Philosophy and Thinking

This morning after waking up, we went for a hike up the mountain next to our campsite on a very steep path.  It is interesting how time slows down when walking in general, and especially in these surroundings.  Experiencing all the beauty and views all around us on foot is definitely a different experience.  Like a child, the things you notice … a rock, a flower, a formation, a mountain, a glacier, a river, the people … seem all new again.

We left after breakfast towards the highest pass so far and on to our highest altitude campsite at 4400m. 

As always the ride was spectacular.  As we were approaching the Baralachala Pass at 4850m (16,000ft) the feel was definitely of being at the top of the world … no more vegetation, barren and very steep mountains, snow, glaciers … and the road just kept zigzagging and going up higher and higher.

I can now understand why this area of the world has attracted thinkers, monks, philosophers for so long … the combination of solitude, such majestic surroundings, and the beauty of it all.

Made it to camp … hard to breathe but everybody seems to have acclimatized well … dinner and bed for an early start.

Tomorrow we will tackle the highest altitude pass of the trip at 5350m (17,600ft). Let's see how it goes.