A Memorable Evening at Nubra Valley

Snow capped mountains of Himalaya always fascinates me and it was yet another fantastic trip during 23-30 June 2018. This time, we had opted for Ladakh region in the Great Himalaya, located in Jammu & Kashmir state of India. 

We were travelling in and around Leh, the main city of Ladakh. On June 25, 2018, we decided to visit Nubra Valley, appr. 160 KM away from Leh city.

Nubra Valley has an ancient history. During 2 BC till  15 century, Chinese merchants used to transport  goods on  camel’s back and were travelling across the cold and tough terrain of Himalayas, through Tibet. The goods, mainly the precious ‘Silk’ would move further on this trading path, till the Middle East Countries of those days. This was a long, strenuous trading path named as ‘Silk route’. With the advent of many developments in trading patterns and platforms all over the world in later days, this route lost its trading significance, but the name still remains as such. The name sounds silky smooth, but the terrain is very difficult to access even now in 21 century, despite we have many modern amenities. Travelling on Silk route is not smooth with mountain roads with  many hairpin curves,  snow fall, fluctuating  weather, land slides…etc  

Silk Route

Our journey to Nubra valley started at early morning from Leh. It was a long drive of nearly 160 km, through the rough dry, dusty roads.  We encompassed few green hamlets on the way, where there are small villages.  

It is thrilling to note that, this route crosses ‘Khardung La Pass’ , which is at 17982 ft elevation  from sea level and it is the highest motorable road in the world! Wonderful it was, we got down to take few snaps of picturesque Himalayas, moving clouds around, snow fall, avalanche, snow capped mountains….bundle of Himalayan splendor!  There is a canteen at Khargung La Pass and we had hot soup and momos to the beat the cold.

From Khardung La Pass, it takes almost 4 hours to reach Nubra Valley.  It is located between the Ladakh and Karakoram mountains. The rivers Shoyak and Siyachin have created a green belt in Nubra valley. Despite, adverse conditions and   very less suitable land  available for agriculture, local people cultivate  Wheat, Barley, Mustard Seeds and  vegetables. 

We reached Nubra valley by noon. Our accommodation was booked at Hotel Mountain Camp. It was a silent, picturesque place and we had a wonderful stay in fully equipped tents. 

In Nubra valley, tourists could enjoy local cultural show.  Though we did not understand the local language, the simple music and rhythm of ‘Tama’ a local drum really enthralled us.

We were told that, Ladakhis  are  happiest  people in India. They believe in community living, share agriculture work and support each other and they are content  with low income. However, this trend is changing with the advent of commercial activities everywhere. Locals say that   lot of construction activities and infrastructure development is happening in the region and this spoils not only the environment but also the impeccable culture of the region.

Double humped camels of Nubra Valley

Though Ladakh is part of India, it has very different lifestyle. Further, most of the people follow Buddhism and their culture and beliefs are influenced by Tibetan lifestyle. There are many Buddhist temples and Monasteries in Ladakh. 

A  Ladakhi Dance

Ladakhi people are very warm and their hospitality is outstanding.  Main source of their income was agriculture till recent past. Tourism is their important source of income now days. They take care of tourists very well. Since the winter is too cold to bear  in Ladakh region, most of them go to lower levels like Jammu in winter.

How to go to Nubra Valley:
There are flights from Delhi to Leh airport. Local transportation is available in the airport. Online booking is possible for accommodation and travel assistance.

Hemamala.B, Mysore

Eating Oranges is Fine, What About The Peels too?

Tasty Vegan Recipes Using Orange Peels

It is orange season again, in South India where I live.  Though, we get Oranges almost throughout the year, during November to March we find plenty of indigenous   Oranges, in wide varieties. Oranges belong to Citrus Sinensis species. Typically, in India we find 4-5 types of Oranges in the market and these are commonly identified with the place of cultivation.   For example, Coorg Oranges, Nagapur Oranges, Khasi Oranges, Imported Oranges  etc. These fruits vary in color, texture, size and taste.  Colour of the Oranges vary from dark green, yellow, orange to  red. Similarly, taste vary from bland, sour, tangy to sweet. 

Orange fruits are very hydrating .Nothing is more refreshing than drinking a fresh glass of Orange juice on a sunny day. It serves as an immediate source of energy too. Oranges are packed with Vitamin C and the fruits are also a source of many other nutrients. 

Most of us love to eat fresh Orange fruits or drink Orange juice. Thereafter, what to with the Orange peels? Those who have access to cattle may add the same to animal food. However, usually in many households, Orange peels are discarded to waste bin.

Orange Peels

Orange peel too has healthy nutrients and it is  as good as the fruit. But, it has bitter taste and a strong aroma, due to which it is very difficult for us to consume as such. However, we could prepare some delicious and healthy dishes using Orange peels. Here are some recipes: 

1. Orange Peel Rasam:

‘Rasam’, the watery soup like preparation is a popular recipe, specifically in South India. This goes very well with steaming rice with a dash of ghee. For many local people, daily meal starts with Rice-Rasam combination. Traditionally, ‘Rasam’ is prepared using lentils, tomato, tamarind, salt, and spices.

