Author: Mystic Himalayan Trails

Beyond The Pretty Pictures

Ok, so I have confession to make right at the outset. Of late, I seem to have developed a bit of inertia when it comes to posting. Even this post wouldn’t be happening without some persistent prodding and berating by one of my well meaning friends; Who lamented the fact that inspite of having so […]

Invictus

Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul. In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed. Beyond this place of wrath and […]

Hermann Buhl

Gone on this day, 1957.06.27; Hermann Buhl, Austrian pioneer, who made two first ascents, Nanga Parbat(8125 m) in 1953 and Broad Peak (8051 m). He died 18 days later after the ascent of the latter, during an attempt to climb Chogolisa, aged 32.

Evi Yangdol

*’Evi’ is the Ladakhi word for grandmother,
and a
** ‘Rongba’ is a flatlander; someone who’s from the plains 😉

Song of the *Shangku

In these harsh cold highlands
reaching the skies
The cloud sprites dance
to the cadence of my song.
The spindrift, a cruel ringmaster,
whips
An agony of purification
Into the bones.
Yet, as the flakes
like a benediction descend
It matters not, to my call to the wind;
For this is MY land;
And I am unafraid.