Leh & the Himalayas

We arrived in Leh, about 3,500 meters above sea level, the other day and it was like landing in another world. It looks like the moon, or maybe Tatuin (sp?) from Star Wars. It is like a desert, but really really high up and there are humungoid mountains everywhere. Leh (in the eastern part of Kashmir, snuggled in around the Himalayas) is the highest airport in the world they tell me. Due to the altitude it is really really dry and the sun is brutal. It also is exceptionally cold at night (and in our hotel room.) So we went from sleeping in 90 degree weather to sleeping in a room that was 56 degrees. They have space heaters, but they don't have fuel since it is "summer" now.

We’d been advised to take it very easy the first day due to the altitude. We didn’t have any hiking plans or anything but, even rising from the hammock in the garden, walking 15 paces to the room to pick up a book, and walking the 15 paces back was challenge enough. In general though, it is incredibly peaceful and relaxing here. Our guide probably thinks we are total lazy bums, but I'm not too concerned. We spent most of yesterday "site seeing" and were scheduled for the same today but asked if we could just relax instead. It is quite a lovely place in which to relax.

Tomorrow we start our three day trek!