My First Solo Travelogue: Part Four

Day Four: 22.07.2018

As usual we got a wake-up call at 6am and breakfast was at 7am. We packed our bags and left Apple Cottage at 07:50am. We reached Diskit Monastery at 08:30am. There was a 106 feet tall idol of Maitreya Buddha (Future Buddha). Today James provided us the information. There was temple on its opposite side; we had to climb a floor to visit it. 

The scenic beauty was awesome; mountains and the flowing river Shyok towards the Turtuk village. Everyone got into clicking photos and selfies. Sitting on a bench, Vedika started with her sketching of the idol. We did see her sketches of the Shey Palace, places we visited so far. She is an excellent sketcher; would start her second year in Engineering post this trip.

On our journey, we halted at Milkha ATV Riding Point at 09:40am. We went for the ATV rides in pairs: I teamed up with Supriya Agashe. At start the road was full of small pebbles, then the sand road started. It was a rollicking experience while riding on the up and down sand dunes; similar to the Essel World Hot Wheels. Eyes were watery since sand was in the air; also the sand was in the hair and on shoes and clothes. While returning the road sand pattern was such that it gave vibrations to the vehicle. 

Maximum did ride the ATV including our tour managers (the ride was a gift for them from the youngest at heart Sarojini Pandit). There were cute doggies near by, we did play with them. 

After having a juice break, we left for our journey ahead to the zigzag roads and the parallel  running water streams.

We reached Hotel Kanishka at 2pm and had our lunch. The evening program was discussed and the dress code was black. We got our room keys; many got different room. Mayuri and me got the same room no 205 with the construction view; but it was ok. We took a quick nap, then hurried to get ready and came down at 04:30pm for tea break. At 05:30pm, all the beauties in black were welcomed at Hotel Grand Chubi. The way to the hotel was through a narrow road and in the depth of the hotel range. 

The evening was all set for watching the wonderful folk dances by the local Ladakhis where we got to know more about their culture. Chairs were arranged at one side and there was open space for the performers. The programme started at 6pm. One of the troupe members did explain about the culture and detailed on each type of dance before the performance. 

Lharna

As every auspicious program starts with a song of Ganapati Bappa; here in Ladakh every auspicious occasion begins with Lharna to make offering of music to God. There are 360 beats in this instrumental piece of music played with Daman and Surna. Daman is a pair of drums made of copper in a bowl shape, and its open end is covered with an animal hide. These drums are played with two sticks. Surna is a long pipe like flute made up of a willow tree, the upper layer pierced with seven holes.

Spao

It is a warrior dance dedicated to the famous epic hero Gyalam Kesar. The male performers use actual swords to show their skills. Click here to view the video

Shondol

This dance form used to be performed by "Takshosma", women dancers of the royal court to praise and greet the King. Since then this dance form has been maintained and is now performed by the female artists in traditional dress decorated with heavy sets of jewellery; a perfect presentation of beauty and elegance. Click here to view the video

Chabskyan

This dance is performed by men with brass jugs filled with Chang, balanced on their heads to entertain the King and ministers. A skillful dancer would pour Chang into the cups without holding the jug while performing the dance with elegance. Click here to view the video

Tukhstanmo

Its the seasonal dance of Zanskar Valley. Click here to view the video

Jabro

Changthang people perform this dance during festive occasions including Losar (Tibetan New Year). This dance is characterized by rhythmic thumping of feet on a melodious song and music of Daman. Click here to view the video

Then there were a few instrumental music pieces played on Daman and Surna. I could recognize only three songs: Saare Jahaan Se Achcha, Mere Desh Ki Dharti and Gori Tera Gaon Bada Pyaara.

There was a dance performance signifying the union of Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh culture. It was a Ladakhi song, performed by dressing up in Himachal attire. Click here to view the video

Chartses

This dance signifies the arrival of migratory birds, which is considered auspicious in Ladakh. It is performed by females choreographed with movements like birds. Click here to view the video

Tashispa

This dance is performed at the end of every cultural gathering. The idea is to conclude the celebrations on a happy note. Even we joined the troupe in the end. Click here to view the video

We had snacks and photo shoot. Next day's program was explained by Sarvesh. We would be en routing Chang La pass. We got back to Hotel Kanishka and had our dinner. We had to pack our bags for a day; now this was an easy task. I slept dreaming of an amazing road ride tomorrow and yes the Pangong lake. Co-travelers do put in your experience of the day in the comments below.

Read next: My First Solo Travelogue: Part Five