Stories

Read stories, essays, interviews and reflections from writers, researchers, artists, and communities exploring the people, cultures, and living landscapes of the Himalaya.

76 stories
13 min watch
Video

Shangdong to Stupa

A short video in Ladakhi explaining the Shangdong to Stupa initiative. Shot by Nomadic Brothers and edited by Munmun Dhalaria. (Includes English subtitles)
Nomadic Brothers
Brown Bear | Photo: Janko Ferlic (Pexels)
5 min read
Narrative

Living With The Wild

The 19th day of November 2018 was like any other day for Vikram of Pangi, Chamba district. He was walking his cattle in the nearby village pasture by the banks…
Deepshikha Sharma
5 min read
Essay

The Predicament of a Herder

Winters in Spiti valley are filled with celebrations of a fruitful year and prayers for a bountiful year ahead. Most of the time is spent within the villages as travel…
Tanzin Thinley
"Huntsman" rock-art, Gya-Miru | Photo: Sherab Lobzang
6 min read
Narrative

Art From Our Valleys

Life in the mountains is tough. In addition to physical fitness, it demands a great deal of mental fortitude. This is particularly true among our elders, especially when you hear…
Sherab Lobzang
Two male ibexes resting | Photo: Tinkle Bhatt
2 min read
Narrative

Trekking the Forests of Himachal

To be a forest guard in Himachal Pradesh means trekking in some of the harshest terrains to document and protect the most vulnerable wildlife. But to me, that is what…
Tinkle Bhatt
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
8 min read
Interview

Environment & Women

In the year 1730, the king of Jodhpur, Rajasthan sent out a band of soldiers to cut few Khejri trees for the construction of his palace. Khejri is one of…
Deepshikha Sharma
Chicham Village | Photo: Tanvi Dutta
4 min read
Interview

In Conversation with Women of Chicham

Tanzin Dawa: How has it changed? Dikit Lamo: We have been experiencing extremely erratic weather conditions these days. I am 40 now and from my experience, I think it is…
Tanzin Dawa · Dikit Lamo · Padma Norzom
Photo: Kalzang Dolma
7 min read
Narrative

The Many Tales Around Water

Insights from Ane Butith Zangmo, Kalzang Dolma with complimentary reading from Tobtan’s book “Spiti: A socio-cultural traditions” Spiti’s oral literature has extensive reference to water. Many ancient verses, odes, hymns,…
Kalzang Dolma
Herds of sheeps and goats return after grazing in the Dhar on the North-east of Kungti village | Photo: Virendra Mathur
7 min read
Essay

Traversing Climate Change

In the mystical lands of Bharmour and Lahaul, located in the north-western part of Himachal Pradesh, India, a seasonal event takes place every year that is an elegant harmony between…
Virendra Mathur