Soliloquy of a Wandering Pilgrim

Many a ranges crossed, some colours vanished and some new became bright and predominat. The noise and crowd of Manali and the Rhotang Pass were behind. The Chandra river welcomed with its desolate indifference and soon after Kunzum Pass (4550m) we were in Spiti. The country in the middle! Reminding me of the fantasmal "middle earth". The journey has begun. The fellowship is bestowed upon. We were now in Manirang county. Sitting in the Tata Sumo for 14 hours, the only place I could relate to in Manali was the 'German Bakery'. It was only place where life was a bit settled and one could get a decent cup of tea and croissants! Although there is no German connection to the shop; but the food is pretty good. There was even Yak cheese for sale (Rs 1000/kilo!!!). To my surprise we found another "German Bakery' in the bazar of Kaza. Both the Manali and Kaza shops are run by Nepalese. Interesting but not surprising; as they are the hard working and enterprising...

Many a ranges crossed, some colours vanished and some new became bright and predominat. The noise and crowd of Manali and the Rhotang Pass were behind. The Chandra river welcomed with its desolate indifference and soon after Kunzum Pass (4550m) we were in Spiti. The country in the middle! Reminding me of the fantasmal "middle earth". The journey has begun. The fellowship is bestowed upon. We were now in Manirang county. Sitting in the Tata Sumo for 14 hours, the only place I could relate to in Manali was the 'German Bakery'. It was only place where life was a bit settled and one could get a decent cup of tea and croissants! Although there is no German connection to the shop; but the food is pretty good. There was even Yak cheese for sale (Rs 1000/kilo!!!). To my surprise we found another "German Bakery' in the bazar of Kaza. Both the Manali and Kaza shops are run by Nepalese. Interesting but not surprising; as they are the hard working and enterprising lot in...

On June 19, 2009, Kiran and Thendup fixed rope all the way up to the summit of Manirang. The very next morning, Martin Muecke, Matt Duffy, Thendup climbed ( 14 hours) by the South Ridge to the summit of Manirang (6593m). Rajeev Ranjan decided not to attempt for the summit at the very last moment. Feeling poorly with a chest infection, I myself did not go beyond the summit camp as well. Or may be since I had climbed Manirang before (2006), I was not motivated enough! But to face the truth I was not strong enough that morning either. On June 21, me and Kiran climbed a unnamed peak ( 5650m) near Camp1 (4900m). The climb turned out to be longer and more exposed than I had expected. We both climbed free and without a rope. I must say it was not a very wise thing to do! It was great fun and rewarding in the end! On June 23, Martin and Kiran climbed Saponang on fine snow and ice conditions and in early morning hours! Martin has two rare Himalayan summits this time and Kiran has 3!!! Will po...

it took us 12 hours to reach Kaza yesterday. The ride was not comfortable; but the spectacular Spiti mesmerized us. There is still alot of fresh snow on Rhotang and Kunzam Pass (4550m). We had great views of the great Himalayan Range.   This morning, while Rajeev, Matt and Martin went to visit the Key Gompa, I went to road head village of Mane and organized our mules to Base Camp. It was good to see Singhe Dorjee after 3 years. Kaza and Mane has developed a lot since my last visit in 2006. Roads are better and the villages look like a symbol of peace and prosperity.   We also had our first view of Manirang yesterday. The route looked snowy. It seems that we will be having a snow bound Base camp and will need to plod to Camp 2 ( Manirang Pass). Other than that, sun is shining and weather looks good and so is the spirit of the team.   -- Adventure Mania official website: www.adventuremania.com Upcoming Trips blog: http://adventuremania-india.blogspot.com Raja's personal blo...

After 26 hours of Poorva Express (Howrah to New Delhi) and 14 hours of bus travel (Delhi to Manali), we have finally made Manali. After weeks its great to be in some pleasant temperature and to be among mountains again! Rajeev, Matt, Martin, Thendup, Lhakpa, Kiran, Indra and me are now united. The team is complete. Shopping of food, fuel done. Transport to Kaza arranged. From tomorrow the real adventure begins. All the phone calls, emails, stress can wait. Here we come ...Manirang! -- Adventure Mania official website: www.adventuremania.com Upcoming Trips blog: http://adventuremania-india.blogspot.com Raja's personal blog: http://himalaya-raja.blogspot.com Real Adventure Journeys Across Himalaya Call Raja:  +91 97487 61139 Optional Number :+91 92305 11139

It would not be right if I do not mention the names of those extraordinary persons who extended their helping hand in making the small yet significant cyclone relief effort possible. Arindam Mukherjee Utpal Mukherjee Subrata Bhattacharjee Diganta Roy Chowdhury Sumitava Biswas Ramesh Sharma What they did was inspiring! They are our heroes! cheers! -- Adventure Mania official website: www.adventuremania.com Upcoming Trips blog: http://adventuremania-india.blogspot.com Raja's personal blog: http://himalaya-raja.blogspot.com Real Adventure Journeys Across Himalaya Call Raja:  +91 97487 61139 Optional Number :+91 92305 11139

on June 4, 2009, a few friends did it again. This time we could reach the Bali island of Sundarban. Distributed over 3000 liters of water, 600 Kilos of rice, 200 kilos of Dal, 8 sacks of Bleaching Powder, a few cartons of Oral rehydration salt, medicines, and baby food and more.   We drove to Godkahli ( approx 125 kms from Calcutta) and the took a boat ( 1 hour on the Durga duani river) to reach Bali Island. From Bali Island our friends are distributing food , water and medicine deeper in remote parts of Sundarban.   Since I am in a hurry to catch a train; I am positing few photos that I took yesterday. After a month when I am back from Manirang Expedition, I should be able to share some more photos from this day.     -- Adventure Mania official website: www.adventuremania.com Upcoming Trips blog: http://adventuremania-india.blogspot.com Raja's personal blog: http://himalaya-raja.blogspot.com Real Adventure Journeys Across Himalaya Call Raja:  +91 97487 61139 Optional Nu...