Tso Moriri & Hemis
We just got back from our student led trip to Tso Moriri and Hemis. Although it was a bit of a journey out to Tso Moriri –including a quick stall in some thick sand- it was well worth it. The scenery was quite stunning! We spent our time relaxing, enjoying walks around the lake, playing soccer with some local kids, and indulging in our cook, Stanzin,’s amazing dishes! We also enjoyed a night of ghost stories –Ladakhi and American- and hot chocolate. Our on way back, we stopped by a nomadic tent and shared some tea and stories with the family that lived there.
We spent our last day and a half in Hemis, a beautiful village about an hour outside of Leh. Hemis hosts one of the most famous Drukpa (a lineage of Tibetan Buddhism) monasteries. Early this morning, we hiked up to Gotsang retreat center. Many Buddhist monks come to this place of refuge for several years in order to focus solely on their practice.
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This evening we are headed to SECMOL, the Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh , for the next three days before we begin our 9 day trek in Marka Valley. We will return from trek on May 13th. We are looking forward to the challenge that the days ahead of us hold.
Finally, we all are looking forward to celebrating Sarah’s 20th birthday tomorrow!