Donkeys on stairs

[Manfred M]

In the Himalayas, there are villages that have been there for hundreds of years before the invention of motorized transport. Many of the traditional trade routes that connected parts of China (Tibet, specifically), Bhutan, Northern India and Nepal are still there and use traditional means to move goods. Trains of ponies or donkies were pretty common along the routes that trekkers venture along; carrying commercial goods from the main roads up to the mountain villages. These trade routes were often made more usable by installing stone stairs.

This image is pretty typical of what we saw, although frankly I was quite happy when the trains of propane gas cylinders passed by. I can imagine that there are some risks in transporting dangerous goods along these routes!






What really bothered me though was that these pack animals found going up and down the stairs a lot easier than I did!


Of course, if one doesn't own a pony, there's always the "do it yourself" method.



The main reason I included this image is to show how steep the terrain is. This is the traditional way to transport goods; these people must have very strong neck muscles!

[bnnrcn]

Very nice and informative, thanks for sharing

[Shadowman]

Nice set.

[Mike Buckley]

You no doubt lost weight during that part of your trip. Very interesting stuff, Manfred!

[deetheturk]

What an amazing trip you guys have had, thanks for sharing and keep the images coming!

[marlunn]

All the images have been superb and inspiring, its interesting to see how a large area of the world lives and just gets on with living when it does not have the things we take for granted. Thank you for the window into these peoples lives, informative and in many ways humbling.

[MarieV]

These are wonderful as are all the images from your trip as they portray the people and the way of life rather than just posting views of the countryside. When I look at how the people above have to transport their goods, it puts into perspective my complaint of doing the dreaded Christmas shopping all to be carried home in the boot of my car...!

[Downrigger]

More good story/great image from your trip. You surely made the most of it. The donkey suggests to me there was reason to watch your step on those stairs and paths. As for the great second shot, I'm wondering what sort of bet the first fellow lost to the second.

[NorthernFocus]

More excellent shots. You've really taken us along on your trip.

[Manfred M]

The donkey suggests to me there was reason to watch your step on those stairs and paths.

For sure, animal droppings (especially the fresh ones) could definitely be categorized as one of main the hazards on the trek...

[thegman]

Excellent shots manfred.