-
Pilgrimage to the source of the Ganges – Narrative
Uttarakhand, Gangotri, India Indian mythology In Indian mythology, the Ganges River was brought to earth from heaven by a rishi (sage) named Bhagirath. The rishi endured a long penance so that India could have a perennial water source. However, the force of the Ganges was so strong that Shiva had to break her fall on…
-
Burning Ghats, Nepal
Pashupatinath Temple Hindu Death There is one thing that is certain in this lifetime: eventually we all die. In the Ram Ghats death is viewed as a natural aspect of life. A dead adult Hindu is mourned with a cremation, while a dead child is typically buried. The last rites are usually completed within a…
-
Manali to Leh Expedition – Narrative
Himachal Pradesh to Ladakh, India Manali to Leh Expedition Ok, how complicated or adventurous can a simple jeep trip from Manali to Leh be? I wasn’t searching for an overland expedition, just a ride. Actually I had made the trip before, but in the other direction so knew that the route is pretty rugged in…
-
Ride to Lamayuru Monastery
Ladakh, India Lamayuru Ride Lets rent a motorbike and ride to Lamayuru, Cristina stated. I looked up from my eggs on toast breakfast and frowned. She continued to stare at me expectantly while I chewed my toast much longer than necessary. We were in a holding pattern. She was playing the persistent Italian girlfriend and…
-
Search for the Digar La Pass Trek
Ladakh, India The Mysterious Digar La The objective was simple. It was the Nubra Valley to the north of Leh, in Ladakh, India. Actually there were a few details that I neglected to consider. Primarily that there was now a road from Leh to the Nubra that crossed over the highest motorable pass in the…
-
Nubra Valley Ride, India
Ladakh, NW India The Ride While eating a savory roasted chicken plate, I wondered if perhaps today I would finish my meal without having to concede to another outing, especially since Cristina and I were even. I had previously agreed to her Lamayuru request and then she had agreed to my failed attempt at trekking…
-
Pakistan India Border Crossing
War of Plumes Wagah Border Ceremony The lowering of the flags, or the Beating Retreat ceremony at Wagah border near Hussainiwala National Martyrs Memorial, is a daily military practice that the security forces of India (Border Security Force) and Pakistan (Pakistan Rangers) have jointly followed since 1959.[1] The drill is characterized by elaborate and rapid…
-
How To Trek to Nanga Parbat Base Camp, Pakistan
This post will outline how to trek to Nanga Parbat Base Camp, Pakistan. I will provide details that include maps, costs, logistical requirements and facts as well as links to a full written narrative, photos and videos. This is a self-guided adventure on a shoe string. Follow the links to dig deeper into the adventure.…
-
How to Trek in Pakistan for K2 Views
This is how to trek in Pakistan for K2 views. I will provide details that include maps, costs, logistical requirements and facts as well as links to a full written narrative, photos and videos. This is a self-guided adventure on a shoe string. Follow the links to dig deeper into the adventure. Difficulty Level: Photo…
-
Trekking the Markha Valley, Ladakh, India
This is a how to post about Trekking the Markha Valley. I provide details that include maps, costs, logistical requirements and facts as well as links to additional details, photos and videos. This is a self-guided adventure on a shoestring. Follow the narrative links to dig deeper into the adventure. Trekking the Markha Valley or…