In late July, Lori and I had a chance to take a week long trek through the Himalayas. We flew into the city of Leh in the Ladakh region of North India on a Saturday morning and from there I kept a 'micro journal' - one word and one photo to accompany each day.
Yes, even one day into the trek, Lori and I needed to reach deep down and find our determined spirits. It doesn't take too much for us to do that, we can both be stubborn and determined people. I think that is what we love about each other and what can drive us crazy. Two perfectionists in a pod. We had a crew (with ponies) to carry our stuff and a guide to lead the way. All we basically needed to do was walk - and yet, we still had our work cut out for us. High elevation, various weather climates and a difficult and rocky terrain.
Day 1 - Rest
Recently someone at work mentioned the importance of "taking rest when your body is tired". As logical as this concept is, I do not think it is often followed as much as it should be. Especially from a western lifestyle perspective. I started this trip exhausted and was looking forward to doing exactly what my body was asking for - rest.
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| A view from our Guesthouse in Leh |
Recently someone at work mentioned the importance of "taking rest when your body is tired". As logical as this concept is, I do not think it is often followed as much as it should be. Especially from a western lifestyle perspective. I started this trip exhausted and was looking forward to doing exactly what my body was asking for - rest.
Day 2 - Spiritual
In the city of Leh, there are many Tibetan refugees. The majority of the population is Buddhist (nearly 80%) and there is a strong spiritual energy throughout the town. Many prayer flags line the streets, a temple sits at the top of town overlooking the valley and in general a it is a very warm and welcoming culture. Lori and I took the second day of our trip to continue acclimating to the altitude of over 3500 meters (this is compared to the less than 1000 meters of Bangalore and less than 300 meters of Minneapolis). We walked around the town and took a 'day trek' up to the temple which sits on top of the town, showcasing the best view of the city.
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| Leh Palace (Buddhist Temple behind to the right) |
In the city of Leh, there are many Tibetan refugees. The majority of the population is Buddhist (nearly 80%) and there is a strong spiritual energy throughout the town. Many prayer flags line the streets, a temple sits at the top of town overlooking the valley and in general a it is a very warm and welcoming culture. Lori and I took the second day of our trip to continue acclimating to the altitude of over 3500 meters (this is compared to the less than 1000 meters of Bangalore and less than 300 meters of Minneapolis). We walked around the town and took a 'day trek' up to the temple which sits on top of the town, showcasing the best view of the city.
Day 3 - Explore
Ahhhh. Two days of rest and fully (or close to) acclimated to 3500+ meters. Lets do this Himalayas, bring it. Lori and I were packed up and ready at 6:30 a.m. to take on a 5 day trek through the Markha Valley.
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| Rested and ready to go! |
Ahhhh. Two days of rest and fully (or close to) acclimated to 3500+ meters. Lets do this Himalayas, bring it. Lori and I were packed up and ready at 6:30 a.m. to take on a 5 day trek through the Markha Valley.
Day 4 - Determination
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| Attempting to capture the beauty of Markha Valley |
Yes, even one day into the trek, Lori and I needed to reach deep down and find our determined spirits. It doesn't take too much for us to do that, we can both be stubborn and determined people. I think that is what we love about each other and what can drive us crazy. Two perfectionists in a pod. We had a crew (with ponies) to carry our stuff and a guide to lead the way. All we basically needed to do was walk - and yet, we still had our work cut out for us. High elevation, various weather climates and a difficult and rocky terrain.
Day 5 - Light
On the fifth day of our trip, Lori and I were getting a bit tired and run down. This trek was known as a 'moderate to challenging' level of difficulty. And challenging it was at times. Nonetheless, we kept moving. One thing that helped me were the countless photo ops. Everything was incredibly picturesque. By focusing on capturing the breathtaking views through taking photos, I was able to keep my mind away from the physical challenges of the trek itself. Lori and I recently took a photo class with some friends in Bangalore. We learned the basics of the camera, how to stay away from flash/auto settings and how good light helped in taking great photographs. We were lucky to have great views and amazing light each day.
Day 6 - Sight
Another long day of trekking...we were averaging about 8-9 hours per day by this point. As mentioned, the photography was a huge help in preoccupying my mind versus thinking of being tired or weak. Another game I started to play was pretending we were in the Olympics (Lori was not a fan of this one). We had met some great people, from around the world - France, Austria, Slovenia and England. I quickly found out, the French are amazing trekkers. Somehow, each day (no matter how early us eager Americans left camp) the French would come in first. I wanted to take my time, enjoy the views and not push it too hard. But I also wanted to win. I mean, come on, its the gold at stake here!
Day 7 - Finish
The second to last day of the trek, we were scheduled to reach the summit. 5130 meters. Lori and I were tired, but we were feeling fairly good. We were the first to leave camp and made a great start. Our goal was to take our time. We didn't want to push it too hard and we had all day to accomplish our goal of reaching the top. In all seriousness, we were not trying to 'win' however I did start to realize we were not being passed up, even by those speedy French. By the time the peak was in sight, I started to realize what may happen. The gold may be ours. And it was. A freezing cold victory.
Day 8 - Home
I love to get away and disconnect. I don't wear a watch, I shut off all technology and fully reset and recharge. Its a great way to clear my mind and refresh. However, even after a great vacation; a week on a beach, a week in the mountains, wherever or whatever it is; its great to return home.
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| Look real close to see a house with a view (top left peak) |
On the fifth day of our trip, Lori and I were getting a bit tired and run down. This trek was known as a 'moderate to challenging' level of difficulty. And challenging it was at times. Nonetheless, we kept moving. One thing that helped me were the countless photo ops. Everything was incredibly picturesque. By focusing on capturing the breathtaking views through taking photos, I was able to keep my mind away from the physical challenges of the trek itself. Lori and I recently took a photo class with some friends in Bangalore. We learned the basics of the camera, how to stay away from flash/auto settings and how good light helped in taking great photographs. We were lucky to have great views and amazing light each day.
Day 6 - Sight
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| Glacier Reflection |
Another long day of trekking...we were averaging about 8-9 hours per day by this point. As mentioned, the photography was a huge help in preoccupying my mind versus thinking of being tired or weak. Another game I started to play was pretending we were in the Olympics (Lori was not a fan of this one). We had met some great people, from around the world - France, Austria, Slovenia and England. I quickly found out, the French are amazing trekkers. Somehow, each day (no matter how early us eager Americans left camp) the French would come in first. I wanted to take my time, enjoy the views and not push it too hard. But I also wanted to win. I mean, come on, its the gold at stake here!
Day 7 - Finish
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| I'm still waiting for the Olympic Committee to send us our Gold Medal |
The second to last day of the trek, we were scheduled to reach the summit. 5130 meters. Lori and I were tired, but we were feeling fairly good. We were the first to leave camp and made a great start. Our goal was to take our time. We didn't want to push it too hard and we had all day to accomplish our goal of reaching the top. In all seriousness, we were not trying to 'win' however I did start to realize we were not being passed up, even by those speedy French. By the time the peak was in sight, I started to realize what may happen. The gold may be ours. And it was. A freezing cold victory.
Day 8 - Home
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| Relax and recharge complete. |
I love to get away and disconnect. I don't wear a watch, I shut off all technology and fully reset and recharge. Its a great way to clear my mind and refresh. However, even after a great vacation; a week on a beach, a week in the mountains, wherever or whatever it is; its great to return home.
What an awesome experience this must have been! Love the photos....
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I have always dreamed of seeing The Himalaya. Thanks for letting me experience it vicariously thru your journal!
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