Tag: Trekking

Mountains

Kiagar Ri and its wintry coattails…  

Kiagar Ri peak, Changthang, Ladakh, India

The author embarks on a winter trek to the Kiagar Ri peak in Ladakh, drawn by the allure of solitude in a region often crowded during summer. The journey begins with acclimatisation in Leh, amidst snow-covered landscapes, before proceeding to Korzok village, where the harsh cold of winter is palpable. Despite the challenges posed by extreme temperatures, altitude sickness, and a few group members dropping out, the trek continues. After persevering through difficult conditions, the author finally reaches the summit, experiencing a profound sense of achievement. The trek concludes with a return to Leh, filled with memories of the arduous yet rewarding adventure.

Mountains

Fire and ice – a pore on twilight…

Fire and ice - sunset over Himalayan giants

Fire and ice atop stoic summits is an intriguing interplay, for the fire doesn’t burn and the ice tends to warm… the light is forever in flux while the ice is a statis in perpetuity… twixt the two, the notions of time stand flummoxed… dawn and dusk, both extremities bestowed with a benevolent sun, one …

Nature

Pikas and their peekaboo 

Pikas of Himalaya: Large-eared pika

Pikas bring a sense of activity to the higher climes, weaving a string of momentariness around rocks brooding in geological time… perpetually restive in their disposition as they scurry, stop and shirk, manicuring the meadows with their hurried nibbles, carving abodes beneath taluses… humbled by the mountain, yet humbling it as well… musing on a long-eared pika, Markha valley, Ladakh, India