With a Germanic looking Aryan at Dah
The Aryans spoke in Aryan language which was distinct from Ladakhi. The basic numerals sounded closer to Greco-German.
- One=A
- Two=DU
- Three=TRA
- Four=CHOR
- Five=PONCH
- Six=SHA
- Seven=SAT
- Eight=ONSH
- Nine=NUE
- Ten=DIS
The next week, I trekked to the other Aryan villages including Baldes, Samit, Garkun, Darchik and Hanu. The population of these Brok-pa Aryans could not number more than a few thousands. But the surprising fact is that they have maintained their racial purity over 5000 years and continue to practice nature worship in one of the most hostile terrains at altitudes above 15000 feet, subsisting on a vegan diet. Music and dance are a way of life for these Aryans. Both men and women wear colourful traditional costumes, decorating their hair with colourful flowers (as seen in accompanying photograph) and are full of joie de vivre. They live in harmony with nature, are cheerful and stress free inspite of living in small rock shelters. Both men and women trek long distances. Almonds, apricots and walnuts are part of their diet along with endless cups of black tea fortified with barley flour. The weather in September is pleasantly cold, though temperatures in January can plummet to -20 degrees.