Ladakh’s mystical magic and mystery lies dormant in the fact that it remains a remote cavern of uncharted territory with unfathomable geological mayhem spread across its treacherous terrain perpetually putting life and survival to test. There is a saying about the region, which is as common as it is true, “The land so barren and the passes so high, that only the worst of enemies and the fiercest of friends dare to lay foot upon its soil.” Perhaps the expression renders the participants of the Padyatra in the latter half for each one was present solely due to their devotion and determination.

The 8^th annual Eco Padyatra spanned over a period of 9 days with a diverse group of 600 local villagers, 400 monks and nuns from Ladakh, Bhutan and Nepal and 250 people from remote corners of the world including South America, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, England and France, all lead by His Holiness Gyalwang Rinpoche. We walked through high passes, prayed in monasteries and camped at 5,500 meters above sea-level at sub-zero temperatures, covering Chemdey Village, Sakti Village, Khasang Village, Egu Village along the way, ending the yatra at the Holy Lake of Egu Tso. It was an experience that retained a profound spiritual essence with a strong affiliation for adventure.

In villages as pristine as the crystal clear water gushing through its streams, as peaceful as its residents and as pure and revitalizing as its air, a beautifully assorted array of people gathered together for a cause initiated by His Holiness Gwalang Rinpoche. With whiffs of juniper roots in the air, fluttering prayer flags and jagged peaks outlining the striking blue sky, we walked collecting litter or plastic waste along the way. The aim was to be devoted and aware, to be spiritually awakened and to recognize the inflicted damage on our environment and the need for a cause that demands change.