"The morning started by crossing a rickety wooden bridge over the confluence of the Tsarap Chu and the Zara Chu, and then a long meandering trail towards the first serious climb of the day"
Do you have a photo of that bridge? And am I right in assuming it is over the Zara Chu, a couple of hundred metres up from the Tsarap Chu? I didn't realize there was a bridge there. We have always crossed the river, and have only trekked there when it was low... jamie8848@gm ...
Familiar territory ... I read your post, heart in mouth sometimes, even though I know you made it through as we met in Padum. You were dealing with high rivers and it seems to have made route-finding more difficult as we have taken horses on all the routes except to Tsazar and had no issues. It would be great if you could perhaps add dates and that might assist fastpackers in the future.
Hi Jamie, thanks for reading! This hike took place from July 9th - 30th, which we knew would make for challenging river levels (and we did make some route changes based on on local advice). This was my first time hiking in Ladakh, so definitely a steep learning curve! Great to meet you in Padum, and thanks for all the inspiration. The Youtube series of this hike will appear at some point on Manav's channel.
What a story! I can only imagine your frustration, panic, disbelief and all the rest... Really glad to read you're in a place for recovery now and that regardless of the strive, the spirits still not broken. (I really hope you've got Eye of the Tiger somewhere in your playlist :p )...Also the kindness of friends and strangers <3
Horrific as it is to admit, I had a chuckle on the first of the 'too close to breakdown section'. As the reader I have the benefit of knowing that all is eventually well. It's definately a, 'you just couldn't write that' moment!
Absolute fascinating read!
Raw and uncut, it's been really fun to follow along your journey in the Himalayas!
Hope you're better health wise, wishing you guys luck for the next adventure :)
Thanks for reading Ayush, much appreciated!
And are you able to assist:
"The morning started by crossing a rickety wooden bridge over the confluence of the Tsarap Chu and the Zara Chu, and then a long meandering trail towards the first serious climb of the day"
Do you have a photo of that bridge? And am I right in assuming it is over the Zara Chu, a couple of hundred metres up from the Tsarap Chu? I didn't realize there was a bridge there. We have always crossed the river, and have only trekked there when it was low... jamie8848@gm ...
I found the answer on Manav's description, thanks.
Familiar territory ... I read your post, heart in mouth sometimes, even though I know you made it through as we met in Padum. You were dealing with high rivers and it seems to have made route-finding more difficult as we have taken horses on all the routes except to Tsazar and had no issues. It would be great if you could perhaps add dates and that might assist fastpackers in the future.
Hi Jamie, thanks for reading! This hike took place from July 9th - 30th, which we knew would make for challenging river levels (and we did make some route changes based on on local advice). This was my first time hiking in Ladakh, so definitely a steep learning curve! Great to meet you in Padum, and thanks for all the inspiration. The Youtube series of this hike will appear at some point on Manav's channel.
Thanks for sharing your experience Macha. :)
Many more passes to come.
Sharing a quick snippet of what we were able to pull off in 22 days
Passes done:
01) Stok La (4900 m)
2) Ganda La (4950 m)
3) Chakchang La (5350 m)
4) Tairi La (5870 m)
5) Yar La (4900 m)
6) Bong La (4610 m)
7) Marang La (5333 m)
8) Laol La (4379 m)
9) Umlumg La (4300 m)
10) Umlung La (4253 m)
11) Chhohama La (4356 m)
12) Punshum La (4300 m)
13) Gotunta La (5131 m)
14) Niala Konsta La (4821 m)
15) Gautang La (4879 m)
16) Lar La (4649 m)
17) Ningri La (5178 m)
18) Shiachun La (5379 m)
19) Ralakung La (5250 m)
20) Nangma La (4643 m)
21) Ralakung La (5250 m)
22) Parfi La (3904 m)
Lakes done:
01) Stargyuk Tso (5250 m)
2) Tairi La Tarn (5600 m)
3) Nyatsang Tso (4250 m)
4) Tso Tokphu (4100 m)
Total distance:
465 km
Days:
19 hiking days
03 rest days
What a story! I can only imagine your frustration, panic, disbelief and all the rest... Really glad to read you're in a place for recovery now and that regardless of the strive, the spirits still not broken. (I really hope you've got Eye of the Tiger somewhere in your playlist :p )...Also the kindness of friends and strangers <3
Horrific as it is to admit, I had a chuckle on the first of the 'too close to breakdown section'. As the reader I have the benefit of knowing that all is eventually well. It's definately a, 'you just couldn't write that' moment!
Excited for you, enjoy the rest, keep safe x
Cheers Rach, thanks for reading!
The basket and thunderstorm were real cherries on top! :)