beaten paths
Hundreds of years ago, perhaps even thousands of years ago, the Himalayas were still unpenetrated by humans and their wicked ways. Then, slowly, we made our way to the depths, beyond the first layers, and discovered arable lands, lush green fields and beauty beyond compare. But to get there... ! To be able to find our way to all that demanded a careful eye, a careful and quick mind and a will to explore mountain tops that could hold our death.
Brave were those that set out to find all that which the Himalayas have to offer.
Today, the paths through the mountains are kept by those that care for sheep and goats, those nomads that spend their lives split between the plains that stretch southwards of the lesser Indian Himalayas and the high fields filled with what Nature has best to offer: green grass, bountiful food for animals and an enjoyably cool summer weather.
These are paths the shepherds have walked many times, over and over again, with older and sometimes new-born sheep and goats, their trustworthy dogs and sometimes even their wives.
I had the luck to meet them more than once, as they descended from the high passes, down to the South to feed their sheep during the winter on the Southern plains. And once, the herd surprised me behind a bend, on a narrow passage and I was (happily) forced to sit and wait for them to pass...
One day, perhaps, I will go back and meet them again. This time to walk with them, talk with them, live amongst them as they climb beyond heights unimaginable to us, ignorant Westerners.
Brave were those that set out to find all that which the Himalayas have to offer.
Today, the paths through the mountains are kept by those that care for sheep and goats, those nomads that spend their lives split between the plains that stretch southwards of the lesser Indian Himalayas and the high fields filled with what Nature has best to offer: green grass, bountiful food for animals and an enjoyably cool summer weather.
These are paths the shepherds have walked many times, over and over again, with older and sometimes new-born sheep and goats, their trustworthy dogs and sometimes even their wives.
I had the luck to meet them more than once, as they descended from the high passes, down to the South to feed their sheep during the winter on the Southern plains. And once, the herd surprised me behind a bend, on a narrow passage and I was (happily) forced to sit and wait for them to pass...
Click to viewOne day, perhaps, I will go back and meet them again. This time to walk with them, talk with them, live amongst them as they climb beyond heights unimaginable to us, ignorant Westerners.