Gaddi, Summer camp on Lingti, beyond Bara Lacha La. A young man wearing a tweed ‘chola’ is churning butter in a sheepskin. Note the kitchen utensils, another sheepskin sack, and the hookah. A homespun blanket is drying on the wall. Pile of dried roots for fuel.
We met Dorze’s mother along the way at a village beyond Testha. She is wearing traditional headdress, with ear pieces and cloak made of goat and sheep skin.. Tall stepfather has a traditional spoon hanging from his waist. Another man is pouring chang from a kettle to welcome us. Men and children are wearing traditional hats.
Zanskar. Johnny on a bridge. In August 1975, my brother Johnny Noble, Kranti & I went to Zanskar (I was 3 or 4 months pregnant with Rahul). Chamba & Dorze, both Zanskaris, came with us. We went via the Baralacha-La (Pass), 16,000 ft & the Phitse-La, 17,000 ft. We camped at Testha village, home to Dorze & his wife. And then after Padam on (Zanskar HQ) to Karsha village, home to Chamba. After that we crossed the Pensi La & left Zanskar via Kargil town & on to Kashmir.
