Srinagar -> Kargil

Friday, 4 September 2015

The drive from Srinagar over the Zoji La to Kargil is spectacular.  ("La" is Tibetan for "mountain pass".) The 11,500 ft high pass marks the boundary between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh. The military presence is pervasive because we are so close to the "Line of Control" -- the effective border between India and Pakistan, though India claims the true border is much further into Pakistan. There were several checkpoints; we had to present passports to get into Ladakh. Much of the road is unpaved and just a bit wider than one lane, which makes it very rough. And meeting an oncoming truck or army convoy is anywhere from interesting to challenging. Not only was there motorized traffic, but also a good bit of livestock on their way to winter pastures.

Goats on the move. Some were using the top of the bridge railing. More goats were on the other side of the car.

More livestock on the road as we get closer to the pass.

Sheep grazing on the slopes.

Sheep and goat trails make these criss-cross patterns on the slopes.

The town of Sonamarg where we stopped for a morning tea break.

Every shop has its satellite dish.

Harvesting wheat.

On the way up to the pass, we came across a lone bicyclist. I can't imagine dealing with the potholes and dust on a bicycle. It's bad enough in a car!

A truck rounds a blind curve.

I'll finish with some scenery.

Still in Kashmir (it's green!). Note the glacier between the peaks.

Once past Zoji La, we are in Ladakh and in the rain shadow cast by the Himalayas. The lush green of Kashmir fades to high-altitude desert.

Even though it's desert, it's green wherever plants can get access to water.

Winding road, river, and mountains.