Unexplored Villages of Ladakh’s Pangong Lake and Hanle | Merak Village and Hanle Observatory

Exploring the Wonders of Pangong Lake

Introduction to Ladakh's Cold Desert

• Ladakh is characterized as a cold desert with dry mountains, lacking vegetation due to minimal rainfall (about 3 inches annually).

• Despite its arid conditions, there exists a significant lake named "Pangong," which is the largest in the Himalayas.

The Magnitude of Pangong Lake

• Pangong Lake is situated at an elevation of 13,000 feet and stretches approximately 160 kilometers, comparable to the distance between Pune and Mumbai.

• It is recognized as India's highest saltwater lake, making it unsuitable for drinking despite its vastness.

Unique Features of Pangong Lake

• The term "legendary" aptly describes Pangong Lake due to its remarkable presence in such a barren landscape.

• Only about 30-40% of the lake lies within India; it extends into Tibet and has various names including “Tso Nyak” and “Rum Tso.”

Merak Village: A Hidden Gem

• Merak village, located near Pangong Lake, features stunning views with snow-capped peaks and greenery that contrasts with the surrounding dry mountains.

• This small village consists of few houses set against majestic mountains, offering a unique vibrancy thanks to its proximity to the lake.

Lifestyle in Merak Village

• The village showcases mud houses built from local clay designed for insulation against harsh weather conditions.

• Visitors can experience local culture by interacting with residents and learning about their lifestyle amidst beautiful landscapes.

The Beauty of Nature at Pangong

• Merak boasts a sandy beach along Pangong Lake where waves resemble those found in oceans rather than typical lakes.

• Observing these waves creates an immersive experience that highlights the lake's grandeur beyond just being classified as a simple body of water.

Tranquility at Dawn

• Early morning reveals breathtaking views of Kangju Kangri mountain while providing a sense of peace enhanced by nature sounds like chirping birds and gentle waves.

• Exploring further into Merak leads to discovering traditional stone houses known as "Rantaks," showcasing local architecture.

Barley Grinding and the Merak Monastery

Traditional Barley Grinding Process

• The grinding of barley is performed using a natural mill called Rantak, powered by water from glaciers.

• A turbine beneath the stone house rotates due to flowing water, which in turn grinds the barley placed in a cone-shaped basket.

• This process produces "Sattu (Barley)" but is limited to summer months as the stream freezes in winter.

Discovering Merak Monastery

• The speaker expresses surprise at finding a government school near the remote Merak Monastery, highlighting its unexpected presence.

• The school was well-maintained despite being located in an area where a water supply was established only recently, in 2021.

Exploring Hanle: A Remote Village

Introduction to Hanle

• Hanle is situated approximately 250 km south of Leh at an altitude of 14,000 feet with around 300 residents.

• Visitors are attracted not just by the village itself but also by its astronomical significance.

India's Highest Astronomical Observatory

• Hanle hosts India’s highest astronomical observatory due to its optimal conditions for observing celestial bodies.

• It features India's first Dark Sky Reserve with several telescopes, including the Himalayan Chandra Telescope controlled remotely from Bengaluru.

The Milky Way and Celestial Observations

Unique Viewing Conditions

• Hanle offers some of the best views of the Milky Way due to minimal light pollution and clear skies.

• While capturing video footage of the Milky Way is challenging, photographs can provide insight into its beauty; however, naked-eye views are clearer.

Aurora Sightings

• Auroras have been observed multiple times in this region over the past year, adding to its celestial allure.

Chumathang Hot Spring: Geothermal Wonders

Description of Chumathang Hot Spring

• The Chumathang Hot Spring features extremely hot water gushing from underground due to geothermal activity.

• The rapid emergence of hot water creates pressure that causes nearby stones to tremble.

Nature's Wonders in Ladakh: A Journey of Exploration

The Unique Landscape of Ladakh

• Ladakh showcases nature's beauty through its stunning landscapes, including picturesque lakes surrounded by arid mountains and a star-filled sky.

• The region evokes a sense of wonder, suggesting that there remains much to discover within its vast expanses.

• The openness of the environment emphasizes human insignificance in the grand scheme of nature, fostering a humbling experience for visitors.

• In contrast to urban affluence, the tranquility found in these mountains offers a profound sense of peace and perspective on life's priorities.