Hello and “Juley”- the traditional Ladakhi greeting.
Nearly a month ago, I set off from Delhi for a trekking and climbing trip in Ladakh (in the Indian Himalayas) and the idea was that I would chitter-chatter to you dear people as we wended our way (is that the correct past participle, by the way?) from Delhi –> Chhachhrauli -> Jammu -> Srinagar -> Leh. I had my iPad, my mobile, my camera, and so I was sorted.
Or so I thought.
Connectivity, however, turned out to be one heck of a problem, and once in Leh itself, though free wifi is the order of the day in nearly every café and hotel, so slow were the speeds, that I just gave up trying to blog.
Either that or go bonkers.
Obviously once we left Leh on 12 August for our climb, I always knew there would be no connectivity, but those lovely acclimatising-cum-blogging days I’d planned in Leh were simply not meant to be. I acclimatised, I walked, I yomped up and down every hill this darling little town has, I met up with my running girls from Delhi, but ne’er a blog post could I manage.
And now I’m back in Delhi, getting over AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) and just about feeling strong enough to lift my head above the parapet.
I am conscious that I owe you all lots and lots of news and photos, after a month’s silence, but it’ll take a few days to catch up.
But since I am (let’s be honest) so thrilled that I summited Kangyatse II, here’s my showy-off summit photo, to wrap up today’s very short post :
AMS robbed me of a chance to try for the summit of Dzojongo – which my team mates tell me was way harder than expected – so that challenge will have to be for another year. I left Dzojongo Base Camp feeling weak and yes, very miserable at the idea of unfinished business. I trekked down to a lower altitude with a porter, crossed an exhausting 5200m pass, and finally made it back to Delhi yesterday.
My luggage will follow tomorrow.
Or the day after.
Inshallah.
But oh the joy and the heart-stopping beauty of the world from the summit of a mountain…
It’s views like this that make the gruelling climb worth it…
Well done you and so sorry AMS stopped you doing the other one – and I think your family will be working very hard to ensure that you stay safe downhill in the future! Wonderful photos though – and glad the knees and shoulder held up.
PS Went? no, too boring.
wow Christine Laakh is one of my favorite places
5500 meters was my limit & I was ‘down for the count’. I thought I’d have an edge as I usually live at about 1500 meters, alas twas not to be.
Shabash deedi.
Ditto to J. Binstead’s comment. And then crossing 5200m with AMS. Amazing.
Well done, Christine!
Congratulations!! And so glad you are back safely. It was a tremendous achievement considering the ankle problem and those views are divine!
Bravo ! Proud of you !
Congratulations Christine! A little bit jealous as well, but not for the AMS… 🙂 Recover soon, so you can truly enjoy all your achievements.
Congratulations! But please be careful in future – altitude sickness is not to be fooled around with…. xx
Juley!
wow C! congratulations on summiting 🙂 and get well soon soon :))
Congrats on a great accomplishment !
Congratulations Christine! You are amazing. Looking forward to seeing your pictures and hearing more…for now, welcome home and get lots of TLC!
great