There are many variants in ‘Rasam’ formulation. ‘Rasam Powder’ is available in Indian market very easily. This can be prepared fresh at home too. The taste could be moderated from mild to hot, depending on ones choice. ‘Rasam’ could be relished like a hot soup as well. A partial adoption of traditional ‘rasam’ recipe using ‘Orange peels’ requires the following ingredients:

·        Orange Peels : From two Oranges 

·        Tamarind : A lemon sized (10 g)

·        Green Chilles : 3

·        Turmeric powder : A pinch

·        Salt : 1 spoon

·        Rasam powder : 2 spoons

·        Jaggery powder : 2 spoons

·        Water : 3-4 cups 

For Seasoning : Cooking oil : 2 spoons
Mustard Seeds : ½ Spoon
Red Chilly : 1or 2
Curry Leaves : a Few

Preparation method:

1.     Wash and finely chop Orange peels into small pieces. 

2.     Slit Green Chilies and put together.

3.     Put Soak tamarind in water for 10 minutes and squeeze, remove fibrous stuff and keep aside.

4.     Place a thick bottomed vessel in stove and add the ingredients for seasoning. 

5.     When Mustard seeds start spurting, add the chopped Orange peels

6.     Fry in low fame for 2-3 minutes

7.     Add the tamarind juice, jaggery, salt, turmeric powder and rasam powder one after the other..

8.     Add some more water if required to adjust the consistency . 

9.     Adjust the taste as per your choice by adding more salt/jaggery if needed. Let the mixture boil for 2-3 minutes. 

Orange Peel  Rasam

Done! A simple yet aromatic, tangy ‘Orange Peel Rasam’ is ready to savor with hot rice. Since this rasam has a combined taste of bitterness, sweet, sour, salt and spices too, it tastes very good, tickling taste buds, especially during cold or fever . Citrus food is good to relive cold and cough anyway!

This rasam can be prepared using peels of other fruits of citrus category as well. Eg: Lemon Moosambi, Tangerine, Citron etc.

2. Orange Peel Tea 

Orange Peel Tea could be one more herbal tea recipe for those who like try different flavors of ‘black tea’. Recipe is too simple. Just boil a glass of water along with half spoon of tea leaves of your choice. Add a piece of Orange peel too while boiling. Filter and sip hot tea with ‘citrus’ flavor!

If required add lemon juice and sugar to enhance the taste.

Orange Peel Tea 

Oranges are available almost through out the year at an affordable price.

So, let us get benefited by this bundle of Vitamin C, by consuming Orange fruits or juice and then using the peels too, appropriately.


Hemamala.B

03 January 2020 

Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya

Double Decker Root  Bridge , at Nongriat, Meghalaya

During November 2019,  I had visited Meghalaya, along with a group of trekkers from Mysore. It was a wonderful trek amidst lush green forest, crossing many rivulets on foot, walking through suspension bridges, listening to chirping of birds, looking at mesmerizing ravines…. wonderful.

There are many living root bridges in Meghalaya. The one in the picture is the Double Decker Root Bridge at Nogriat village. Living Root Bridges are created by guiding and manipulating the young roots of Indian Rubber tree (Ficas Elastica), across a rivulet as the opportunity guides itself. Over a period of 15 years the roots grow and get intertwined forming a stable bridge. Local Khasi tribe people had been designing such living root bridges since many years.

Do you enjoy spending a day in lush green forest, which is absolutely free from pollution? Here is the right place… This is a trekker’s paradise. Get ready with a pair of trekking shoes, a backpack with necessary food items and drinking water too. Though there are very few small shops here and there, it is better to carry packed lunch.

Direction  board displayed  at Tyrna Village 

Starting point at Tyrna Village 

Steps towards Double Decker Root bridge 

Suspension bridge, on the way to Nongriat village, Meghalaya  

Suspension bridge, on the way to Nongriat village, Meghalaya  

Standing proudly on the Double Decker root bridge at Nongriat, on 11 Nov 2019

Cap, sunglasses and raincoats are optional . Yes, it may rain at any time in this area, throughout the year, being closer to Chirapunji, the highest rainfall area in India. Walk slowly and carefully, there are appr. 3700 steps to descend. It is picturesque trekking trail.

Root map to visit Double Decker Root at Nogriat:

Reach ‘Shillong’ the capital of Meghalaya , which is well connected by other states. Book a taxi to Tyrna village, which is appr. 75 km from Shillong. Tyrna is a small picturesque village. We get home stay accommodation and food here . From here, Nongriat village is 3.5 Km away. To reach Nongriat, we need to walk a stretch, descend appr. 3700 steps and cross few suspension bridges. It is bit tiring, but worth the experience, for those who love nature.

Food and accommodation :
It is better to book accommodation in Shillong for a comfortable stay. However, if someone wants to have the experience of staying in a remote village, home stay facilities are available at Tyrna and Nogriat villages, providing basic facilities. Food is mainly non-vegetarian. Yet, vegetarians too could get rice, dal, roti etc

Other places of interest :
There are many spectacular waterfalls, view points and limestone caves that attract tourists in Meghalaya. 4-5 days of stay in Meghalaya is ideal for visiting covering all these places.  Also, those interested could visit Kamakhya temple , Balaji temple and Umananada Temple in Guwahati , enroute Meghalaya.

 

Hemamala.B
Mysore

31/12/2019