From Brahma to Buddha, Spring 2011

The whole crew at the start of the trek

Entering the beautiful Markha Valley.

We reached our 16,700 ft pass! Where's all the oxygen?

It will be a quiet week or so here on the blog as the group enjoys walking among some of the most spectacular (and youngest) mountain peaks and valleys on earth.

If they are extremely lucky, they may also enjoy a fleeting glimpse of the endangered and exceedingly reclusive Snow Leopard. Although almost never seen in the wild, paw prints and camera trap images such as this one taken in Ladakh prove Panthera uncia is still hanging on out there. More likely will be sightings of resident Blue Sheep, Ibex, Marmots, Golden Eagles, and the giant Lammergeier, with its incredible 10-foot wingspan. And plenty of Yaks.