Trek to the home of the Dalai Lama

							                     Trek to the home of the Dalai Lama




It was during the journey to Heathrow Airport that I began to have second
thoughts about what I was letting myself in for! Fundraising & training had
kept me quite busy & my biggest concern was whether or not I would keep up
with younger, fitter members in the group I would be part of for the coming two
weeks.
Nor did I know anyone else in the group – I was the only person doing the
challenge for my chosen charity.
So, wearing the Charity Challenge t-shirt & assuming I would meet the others
as soon as I booked on to my flight, I said goodbye to my husband & off I
went. It was only on arrival at Delhi Airport that I finally managed to make real
contact with the others – no-one was wearing their t-shirt!

Anyway, one marigold garland later, I quickly got to know the group members
on the wonderfully curtained & “air-conditioned “ coach that took us into the
city. Even though I felt mentally prepared for the sights I knew I would see,
Delhi is an assault on all of your senses & you just have to accept that you
can do nothing about the poverty & squalor that exist on every street corner
.Some families live, literally, on the pavements.

There was some time for sight seeing before taking the overnight sleeper train
that night & our wonderful bus took us through the old part of the city to the
Mosque. We were able to climb to the top of one of the minarets & take in the
surrounding views, & listen to all the unfamiliar sounds that are part of Delhi.

What an adventure to reach the northwest Himalaya…..”first class”
accommodation (with sheets) on a hard bunk bed & a long bus ride to Mcleod
Gange before we were able to stretch our legs later that afternoon.
Unfortunately, the Dalai Lama was not at home & the hoped-for audience did
not take place. At least there was time to visit the small museum & begin to
soak up some of the atmosphere that makes this region a very special place
to be. Snow-capped peaks in the background with hills & mountains in every
direction you looked. Magic.
Our expedition leader, Sian, made sure that we were well looked after & had
organised a couple of visits to some very special places whilst we were
acclimatising. We were allowed into Buddhist temples which only opened
every few years & we also took part in celebrations which marked the end of
the festival of lights.

The trek itself followed part of the Uhl river & every day had 2 or 3 ascents &
descents as standard. Our guides were very supportive to each person’s
needs & a guiding hand was given to those in the group who were struggling.
We walked through amazing villages where farming methods were still much
the same as in the Middle Ages & oxen were pulling wooden ploughs. Not an
inch of land was wasted & most of the villages were self-sufficient, although
we did see some wealthy goatherds – given the size of their herds!

The village schools welcomed us – we were as interesting to the villagers as
they to us! Children arrive at school (all in neat uniforms) early as they are the
ones who clean both inside & outside before lessons start. No computers in
evidence here, & very little in the way of books & pictures either!




Every day was full of amazing experiences – the wildlife, the scenery, the
challenge of yet another ascent - & although the temperature fell very quickly
once the sun started going down, the camping was OK. You quickly adjust to
the lack of facilities & real showers.

However, we did have a treat at the end …..a night in what had been a
Maharajha’s palace! & even though the plumbing wasn’t very good the place
had style!

A long return journey to Delhi allowed us the chance to call at the Norbulingka
Institute which keeps alive some wonderful Tibetan crafts & skills…..no
haggling here!
In all, such an enriching experience. Meeting & getting to know other people is
always good. Seeing other cultures & sharing another language ( my Hindi is
much improved!) is a real privilege.

I recommend such a trip to everyone. I hope to do another. Watch this space!