There are other myths and legends in the Nubra, the Panamik pond for example. A tear-drop shaped body of water surrounded on all sides by low-rising hillocks, the Panamik pond has its own myth. As local beliefs go, the fortunate can see a reflection of the famed Potala Palace of Lhasa in its waters. Another belief is that whoever completes a parikrama (perambulation) of the pond and makes a wish will have it granted. Besides the myth, this water body is worth seeing, especially either in the early mornings or in the evenings. It certainly is a nice little walk, with a few trees along the bank providing the shade for a little shut-eye or sing-song and with numerous cairns peppering the path and the surrounding hillocks. Though the hillocks are visible from the main road, it will take an experienced driver to tell that there is a pond hidden among them. Panamik is also well know for its hot springs.

Today, Nubra's only link to the outside world lies through the Khardung La, the highest motoroable pass in the world; from salt to oil, everything comes through Leh. Once a connecting Valley between Yarkand and Central Asia, today, the Nubra has become a dead end. With every one talking about opening the routes along the Line of Control (LoC), the locals in the Nubra Valley are anxious to see the reopening of the old Silk Route. From Sasoma, the northern most village in the Nubra to the Karakoram Pass, there is a track even today, which was used by the traders and travelers in the old days. Today, it would take anywhere between 4 to 7 days if one has to trek from Sasoma to the Karakoram Pass.

It is time, that the Governments of India and China consider re-opening this route. The closure of this axis has not only shut down a famed route, but a glorious part of history and culture of two great civilizations. And that is the contemporary anomaly of a historical beauty.

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