30. May 2026 This time, the first thing on the agenda was to visit a small, not permanently inhabited monastery building on the opposite side of the mountain. A road led up to it, and people often used it for ceremonies. The exciting part was whether we would find the key. That’s how … Continue reading Tahan – Kitchen, Cheese and Monasteries Read more
29. May 2026 Already during my previous stay in Zanskar in 2024, I had visited Stanzin in Tahan, and he invited me again this time. We arranged to meet in Padum, and Lameth drove me there. There was still a bit of time. First, we had to stop at this mural, and I … Continue reading Tahan – Micky Mouse, Cats and a lot in between Read more
28. May 2026 Today we had to think about logistics. We wanted to hike from A to B — but we also had a car with us, so we had to figure out where to leave it and how to pick it up again later. The route was not that long, so we … Continue reading Shila -> Pipchar – Walking on a legendary Path Read more
27. + 28. May 2026 There are days when there’s a lot to experience. And those tend to make for rather long blog posts… Here we go! Off along the wonderful road to Stongde. I’ve been there before, but taking another look is never a bad idea. Alongside Karsha Monastery, this is the … Continue reading Stongde -> Kumik -> Shila Phu – Pancakevillage, Newvillage and Altitudevillage Read more
26. May 2026 In fact, blue skies were smiling down on us when, after breakfast, we drove the short distance to Zangla. Zangla used to be a kingdom. I had actually known the old king — he had passed away a few years earlier. And there was an old palace, perched on its … Continue reading Zangla -> Tsazar – a Hungarian, an Arhat and a Mountain Happiness Read more
25. May 2026 This is the view from my window — when in the evening it turns stormy and wild. And this is the room. It’s the cleanest homestay I’ve ever stayed in. The house stands on a compound together with two other houses. One is home to Lameth’s extended family, … Continue reading Tsazar – Frisky Fidos dance the Tango Read more
24. May 2026 Being picked up the car worked out great! Except that I got up way too early and the driver made much slower progress than expected. He had started in Manali at 6:00 am. My new guide Lameth had booked me a seat in a shared taxi, passed on the contact … Continue reading Keylong -> Zanskar – new changes, new connections Read more
21. – 23. May 2026 I knew when the bus to Keylong would leave from Manali — and roughly how long it might take. So I went to the roadside in time. It took a bit longer than expected, but never mind. Unfortunately, the bus was full and I only managed to get … Continue reading Keylong – Snow Shoes, Dope Shoes and Hiking Shoes Read more
19. + 20. May 2026 By the way, on my very first day in Manali, the arm of my sunglasses broke. And one thing that is absolutely wonderful in India: you can always find someone to fix things quickly! There’s an optician here on the first floor who had the tiny missing screw, … Continue reading Manali -> Gondhla – a Tunnel, a Fort, a Nunnery Read more
16. – 18. May 2026 Since I thought it would be better not to hike alone through the mountains, wanted to help someone earn a bit more money, and also hoped for company and hiking ideas beyond what Mapy was showing me, I hired a guide: Raju. Raju is 35 years old and … Continue reading Manali – Hiking Days with Raju Read more