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From Times Online
November 24, 2002
The ancient path to riches
Paul Deegan, of The Sunday Times takes to
the ice on a magnificent journey through the
Himalayan silverlands
There is a place, high among the mountains of the Indian Himalayas, where the
sun always seems to shine. A place where the klu, the water spirits that live in
the nearby Zanskar River, reveal copper to those who have learnt to recognise
the whistle that the metal emits. The place is called Chiling, and the families
who live here have been working silver, copper and gold ever since the village
was founded by four Nepali silversmiths and their Ladakhi brides in the 16th
century.
Read more about Paul and Sonam Duration
10 days
Rating
Very strengous.
The route is possible only when the river is at its coldest, for about six weeks during January and February. It is a rare experience to see the hard live of the people in winter time when the temperature drops to 25 degree below zero. It is not possible to use horses but the porters are used to this conditions.
Specials
Trek along the frozen Zanskar river.
Explore the traditional
"butter" trade route along the frozen Zanskar River when the passes are blocked by snow.
Highlights
A full scale winter expedition.
Challenging and exciting trekking.
A glimpse of an ancient unchanged culture in winter.
Stunningly beautiful frozen river.
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