Blogs

A Dialogue with Helena Norberg-Hodge, Segment I For over three decades, Helena Norberg-Hodge has been a staunch advocate for the virtues of local economies, emphasizing their personal, societal, and environmental benefits. As an author, filmmaker, and the founder of the International Society for Ecology and Culture (ISEC), her efforts have largely centered around Ladakh, a region in India where traditional economic and cultural practices have withstood the onslaught of globalization. On October 18, Norberg-Hodge joined author Richard Heinberg and Orion staff for an insightful web discussion about the decline of economic growth. I had the privilege of speaking with Norberg-Hodge about her latest film, “The Economics of Happiness,” and the […]

Ladakh Motorcycle Journey: Discovering the Enigmatic Charm on Two Wheels Nestled between China, Tibet, and Pakistan at India’s northern edge, Ladakh presents a unique blend of cultures, sparsely populated terrains, and the world’s highest road. In 2017, Belgian photographer Yuri Andries embarked on a journey through Ladakh, spending five weeks traversing its landscapes and mingling with its people. Without a fixed itinerary, he navigated the region on a motorcycle, capturing the stark contrasts that define Ladakh: temperatures fluctuating from 86 degrees in the day to 20 degrees at night, apricot blossoms against barren gray hills, and warm-hearted locals illuminating the isolated roads. For Andries, Ladakh was an escape from the […]

Himalayan Reveries: A Journey Through Myth and Reality In a timeless dialogue, the Earth inquired of Vishnu, “Why do you embody mountains instead of manifesting in your divine form?” Vishnu, with serene wisdom, answered, “The joy found in mountains surpasses that of living beings; they neither feel heat nor cold, pain nor anger, fear nor pleasure. We three gods, as mountains, shall dwell on Earth for the welfare of mankind.” The summer of 1995 marked my inaugural venture into the Himalayas. Upon arriving in India, I was greeted by the lingering monsoon rains. Delhi, a quarter-century ago, often succumbed to floods; its streets transformed into murky waterways. The rain followed […]

Exploring the Muslim Community in Ladakh: Medina Tenour Whiteman’s Unexpected Journey The summer following my return from a year of linguistic immersion, the travel bug had sunk its teeth deep into my skin. With a modest surplus from my student loan, I felt a compelling urge to extend my journey. It had become an obsession; my previous travels seemed insufficient, a mere prelude rather than the transformative experience I craved. A few French and Belgian friends were gearing up for a trek in Ladakh, a region that, while politically part of India, is culturally and ethnically Tibetan. The prospect intrigued me not for the hiking but for the opportunity to […]

The Paradox of Progress: A Call for a Reimagined Economy In the shadowed valleys of the Indian Himalayas, where the winds whisper tales of ancient wisdom, Helena Norberg-Hodge found herself ensnared by a paradox of modernity. The year was 1975, and a vision of pristine Ladakh—a land untouched and serene—beckoned her. It was a vision of stark contrasts, where the creeping tendrils of Western influence began to suffocate the vibrant essence of a timeless culture. Norberg-Hodge, an intrepid seeker of truth, was initially drawn to Ladakh as part of an anthropological expedition. Enraptured by the region’s profound simplicity and harmonious existence, she chose to entwine her life with its rhythms. […]

Girl Guides in Ladakh: Explore the Markha Valley and follow the path of pioneering female trekkers in a high-altitude adventure. In the remote and rugged expanse of Ladakh, where the Indian Himalayas stand as silent sentinels, we embarked on a trek under the guidance of a remarkable woman—Thinlas Chorol. In a region where tradition and taboos intertwine, Thinlas has become a beacon of change, breaking through the barriers to become the first female trekking guide in this isolated corner of the world. The journey began in the quaint village of Skiu, nestled in the Markha Valley. It was day four of what was shaping up to be an unforgettable trek, […]

Turtuk Tourism: The Village Split by a Border In a place where social media and mobile phones are absent, family members who live apart send each other recorded video messages on flash drives via postal mail. When the first tourist stepped foot into Turtuk, a small farming village cradled between snow-capped peaks in India’s remote Ladakh region, he was welcomed with baskets brimming with ripe apricots, shimmering silk scarves, and a choreographed folk dance. The year was 2010. “Everyone was so happy then,” recalled Ismail Khan, 35, owner of Ismail’s Homestay, one of the now approximately 20 accommodations in the once-secluded village. “It was the first time we had seen […]

Echoes from a Moonland: A Visual Odyssey in Ladakh Belgian photographer Yuri Andries captures the surreal essence of Ladakh, a mystical region in northern India. A serene Buddha gazes over Ladakh, India. PHOTOGRAPH BY YURI ANDRIES Nestled in the remote northern reaches of India lies Ladakh, a mystical “Moonland” characterized by its stark alpine desert. Hidden within this barren landscape are Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, overshadowed by some of the world’s most majestic mountains. Isolated for centuries due to its geopolitical location, Ladakh only welcomed tourists in the 1970s. Today, photographers like Yuri Andries journey to this once inaccessible realm to unveil its enigmatic contrasts through his series, Moonland. After hours […]

Whispers of Resilience: Ladakh Cultural Preservation – Explore the enduring traditions and innovative practices in Ladakh that sustain its rich heritage amidst modern challenges. Nestled between the icy embrace of the Karakoram range and the sprawling majesty of the Himalayas lies Ladakh—a land of rugged splendor where the relentless advance of global consumerism is making its mark. Nicola Graydon delves into the profound struggle of the locals as they strive to protect their cherished heritage. Likir, a serene village a mere three-hour drive west of Leh, embodies a scene of almost surreal beauty. Perched at an altitude of 3,500 meters, it unfurls like a lush sanctuary, contrasting sharply with the […]

The Best Lessons in Climate Diplomacy are Learned from Himalayan Villages The glacier above Kumik is rapidly retreating, and the community is facing tough choices. Photo: Jonathan Mingle “How on earth do these people manage to survive?” This was the question British geographer James Claughton continually pondered during the winter of 1976, spent in the remote Himalayan valley of Zanskar in northwest India. It is a valid question. Zanskar is a very harsh place at any time. The average elevation of its few dozen villages is 12,500 feet (about 3,800 meters). The only connection to the outside world is a 160-mile (about 260-kilometer) jeep road that is closed by snow […]