Jewel of the North...Sikkim

In over 20 years of Himalayan journey, I am constantly moved by the depth of experience as I move through the stunning kingdoms in the sky, the outposts of Tibetan culture in the high places of Central Asia...and 2008 has got off to an amazing start for me with a short visit to the valleys of Lachen and Lachung...settled originally in the 1600s by just seven families from Bhutan, they became farmers and yak herders - today the people of the Lachen own over 9000 yaks which still roam the high places of the trans himalaya.

Above, 'Plain of the Gods' camp after Lhaba La pass, and the young Ringpoche of Lachen. Below, Manish and Tega with the light relief. Above, Richard, Tinle, Tega and Tibet.

Our guide to both the remote trails and the Lachen festival which started our visit was the incomparable Tega, from a herding family...his father was recruited by Indian intelligence in 1960 to map the road building of the Chinese in Tibet...betrayed by the nomads he sheltered with to Chinese security, he was lucky to get away with a month in jail before they dumped him on the border with a backpack full of Maoist propoganda...a modern day Pundit!

So pictures, and watch the site for the trek...