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In the remote expanse known as Little Tibet, nestled high on the Tibetan plateau, Ladakh stood as a bastion of ancient culture and rugged beauty. Its isolation, both geographical and political, lent it an air of mystique and resilience that few regions could match. Politically tethered to India yet culturally akin to Tibet, Ladakh’s identity was a tapestry woven with threads of tradition and the echoes of a bygone era. The story of Ladakh’s transformation mirrored the tumultuous winds that swept across its high mountain passes. Helena Norberg-Hodge, a pioneering figure in the localization movement, bore witness to this evolution firsthand. Her arrival in Ladakh, accompanying a German film crew […]

The Necessity of Permaculture An autonomous system Composed of meticulously selected elements, this system maintains the balance of ecosystems, allowing organisms and inanimate components to circulate seamlessly. It is a perfect system collaboratively built by humans and nature, a holistic perpetual motion machine. Could permaculture be the key to producing healthy food in the age of ecological crises? Do you remember the days of summer vacation, building treehouses in the backyard, playing soccer or hopscotch, and frolicking with rabbits and hunting dogs, a time when the concept of boredom didn’t exist? I was 13 in 1996, dreaming like many of my classmates about the exciting things we’d do next summer. […]

Leh Ladakh is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and captivating scenery, offering a plethora of hidden gems waiting to be explored. These lesser-known destinations provide a unique and enriching experience for travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures. Let’s delve into some of these hidden treasures: 1. RUMTSE Nestled amidst the picturesque Rupshu Valley, Rumtse serves as a gateway to the enchanting TSO Moriri lake. Trekking through its lush greenery unveils a different facet of Leh’s landscape, challenging the notion of barrenness. Encounter wildlife like marmots, wild ass, and the Brahminy duck while exploring this serene locale. Best time to visit: June to September 2. ULEYTOKPO For a tranquil retreat away from the […]

THE TIBETAN FOX: A PORTRAIT OF UNIQUE FACIAL EXPRESSION Known also as the Tibetan sand fox or by its Tibetan names, Wa or Wamo, this creature is a true fox species endemic to the lofty grassy plains of the Tibetan Plateau in western China, the Ladakh Plateau in northern India, as well as in Sikkim and Bhutan, ascending to heights of around 5,300 m (17,400 feet). The Tibetan fox possesses a diminutive yet robust frame, adorned with a soft, dense coat boasting gray underfur and a pristine white underbelly. This lush fur serves as an insulation against the gusts of the high mountain winds. Its coat exhibits a spectrum of […]

This query, akin to a symphony of curiosity, is not merely a question of timing but a harmonious convergence of personal predilections and the multifaceted tapestry of experiences that one aspires to weave amidst the rugged grandeur of this northern Indian bastion. Leh Ladakh, with its panoramic vistas, high-altitude mystique, and cultural tapestry interwoven with antiquity, is a destination that beckons the intrepid soul. However, navigating the cadences of its seasonal rhythms and the symphony of its climatic variations is an art unto itself, a melody that crescendos and decrescendos through the canvas of the year. Summer (June to September): This interval, a sonnet of warmth and vibrancy, emerges as […]

In my youthful days, there existed an affluent gentleman in our social circle, often visiting our home. On one occasion, I posed a question akin to this. Rather than a direct response, he chose to elucidate through the medium of the game I was engrossed in at the time. (Curiously, he was an enthusiast of gaming.) The game in question was none other than Minecraft. Yes, Minecraft became the vessel through which I grasped the profound paradox of wealth. He enjoined me to embark on a new virtual realm with a singular objective: to construct an entire domicile from diamond blocks, all within the rigors of survival mode. Indeed, I […]

The famous Howrah Bridge over the Hooghly River in Kolkata. Photo: Dipan Maity/iStockphoto In a place where trees ravage homes The winds of change blow in Kolkata In Kolkata, time spins and it seems citizens can evade the future. Here, poetry still holds more value than money, and fig trees grow in old bedrooms. This city gradually bends to nature and may someday be devoured by it. “It’s the perfect place to spend retirement,” says Iftekhar, her black hair tied up in a high ponytail, eyes gleaming with excitement. Pulling at the damp linen shirt clinging to her body, she surveys the surroundings. We rush through the missing double doors […]

The Great American Trails The Appalachian Trail: Approximately 3,500 kilometers The course of the trail mostly follows along the ridges of the Appalachian Mountains, encompassing mountain ranges such as the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains, as well as national parks like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee) and Shenandoah National Park (Virginia). (Excerpted from Wikipedia) The Pacific Crest Trail: Over 4,000 kilometers Stretching from the United States-Mexico border to the United States-Canada border, this trail traverses the North-South length of the American West Coast. It crosses mountain ranges within California – the Laguna Mountains, San Jacinto Mountains, San Bernardino Mountains, San Gabriel Mountains, Liebre Mountains, Tehachapi […]

The beekeeper forgot to insert frames for the bees to collect honey. As a result, the bees built their own comb inside the hive, taking into consideration natural ventilation to ensure free airflow and maintain a constant temperature. This photo was taken by the owner of the hive. The Reference Article  Beekeeper Beekeeper | The article summarizes Beekeeper’s transformative journey, likening it to effortless fishing where interactions naturally gravitated toward her. Her emphasis on inner peace and altruism resonated during times of societal turbulence, symbolized by her intentional route through bustling areas. Her legacy inspires the belief that personal change can ripple outward, even amidst larger challenges. The History of […]

The renowned Italian diver, Enzo Maiorca, plunged into the sea near Syracuse, engaging in a conversation with his daughter Rosanna, who was on a boat. As he attempted to dive, he felt a light touch on his back. Upon turning around, there was a dolphin. It became clear that the dolphin wasn’t merely seeking play but was expressing something. When the dolphin dived, Enzo followed suit. At a depth of 12 meters, they discovered another dolphin trapped in a net. Enzo promptly handed a diving knife to his daughter. Eventually, they successfully rescued the dolphin, and after the ordeal, it emerged with what Enzo described as “almost human-like cries.” (The […]