Located in the Himalayas of northern India near the border with Tibet, Ladakh is one of the world’s great destinations for alpine trekking. With the promise of pristine landscapes, stunning vistas and the tranquility of trekking through a land far-removed from the distractions of the modern world, Ladakh is well worth traveling halfway around the world to get there. (more…)
Category: India
Kicking Back in Karnataka
After five intense weeks of trekking and travel, we decided it was high time that we reward ourselves with a little downtime to kick back and relax before heading home to Chicago. The only problem is that India is such a huge, diverse country, we were spoiled for choice of interesting places to go. (more…)
Marmot Mania!
Just watch any broadcast of the evening news in the United States, and it’s hard not to think that this country is going to hell in a handbasket. Our government is totally dysfunctional; deadly drought, rampant wildfires and countless other natural disasters plague the continent; and shocking violent acts have pitted policemen against the population they vow to protect. It’s all terribly depressing, isn’t it?
Well, dear readers, in the spirit of misery loving company, we thought you might enjoy knowing that things aren’t much better in the marmot world.
Trekking India’s Incredible Stok Range
“There’s another pass?,” we asked incredulously, as we stood at the top of Stok La (4860 meters/15,940 feet) and stared at the sheer, vermilion-colored wall of rock still ahead of us. Our hearts sank as our gaze followed the narrow footpath climbing vertically at a nerve-wracking angle to the saddle-shaped pass ahead. “You’re kidding, right?” (more…)
Misadventures on the Road from Joshimath to Leh
Ever wonder what’s the best way to cure the hiking blues after finishing an amazing trek? Starting another one, of course!
With so many incredible hiking destinations to choose from in the India Himalayas, we had to take advantage of being halfway around the world and do another trek in this fabulous alpine locale before heading back to Chicago. So, after completing the Nanda Devi Alpine trek, we planned to meet up with friends in Ladakh, a region in the far northern India known as the “roof of the world.” (more…)
Discovering Uttarakhand: India’s Hidden Himalayas
The summer of 2014 was a banner hiking season for us. We’ve already told you about our amazing Wonderland adventure in Mount Rainier National Park, but, believe it or not, that trip was just the icing on the cake. We actually began our hiking adventures in India, of all places. That’s right, India! As soon as school let out, we headed to India’s Uttarakhand, where we spent 11 glorious days trekking in the foothills of the Himalayas. (more…)