Yak 



57 



As a compensation for its arid and desolate nature, the rock-scenery of 

 parts of the yak-country in Ladak is probably uns,urpassed in the world for 

 brilliancy of coloration. When to this is added the presence of a large sheet 

 of water like the Pangkong lake, the whole effect is magnificent. Taking 

 his stand at the north-western extremity of the lake at Lukung, the 

 traveller has for foreground a smooth beach ot dazzling white sand, beyond 

 which lies the broad expanse of the clear blue water of the mighty lake ; 



c^- : _r_ 



Fi(i. lo. — un.mira^ wiui 'Vak-. Ituiu Da) 



op, I I l/l tit. Ill^llcl/uil ',J kiUl.lliu 



while, on either side, there rise rugged cliffs of brilliantly coloured slaty 

 rocks. The contrast of the v/hite beach, blue water, and many-coloured 

 bare rocks, shimmering in the dazzling light of the midday sun, has lelt 

 on my memory an impression never to be forgotten. 



Yak are in the habit of wandering for considerable distances ; and during 

 the daytime are accustomed to repose on some steep and barren hillside, 

 whence they can obtain a good view of the country. Their feeding-times, 

 in Ladak at any rate, are chietiy the early mornings and evenings. Water 



