The Wild West in Ladakh, India

Three high altitude lakes dot picturesque Ladakh in North India. While Pangong Tso (lake) & Tso Morari are better known to visitors, intrepid travelers are enchanted by the hidden gem, Tsokar situated at 4660 meters in the Changthang region of South Eastern Ladakh, 50 kilometers away Tsokar Lake. Surrounded by mountains the white lake (so known because of salt deposits on the lake shores) makes for a bewitching sight during the day & on moonlit nights.

The smallest lake among the three salt water lakes Tsokar is inhabited by the nomadic group, 'Khampas' who have dwelling places suited to the weather - tents in summer & stone huts in winter. Besides riding & rearing horses, Khampas who resemble cowboys make a living from selling salt as a form of barter for other goods from Ladakh. Notwithstanding the scenic delight Tsokar offers during the day as well as on moonlit nights, the arrival of these cowboys riding & driving a pack of ponies in the vast expanse of a rugged landscape is a sight few travelers forget. I was privy to one such encounter, the picture you see is from our `encounter.' A bird watchers delight, the marshlands of Tso-kar are home to feathered creatures such as the bar headed geese, brahmini ducks & black necked cranes. Wild Ass also known as `Kiangs' are abundantly found on lake fringes while there is a rare chance of spotting ibex & snow leopards.