Archive for October, 2008
Across Zanskar
By Tony on October 30, 2008 | 1 Comment »
Click Map to Explore Trekking Route in Google Maps
We’re off again on yet another trek, and this one will be our most challenging adventure yet. We’ve decided to walk across the remote region of Zanskar from Darcha to Lamayuru via Padum, a 20 day, 275 kilometer odyssey through mostly roadless territory.
Not only is the path long, but hard. This route across Zanskar runs mostly through river valleys but also crosses nine passes in the Greater Himalayas as well as the Zanskar range. That’s nine passes climbing up to 5,100 meters (16,700 feet). That’s a whole lot of up and down. What’s more, » Continue reading this post »
Emma and Richard – Superheroes
By Tony on October 29, 2008 | 1 Comment »
If Superman and Wonder Woman got together, they wouldn’t be as cool a couple as Richard and Emma.
These Contemporary Nomads are witty, intelligent, successful and adventurous while somehow remaining incredibly modest and down to earth. (Am I gushing?) And luckily for me, they’re well prepared and generous as well. During our Stok Kangri episode, Emma lent me her spare pair of gators, which allowed me to hike back down the snowy mountain trails in relative comfort.
But being well prepared for a climb should come as no surprise as these two Brits are nomads with a twist. » Continue reading this post »
Stok Kangri – Spectacular Failure
By Tony on October 26, 2008 | 1 Comment »
Although it might seem that we move from one adventure to another with relative ease, we thought that we might take a moment to share one of our super-duper failures with you. It’s a tale of poor timing and bad information coupled with uncharacteristic shotty preparation on our part.
One of our goals here in Ladakh was to climb Stok Kangri, the 6,000+ meter (20,000+ foot) giant which towers above Leh and the Indus River Valley. It was meant to be a huge personal achievement for Thomas and me as well as an exciting addition to our blog, our first foray into mountain climbing.
Our first mistake was having given away our » Continue reading this post »
Bye, Bye Ariel and Amit
By Tony on October 25, 2008 | No Comments »
After two and a half months and many adventures through northern India, Thomas and I had to say goodbye to Ariel and Amit in Leh, Ladakh.
As of this posting, they are the official ContemporaryNomad.com record holders for the people we have traveled with the longest since we started in Hong Kong. And it has been pure joy, laughing and telling stories and debating the universe ( and being Jewish in the universe). What am I going to do on those terrifying bus rides without Ariel to calm me down?!? Amit was just beginning my Hebrew lessons! Who are we going to hike with? How can we go on?
Amit, Ariel, you guys are going to be sorely missed – that is, until we come visit you guys in Israel 
Leh and the Ladakh Festival
By Tony and Thomas on October 22, 2008 | 8 Comments »
Our latest video takes in the sites and sounds of the Ladakh festival in Leh, a showcase for Ladakhi culture. Traditional dancing, polo, masked Chaam dances at Spituk monastery, and more. The festival takes place in September every year, and, although it is clearly geared towards tourists, it is a great way to catch a glimpse of the various ethnic groups of Ladakh and their spectacular clothing. And it’s not just the dancers, many older Ladakhis, dressed in their finest, come to watch the festivities – great for people-watching.
The video begins with an overview of Leh and its surroundings. The first dancers in the video wearing the distinctive turquoise-studded peraks are Ladakhi and Zanskari, whom might be considered the “true Ladakhis.” The people wearing the flower headdresses are Dha Hanu, also known as the Dards, from the border regions near Pakistan. (We often see them in the markets selling dried fruit, they’re absolutely fascinating.) The women wearing red veils represent Muslim Ladakhis, most of whom live in the west near the border with Kashmir.
Please see our note about the posting delay.
