Castling At Tsemo

Descending back we took a planned break at Tsemo castle on a by-road which actually continues onto a craggy hill ridge, known as Namgyal hill. On the peak of this hill is perched Tsemo Castle. Although in a severe dilapidated state, one corner structure appears intact. Castle is flanked on its southwest by an old Gompa which is uninhabited but a foreign tourist informed us that a monk from Sankar Gompa lights up the ‘Gon`Khang’ twice a day. Parking the bike, we literally clambered to the top for there was no formal track but the effort paid its dividends for we were gifted with an enchanting view of the Leh valley starting right at the base of the hill. We had a consummate view of the valley. It seemed like I am standing on a very high platform and commanding whatever below. There were a whole bunch of agricultural fields on our right skirted by the Shanti Stupa and down towards Indus by the Spitok Gompa.

Boundaries of agricultural fields were lined by the Poplar and other trees. The township below looked like a maze of mud-brick and concrete interspersed with streaks symbolizing narrow lanes and stretched as far as Indus. Almost every part of town was visible. Snow-capped peaks gave the perfect backdrop to the view. Fluttering prayer flags hanging on several lengthy strings made a tempting veil to the town view. There were many young foreigner couples enjoying the view, the wind and each other’s company ;~) By the way, Tsemo means ‘red’ in Ladakhi language.

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