Question
The author's experience at Hor was in stark contrast to earlier accounts of the place.
Solution
According to the author, Hor was a grim, miserable place. The town sat on the shore of Mansarovar. However, there was no vegetation, just dust and rocks. A Japanese monk who had arrived there in 1900 was moved by the sanctity of the lake and burst into tears. Some years later, Sven Hedin, who wasn't prone to sentimental outbursts, experienced the similar effect.
