Sonamarg

I am back in Sonamarg after 21 years. This is the place where as a 2 year old I frolicked in the snow and probably learnt to walk and talk coherently. This time around I hope I learnt the basics well enough since I am prepping to climb Machoi (approx 18,500 ft).

My knowledge of intricate geography is pretty poor. And I need to do something about it! Though I know roughly where Ladakh, the Zanskar, Pir Panjal, Dhauladhar etc ranges lie and how they divide Jammu and Kashmir, I wish I could map it in my head and hold a discourse on it. I wont be surprised if post my current read (pursuing my other great love - history), I pick up a book on the geography of North India.

This place is gorgeous. We got in on the 11th at 1800 hours. A morning walk on the 12th along the Sind river that flows by (originating near Zojila) and a acclimatization climb to the cliffs behind HAWS has reminded me how some amazing scenery unfolds as you go higher or further. Funny how life in Delhi can corrupt one so much :)

 Col Dhillion and self did this aforementioned climb; “walk” as he called it, gaining 3,500 feet in about 4 hours. Quite appropriately the other side of the cliffs reveal a beautiful high valley called “Happy Valley”. The climb also revealed a flock of 2000 sheep, fierce sheep dogs, bhojpatra trees, new born sheep and just how tiring coming back downhill is.

I am knocking off now for the afternoon. I am tired to the bones...

1600 hours: 60 minutes of naptime later I am the latest convert to the “no afternoon naps’ club. they are disorienting, lethargy inducing and make one woozy. Arghh...