Hiking on Janik von Rotz

Magnificient India

Wed, 24 Oct 2018 21:00:56 +0200

I backpacked the north of India for three weeks. These are the impressions and memories I got from this amazing trip.

Garbage everywhere

This was the most shocking part when I arrived in India. There is trash everywhere and obviously no system nor institution that cares about collecting and recycling trash.

Lost in Old Delhi

Old Delhi is the most busiest place on earth for sure. It was exhausting but also pleasureable experience to dive into the twisty alleys and let your perception be overwhelmed by all the unnumerable impressions.

Spice market

This picture depicts the everyday life and business that takes place at the spice market in Old Dehli.

Switzerland in India

Not sure why Indian tourists come to Switzerland as they only have to travel north.

Hiking in McLeodGanj

While on a hike I was suprised by rain and thick fog. Exploring the calm peaks close to McLeodGanj is something I would recommend everybody when visiting India.

Lower Himalayan mountains

Even though these mountains are part of the lower Himalayans they already rise up to over 5000m in elevation.

Bus ride

Busses connect almost every part of India. It is the most frequented way of transport. However, due to worn out and bumpy roads a ride takes a lot of time.

Marks of colonialism

The scars of the British colonialism have not yet healed. This picture shows the marks of a massacre which took place in Amritsar in 1919. 379 people were killed as they defied the ban of public meetings.

Sleeping on the train

Taking a 24 hours ride with a sleeping train is must do when visiting India. Sharing a wagon compartment with 7 other people is memorable experience. The locals are curious and always glad if they can share a meal with you.

Blue train

The train network connects the bigger cities of India. Vast landscapes and tiny villages waiting along the rails, makes one feel lost and long for exploration.

Rooftops of Varanasi

The wild and uncontrolled growth of buildings turn into picturesque and colorful paintings when watched from above.

Boats of Varanasi

If it floats it counts as a boat. The piers of Varanasi are overcrowded with boats. Taking a ride lets one the watch the happenings of Varanasi from a distance.

Never asleep

Indian people travel from all over to take a bath in the Ganges river, wash away their sins and bury their dead family members.

Sunset

During the day India is unbearable hot. During sunset India becomes unbearable beautiful.

Hidden village in Rishikesh

If you seek calmness and a spirituel experience go to Rishikesh. Go for a hike and explore the mountains and jungles. I started walking up a little peak and ended up in this village. Received some food for no money and spent some time gazing at the clouds. When I remind myself of that place I become relaxed and calm.

You can download every image in full resolution from my flickr album.

Hiking in the Bergell

Mon, 20 Aug 2018 10:17:41 +0200

A friend of mine, who went working abroad last year, spent a few weeks in Switzerland. As he missed the mountains a lot, we decided to go hiking and camping in the south of Switzerland.

Equipped with two tents, 3 cookers and some clothes we took a 6 hour train ride from Central Switzerland to Bivio.

Day 1 - Bivio

Bivio - Pass da Sett (2 hours)

The first day of our trip started as expected - with a lot of rain. After walking two hours and getting soaking wet, we found shelter in a cozy little cabine. Once the rain stopped we set up the tents and enjoyed some Älplermagronen.

View from Pass da Sett

Shelter

Day 2 - Maloja

Pass da Sett - Lägh da Cavloc (4 hours)

On the next day we headed for Maloja. From Pass da Sett we hiked even higher. Our hike took us high up to the Pass Lunghin and then down far below to Maloja. For the night we settled next to the lake “Lägh da Cavloc”.

Pass Lunghin

Day 3 - Forno

Lägh da Cavloc - Capanna del Forno (3.5 hours)

Not far from Maloja we ended up at the foot of the Forno glacier. Massiv and breathtaking. As beautiful as it was, it also reminded us of the consequences of global warming.

Forno Glacier

Forno Valley

Day 4 - Roticcio

Capanna del Forno - Roticcio (5 hours)

After a relaxing sleep in the SAC hut “Cappana del Forno” we headed back to Maloja. From there we took a shortcut by bus to Löbbia. Löbbia is the last place where you can enter the panoramic way “Sentiero Panoramico Val Bregaglia”.

Camping beneath the mountains

Day 5 - Soglio

Roticcio - Soglio

On our last day we headed down to the scenic village Soglio. Stone roofs, windign alleys, a place where time stands still and people enjoy the laidback life. We enjoyed it very much.

Sentiero Panoramico Val Bregaglia

Roofs of Soglio

I hope my brief report inspires you to take some time off and to seek remote places. 😊

You can download the images in this post in full resolution from my flickr album.

Outdoor life Slovenia

Wed, 07 Oct 2015 16:44:13 +0000

My brother and friends went to Slovenia last summer. With nothing more they could wear on their shoulders they’ve spent almost two weeks in the wilderness. There my brother did some filming and captured the beautiful landscape in a short movie.

If you want see more footage done by him, checkout his website: http://sebastianvonrotz.ch/