Adventures in India

So out comes the secret of the century! What do you have to do to transform your climbing?

Read full article: 'Improve your Climbing Skills'

Valuables are a constant source of concern while traveling. It is tempting to have a camera o­n hand or a laptop or credit cards, but when immersed in the here and now, it can get to be a burden we don't want. There are simple things we can do, to make our experiences convenient and light.

Read full article: 'How to carry valuables safely in India - tips'

The first time I stayed overnight in Ki was also in the year 2000. I was traveling by the local bus, and had stopped for a visit while it went ahead to Kibber, before coming back to Ki and returning to Kaza. As usual, I was lost exploring the dingy passageways and chatting with the monks in the kitchen over endless cups of butter tea, and I lost track of time and the bus.

Read full article: 'An overnight stay in an ancient monastery'

Ki Monastery is a thousand-year-old Buddhist gompa located in the remote region of Spiti in the Indian Himalayas. The formal introduction line done, Ki looks like a pile of boxes stacked haphazardly, threatening to topple over the picturesque village by the same name at its feet. It is o­ne of the five major monasteries of the Spiti valley along with Thangyud Gompa, Dhankar Gompa, Khungri Gompa and Tabo Gompa. Ki Monastery follows the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

Read full article: 'Ki Gompa'

Please note that this is not intended to be a stand alone guide, but background reading for those venturing into rock climbing as an activity for the first time. Simply put, rock climbing is climbing rock, but knowing techniques developed through the collective experience of many climbers over the centuries helps us to become better climbers faster.

Read full article: 'Rock Climbing for dummies'

Over the years of experience working in the outdoors, I have come to a realization that among the hundreds of people genuinely interested in exploring themselves through adventure, there are a significant few who seem to get their satisfaction from making your life miserable. As a professional, I can’t rant at them openly.

Read full article: 'How to be the stupidest adventure tourist ever'

Rohtang Pass (3978 m) is a high mountain pass across the Pir Panjal range of the Himalaya that connects the Kullu Valley with the Lahul and Spiti valleys of Himachal Pradesh , India . It is situated at a distance of 51 km from the town of Manali.

Read full article: 'Rohtang Pass'

This is not intended to be a medical explanation, but something based on experience with many people in high altitudes. The most common non-serious problems I have encountered with height gain are flatulence, upset stomachs, early onset of periods for women near their due date, and head aches.

Read full article: 'Body changes with altitude gain'

Manali is a small town on the bank of the river Beas, in the state of Himachal Pradesh.

Read full article: 'Manali'

Kibber Wildlife sanctuary is spread over an area of about 1400 sq km and is segregated in an outer buffer zone and an inner “protected area”. It is the o­nly sanctuary in the country which is situated in a cold desert area. There are about 13 villages situated outside the periphery of the sanctuary. There are three monasteries - Ki, Tangyud and Dhankar o­n the periphery of the protected area. The buffer zone does contain a few dwellings called “dogris” and a grazing reserve for livestock. For a high altitude desert the flora that is found here is quite amazing. KWS is home to a variety of rare animals like the Ibex, blue sheep, red fox, Tibetian woolly hare, Tibetian wolf, lynx, pika, Tibetian wild ass - and the majestic but elusive snow leopard. The sanctuary also offers a great view of the region's peaks Chau-cahu khanamo & Chau-chau khang nilda.

Read full article: 'THE LEFT BANK PLATEU HABITATS ( including Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary )'