UNVEILING THE TRAILS: Kukumseri To Rohtang

This work is an attempt to articulate experiences beyond words. The approach to writing this book is deeply personal and reflective shaped by experiences and encounters in the tribal region of Lahaul-Spiti in Himachal Pradesh. Lahaul-Spiti a remote region nestled in the Himalayas boasts a rich tapestry of culture traditions and resilient people. Lahaul demonstrates a unique form of cultural syncretism where Hindu and Buddhist traditions coexist and sometimes blend. This syncretism is visible in the architecture art and daily life of the people. The people of Lahaul-Spiti are known for their warm hospitality living in harmony with the challenging terrain. The incidents mentioned in the book and their factual nature depict the natural beauty and challenging way of life in the tribal region of Lahaul-Spiti in Himachal Pradesh. While nature is present with its beauty it also often brings to light the stark reality of human insignificance. This book is not a pre-planned travelogue. Therefore it does not present a chronological account of events like any other travel book. This book has emerged in the same way as my unforeseen and unpremeditated journey to the remote tribal region of Lahaul-Spiti in Himachal Pradesh in 1998. I journeyed on foot from Kukumseri to Manali in 1998 and this book is an account of the same. I have integrated several photographs personally taken by me into this heartfelt chronicle. The mythological and cultural insights presented here are the results of the firsthand conversations with the people of Lahaul reflecting their deeply held beliefs and traditions. I believe you will enjoy it.