This afternoon we returned from our week long trek higher in the Himalayas. What a trip that turned out to be! Our hike took us from the beautiful village of Agora up to Dodital, a small lake high in the mountains fabled as the birthplace of Ganesh, a key figure in the Hindu pantheon. Once … Keep reading »
Ecology and Sustainability in the Indian Himalaya
This course will provide an outstanding opportunity to explore the connections between social structures, economic opportunities, and ecological realities in a diverse and fascinating area of north India. We’ll travel from Delhi into the middle Himalaya, including a six-day porter-supported trek through remote villages up to 12,000’ above sea level.
Time for the trek!
This morning we’re heading out for a week of trekking in the inner Himalaya. We’ll be experiencing a bit of life in mountain villages, and trekking from temperate forests into sub-alpine and even alpine ecosystems. Our elevation will range from about 7000′ to 12 500′. There will be class sessions in high mountain pastures, and … Keep reading »
Getting serious about trekking!
We’ve been spending a lot of time on foot here in Mussoorie/Landour, walking at least 15km a day typically. Partly this is by necessity – feet are still the most efficient form of transportation on these steep slopes! And partly it is by design, as we are getting closer to the time of our week-long … Keep reading »
Getting to know Landour
We’ve spent three days now in and around the Hanifl Centre. The Centre itself is on a quiet, rural end of the Mussoorie ridge, and feels quite removed from the busy market street a 40 minute walk (and 3 kms) away. This end of the ridge is technically called Landour, and is full of large … Keep reading »
Heading into the hills
After 4 days on the plains, we finally headed up into the hills. We left Chilla & Rajaji and made our way to the city of Dehra Dun, state capital of Uttarakhand, where we visited the Forest Resources Institute. This research center, which influences forestry practices all over the country and dates from the British … Keep reading »
Wildlife & Humans Side-by-side
We’ve spent almost two days in this area where the Ganges River comes out of the mountains and journeys across the plains. The Ganges’ role in bringing life to the whole of north India (through depositing mineral-rich silt in its annual floodwaters) is why this particular spot has long been seen as holy. For us, it … Keep reading »
Heading north to Uttarakhand
We impressed ourselves and each other by gathering promptly at 5:30 a.m. to drive to the train station for the six-hour trip to Haridwar. Once there, we loaded the buses and drove to Rishikesh, a town considered the world capital of yoga (and where the Beatles drew inspiration for several of their albums). There was … Keep reading »
Delhi: Human and Wild
This first day of the trip is also our only full one in Delhi, the national capital. It’s a huge city, full of life and activity. It’s easy to see the human footprint, but look a little closer and the place is also full of life for many other kinds of creatures. Our goal today … Keep reading »
A long journey!
There is no quick way to get to India from Indiana. We gathered bright and early at the Welcome Center to say goodbye to our friends and family. After announcements and Pastor Jen’s send-off, we clambered on the bus and waved farewell with the Ecuador group. Send-off from Welcome Center Due to the rift between … Keep reading »
The Taj Mahal followed by Fond Farewells
Wednesday morning we left our rooms at the YWCA in the wee hours of the morning to catch the train from Delhi to Agra, where we paid tribute to one of the most famous places on Earth. I’ll let you do your own research on the Taj Mahal. Afterward, we headed for Agra Fort. Next, … Keep reading »