After Domkhar, we embarked on a
nine day trek that would be a highlight of my time in India. Starry nights and
fresh (deoxygenated) air are just 2 of the many perks of being alone in the
Himalayas. Most days it snowed and we were hiking on ice-covered stream, but
wool socks and down jackets kept us plenty warm. To be perfectly honest, our
trek was nearer to glamping (glamour camping) than trekking. We had about 15 mules
and ponies to carry our big bags and tents and six Ladakhi guides to cook us
food and set up camp. Most days we hiked between three and five hours and
always had a scrumptious breakfast in our stomachs and a hot lunch to look
forward to. We crossed mountain passes taller than 16,000 ft. where we built a
snowman, went sledding, and hung 30 prayer flags with the names of people we
love in India and the U.S. After hiking, we normally had an hour or two of
individual R&R before reconvening for games like SET, telephone Pictionary,
thumper, and many more. We ended the trek at Hemis Gompa, the aforementioned
largest monastery in Ladakh where Jenny’s homestay family member was head lama.
He invited us to tea in his private quarters and gave us a personal tour of the
place. We even got to see the monks perform their morning chants (prayers) in
the main temple! The trek was exhausting and energizing all at the same time
and I think I might have even gained weight they fed us so well while we were
on it!
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