry: Solar lamp, Warm clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, hats/caps, mosquito repellant, headlamp, medical and first-aid kit, camera, toiletries, trekking shoes, thermal wear, snacks and water.
Ideal time for visit- May to September
Malana is a small self-governed village with distinctive customs. It is said to be world's oldest democracy.
The village is famous for the cultivation of the cannabis plantations; though declared illegal by the government, the villagers drive their income by selling the 'malana cream', a variety of cannabis hashish, which has attracted a large foreign-based crowd here.
We were a group of 6 people and we carried packed food (lunch and dinner)
Day 1
Post breakfast at our hotel (4 kms before Base Naggar), we started our journey via jeep till base.
The scenic route took us along the Rumsu village, lush green hills, small streams. The surrounding hills were dotted with dense Deodar vegetation that gave green hues to the waters of the streams.
Our first, halt base was the Chanderkhani pass (altitude- 3600m)
On reaching Chanderkhani, we pitched our tents for night halt, since we had packed dinner with us , we immediately went to sleep post dinner, as uphill climb over the mountain to this pass had made everyone very tired. We were drained and had trekked intermittently.
Day 2
Early morning at 5 am, we woke up packed our tents and things, and were set to take downward(downhill) journey to Malana village.
By 10 am we were in Malana. We had breakfast at relatives home of one of our team member.
Malana Village-
Houses in the village are 2-3 storeyed (older ones are typical kathkuni styled but new ones are brick/mortar buildings) and built of wood and stone.
The Malanese are believed to be the descendants of "Alexander the great", dating back to 326 BC. They speak the Kanashi tongue that is unheard of in the neighbouring villages since outsiders are barred from using their dialect.
Foreigners are not allowed to enter household of Malana natives and they cannot touch any things which Malanses use like tap, clothes etc.
The outer walls of the temples are adorned with bones, skulls and horns of the animals.
There are now plenty of cafes and dhabas, variety of food is served at the place now, though the food is simple; but one can't complain, as the locals have to bring food, water from the lower terrains on foot.
Later in the day, we trekked back to the starting point and headed to Manali via Kasol.
On the way, We reached Manikaran. We visited the famous Gurudwara and witnessed the natural hot-water springs. The cultural richness of the village and the beauty of mountain peaks is enough for one to disconnect with the hustle-bustle of the mundane and hectic urban life and find solace in mother earth and nature.
Malana is exactly that what it offers you
Malana gives you thrills and experience of lifetime. You have to be here once.
Village life in Kullu Manali
Dashal Village
We give you glimpse of village , village life and people and how they participate in social aspects.
A temple, Vasuki naan delta, is being constructed in this village, and we have documented the entire process during its construction.
You may watch the video here:
One of the very ancient village in Kullu-Manali, neighboured with the famous Malana Dashal, is surrounded by small villages, sitting amidst beautiful mountainous backdrops.
The villagefolk are very friendly, the atmosphere inviting, and scenic beauty mesmirising.
It is 25 km ahead of Kullu and 15 Kms before Manali, on the Naggar Manali road.
On reaching Sarsai from Kullu, you take a right turn to enter the village.
The Gauri - Shankar Temple is a protected monument located in the Dashal Village of Kullu District. Dating back to 12th century AD, this Shaivite temple is created in Shikhara style architecture.
This ancient stone temple is dedicated to God Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
It is pyramid shaped with a raised platform, square base and dome on the top.
The stones are richly engraved with the figures of Lord Ganesha, a musician and dancer and flowers.
Vasuki Naag (shiva gods snake), is the kuldevta( community god) for most inhabitants of the village. The main temple is in Halaan village but now the village locals are planning to construct a temple in Dashal village.
Do watch the video to see how people participate in the activity for building a temple.
For a village/rural tour please reach us at +91-93186-18200 or email at support@csstays.com
Experience at Igloo in Manali
Igloo Stays in Manali with the Countryside Travels
Duration- 1 night
Place - Sethan/Hampta
For previous 2 year, Igloo stays were for the first time offered in India.
