31. December 2025 + 1. January 2026     We landed in Delhi as scheduled on December 30, drove to the hotel, were allowed to check in early—and then the group had free time. This day is always planned as a buffer day in case the flight from Leh gets canceled (which does happen, especially … Continue reading Delhi + Agra – Cold feet under grey clouds → Read more

28. December 2025     In Basgo, the only Losar celebration that was meant to take place almost in full did indeed go ahead. Only one dance by the women was omitted. I was anxious to see whether it would all really happen. Even though we had already had many wonderful experiences, I felt so … Continue reading Ladakh: Basgo – They kept their underwear on → Read more

27. + 29. December 2025     To gain a slightly different insight into life in Ladakh, we had planned a day visiting workshops in Choglamsar. There used to be a woman who carved mani stones, but unfortunately she has moved away and no one has taken over her work. In any case, we weren’t … Continue reading Ladakh: Choglamsar + Hemis – the money hangs high → Read more

5. January 2026     This afternoon I’m traveling to Rajasthan – starting with the Shekawati region. It feels like ages since I was last there, especially for actual exploration. In fact, I haven’t really been in Rajasthan for quite some time, apart from a very small part during the fam trip in April 2025. … Continue reading Rajasthan – Before the trip → Read more

21. + 26. December 2025     Appu and Appi are the “elders” who, in the week following the start of Losar, drive out the old year and ask for blessings for the new year in the village of Chuchot. Over several days, they perform ceremonies in households each evening. Chuchot is divided into several … Continue reading Ladakh: Chuchot – Appu and Appi dance around the patio heater → Read more

25. December 2025     The first ancient wall paintings we set out to see were in the Saspol caves. Unfortunately, only one cave was accessible; at the others, the entrances had not been prepared. They date from the 14th/15th century and were partially restored after severe damage (Prince Claus of the Netherlands had also … Continue reading Ladakh: Saspol + Alchi + Mangyu – old and very old and very very old drawings → Read more

24. December 2025     It feels Christmassy – and we are heading for Ladakh’s most picturesque place: Lamayuru. A stop at Moon Valley, then on to the monastery. I am always captivated by the pale poplar trees set against the shadowy mountain slopes.     In summer, trucks, taxis, and other vehicles thunder through … Continue reading Ladakh: Lamayuru + Rizong – Never sound the puja more sweetly → Read more

23. December 2025     Juhu – the sun was shining from a deep blue sky, exactly as wished for and hoped! One thing that is always wonderful in winter is the color of the rivers. However, there was not as much water in them as usual. As a result, my photo collection of the … Continue reading Ladakh: Likir + Saspotse – In the far distance the snow leopard cubs are playing joyfully → Read more

22. December 2025     The sun was shining so beautifully that we used the drive to take a lovely photo of each monastery along the way to Sakti.           In Sakti there is Takthok Monastery, with a meditation cave of Padmasambhava. A monk was sitting there performing a long and … Continue reading Ladakh: Sakti + Chemre – Cold Feet in the Monastery → Read more

20. + 21. December 2025     The day before had marked the start of Losar; the next day the head of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) was supposed to officially open Losar. This ceremony had always taken place at the Chowkang Vihara in Leh, but it had been demolished and was to be rebuilt. … Continue reading Ladakh: Indusvalleymonasteries – Losar La Tashi Delek → Read more