Indian Himalaya - Beyond Kulu trek

[GariochTom]

I have recently returned from a 10 day trek in the Indian Himalayas, in Himachal Pradesh.

After three days of travel by plane, minibus and train, we started the trek in Manali in the Kullu Valley, and headed west into the mountains of the Pir Panjal. We crossed two high passes – the Kaliheni and Thamsar Passes (each approaching 5,000m high) and we passed through only one village during the entire trek – Bara Bhangal, a settlement of around 60 houses. It is the only village in the whole 300 square miles of the Bara Bhangal range, and is completely cut off from the outside world during the winter.

The trek was difficult both physically and emotionally. I may write more in due course, but at the moment I would just like to share a few photographs from our travels and the trek itself. India is an amazing place which overloads all of the senses.


Mountainous terrain of Afghanistan by GariochT, on Flickr


Delhi from the air by GariochT, on Flickr


Sikh Temple, New Delhi by GariochT, on Flickr


Sikh Gurdwara Langar Kitchen by GariochT, on Flickr


At New Delhi Railway Station by GariochT, on Flickr


New Delhi Railway Station, India by GariochT, on Flickr


P1060687 by GariochT, on Flickr


On the trek by GariochT, on Flickr


Leaving our first campsite by GariochT, on Flickr


Heading towards Riyali by GariochT, on Flickr


Indrasan and Deo Tibba in the early morning by GariochT, on Flickr


Himalayan flowers by GariochT, on Flickr


Leaving base camp by GariochT, on Flickr


Indrasan and Deo Tibba by GariochT, on Flickr


On the way to the Kaliheni Pass by GariochT, on Flickr


Looking on by GariochT, on Flickr


Carrying by GariochT, on Flickr


Approaching the Kaliheni Pass by GariochT, on Flickr


The view from the Kaliheni Pass by GariochT, on Flickr


From the Kaliheni Pass by GariochT, on Flickr


Descending from the Kaliheni Pass by GariochT, on Flickr


Descending a stale old glacier below the Kaliheni Pass by GariochT, on Flickr


Dark valley by GariochT, on Flickr


Cairn by GariochT, on Flickr


Bara Bhangal by GariochT, on Flickr


Middle School at Bara Bhangal, Himachal Pradesh by GariochT, on Flickr


House at Bara Bhangal by GariochT, on Flickr


Woman at Bara Bhangal by GariochT, on Flickr


Bridge at Bara Bhangal by GariochT, on Flickr


Bara Bhangal by GariochT, on Flickr


Himalayan Rock by GariochT, on Flickr


Camp at Marhu, below the Thamsar Pass by GariochT, on Flickr


A bit further than we thought to the Thamsar Pass by GariochT, on Flickr


View from the Thamsar Pass by GariochT, on Flickr


Shrine at the Thamsar Pass by GariochT, on Flickr


Snow-covered camp after the Thamsar Pass crossing by GariochT, on Flickr


Goat near tea hut by GariochT, on Flickr


Himalayan goat by GariochT, on Flickr


Meadows near Rajgunda by GariochT, on Flickr


Billing by GariochT, on Flickr


At the Dalai Lama's temple, McLeodganj by GariochT, on Flickr


In the market at McLeodganj by GariochT, on Flickr


Tuk-tuks by GariochT, on Flickr


Pathankot by GariochT, on Flickr


Porters at Pathankot Station by GariochT, on Flickr


About to board the sleeper train at Pathankot Station by GariochT, on Flickr




Prayer flags on the Kaliheni Pass by GariochT, on Flickr

[GariochTom]

More photographs are at http://www.flickr.com/photos/28596900@N00/sets/72157631785083710/

[Stretch]

Amazing adventure, amazing pics. Never get tired of seeing the Himalayas, thanks for sharing!

[johnkaysleftleg]

Those amazing pics tell a great story. Thanks for posting

[garyhortop]

An amazing trip and some fantastic photo's there!!

[ChrisW]

Beautiful photos Tom, I can certainly see why it was a difficult journey physically.......I think I'd have been making use of a mule on the ascents

[Sabbathstevie]

bloody hell, I've just been transported to far more vibrant place and awe-inspiring place than that of Leith of a grey monday afternoon - thankyou for those pics!

[GariochTom]

Thanks all Here are a few videos from the trip, which I forgot to include previously: