The Bike Riders: The Mirror called Tsomoriri

Finally, we have time to update ourselves after 3 long days!

Enjoying nature on the way to Tsomoriri

So, day 9 (13th September): After an invigorating tea we finally left Leh at around 7am for Tsomoriri lake. We had been told that after Leh, for almost 500 kms, there are no petrol pumps. Hence, we replenished our fuel tanks and carried another 30 litres of petrol in cans. Thankfully, since we did hire that utility vehicle until Manali, we weren't worried about excess luggage. We decided to add this little diversion in our trip as we had heard that this lake is worth a visit and anyway, it lies on the Leh-Manali road, just a little way away on a diversion at Upsi. Here (at Upsi), we turned left and were delightfully riding alongside the Indus river flowing the opposite direction. Lovely, warm morning, mountains, the river and good roads made our journey extremely pleasant and one to be remembered. We noticed the playful river, which was a bit naughty at some places but calmed down when the valley got broad enough. Even the simple marvels of the nature seem great in such pure and pretty surroundings.

Small Lake before Tsomoriri

"Shradhhanjali"

On the way, we came across Likche (21kms from Upsi) and Hymik (29 kms from Upsi) villages. These are ideal for a tea-break or two. 29kms further ahead lies a big military camp and canteen for outsiders in the Kiari village. We also saw a petite monument called "Shradhhanjali" (13500 ft.) constructed by the military in the memory of our brave soldiers who have laid down their lives for country. After paying our respects here, we moved on. After 28 more kms, we come across the hot water springs in the Chumthang village. There are also a few good restaurant there. We had lunch at one such nice place, Lamjing, which is a pure vegetarian restaurant. 20 kms after Chumthang comes the police check post where we have to show our permits. Turning right from here, we continued for almost 35 more kms before the roads started turning quite bad. We travelled for 10-12 kms on bike but finally, we preferred to leave them on the side of the road and went to the lake by our utility vehicle. We reached the Tsomoriri lake by 5 pm. It was quite chilly due to the hight altitude. But we didn't notice it. The sight of the lake took our breath away and we were completely mesmerized and transfixed by the view. Nobody wanted to speak or move and break the moment of bliss. It was quite like we had landed in heaven itself!

The Crystal Clear waters of Tsomoriri

Tent Accommodation on the banks of beautiful Tsomoriri

There are quite a few hotels, local house accommodation and tent accommodation available here. We chose tent accomodation and enjoyed sunset on the lake from there.We had our dinner and took some much needed rest.

Tsomoriri Lake is such a divine place, we would definitely recommend everyone one who reads this to go and experience it for yourself! :)

Back soon with more updates!