« Little Tibet »: A Journey into the Enchantment of a Ladakh Monastic Festivals In the northern reaches of India, nestled between the towering Himalayas and the rugged Karakoram, lies a realm steeped in profound Buddhist heritage. The essence of this heritage comes alive during the monastic festivals, where the air thrums with a unique magic that captivates all who attend. Leh—the town where the journey begins—is alive with a palpable sense of anticipation. An elderly man, with a face etched by time and experience, stands as a testament to the land’s harsh beauty. His smile is knowing, and his weathered features mirror the rugged landscape around him. Gaps in his teeth […]
Climate change impact is profoundly shaping the isolated expanse of Ladakh, where life clings to the edges of an unforgiving landscape. The region’s glaciers, once majestic sentinels of ice, are receding at an alarming rate, threatening the vital water sources that sustain millions. In the isolated expanse of Ladakh, life clings to the edges of an unforgiving landscape. Tsering Angchuk, a shepherd with deep roots in the barren village of Kharnak, remains steadfast amid the growing exodus of his people. His sons, like many others, have sought the conveniences of urban life, leaving behind the age-old traditions of herding in these harsh mountains. Angchuk, however, has chosen to stay, tending […]
Life among the Nomads of the Ladakh Plateau—High Plains Drifters On the desolate and breathtaking Changtang Plateau in India, shepherds carve out their existence amidst an environment that is as unforgiving as it is majestic. Near the shimmering waters of Tsomoriri Lake, the Changpa nomads graze their livestock. Zhering Dolkar, a 60-year-old Changpa woman, sits on the floor of her tent, her face lit up with a radiant smile. She skillfully rolls a bloated sheep’s stomach back and forth on her lap, churning fresh milk into butter. It is just past ten in the morning, and most of the six families residing in this small settlement have already ventured out […]
Snow Leopard Tours in Ladakh: An Encounter with Elusiveness In the towering embrace of the Himalayas, a grassroots initiative showcases a harmonious existence between humanity and the most elusive of creatures, making a poignant argument for community-led conservation efforts. What does elusiveness signify in the realm of wildlife? When an animal is so elusive it seems to shun human eyes, does nature issue an unspoken « Do Not Disturb » directive? And when this elusive being inhabits a fragile ecosystem endangered by human encroachment, what are the ethical considerations of venturing into its domain, even if such exploration might foster conservation? These were the contemplations that accompanied me as I gazed out […]
The Illusion of Eden and Paradise In the languid days of my youth, I boarded a plane in the throbbing heart of New York City, bound for a distant corner of the globe. When the aircraft finally touched down in Bali, the world outside was cloaked in darkness. Yet, as the sun crested the horizon the next morning, I was greeted by a young man with a radiant smile, offering me ripe mangoes and strong tea on the sun-drenched terrace of my bungalow. Surrounding me were little girls with angelic faces, frolicking amidst a riot of colors. The dreary chill of midwinter had given way, almost as if by enchantment, […]
Embarking on the Ultimate Journey with the Ultimate Travelling Camp Arriving in Leh, the plane’s descent unveils a spectacle of snow-kissed Himalayan peaks towering over a desolate yet captivating Martian expanse. This grand introduction sets the tone for the journey ahead in Ladakh, a realm defined by its high-altitude passes, shimmering rivers, and the profound cultural tapestry woven into the very fabric of this remote land. The initial breathlessness upon leaving the small, bustling airport serves as a stark reminder of Ladakh’s lofty perch. As a high-altitude desert, it offers a unique climate where summer reigns supreme from June to October. My early June arrival, at the cusp of the […]
CANCELLED: Markha Valley Festival 2024 Mark your calendars for the Markha Valley Festival 2024 on August 24-25, and prepare for an unforgettable journey into one of Ladakh’s most enchanting corners! Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas, the Markha Valley comes alive during this two-day celebration with a vibrant blend of cultural wonders and breathtaking natural beauty. Picture yourself wandering through this storied valley, where traditional music and dance blend seamlessly with the rugged allure of the landscape. The festival offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Ladakhi culture, featuring local crafts, folk performances, and delicious regional cuisine. As you traverse the valley, the stunning backdrop of towering peaks and serene […]
The Ladakh Aero Festival 2024 promises an exhilarating fusion of adventure, culture, and innovation. Picture yourself drifting above the majestic landscapes of Ladakh in a hot air balloon, or savoring the rush of paragliding as you glide through the clear mountain air. This year’s festival also features an aero modelling workshop, where enthusiasts can explore the fascinating world of aircraft design and construction. Set against the stunning backdrop of Sakti, the second largest village in Ladakh, the event offers a gateway to two renowned high passes: Chang La and Wari La. Sakti, located 47 kilometers from Leh, is celebrated for its breathtaking scenery and prime paragliding conditions, making it the […]
September 14th & 15th, 2024 Discover the Spirit Welcome to the Outback Festival, India’s premier annual adventure celebration for extreme enthusiasts. Over two thrilling days, this event stands as the world’s highest motorable adventure and music festival. Nestled in the majestic landscapes of Leh Ladakh, the festival offers an unparalleled setting, making it a feast for both the eyes and the soul. Expect an unforgettable fusion of exhilarating adventures and electrifying live performances. Meet Outback Ambassadors We are excited to unveil an impressive roster of speakers and storytellers for the 2024 Outback Festival! Esteemed « Friends of Outback » will grace the stage, sharing their remarkable journeys and experiences. These sessions promise […]
Tso Moriri: A Lake Among the Clouds In the shadow of the towering peaks, Tso Moriri stands as a testament to the raw, unyielding beauty of the Himalayas. The name is unassuming, yet the stories that surround it are anything but. They speak of the lake’s origins, where a Buddhist nun, in her search for a lost yak, called out “ri, ri” across the ice. The beast and its pursuer met a tragic fate, swallowed by the freezing waters—a tale woven with the threads of myth and harsh reality, much like the landscape itself. My journey to Tso Moriri in August was a marathon of endurance, a ten-hour drive that […]