Experience of arctic/antartic in Manali
If you book with us, we take you to the base camp (sethan/Hampta) in our 4*4 vehicle, and guide you all throughout.
A stay in an igloo in Manali per night is costly, and if you are planning to indulge in adventurous activities such as tube sliding, skiing, and sledge sliding, then it will cost you a few additional bucks.
Contact us for Igloo stays and we assure you best price.
Events scheduled for a night at Igloo
- Adventure Activities: Skiing, Tube Sliding, Making Snow Man & Lesson to make your own igloo.
- 4WD experience in mountain.
- Calm, and serene environment of snowy winter.
- Make new friends.
- Bonfire and music.
There is a separate fire place or room with tandoor, to warm the guest, before they venture into their igloo.
Hot water bottles are offered to guests to keep them cozy during the night.
Marriages in Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh
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Kullu Customs, traditions and beliefs
Take a look at marriage ceremonies in Kullu- Manali
Duration: 5 to 6 days
Youtube video of Hampta Trek: https://youtu.be/upIJ8jzz540
Marriages in Kullu valley are long and culturally rich in beliefs and customs. It is a period of fun and frolic not just for the people from home/family but entire community or village joins the family to celebrate these days.
Its a way to strengthen the social bondage between people of the society. No extra work force is hired to carry out duties of the ceremony rather it is the entire village that participates and works to carry out various function related to conduct of the marriage.
Right from setting up tents , table , chairs etc and getting the grand kitchen(rasoi) ready , the bar area etc- each of the work is done by the village community.
Utensils for cooking are borrowed from village community society for a nominal rent.
Day 1- Mehndi
This day is for mehndi ceremony, where close relatives and females from the village community participate. It usually starts in the evening and ends after dancing and singing.
Day 2- Jaagra
On this day, entire village men arrive at the wedding venue to start of the setup process for kitchen and sitting places. In the evening food is served to the entire village.This food is usually sponsored by maternal uncle of the bride or the groom.
Day 3- Baraat (at groom side) /Dhaam(at bride side)
On this day entire village and relatives of the groom, dressed in traditional dresses join the groom for journey towards bride home (Baraat).
Specialist, instrumentalists, called Baazgi, with shehnai, dolak, karnal etc play music to which all the guests dance.
These days it has become a practice to hire specialist dancing groups in traditional dress/costume to start the dance event and to which other guests join later.
On reaching bride home, food is served to the entire Baraati's (guest with groom).
In the evening, vidaai ceremony marks the return of the groom with bride to his home.
Day 4 - Dhaam day
This day is for much larger group, consisting of all relatives, friends and village people.
The bride is also accompanied by her relatives (called as Laadarh).
Agni fera ( or round around fire) is held on this day and food is served in dhaam ( mega food place) served
Later in the evening , local natti(dance) is performed by both bride and the groom and relative of the bride are given a farewall. Usually these guests are honoured with kullvi shawls or caps.
Day 5 -Dhaamrhu
This day is reserved just for village community and close relatives.
After the hangover of previous days, this day is reserved for cleaning up utensils and home of the groom by village community.
The family prepare non-veg and veg food for these guests and later in the evening beverages are served to all the people
Day 6- This day is not much prevalent now but is reserve for selected people from the village community.
This is our kullu culture, hope you liked the story
3 Day trek to Hampta Pass in Manali, Himachal Pradesh
A moderate to extreme level adventure trek
Hampta Pass (14,100 ft)
Total 2nights/ 3 days
Youtube video of Hampta Trek: https://youtu.be/MwCDH_TIntU
We got up early and started loading our Tata sumo vehicle to embark journey to Hampta.
We carried raw food items , our own gas cylinders and oven for cooking, alpine tents, sleeping bags.
There was 1 cook, 1 helper to assist the cook, 1 horseman with 5 horses to carry heavy equipements and tents.
We had a group of 6 IIT Delhi students who undertook this adventure trek.
We checked out from hotel and then drove to Jobri via Allain Duhangan Power Project road which takes around 1 hour to reach the starting point of the trek Jobri. There is a small shop where you can have quick refreshment after quick briefing session and round of introduction we started our trek towards Chikka our first campsite on Hampta Pass Circular Trek.
Chhika is a beautiful campsite beside the Rani River in the open Valley with great views. Overnight camp at Chhika.
The nights are usually cold for most times of the year and it is advised to all to carry extra layer or blankets. Do not forget to carry rain coats/umbrella. Rains in mountains are usually unsolicited and may fall anytime.
After trekking for around an hour you reach upper Balu ka gera from where the ascent to Hampta Pass Summit starts. Depending upon the snow condition you might have to wear your crampons. This entire route of Hampta Pass trek in June will be covered under snow and you have to be very careful while trekking in snow. The loose rocks in mountains pose a great threat and they may fall even in boroad daylight. Be extra cautious and keep a vigil on surroundings.
It will take around 4 to 5 hours to reach Hampta Pass Summit after spending some time we return back to our camp as weather can turn bad anytime at those altitudes.
On the third and last day, we had light breakfast and we started downhill trek along the same Hampta Pass Circular trek river crossing at Juara Nala then Chhika and finally our trek starting and ending Point at Jobri where our vehicles will be waiting for us to drive back to Manali.
Our Hampta Pass Circular Trek comes to an end with beautiful mosaic of memories.
If you are interested in this trek, please reach our customer suport team at +91-93186-18200
Countryside Travels is now on YouTube
Yipee!!
Countryside Travels is now on YouTube.
A picture is worth a thousand words and videos worth thousands pictures.
So we have done some catching up, hope you like
We request our customers to kindly subscribe to our channel and like and share the videos as much as possible.
We will continue to deliver best experience to our esteemed customer, be it physical experience of travel and exploration or virtual experience.
For a great virtual experience, please go Youtube search for countryside travels channel or directly use the link below to subscribe to ur channel.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaXDUskY2JRpUABevpKXAzQ
We will broadly classify our videos into two segments
1st segment will focus on the cultural aspect of the local place, the people, their customs and beliefs.
2nd segment will focus on the travel aspect, where will tell our customers stories linked to the place. History, places of interest and other useful information.
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a Jeep safari to Chandertal lake in Spite Valley in Himachal Pradesh
Chandertal lake- 140 kms from Manali
Altitude - 4250 m above sea level
My experience.
We were a group of 12 people planning a weekend tour to spite valley, Chandertaal lake.
We started early in the morning at 7 am from Manali and we reached Rohtang at around 10:30 am.
We had 2 gypsy cars and one that jeep, which was all but comfortable. We carried gas cylinder, barbecue, gas oven and some raw material for cooking along with utensils.
It was a planned 2 day tour.
Most hectic and tiring journey was now about to start beyond the Rohtang pass towards the spite valley.
The road condition was bad or rather I would say very bad. The covid situation across the country had made things worse, the public work department and not done any repairment of the road for around a year.
The weather and road conditions had started to take its toll, some of our fellow members started feeling dizzy and headache due to less oxygen, some guys vomited. To reach Chhatru around 50 km from Gramphu it took whole lot of time, 4 hours to be precise.
We halted for tea and lunch at Chhatru and around 2 pm we started our onward journey to Chandertal lake. via Batal.
The stretch from Chhatru to Batal was the most challenging one, due to bad road condition. Fatigue and body ache was quite visible in every member.
At 5 we reach Batal, entered chacha chachi dhaba and had some snacks. The elderly owners of the dhaba (restaurant) for very gentle and nice.
After 40 minutes of halt we headed to the lake.
At around 7 pm we were near the parking area of the lake, beyond which vehicles were not allowed.
Since it was summer time and days were long, we managed to reach lake periphery on time and pitched our tents in light.
