Ancient Camping Site Dating 8500 BC Discovered By ASI On The Way To Saser La to Ladakh at 14,000 Feet Above Sea Level

Tag : Camping, Ladakh, Saser La

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), under ministry of culture has discovered an ancient camping site dating ninth millennium BC on the way to Saser La which leads to the Karakoram Pass in Ladakh. Dr. S.B. Ota, joint director general was exploring the Nubra valley during 2015-16. He observed both the sides of the hill and valley while gradually climbing along the Saser stream. He noticed a section exposed due to road construction after covering a distance of about 22 km.  He immediately stopped to explore the place.

In a picturesque setting, it is an ideal place for camping. Dry barren land with loose rocks all around with a small flat area with snow-covered peaks on one extreme and gushing stream within the deep western gorges, it is applicable for trekking.

In order to understand the antiquity of the above stated camp-site, a charcoal sample collected from the Site, was subsequently sent to BETA LAB, Florida, USA, for radiocarbon date determination. The outcome, i.e., 8500 BC (10500 years before present) was beyond even ASI’s expectation.

In order to assess the probabilities of further archaeological research, a team of ASI officials including D.G. and Dr. Ota, Joint D.G. and other experts inspected the site in the month of July 2016. During this visit, more charcoal samples and associated bones were collected.

From lower part, two of the charcoal samples and other two sample deposits were sent for dating. It provided new radiocarbon dates of c. 8500 BC and c. 7300 BC. The earlier dates got confirmed with these dates. Also, new dates also indicate repeated human activity at this camping site for about eight hundred years.  Prof P.P. Joglekar of Deccan Collage, Pune, has shown the presence of Gorel and Yak, carried out the preliminary studies of charred bones collected.

The question regards the quest’s site continues. They carried out research that proved the antiquity and nature of human activities to an extent, but their camping patterns, extent of camping area, tools and other cultural aspects are yet to be identified. Proper archaeological excavations and explorations are being planned by the ASI to deal with these issues. It will not be an easy job to undertake these works in such a rugged terrain at an altitude around 14000 feet, with low oxygen and no habitation. But for those who work with passion, these are the added attractions for them.

Source: Press Information Bureau.

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