AUTUMN PASSAGE TO THE HIMALAYA: Treks, Travels and History

A committed adventure enthusiast never retires, or hangs up his shoes. His approach may vary, companions may change but the passion remains intact. This is true for all lovers of the Himalaya.

With advancements in technology and infrastructure, access to deeper and remote valleys in the Himalayan range has become possible.There are very few valleys and peaks that remain untrodden. Now that Everest has been climbed innumerable times, the future of mountaineering lies in lesser-known smaller peaks that are by no means easy to climb.

The author has described treks in Sikkim, Kishtwar, Chhota Bangahal, Obra gad, Hanle, Chushul, Kashmir and several others. The book narrates a well-researched history of Italian World War II Prisoners climbing in the Himalaya, visits to Bhutan and Tibet and personal recollections of trekking in Darjeeling, a visit to ’The Plateau’—a rarely visited high area of Sikkim and a trek along the forbidden Shyok river in Eastern Karakoram.

These articles give an insight into many Himalayan areas, their history, the people, politics and the period of development of Himalayan climbing in India during the last few decades. For an armchair mountaineer there are personal stories, accounts of the life of Sir Frances Younghusband, trekking with mobiles, and interaction with climbers and travellers of different nationalities.

With maps, sketches and photographs, this book will be an invaluable guide to both present and future mountain enthusiasts.