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A Photo Essay: The Himalayan Trek

Asia/Oceania · September 25, 2012

This post may contain compensated links. See our Terms of Use for full disclosure.

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…

Himalayas, Kashmir, India, hiking, trekking, climbing
And so it began…
Himalayas, Kashmir, India, hiking, trekking, climbing
The mountain ponies all saddled up with our supplies for the next seven days – including food, water, and cooking and camping equipment.
Himalayas, Kashmir, India, hiking, trekking, climbing
The only way is up…

 

Himalayas, Kashmir, India, hiking, trekking, climbing
Break time…
Himalayas, Kashmir, India, hiking, trekking, climbing
Ponymen…
Himalayas, Kashmir, India, hiking, trekking, climbing
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.
Himalayas, Kashmir, India, hiking, trekking, climbing
What do you eat for dinner thousands of meters above sea level? Fresh trout when you can get it!
Himalayas, Kashmir, India, hiking, trekking, climbing
Room with a view. Base camp one…

Himalayas, Kashmir, India, hiking, trekking, climbing

Himalayas, Kashmir, India, hiking, trekking, climbing
Mountain goats…
Himalayas, Kashmir, India, hiking, trekking, climbing
Worth the effort…
Himalayas, Kashmir, India, hiking, trekking, climbing
Gorgeous lake..
Himalayas, Kashmir, India, hiking, trekking, climbing
We've reached glaciers!

Himalayas, Kashmir, India, hiking, trekking, climbing

Himalayas, Kashmir, India, hiking, trekking, climbing

Himalayas, Kashmir, India, hiking, trekking, climbing

Himalayas, Kashmir, India, hiking, trekking, climbing

Himalayas, Kashmir, India, hiking, trekking, climbing
One of the ponymen was nicknamed “Michael Jackson” for his dancing abilities. At night, he'd dance around the fire.
Himalayas, Kashmir, India, hiking, trekking, climbing
Dancing with Michael Jackson…
Himalayas, Kashmir, India, hiking, trekking, climbing
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.
Himalayas, Kashmir, India, hiking, trekking, climbing
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”.
Himalayas, Kashmir, India, hiking, trekking, climbing
Out for a walk around the lake with the ponymen at our highest camping location…
Himalayas, Kashmir, India, hiking, trekking, climbing
With the river crossings unbearably cold, one of the ponymen carried me on the return journey… :)

Himalayas, Kashmir, India, hiking, trekking, climbing

Himalayas, Kashmir, India, hiking, trekking, climbing
By the lake that everyone had been talking about since we set out…teeming with trout.
Himalayas, Kashmir, India, hiking, trekking, climbing
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…
Himalayas, Kashmir, India, hiking, trekking, climbing
Magnificent sunset…

Himalayas, Kashmir, India, hiking, trekking, climbing

Himalayas, Kashmir, India, hiking, trekking, climbing
Another stunning lake…
Himalayas, Kashmir, India, hiking, trekking, climbing
How small we are against the imposing heights of Mother Nature…
Himalayas, Kashmir, India, hiking, trekking, climbing
Mountain flocks….
Himalayas, Kashmir, India, hiking, trekking, climbing
Breakfast…
Himalayas, Kashmir, India, hiking, trekking, climbing
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…

Himalayas, Kashmir, India, hiking, trekking, climbing

Himalayas, Kashmir, India, hiking, trekking, climbing
All packed up and ready to go…
Himalayas, Kashmir, India, hiking, trekking, climbing
Views like these made days of altitude sickness worth it.

Like this post? Read about the journey that got us here.

Part One: The Houseboat

Part Two: The Practice Hike

Part Three: The Gypsy Family

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Filed Under: Asia/Oceania Tagged With: India

Jessica Korteman

Jessica Korteman is an Australian travel writer, based in Tokyo, Japan. Never without a pen and paper, you'll most often find her delving into the world of festivals and culture.

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  1. Mavis says

    March 31, 2013 at 11:39 am

    The sights are jaw-droppingly gorgeous!!!

    Reply
    • Jessica Korteman says

      March 31, 2013 at 1:28 pm

      Thanks, Mavis! It’s a little piece of paradise, isn’t it! Definitely recommend the Indian Himalayas. Amazing scenery everywhere you turn!

      Reply
  2. vwlovers says

    October 25, 2012 at 3:48 am

    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?

    Reply
    • Jessica Korteman says

      October 29, 2012 at 4:16 am

      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! :)

      Reply
  3. Joanne Greenway says

    October 4, 2012 at 10:43 am

    Absolutely breath-taking scenery… and I like that the chickens got to run around and enjoy it before they became dinner :)

    Reply
    • Jessica Korteman says

      October 29, 2012 at 4:01 am

      Thanks, Jo! At least their final moments were in a place as beautiful as that.

      Reply
  4. Liz Picking says

    September 25, 2012 at 8:36 pm

    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!

    Reply
  5. adinparadise says

    September 25, 2012 at 5:06 pm

    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. :)

    Reply
    • Jessica Korteman says

      September 27, 2012 at 3:37 pm

      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

      Reply
      • adinparadise says

        September 27, 2012 at 4:07 pm

        Love it! :)

        Reply
  6. Les Petits Pas de Juls says

    September 25, 2012 at 5:03 pm

    Amazing! Makes me want to go! I wanted to before I read or saw your pictures but now, the urge is stronger… when? how? with whom? are the next points to deal with. thanks for the reminder that the adventure is there to be lived. Stunning, yes, stunning pictures! I’m sure you had a wonderful wonderful time! the day we go, may I ask you for more information, travels tips and all?
    Cheers!
    Jul’

    Reply
    • Jessica Korteman says

      September 27, 2012 at 3:32 pm

      Thank you for your lovely comment, Jul’. Glad that you enjoyed the post. Of course, we’d be happy to share any information to help you plan your own adventure! :)

      Reply
  7. Raunak says

    September 25, 2012 at 2:33 pm

    no wonder Kashmir is called Heaven on Earth!great pics :) I’m so tempted to return there and undertake a similar trek.

    Reply
    • Jessica Korteman says

      September 25, 2012 at 3:16 pm

      It’s certainly earned that title. Such a stunning place! No wonder you want to go back! Thanks so much for stopping by, as always. More of Kashmir to come :)

      Reply
  8. Britt Skrabanek says

    September 25, 2012 at 1:56 pm

    So cool…stunning images, as always. Michael Jackson is awesome. You’re awesome for dancing with him. And you are super awesome for trekking through that icy river. Eek!

    Reply
    • Jessica Korteman says

      September 25, 2012 at 3:13 pm

      Thanks Britt! Who wouldn’t want to dance with “Michael Jackson”? Can’t say I had his moves though! hahaha

      Reply

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