In a couple of weeks’ time, I’ll be on my way to Spiti. As I prepare for the long, challenging journey ahead, I think back to all the times I’ve travelled to Spiti.
My first trip to Spiti was in 2017. At that time, I was completely mesmerised by the breathtaking views. Over the years, as my trips became more and more work oriented, I had less and less time to enjoy the views. Since the journey is full of uncertainties, weeks of extensive planning became necessary. Because It is hard to find even basic things in Spiti, we had to procure everything in advance and pack them properly. I would then take these with me to Spiti (in the past I’ve travelled with as much as 1,000 kgs worth of materials). All my focus was making sure that the materials and people travelling with me reach the destination safely.
Thanks to the systems, processes and friendships that we’ve built over the last couple of years, this year all the materials would’ve reached Spiti by the time I arrive there. Since there would be no materials to carry, I can once again shift my focus on enjoying the views, just like the first trip. And I’m really, really looking forward to that!
P.S. This picture was taken in the streets of Kaza, where our free library is situated.