In the embrace of Indian Himalaya

One of many pieces of the mosaic is also the roof of the world, Himalaya, which stretches over the borders of five countries: Pakistan, India, China, Nepal and Butane. The word itself comes from Sanskrit and means snow, and among them is the king of mountains Mount Everest.

Himalaya has always attracted various travellers, mountain climbers, hikers, thinkers, nature lovers, possibly lovers of the unnatural, intoxicating and mystic. Thus it also attracted me in its embrace, which is unforgettable.

Our path led us to the valley of Parvati, which charmed us. It’s a world where people live slowly and in accordance with nature. A place where there are no chauffeurs waiting for school children, but where they walk down the road talking and laughing. It where people live humbly but with bright smiles on their faces, with a warmth I’ve rarely seen in the large cities of India. No body stares at me or begs for money. The people are nice, peaceful and open. The main incomes are sheep wool, wheat, apples, developing tourism and growing cannabis.

The valley of Parvati is an Indian paradise of charasa or hashish. The authorities realize there’s more and more such fields, but they do nothing about it, for it insures social peace. It insures people don’t beg, but they do try to sell charas to tourists wherever they can. May it be such a remote village, with a view of a woman knitting colourful socks, but when she sees a tourist she pulls a ball of intoxicating substance and starts selling it for a price that is very cheap for a westerner.

A festival of electronic music has moved from Goja to this valley in summer months. After a few social dances, days of exploration and nights, I am as India itself full of colourful patterns and wanted to experience the other side of Parvati, where we stayed for quite some time. To leave the valley and go to the mighty peaks, which were inviting me with their snowy glow all the time.

Luck was following me this time, while I was travelling through a small village of Kasol, and came to the mountain camp. After two days of negotiating with the director of the camp and a finished medical examination, I was placed to a higher place on the expedition list, in an expedition that was organized exclusively for Indians. More I was convincing the director it’s not my first time in the high mountains, the more he insisted on the medical exam. So I had to go to the neighbouring village to get to a doctor and get a stamp on the opinion I was fit enough. Only one doctor and a long cue as always. The doors to the office were open and it went smooth as a conveyer belt. The people with all imaginable problems were telling the doctor what ails them and he prescribed receipts without much examination, to call in the next patient. When it’s my turn and I tell what I need, my medical report was flawless. But I could not get it stamped, for it was a national holiday and the main office with the stamp was closed, so I should return tomorrow.

Showing the paper to the camp director, along with all the equipment and ensuring him once again I have no problems with Indian food, I got his green light. So we departed towards the 4300 meters height altitude and enjoyed a week of an embracing Himalayan beauty.

It was a special adventure with unique Indians I went on with. I forgot the cold, the exhaustion and short night. Only the memory of new friendships, learned Hindu words, good will, team spirit and a view of the Himalayan mountains remains, with a feeling too powerful to describe.

I experienced all of this thanks to HI India, which will shortly extend its hand to HI Slovenia and give you the possibility of a similar adventure experience to you too.