“A mile from the base camp an old shepherd had taken up his abode in a stone hut which he had roofed cunningly with strips of birch bark, and from him I had purchased a sheep for five rupees. He was a fine looking old chap, and his deep-set eyes, seamed at the corners with innumerable tiny wrinkles, had a far away look acquired by eyes used to searching the horizons. His clothes and footgear would not fetch sixpence in the Commercial Road, but he had discovered something that untold millions cannot purchase – peace and happiness”
-The Valley of Flowers, An adventure in the upper Himalayas, by Frank S. Smythe
Thus wrote Frank S.Smythe way back in 1930’s. The way of life for these nomadic shepherds (Gaddi Shepherds) has not changed much and almost remains the same in the Garhwal, Kumaun and Himachal Himalayas. It is so refreshing to meet these shepherds, talk to them understand how they live and wonder at how little a human being need to live in sync with nature. Trace their steps over some high passes and silent valleys they cross every summer to find out new pastures for their sheep and goats.
