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In the ethereal realm where Earth touches the sky, there lies a sentinel of solitude, a behemoth in the Himalayan tapestry – Stok Kangri. Venturing into the heart of this celestial kingdom, I embarked on an odyssey that transcended the physical conquest of altitude; it became a symphony, a harmonious dance with the very soul of the Himalayas. The journey commenced amidst the aromatic whispers of juniper, the vibrant prayer flags fluttering as spiritual sentinels, invoking blessings for the arduous ascent. The trail unveiled itself gradually, a labyrinth of jagged crags and icy precipices that demanded not just physical prowess but a surrender to the unseen forces orchestrating the theater […]

In the vast expanse of the ocean, there exists a whale with a mysterious presence. This whale is known as “52,” not so much a name as a representation of the frequency of its vocalizations in hertz, a measured value. It is said that this whale has been singing for many years. Unfortunately, other whales, quite literally, do not resonate with his frequency. Perhaps they hear his voice, but his song is so distinct from theirs that they cannot comprehend it, never responding. Nevertheless, 52 persists in calling out. He continues to sing. Into the abyss of oblivion, a lone voice echoes across the sea. This melancholic, solitary existence, akin […]

Parallel Rainbow Birds sway their feathers with ultraviolet light, and lizards cling to rocks with infrared light. The world of colors for these creatures extends far beyond the spectrum available to humans. The cosmos brims with photons. Like plump and radiant cherries soaked in sweet liqueur, the universe emits radiation, casting particles of light in all directions. Within the universe, monstrous celestial bodies made of heavy elements release various types of radiation in every direction. Here, beneath the umbrella of the cosmos, I lie on a rigid road forgotten by the wheels of a car. The nearby Białowieża Forest breathes in the night, and the dome of warm July air […]

For centuries, the people of Changpa have gracefully tread the Himalayan plateau. Now, they confront the repercussions of climate change. The vanishing of culture is not a sudden applause into the abyss, akin to the extinction of species. It is a slow fading of a way of life, an endless struggle to maintain identity in a world that keeps revolving while condemning them in myths. Skarma Lakpa, dwelling in the vast lands of the Himalayas in Ladakh, India, is a man well acquainted with the battle for survival. He seeks to seize every opportunity to connect with the version of himself that lived many years ago. Lakpa belongs to the […]

Chapter 1: The Roar of the Himalayan Wind In the enchanting town of Manali, where the scent of pine and anticipation lingered in the crisp mountain air, I mounted my Royal Enfield, the metallic beast rumbling to life with a thunderous growl. The cobbled streets of Old Manali bore witness to the departure of an adventurer seeking the embrace of the mighty Himalayas. The sun, still shy behind the snow-capped peaks, cast long shadows as I began my journey into the unknown. Leaving the familiarity of town, the road snaked through apple orchards and alpine meadows. The Beas River accompanied me, its gurgling waters a symphony that underscored the rhythm […]

Auguste Renoir’s “Nini in the Garden” 1876 Learning from Nature The Wisdom of Flowers Those who keenly observe nature may find themselves attributing human characteristics to flowers. However, there is controversy about anthropomorphizing nature. Instead of pondering whether flowers possess intelligence, it is recommended to learn from them. “One will understand that flowers offer splendid examples of disobedience, courage, patience, and creative ingenuity to humans. If we had applied even half the energy exhibited by the small flowers in the garden to remove various things that crush us, such as pain, aging, and death, our circumstances would be entirely different from what they are now.” – Maurice Maeterlinck, 1907 Over […]

In the heart of the Białowieża Forest Lodge The Paradise Named Żydzinca “Once I crossed the threshold, I realized that I was amidst trees and animals. So, I speak on their behalf. Although I majored in biology, it was only during the few years spent in the forest that I learned to understand the language of animals. Looking back, if I were in the past, being burnt at the stake as a witch wouldn’t have been surprising,” reflects Simona Kossak. In 1971, a special envoy from the magazine ‘Prazekrój’ visited the sacred grounds of Kossak and photographer Lech Wilczek, located at the heart of the primeval Białowieża Forest. Six kilometers […]

In the cradle of the Himalayas, where the air is crisp with the scent of adventure, and the mountains stand sentinel against the passage of time, a remarkable tale unfolds. This is the narrative of the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh, affectionately known as SECMOL, a beacon of resilience and enlightenment amidst the majestic landscapes. Nestled within the embrace of Ladakh’s breathtaking vistas, SECMOL, or the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh, is not just an institution; it’s a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Founded under the visionary stewardship of Sonam Wangchuk, the name SECMOL has become synonymous with educational innovation and a catalyst for change […]

Introduction: Embarking on a journey from the bustling streets of Delhi to the serene landscapes of Leh is an adventure worth recounting. This column explores the various modes of transportation – airplanes, buses, cars, motorcycles, and bicycles – each offering a unique perspective on the stunning route, including the famed Manali Road and Zoji La pass. Air Travel: Soaring Above the Clouds Flying from Delhi to Leh is perhaps the quickest way to reach the majestic region. As the plane ascends, passengers are treated to breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayas, a preview of the enchanting beauty awaiting them in Leh. Bus Odyssey: The Road Less Traveled For those seeking […]

In the rugged landscapes of Ladakh, where the air is thin and the mountains stand tall, I found myself drawn to a practice that transcends the ordinary pursuits of life. It is not the pursuit of game or the thrill of the hunt that occupies my thoughts here, but rather the pursuit of inner stillness and self-discovery.   The crisp mountain air seems to lend itself to contemplation, a natural ally to the introspective journey I have embarked upon. The sun, casting long shadows on the barren terrain, becomes a silent companion in this quest for a different kind of adventure. The adventure of the mind. In the midst of […]