Journey from Manali to Leh

 
 

**Note, we changed our name in 2021 to be more reflective of our mission. Institute for Village Studies started in partnership with Western Washington University in 1999, and we look forward to carrying on this work as InPlace - Ecocultural Learning Institute.

 

Julley and Greetings from Leh! After a grueling two-day jeep ride through the Great Himalaya range, we have reached Leh, the capital of Ladakh. The trip covered 473km and went over four high-altitude passes, including the Taglang La at 17,582 ft.! There was a dramatic change in ecosystems – from the lush, coniferous forests in Manali to the grass lands of the Tibetan plateau and finally the alpine desert in Leh. We saw the nomadic herders tending their goat and yak herds, wild horses and one student is convinced that she spotted the elusive Himalayan Yeti! The combination of high altitude, long days and rough roads tested us all, but the group dealt with the adversity admirably.

Tomorrow we will be going to the Changtang region to meet the nomadic communities of eastern Ladakh and join them in the celebration of the Dalai Lama’s birthday. We will be out of email and phone contact for one week, and will send another update when we arrive back in Leh.

Best,

Charlie and James

Responsible Travel, Study AbroadCharlieTravel, India, Ladakh