Holidaying in thudam:

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Thudam Map Photo credit: Internet


I spent a day in Thudam which I dedicated for some hygiene after several days of travel unaware of next such opportunity. It was a bright sunny day so I washed my clothes and later myself.

My SLR camera already indicated no battery. I was taking photos at lighting speed and with good caution. My Electrical Engineering fundas became more clear as the locals said that I can’t charge my camera batteries with the Solar panels with out Inverter. And the owner of the house that had only Generator which was meant for playing DVDs of Bollywood films went to Chemthang for “Millet” which they would use to prepare “Chang: local beer”.

The children and Adults looked very untidy and beautiful. Though there was no scarcity of firewood as they had not serious reservations about the conservation of Environment, global warming was far too away near – Kyoto protocol. They were spared of all this and having a great time with what ever nature gave them. They were more concerned in survival and basic needs.

Meanwhile my guide who agreed to show me the route to Walung chung gola through a high pass adjacent to Lumba samba peak had serious plans of changing his mind. Sonam arranged his friend to take me over the pass leading to walungchung gola. His friend though agreed initially on the prospect of decent wages, later had some constraints as his wife was not too keen on sending him over the high pass as the winter is approaching and there can be snowfall any time on high passes. I told him that we don’t have to spend more days. We cross the pass and reach walungchung gola on same day and he can return next day. After lot of coaxing and giving some medicines to his wife and children, his wife agreed send him.

I was dreaming of visiting Umbak la another pass on the Nepal – Tibet border about half day walk from thudam. But upon seeing the reaction his wife, I restrained myself.

I sauntered around the village and played with the children for some time. I was the object of play for the children. My tent attracted them so much. They were always around that which worried me if they take any thing which is very essential for me. So I put forwards my concern to their parents to which they obliged.

Later Sonam’s friends’ neighbour approached me asking for any medicine for tooth ache. When I enquired further his wife has been suffering from tooth problem (which they attributed to some demon) for sometime and her gums were swollen. She was in very dire state. She was affected with fever was well. I gave the medicines – cambiflam and another antibiotic I was carrying. My supplies were also almost getting emptied as I kept parting with these medicines along most of the villages. Though I need them very much for my future travels, the thought that no help can reach these places bothered me and I couldn’t resist to part with them.

After this I found a few more approaching me. I felt sad that I couldn’t do much for them. Later another man came who was hurt by an irate Yak came. It attacked him with the horns. His hand fingers were split (between middle finger & wrist). I gave him soframycin and bandage. Told him keep the wound dry as much as possible ad keep massaging so that the fingers wouldn’t be in bent shape or loose the structure.

Not many of them speak Nepalese. They don’t speak Sherpa language either. Several settlements have their own languages. Some of them travel to lower valleys for trading. These people learn some of the Nepalese vocabulary. I had my own version of – Nepal in 21days (Similar to that of Java in 21days).

I saw a old lady weaving the wool preparing some winter wear. I kept amusing at the life style of the people and the future of the kids. They posed paradox for me. Should they be brought in sync with the world I came from /belong to which is proclaims to be highly advanced and constantly in search of happiness. They were happy there!