Friday, October 5, 2018

Thursday, October 4, 2018

Kang Yatse '18 (ski descent)

Took some clients to Kang Yatse this July. Also carried my new ski-mo gear for the descent. 6 days UP - 30 mins down. 😂😂. Yes it seems ridiculous. But there is always fun to be had when you're carrying your skis on a Mountaineering trip - even if its only for half an hour. (Just gotta be game for back breaking hikes from the trailhead to the summit).


Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Baba Mountains (Afghanistan)



While this was a recce sort of a trip, I thoroughly enjoyed skiing and hiking in Afghanistan. The central highlands are not very high compared to most of my usual affairs (affairs of the mountain sort *grins*); but I went towards the end of Feb when it is still very cold. Besides, I didn't want to risk too much on this trip, because this was supposed to be a trip where I was to gather info about adventures in the future to more remote locations such as Badakhshan. So armed with my 🎿 touring kit, I set off to explore the central highlands of Afghanistan. The skiing was amazing, the food - amazing, the people - amazing, the women - pretty, what more can one desire for. 

Skin track on a hill near Chhap Dhara, a beautiful village, not far from the town. 

Bonjon (Dari for Eggplant)

One of the many hills near Chhap Dhara. The snow was so good. And the skiing was awesome

Sheekh Kebab - My favorite 😘

A couple of skiers on a distant slope. 

Views from the road on the way back after a ski tour

Mantoo - Beef dumpling stew

A rough day (had to hike a couple of hours to the snowline)

Mountains near a village called Jowkher 

Kids from the Village (this is the calm before the storm 🤣)

Lavish meal @ Jowkher 

Kids intrigued by the ski kit

@Burgasoo. A boy flaunting his skis (made at the village)

One of the countless slopes just an hours hike from the Village.


Kids from a village near Garganathoo

A chilly, windy day at Band-e-Amir (Dharmatma?)

Beef 😁

The best rice ever. Simple uncomplicated recipe "Pulav"

On the way back to Kabul (with my driver friend and his kid)
There were hundreds of pictures and lots of videos. Hope to share a few more in time.

(This blog entry is still being worked upon; check again later)

Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Backcountry Skiing in Afghanistan

The Baba range offers some awesome soft dry snow during winters (even early spring). Skinups are pretty swift and straightforward. There are a number of villages that act as sort of a trailhead. I used to usually gain about 500m in about 90 to 120 min. A lot of fun to be had. More vids to follow. 


Friday, February 23, 2018

Sh*t Scant Snow in Jan

This vid should demonstrate the crappy conditions in Kashmir earlier this year. We were down to the last few inches of snow and it had been thawing and freezing for so long that it was starting to feel like we were  skiing on glass. Couldn't even keep the ski's parallel. Lol. 


Track courtesy : Blue Shift (Lemaitre)

Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Kashmir - The worst year ever for me!!


I have been visiting Kashmir for a very long time. In good times, in bad times, after injuries or in good health, in times of duress, curfews, tensions and so on. But this was by far my worst year. There was so little snow even on Afarwat, let alone the village. It was appalling. I think it was commendable we lasted 10 days in these conditions. 

Worst part was that it snowed the day we flew out of Kashmir. LOL. 
(PS: The video shows how little snow there actually is on Afarwat)





The three Amegos?

When you can't ski; You eat.

Awesome views from my room!



My Best Friend; as long as he's not licking me!

Views from G4. Depressing in the vicinity but awesome in the distance. 

In a good year, none of these rocks can be seen. 

Gondola station lit up in the foreground. Afarwat in the background. 

My Best Friend!!

Scant Crusty Snow!!

Fine Tuning!! :P
I just hope that next year is somewhat better. Heck who knows, I might make another trip later this year in early spring. But this trip leaves a lot to be desired. :(