The Lake of Heaven
There are tourist developments around the front of the lake, such as hotels,
restaurants and holiday villages of Kazak tents. However, I quickly left them
behind and I found myself walking alone along a rocky trail towards the head of
the lake. Occasional tourist boats were the only reminders of the modern world.
To the head of the lake
Frequently I stopped to admire the view. Beautiful yellow and red-leafed
trees contrasted with the dark brooding pine forests. Across from me steep-sided
v-shaped valleys ended as great fans of grey stones sweeping down to the
waters.
The lake level had dropped as the streams had very little water
because this was autumn. Most snow melting happens in late spring when the lake
fills up.
The path led round a rocky headland, which involved a precarious scramble up
to, and along a ledge above the lake. I had to edge my way carefully around
jagged rocks, squeeze through tight spaces and sometimes retrace my steps when I
found no way forward.
Back on the stony shore I reached a tree-lined bay. Three herders' tents sat
beside a stream. Sheep grazed on a meadow where the grass was already turning
brown after a summer of almost continual sunshine.
|
E-Mail
This Article 
Print
Friendly Format 