It was only 48 hours ago that we were negotiating the busy streets of Pahar Ganj, New Delhi. Now with the sights and sounds of city life already pushed to the recesses of our memories, we exchanged rickshaws for ponies and were about to embark on one our most challenging travel adventures yet.
Our seven day trek in the Himalayas in pictures…
And so it began…
The mountain ponies all saddled up with our supplies for the next seven days – including food, water, and cooking and camping equipment.
The only way is up…
Break time…
Ponymen…
The rocky ascent… Having your body lean back to a horizontal position while the pony used its strength to leap up the steep inclines while its hooves slid around trying to gain footing was frightening at times. Especially in sections where the gap between their hooves and the cliff face was literally a matter of centimeters. All we could do was place all our faith in these amazing creatures, and they didn’t fail us.
What do you eat for dinner thousands of meters above sea level? Fresh trout when you can get it!
Room with a view. Base camp one…
Mountain goats…
Worth the effort…
Gorgeous lake..
We’ve reached glaciers!
One of the ponymen was nicknamed “Michael Jackson” for his dancing abilities. At night, he’d dance around the fire.
Dancing with Michael Jackson…
What do you do when there’s no trout? Chicken curry…lots of chicken curry. With no way to keep food fresh on the journey, a box of live chickens was carried up with us.
Melted snow is painfully freezing. I finally understood what Jack was saying in the movie Titanic when he says the water will hit you like “a thousand knives”.
Out for a walk around the lake with the ponymen at our highest camping location…
With the river crossings unbearably cold, one of the ponymen carried me on the return journey… :)
By the lake that everyone had been talking about since we set out…teeming with trout.
The chickens were let out of the box at camp. Don’t make the mistake of naming them…it makes curry night all the more difficult…
Magnificent sunset…
Another stunning lake…
How small we are against the imposing heights of Mother Nature…
Mountain flocks….
Breakfast…
Saddling up for the return journey. It had been six days of trekking until this point. We were about to make the entire descent in one day. Long day ahead…
All packed up and ready to go…
Views like these made days of altitude sickness worth it.
Like this post? Read about the journey that got us here.
Mavis
Sunday 31st of March 2013
The sights are jaw-droppingly gorgeous!!!
Jessica Korteman
Sunday 31st of March 2013
Thanks, Mavis! It's a little piece of paradise, isn't it! Definitely recommend the Indian Himalayas. Amazing scenery everywhere you turn!
vwlovers
Thursday 25th of October 2012
how on earth did you get down in one day but it took 6 days to get up there? did you go a different route?
Jessica Korteman
Monday 29th of October 2012
I know, it sounds impossible, right?! We did take the same route down but each day of trekking we didn't always go further away from where we began. We would trek every day but we only set up camp in three places. So we would spend one day getting to the camping spot where we would spend the night. Then on the second day we would go hiking further up a particular peak but then would return to the same camp. We'd then set out for our next camp the following morning. So essentially it took us three days to reach the elevation we were at when we started the descent. So the descent was about three days worth of trekking in one (rather than six in one). It's quicker to descend for starters and we just had a REALLY long final day! :)
Joanne Greenway
Thursday 4th of October 2012
Absolutely breath-taking scenery... and I like that the chickens got to run around and enjoy it before they became dinner :)
Jessica Korteman
Monday 29th of October 2012
Thanks, Jo! At least their final moments were in a place as beautiful as that.
Liz Picking
Tuesday 25th of September 2012
Once again Jess & Hai you didn't disappoint! Once again I held my breath at every printed word & outstanding views shared The only thing is that you have left me wanting for more. Maybe abit more insight on the evenings around the campfire and the Ponymen's life at home, although I do understand how exhausted you guys would have been at each days end. Outstanding and thank you for making my ordinary trip into town on a crowded train a great escape & bearable Ha!
adinparadise
Tuesday 25th of September 2012
Oh wow! This is such a wonderful post. That sunset is magnificent, and Michael Jackson looks like a lot of fun. I had a giggle at the 'Jony Walker' box for the chickens. :)
Jessica Korteman
Thursday 27th of September 2012
Thank you! There were certainly great views and company! Yes, the 'Jony Walker' box... :) Funnily enough, Jony Walker is a brand of mineral water in India hahaha