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The great 12 day trek...
Entry 6 of 20 | show all | print this entry |
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Well hello all - we're back from a fabulous if not at times hairy 12 days of roughing it in the Himalayas. What an amazing experience.
We set off from Manali to Bir via a tiny little isolated village called Bara Bangal on the 8th October. 2 intrepid adventurers, 1 guide, 1 cook, 1 pony man and four very jumpy ponies. The ponies offered our first insight to Indian trekking - with appropriately named "Bully" bucking all our food and kitchen ware within the first 5 minutes. Well we thought - we've all got a long day ahead lets not spoil it by being bad tempered and getting upset. However by the time dear "Bully" had bucked her load for the 6th time, and still neither the guide or cook were saying too much (not to mention we were still only about 1 hour outside of Manali! and every egg, bottle and utensil was unrecognisable) We proclaimed "ENOUGH"!!!.After a few stern words and some sensible suggestions to the 3 staff, things worked out wonderfully.
Our trek took us along a Gadi shepherd trail; to one of the most remote parts of the Indian Himalayas - tenting it all the way with no tea houses or inviting warm cottages to stay in. A massive benefit of this was we saw virtually nobody - not even a Gadi shepherd on our journey into the valley of Bara Bangal or out of it - what a joy in a country where over 1 billion people live!
The trail included two passes, the first at 4,800 metres
and the second was around 5'000 metres
. Two beautiful snow capped passes at this time of year. Walking through snow up to our knees was gruelling at times but rewarding when seeing the views at the top, not to mention tasting the cook, Shamu's, tradtional India Chai at the end of the day. At the top of each pass we went "Hindu" and witnesses our three men performing their tradtional rituals to the Gods with food, song and incence.
The Village of Bara Bangal was a step back in time. The villagers were all fascinated by Grant taking their picture and then showing them their image on his camera preview screen.
All were very friendly and interested seeing these white outsiders in their midst. Considering it is a minimum three day walk in either direction, and we were one of the last parties to pass through before the winter snows they were all a little nervous about us attempting the Thamsar pass-we were too of course.
By day 6 without a shower and some rather cold nights, Sarah started to wilt a little. Fortunately Grant's ability to provide chocolate when needed, not to mention his capable mountain and trekking capabilities kept her going. We both did superbly well and are relishing in now having a shower and not having to eat rice and Dahl every night.
After such an adventure we will now be based in Mcleod Ganj, home of the Dalai Lama and Tibetan buddhism in India. We will be doing some yoga, having massages, spending time with the refugees and preparing for our travels to the hot province of Rajasthan in a week's time.
No more hairy moments now that we have lost the ponies and Grant has had a serious hair cut and shave. We are also now gifted with 15 words of hindi. The most applicable is diere, diere (slowly, Slowly) we have found particular use of this when in a taxi!!
Sending much love to you all and a Namaste greeting from the Himalayas
Sarah and Grant
Latest Comments (4)
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pavin (reply)
Nov 4, 2006 06:00 EST by pavin
Hello Darlings
Trip sounds too divine for words.. Am sure your first anniversary was very special. Lots of very special love and congrats... you were in our thoughts all day long... Please also check regular e-mail address. Take care and have fun.. We miss you lots. Pavin
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Happy Anniversary! (reply)
Oct 28, 2006 14:09 EST by zoecrowder
Hello Lovelies!
I hope you are having a wonderful anniversary full of memories from a year ago and full of wonders at where you are now! I'm really enjoying your news - can you add Ian to it somehow? ipm96@yahoo.com
All is well at Wimbledon Castle, your post is making it's own small mountain and i haven't yet burdened you with a compost bin!!! Your Mum very kindly popped in whil... show all
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Happy Wedding Anniversary-29th Oct. (reply)
Oct 23, 2006 07:10 EST by benjie
Dearest Grant and Sas,All love and may many kissess and wishes for your special day my thoughts will be with you as I fly to Scotland.Me in the air and you in Your Luxury Tent!! As I write it is a beautiful sunny day in Autumn and Iwonder if you have left Dharmsala Area?Your house is fine Much rain has done the garden some good.Lots of love Keep safe. Mum /Mama Gill.
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HI DARLINGS (reply)
Oct 20, 2006 18:07 EST by pavin
Hello Darling Grant and Sas
WOW what a start to your trip. Sure beats bundu bashing in the Lowveld. So off the beaten track.
Delighted that you are now relaxing and enjoying the pampering.
We shall look forward to the next instalment. Hope this isn't a repeat of our message - don't know whether I got it off to you last time.
Love and hugs from both of us.
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