India Pic's

This is the local bus station, seemed very caotic most of the time the noise was incredible. 

The cows were as common as the people in the local square seeming oblivious to the caos around them. 

Picture of the prayer flags, Bir where I stayed in himachael Predesh  is a Tibetan Colony.   When the Chinese invaded tibetans came across the border and settled in this area.

The area has a number of Tibetan Monestaries.  

On our way back from Manali to Bir we came across a burning ghat, this is where the person who has died is cremated on a pile of wood on the side of the river as everything is burned it is just washed away by the water. A Hindu religious  
ceromony.

Himalayan Sky Safari

Check out the link below, Himalayan Sky Safari run by Eddie Colfox and John Silvester, two of the most experienced Himalayan guides out there. If you fancy a guided trip to India these are the people to be with. Vast experience of India, Pakistan and Nepal. The price includes guiding, accommodation and food exceptional value.
If you have seen John's Himalayan DVD's it could be you flying with him one to one, with a paragliding adventure of a life time.

http://www.himalayanskysafaris.com

Me and Eddie having a mad moment on Goluba take off with the Rohtang Pass in the background

Above and below pictures of John Silvester getting ready for a late afternoon take off from Goluba  with the Rohtang Pass in the background

Manali Himachael Predesh

Before last weekend the weather in Bir was not so good with low cloud base early in the morning so a decision was taken to take a five hour taxi ride around the next valley called the Kullu Valley leading to Manali and the Rohtang Pass.

As you see from the pictures below the views are stunning, flying at around 4250m some of the peaks over the back snow capped reach around 6000m. You really feel that you are in the womb of the mountains.

Looking at the landscape its like another world, a snow capped moon scape.

First climb of the day at around 4200m

The winding road of the Rohtang Pass billed as one of the most dangerous roads in the world, with hoards of Indian tourists heading to the top of the pass in taxi's to get a glimpse and feel of the fresh snow.

Relaxing

The view from the roof terrace of the cafe we went to every morning for breakfast, you could not ask for better views anywhere.  

Waiting at our accommodation on the day we were heading back to Bir. not bad for £2 per night.  and breakfast / dinner for 86 pence. Brilliant value if your going to spend a month or two over here. 

Another day flying

Another great day flying from Bir to Mandi flying east along the front ridge, stopping at camp 360 top landing and then flying onto Mandi. When coming into Mandi you have to have eyes in the back of your head and watch out for numerous power lines.

Flying along the front ridge on the way to Mandi from Bir, notice the terraces these are at around 2500m

Myself and John Silvester after landing in a river bed at Mandi  Himachael Predesh, and a few of the locals turned up to welcome us to their town 

Bir

Friday and Saturday flying was really good, flying along the front ridge looking into the ranges at the back, see photos below.

Saturday four  of us flew to Daramasala which is about 45-50 km from Bir to the west. There was low cloud towards the middle and end with a strong head wind most of the way but made it 4hrs later to the centre of Daramasala landing in a athletic stadium.

We also headed up to Mcloedganj and Bhagsu to stop in a guest house called Skypie, very nice and welcoming. but unfortunately after eating a samosa from a street vendor i contracted a severe bout of Dehli Belly which im just getting over and will return to flying tomorrow.

Billing Bir

Just a few more photos of yesterdays flight, they are taken around 3700metres, now the weather is improving peole are taking to the sky. Im lucky enough to be guided by John Silvester 1.1 which has been brilliant. if you want good Himalayan flying during our winter in the uk, come out with 

Himalanskysafaris. thelink is in my blog. Run by Eddie Colfox and John silvester, great people great area and a great place to stay at the Colonels resort. 

Billing Bir

The weather trend is getting better, but the weather still tends to over develop early, but still a great days flying. Bir is starting to get busy with the Pre pwc starting on Monday the 24th for the week.

With another three weeks of flying looking forward to some great exploring.

check out the photo's of todays flight.