Himalaya's gate

photographic tale

himalaya's gate

Take the plunge, cross the threshold and enter in the Himalaya's

THE FIRSTS HILLS, THE LAST CITY

Short video of a morning on the hills around Pokhara

The buddhist temple

ALTITUDE 3000 M / 5 AM

As I arrived at the temple’s gate, the daily routine seems to be taking place for a while. The youngest students are divided in two classes leaded by teachers (photo 4).

The older boys are studying scriptures by themself, on the outside of those classrooms. Sitted in lotus position, arms muffled in their robe, the back straight and the head diving in the book laying on the knees (photo 2)

After the first study, two boys go to an elevated window facing the courtyard. Equiped with conches they make the call to prayer (photo 3). Everybody goes to the temple for around one hour of prior and chanting (photo 1).

From the very first minutes of my arrival to my departure, I will witness in me a very specific affection for one of the kids, the “slow” one, the dreamer (photo 4 on the left, photo 5). We connect instantly. I identify myself a lot in him. Inattentive during the class, late for the prayer, carying on eating his breakfast as the cleaner is already sweeping the floor of the left emtpy dining room (photo 6), passing in the hallway alone as everybody is already back to study (photo 5).

mother for a day

After a week of solo-trekking in Mustang, with an 18kg bagpack, hundreds of km underfoot and only a few showers, I feel blessed to meet Wongma.

She is lives alone. No electricity, no running water, a vegetable garden on the roof, a tiny room for guest, a wonderful view on Himalaya’s and a big heart.

As I admire the beauty of her hair, she tell that mine are “terrible”, very dry and dirty, . She decided to wash my hair and put an homemade mustard oil. I feel rejuvenated, by the wash but mostly by her care. . We share some time together. Her open hearted allows us to go straight into deep shares. We laugh, we cried.

Before I go she will tight to my anckle a bracelet for healing and good luck. She remembers that I am recovering from a bad twist, she trust that I will be ok now.