Go trekking in the Himalayas

in 1980, i had an opportunity to trek with a group of youngsters starting from Raison and ending at Manali. This was through Youth Hostels Association of India. we had a whale of a time with camp fires and what have u!!

I want to take my sons and wife along next year.

I see the spectacular array of magnificent mountain scenery and ancient settlements. This truly is, one of the ‘Greatest Treks in the World’. I start out in the lush, green Nepalese foothills and gradually ascend to cross 5000m passes, with awesome views of the world’s highest mountains and Buddhist villages and ancient sacred sites

Hoping to do it again on a bit longer trek to Anapurna.

I used to trekk a lot in Himalayas long time back. I want to do that again, but have to get in better physical shape and do some tough walking and practice small trekks in place where I live.

Went up to the foothills near my aunt and uncle’s house in Chandigarh. The whole atmosphere was breathtaking. I can’t even imagine the real thing.

not the higher himalayas though. More amoung the foothills in Uttaranchal, Himachal and Sikkim.

But … But ..
Beautiful beyond words !!!
for example – http://rohan-kini.livejournal.com/66619.html

David Sharp was an experienced English mountaineer who died on May 18th. He was 34 years old. Many climbers walked on past while he suffered and died. Few including Mark Inglis stopped and tried to assist him by giving oxygen. But ultimately, they all walked on in their pursuit of climbing a mountain.

The story is shocking. For me, it is question of ethics. Where does ones Moral compass swing?

Sir Edmund Hillary, who was on the team that first climbed and reached the summit of Everest in 1953, called it “horrifying” that climbers would leave a dying man. David Sharp sat there without oxygen, ill equipped barely few feet away from the path where they walked by. The image below is poignant..

http://www.everestnews.com/everest2006/sharpeverest05272006.htm.

One of David Sharp’s climbing partners died two days after he did. His name was Vitor Negrete. His cached stores were stolen at various stages (Camp2). Some kind climbers let him share their food and tent. He later died during his descent after reaching the summit without using Oxygen. His lack of supplies appears to have been the major cause of his death.

I wrote this because I am torn by the attitude. I have always equated climbers with sailors – A hardy breed that live and die by a code of ethics. When ones life and survival are at stake, the trust and faith one has in others like you is what community and ethics are about.

Lincoln Hall was rescued yesterday (27th May) by a dozen Sherpa’s. He was carried down in a stretcher and was given more than 20 bottles of oxygen. Why did nobody do that for David Hall? Because he hadn’t paid the $75,000 some climbers pay for support?

Stealing a man’s food and equipment at 25000 feet is despicable. Walking past a man who lies dying a few inches from you is shameful. This is my opinion.

Would love to do it. But how, oh how? It just seems an impossible dream. I am keeping it here.. Not giving up yet.

As Updike said – ” _Dreams come true. Without that possibility, nature would not incite us to have them. _“

seriously, the annapurna region of nepal is my favourite place in the world.. if i could have my way i would sell everything and start my life over there.. simply magnificent!

I’ve done it and am happy to help with any questions.