Jomsom to Kagbeni through the Kali Gandaki

Approaching Kagbeni Read the rest of this entry »

I have just returned from a trek to Upper Mustang with Razzu and his team. As a nearly burnt-out solo rural medical practitioner this trip was spiritually rejuvenating for me. Firstly of course there was the scenery; the tortured eroded forms of the bare earth of Kali Gandaki gorge, the oases of the village terraces lush with new wheat, the colourful chortens and always high above the haze the great snow bulk of Nilgiri. And then there was the culture. we were priviliged to see people working together in a way largely lost to us. One man guides the oxen another handles the plough, four or five women rake the earth into mounds whilst others broadcast the seed. Groups of women and children sit on the sunny sides of the lanes in Lo-Manthang some are spinning with drop spindles,some are carding the goats wool, an old man spins out prayers for all with his prayer wheel. We visit ancient gompas where rituals are lovingly maintianed. Compassion is palpable and my soul unfolds. Compassion is also the driving ethos of Razzu and his wonderful team. Our every need is anticipated. If we are tired or unwell a helping hand is always there. Razzu,Sham, Ganu, Kolyan and Karma have their eyes on us all the time.

Razzu and his team provide for me an example of compassion informing professionalism that sits gently in my mind as I prepare to return to work.

Thank you Razzu.

David Hunt