A Lake from Heaven
- Macrina Weiderkehr, A Tree full of Angels
As truly said there’s hardly drawing a line between the two worlds when the sights exude the same charm of beauty, spiritual solace and an infinite divinity. The Pangong-Tso is one such creation which can even elude the Gods from heaven to seek pleasure of its magnificent sight that it offers we immortals here on earth.
As anyone would discover the geographical boundaries either from Google or various travel guides nearly 70% of its extension stretches in to the Chinese territory. But whatever remains in India is an asset to preserve with glory and pride. For the religious monks and people of Ladakh the lakes are as sacred as their own places of dwelling. The sanctum sanctorum of Buddhism allures people from all over the world. They come here and try to capture as much as they can to satiate their desires of such a combination of sanctity and pleasure. Travelling a long journey of nearly 180 kms from Leh passing through colourful mountain passes and valley with the pristine rivulets accompanying us every now and then, the sight of the Pangong-Tso as our expected destination is a soulful experience that remains deeply embedded forever. The contours and various moods of the lake keep changing every now and then as you move your eyes around its vastness kissing the horizons. Blue is not just ‘simply blue’ here! .......Its presence glamorizes and adorns itself beautifully blended with the reflections of mountains and clear blue skies as you watch the lake surface. With the sunrise and the rays falling in different directions on the lake the shades of Turquoise, cerulean blue, Prussian, deep sea blue and much more give a never ending sight for an artist to create or capture a masterpiece on his canvas. I sat for a while near the shore watching those still pebbles glistening beneath the soft waves of the water. Small fishes could be seen coming close towards the edge with graceful moves sometimes hiding or encircling those small white pebbles. These living creatures are a part of the sacredness which the monks believe should be untouched or unharmed by anyone who visits them. Tourists were seen spending some time with leisure undisturbed by the cold windy breezes blowing around the vicinity of the lake. Near the lake stands a hill top which is said to be an excavation point for Garnet lovers. Called as Garnet-Hill this one gathers attention from hikers and trekkers by the very fact that if offers raw crystals and rocks of dark wine or burgundy coloured Garnets which is a semiprecious stone often seen studded in the Ladakhi or any ethnic jewellery.
With greed of collecting some myself I did reach to some h eight but the exhaustion and the lack of oxygen diminished my motives of further climbing up. However my queer intentions made me accomplish my goals a bit as I tucked in some few rough pieces of Garnets found while I declined down to the base.
A nearby army cafe sheltered us for a while as we sumptuously and hungrily gulped down the piping hot noodles and some over sweetened tea. As the driver began to accelerate I gave a last glance to the lake bidding adieu as calmly as ever to all its visitors...................the still quiet and blue waters of the lake were speaking just one note out to me...............We will be here always !!
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