Across Ladakh and Zanskar
(July-September 2013):
5. Dibling to Zangla
The path along
the Oma Chu river between Dibling and Zingchan is often
difficult and somewhat dangerous. The river crossings are never easy and the
sides of the valley are steep with narrow or no trails.
Reaching Zingchan settlement.
Enjoying chang (fermented barley) in Zingchan.
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View toward
the north from Parpi La (pass #10, 3900m).
Views of the Zanskar river toward the north ...
... and toward the south from a small promontoire
above Parpi La.
Along the Zanskar river.
In Hanumil village.
The rather
grim village of Pigmo.
In a house at Pigmo.
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Foot bridge
over the Zanskar river at Pigmo.
View over Zangla village and Zanskar valley
from Zangla fort.
At the nunnery
of Zangla.
Harvesting
green peas in Zangla.
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Fort of Zangla.
On the way to
the fort.
A close view
of the fort.
The roof of a chorten near the fort. The four concentric square box-type
layers seem to be a remnant of Zoroastrian culture. They represent the four
Zoroastrian elements earth, water, air and fire, the latter being the highest,
as it is touched first by the sun′s rays. The same pattern also appears
in the roof
of homes in the Pamir.
A ′wolf
trap′ near Zangla fort. In the winter people
put dead animals in the circular hole. Hungry wolves jump into the trap to eat
the animals, but cannot get out. I have seen several such traps during this
trip.
Other trek sections: