Gujjars the nomadic tribe, India

For some baffling reason, we skipped breakfast and set out for a day trek without any supplies. Obviously, very soon, hunger struck. By then, we were beyond the villages and there were only these Gujjar settlements around. Our guide approached them, and they invited us over for tea. The woman was unwell; they were leaving to see the doctor, around 10km away. All by foot. And yet, they gave us some hot namkeen chai – salty tea. And apologised for the rush and not being able to serve us anything more!! Read more stories of such warm hospitality at Friendly families from our travels in Himalayas

Father-daughter duo in Chatpal, Kashmir, India

We met this Gujjar family while walking up a hilly trail in Chatpal. We took a few of their family portraits. He then made a request for one special picture – a photo with his youngest daughter. No prizes for guessing who his favourite family member was. Fathers and daughters everywhere really do share a special bond! Read more of the life in Kashmir at People of the valley: Kashmir

A Gujjar woman from Chatpal, Kashmir, India

We met her on a day trek through the forest near Chatpal. We had stepped out without any food and were extremely hungry when we spotted their hut among a huge herd of sheep. She was unwell that day. She and her husband were heading out to the nearest medical center, 10km away. The entire journey both ways would be on foot. She gave us a hot cup of the traditional namkeen chai (salted tea) and apologised for not being able to offer anything more because of their rush!

Gujjar kids from Rajouri district, Sonmarg, Kashmir, India

We met these Gujjar kids on our way to the Thajiwas Glacier in Sonmarg. Gujjars are a nomadic tribe of shepherds who move up to the greener pastures in the hills in the summer. Come winter, they move down to the plains with their entire households and flocks. Due to this lifestyle, the kids usually miss out on conventional schooling. These kids had attended a nomadic school and as proof, they recited to us the alphabet, numbers and also some song and dance. They were happy to receive chocolates as their award. Read full story on Kids of the hills

Gujjar kid from Rajouri district, Sonamarg, Kashmir, India

Sonmarg, Kashmir, India

Gujjar kids from Rajouri district, Sonamarg, Kashmir, India

We met these Gujjar kids on our way to the Thajiwas Glacier in Sonmarg. Gujjars are a nomadic tribe of shepherds who move up to the greener pastures in the hills in the summer. Come winter, they move down to the plains with their entire households and flocks. Due to this lifestyle, the kids usually miss out on conventional schooling. These kids had attended a nomadic school and as proof, they recited to us the alphabet, numbers and also some song and dance. They were happy to receive chocolates as their reward. Read full story on Kids of the hills Yahoo Picture of the Day on 17th December 2013 in UK | Germany | Spain | France | Italy | South Africa | UAE Read full story on Kids of the hills

Kids at Rangdum, Kargil, India

We wondered what lives must be like, for these kids of Rangdum. Living in such isolation, in the middle of nowhere. From what we saw, it sure seemed like a lot of fun! Read more of the kids we met at The kids of the hills…

Kids at Rangdum, Kargil, India

These kids were playing near a village stupa of Rangdum when we halted for lunch. When we started to take their pictures, this guy took a break from play. Got his younger sister there. And posed for a picture with her. Read more of the kids we met at The kids of the hills…

Kids at Rangdum, Kargil, India

We wondered what their lives must be like, for these kids of Rangdum. Living in such isolation, in the middle of nowhere. From what we saw, it sure seemed like a lot of fun! Read more of the kids we met at The kids of the hills…

Galo tribe at Basar, Arunachal Pradesh, India

This was at the start of our picnic in the forest in the village of Sago, a plastic free village, in the district of Basar, Arunachal Pradesh. Lady had hosted us the previous night. Here she is serving us the local drink poka, in bamboo mugs.

Basar, Arunachal Pradesh, India

Dressed in their traditional best for the forest picnic that the people of Sago hosted for us.

Basar, Arunachal Pradesh, India

Bamboo chicken being cooked over fire. Most likely, the purest food we have ever eaten.

The truck drivers from Jammu who drove us to Zanskar

Zanskar valley, India

The group that traveled in the trucks to Zanskar

Unavoidable circumstances forced us to halt overnight in the middle of nowhere. We spent the night in one of the trucks. This was the farewell picture we took with our kind drivers the next morning, after we had finally made it to Zanskar. Back to PHOTO GALLERIES

The truck driver who drove us to Zanskar, India

He was one of the drivers of the truck we traveled in, on the way to Zanskar. This was his maiden trip to this remote valley. While we covered ourselves in sweaters and caps, he refused to wear any warm wear.

A Galo couple from Basar, Arunachal Pradesh, India

A Galo couple from Basar, Arunachal Pradesh, India

A Galo family from Basar, Arunachal Pradesh, India

Young monks at Phuktal monastery, India

It was break time at the monastery for these youngsters. Their energy was un-missable. Take their maroon robes away, dress them up in clothes for “young adults” and they could pass off as school children in a playground.. Except, that, they WERE in their maroon robes, attended the monk school in the monastery, studied ancient scriptures and would go on to live their lives devoid of all worldly possessions! Read the full story of our visit to Phuktal monastery at Trek to Phuktal Monastery

Lunch time at Phuktal monastery, Zanskar, India

Little boys training to be monks wait for lunch to be served at Phuktal monastery. Take their maroon robes away and they could pass off as kids in a playground. But unlike other kids, the to-be monks live their lives in isolation, studying ancient scriptures in the highly remote monastery. Read the full story of our visit to Phuktal monastery at Trek to Phuktal Monastery

Lunch time at Phuktal monastery, Zanskar, India

The Phuktal monastery is the epitome of monks living high up in the mountains, detached from the rest of the world. We reached the monastery at lunch time and had lunch with the monks there. Read the full story of our visit to Phuktal monastery at Trek to Phuktal Monastery

Tattoo artist from San Telmo, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Music band playing in the San Telmo neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Tattoo artist from San Telmo, Buenos Aires, Argentina