The recent order by Himachal Pradesh government to allow entry of tourists has put the locals and travellers in a divide. Is this a well thought out move or a case of ‘haste makes waste’? … More Why opening Himachal for Tourism is a bad call for now
I dream of Mountains; vivid, fiery and alive, they come to me in my deepest slumber as an energetic arousal manifesting it’s will of expressing what’s been buried inside me. In psychoanalytic perspective, mountain dreams represent solving important life issues. You can take cue in interpreting what they imply. A few Pointers. Climbing up the mountain … More Come dream on high of a Mountain
Coming from a Hindu family, I grew up listening to stories of the mighty Shiva, the God from Mt. Kailas in the Himalayan mountains, who was the destroyer of all suffering. He was a God who, when outraged, would open up his ‘third eye’ and cause devastation to the entire Universe. This was enough to capture my imagination. It was not hard to see him in the mountains and be lured to the ‘fairytale’ and the mysticism behind it. … More Chasing Shiva: The connection with Peripheral God & Himalayas
Today is 144th Birth Anniversary of Nicholas Roerich. A brilliant Russian painter, writer, archaeologist, theosophist, a philosopher who gave the world some of the best forms of canvas paintings themed on the Himalayas. … More Remembering Nicholas Roerich and his steller Himalayan Artwork
Ama Dablam is a technical mountain but, with the use of fixed ropes, it is within the realm of mere mortals. But you still need to have a few things covered to have any realistic chance for summit glory. … More 10 things to consider before climbing Ama Dablam
Good books on the Himalayas are hard to find. Books pertaining to the Himalayan inquisition are either not in circulation or come with a hefty price tag. Luckily The Himalayan Club Library in Mumbai comes to the rescue. … More How to find best books on the Himalayas to read
This winter season, Uttarakhand Forest Officials set out to protect the state wildlife by bringing in camping regulations. The latest being withdrawal of permission to camp inside Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary. Is this going to help or just a knee jerk reaction? We investigate. … More Why restriction in camping at Deoriatal-Chandrashila trek a good call by Forest Department
We take no pride in listing 5 Himalayan Treks we lost to the bogarting presence of Guided Trekking Companies in 2016. We give a perspective of what Independent Backpackers feel about the overt commercialization of trekking in India. Read on. … More 5 amazing treks we lost to Guided Trekking Companies in 2016
Vey few know the tale of a mourning ‘Chau Chau’, the fiery Spitian Fairy Princess. The most beloved Mountain in Spiti has an interesting folklore only the locals know about. … More The forgotten heart-wrenching tale of the Spitian fairy princess
“The Hills have eyes”. At over 14,500 feet, frolicking kids exchanging innocent banter is a common sight. In a place where time stands still, the careless shenanigans add spark to a primordial lifestyle. The voraciousness and tenacity of these young angels is a spectacle to behold. In my recent visit to Spiti, I saw a few children that caught my immediate attention. There was so much I saw and heard that warmed the cockles of my heart. Watching the kids get on with their curious ways gave so much joy. I could feel the child in me wanting to live those golden years again. … More 3 picture stories of Children of Spiti that will make your heart melt
WANDER THE HIMALAYAS 