Only mistake, we made was of not carrying solar lambs, while we started preparing food, darkness and well creeped in. So the food was made using the lights of mobile phone. After dinner, we entered our alpine tents for a night halt.
Next morning , we headed to the lake.
Please remember, you are not allowed to pitch tents close to the lake, as per orders of the forest department.
We clicked pictures at the lake and were ready to undertake our return journey. We winded up our tents and collected all the leftover for disposing.
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Mesmerising Leh Ladakh - a cold desert of lakes, landscapes, Sindhu River - Tsomoriri lake experience
A NIGHT IN TSOMORIRI LAKE - LADAKH IN A TENT
by Pankaj thakur (Self experience))
a beautiful blue saline lake situated at 4500 mts above sea level. it is nearly 220 km from leh, and takes 5:30 hrs to reach. a little towards the direction of manali, its not as frequented lake by tourists in comparison to pangong lake. its a very quite and serene place. very little crowd. we enjoyed our night halt close to the lake in a tent that we carried along with us.
best time to travel: mid-may to mid october
about leh: leh usually is hotter during the daytime, but the temperature drops drastically after the evening.
if travelling by motor-bikes to tsomoriri from leh, you are advised to start your journey a little early in the morning, and if by car leave at around 10 or 11 am.
reaching the lake: you have to cover significant distance to the lake by walking as vehicles are not allowed to ply beyond certain point.
since it is near to the line of actual control, you need to get inner line permit to visit tso lake, both as an indian as well as a foreigner.
there is only a couple of cemented accommodation available around the lake in the form of homestays and the facilities like electricity, medical aid, hot running water, western toilets etc. are luxury in itself.
a beautiful blue saline lake situated at 4500 mts above sea level. it is nearly 220 km from leh, and takes 5:30 hrs to reach. a little towards the direction of manali, its not as frequented lake by tourists in comparison to pangong lake. its a very quite and serene place. very little crowd. we enjoyed our night halt close to the lake in a tent that we carried along with us.
best time to travel: mid-may to mid october
about leh: leh usually is hotter during the daytime, but the temperature drops drastically after the evening.
if travelling by motor-bikes to tsomoriri from leh, you are advised to start your journey a little early in the morning, and if by car leave at around 10 or 11 am.
reaching the lake: you have to cover significant distance to the lake by walking as vehicles are not allowed to ply beyond certain point.
since it is near to the line of actual control, you need to get inner line permit to visit tso lake, both as an indian as well as a foreigner.
there is only a couple of cemented accommodation available around the lake in the form of homestays and the facilities like electricity, medical aid, hot running water, western toilets etc. are luxury in itself.
I advise people to carry oxygen cylinder while travelling to places such as these.
the lack of oxygen makes survival difficult if your body is not properly acclimatized to its high altitude and hence, one need to plan his/her journey extremely carefully so as to avoid acute mountain sickness. so, even though you might feel tempted to include tso moriri in your trip to leh ladakh, it is important to plan your trip to this high altitude place properly.
You can also find some homestays in Nyoma village and a guest house in Chumathang. Both Nyoma and Chumathang are much warmer than Tso Moriri lake in winter months.
you can reach tso moriri from leh by road via upshi – chumathang – mahe route. tso moriri lake is also connected from pangong lake directly by chusul – tsaga la – loma – mahe route.
You can also find some homestays in Nyoma village and a guest house in Chumathang. Both Nyoma and Chumathang are much warmer than Tso Moriri lake in winter months.
ROAD CONDITIONS AND PREFERRED VEHICLES
The higher ground clearance vehicles are preferable and 4×4 ones would definitely be helpful especially between Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri via Man – Merak – Chusul – Nyoma (Changthang) route.
WE ARRIVED AT 5 PM IN THE EVENING
It was nearly getting dark, we arrived at Tsomoriri . We had to pitch our tents before it was dark. We chose a site close to the lake and started our work in haste.
Next day early in the morning we stared our return journey to Manali
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