12th August 2014
At Tabo, two Israeli girls joined us. They were heading to Dhankar and somehow they came to know that our destination and they decided to hitchhike.
 |
| Road towards Dhankar |
A detour from Kaza-Tabo road takes to Dhankar village. At the end of the village is Dhankar monastery precariously perched on a hill overlooking the confluence of Spiti and Pin Valley rivers.
 |
| Confluence of Spiti and Pin Valley river |
It was late noon and we were hungry. We gulped down chow mein which was the only item that was available. After a quick visit to monastery, we directed our attention towards Dhankar Lake. That was the main reason for our Dhankar visit. We had made some theoretical calculations of sun direction near the lake and found that afternoon was the best time to take photos of the lake!!
 |
| Dhankar village |
Locals mentioned that the lake was at the other side of the hill. It was hard to climb directly due to the steepness but walk a roundabout way to reach the lake. “An hour of walk should take you to the lake” was the words from local people. We promptly followed their direction started to climb up.
 |
| Near the lake |
We gained altitude very soon and Dhankar and its monastery were way down below. The entire valley opened up as we climbed up. My speed was slower than usual. May be I was not acclimatized. For about 25 minutes we were walking completely away from the lake. That was to avoid the steep climb. Then the track turned towards the lake. After walking about 40 minutes, we reached a plain area and within few minutes Dhankar Lake was visible. We had made it in pretty good time!!
 |
| Almost near Dhankar lake. Krishna walking ahead |
It is a small but pristine lake. A small gompa was constructed next to the Lake. The water was kind of greenish. Apart from a herdsman there was no one around the lake. And we spent good amount of time enjoying the beauty and taking snaps.
 |
| Dhankar lake |
 |
| Dhankar lake photo taken from the top |
Here is the snapshot of our trek. I tracked using my GPS device.
Santosh bs
wonderful! those white dome like structures are gompas or stupas…? any idea what do they denote… found them everywhere in the ladakh region.
Sanjit Kumar
Amazing click….Awesome locations and detailing …..
Travel Goa Tour Package
Vineeta Yashswi
Beautiful and amazing shots…
Aravind GJ
Santosh.
It is a Stupa. Not a Gompa as mentioned in my post. Stupas are in general constructed for well being but there are many meanings associated with it.
Sanjit,
Thanks.
Vineeta,
Thanks.
Sana
Amazing pictures. Isn't that device awesome. Gives great lot of details.
Aravind GJ
Thanks!!
Yes. The device is great.
Alliha Jonson
Aravind GJ! Again you have done a great effort. The all pictures that you have captured are very nice especially the Dhankar lake photo taken from the top. I am also a tourist and I am eager to do adventurous tours. Recently I came from new york to niagara tours. There I had a great time at Niagara Falls. It was raining outside and few people were there and enjoying the weather. Next I have a plan to explore the Himalayan Mountains. I am sure I will enjoy my next tour.