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Backpackercrows

Documenting my journey, adventures and travels around the world as a backpacker.

26/12/2023

Memory ❤️

Can't believe that I travelled the world full-time for almost one year.

Let's see when I will leave for another journey around the world.

30/10/2023

Returning to shore after 11 months on the road (320 days)

A million thoughts run in my mind, waves of emotions of the countless smiles I came across, helping hands of hosts and friends I made on the way, where will it all lead me now?
After a journey across 21 new countries -> Malta, Greece, Morocco, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Gautemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Belize, El Salvador, Mexico, Georgia, Armenia, Andorra, Monaco, Germany, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania; I am finally ready to return home to India. While my unsatiable soul years for infinite adventure, the body aches for some well deserved rest and recuperation. Traveling non-stop as a budget backpacker is no easy feat, cooking my own food, being a vegetarian, taking endless public transports (no taxis), cutting costs wherever I can, carrying 15 kgs backpack definitely takes a humongous toll. Also, solo travel for such a long period is an emotionally exhausting existence. Those who have tried it would only know the hardships, travel really is much more than shiny pictures would want one to believe.

It was not an easy journey, but every hardship was rewarded, a cloudy rainy day followed by a beautiful sunshine, a unhappy experience teaching me to be smarter next time, all of this leading me to keep pushing myself to greater challenges. In short, I am not the same person that left shores 11 months ago.
As I write this note, I fiddle with the boarding pass for my flight back to India, filled with both apprehensions and plans about my future? But one thing is certain, I left a big piece of my heart in Latin America and the only way to retrieve it, or lose more in the process, would be return back soon.

Who knows this period of rest would allow me some intensive travel planning for possibly newer frontiers, or returning back to older ones but to newer territories? Only time would tell.
A wanderlust heart can never truly rest, for there are always countless wonders calling far away.

I am already in tears because my heart just wants to keep travelling and keep doing more epic border crossings (overlanding journeys).

Follow us on https://instagram.com/backpackercrows to get more updates on our Pan-American journey (all through land border crossings)

27/02/2023

Central America has been regarded as a dangerous place in the past decades but that is rapidly changing. Guatemala is leading with its prime destination for adventure lovers, witnessing a volcanic explosion at close quarters.

P.S border crossings completed Mexico -> Belize -> Gautemala -> El Salvador

Next border crossing El Salvador -> Honduras -> Nicaragua -> Costarica

Follow us on https://instagram.com/backpackercrows to get more updates on our Pan-American journey (all through land border crossings)

06/02/2023

As I write this note from a magical island off the shores of Belize, which happens to be my 50th country, I reflect on the "road less travelled" that I took.

As human beings, we are wired to live a life of relative safety. Have a good job, marriage then kids, buy a home and so on. More so when you are from an Indian household, specially a girl whom everyone expects to live in a certain way. So quitting one's job to travel the world, not once but twice has been a hard but necessary decision to make it to 50 countries finally.

Add to this, the challenges that come with an Indian passport - visa rejections, boarding denials by airlines, being asked non-sensical questions at immigration desks and so on. As if these odds are not enough my journey was even harder as a vegetarian since there have been weeks when I have not got a proper vegetarian meal. Otherwise it's mere survival on whatever sustenance one can get creative with from available items. Finally, instead of rushing through countries in few days, on the contrary my journey was one of slow travel, trying to attune myself to rhythm of wherever I traveled.

So here I am, already on the road from last 2 months and despite being awake for last 20 hours on the road to travel, I am glad, almost proud of having this willpower to carry on .

Last time I had quit my job back in 2017 and travelled for 9 months across Europe, Iran, Central Asia (Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan), Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Jordan, North east of India.

This time it is Latin Americas. With my 50th country today we crossed our first land border in Central Americas (Mexico -> Belize). The journey from here on should get more interesting. In coming months we would be overlanding across these countries:

Belize -> Gautemala -> El Salvador -> Honduras -> Nicaragua -> Costa Rica

If interested you can follow my journeys here - https://instagram.com/backpackercrows

09/12/2022

Leaving shores for 1 year (major life update)

There is a great comfort in being at shore, safe in the harbour. Yet no journeys are done if ships never leave the harbour, traveling to unfamiliar waters, every day bringing a chance of sunshine or rough seas alike.

Leaving the stability of a job and comfort of a paycheck, was not an easy decision. Yet, when your very soul yearns for adventure in unknown lands and wonders far beyond, it had to be done.

So for the next 8-9 months or maybe an year or so, I aim to experience many countries across Europe, Africa and then to South and Central Americas. As I write this note, I gaze out on cliff ridden coastline of Malta, with both apprehensions that uncertainty brings, and wonder that my forays would bring.

Countries which I would be traveling for next one year - Malta, Greece, Morocco, Cuba, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Gautemala, Costarica, Honduras, Nicaragua, Belize, El Salvador, Mexico, Georgia, Germany, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Cyprus

For first three months Anshul Chaurasia would be traveling along with me but then I would be traveling the world solo for next 8-9 months

If interested you can follow my journeys here - https://instagram.com/backpackercrows

22/02/2022

Follow us on Instagram for more up-to-date travel stories - https://www.instagram.com/backpackercrows/

While in the last two years we may not have been able to step out of the country, we have made good use of the time and opportunity to explore the nooks of our own country!

The stunning Gwalior fort, dating back all the way to 6th century AD owes its present form to Raja Man Singh Tomar both for defensive purpose atop a hill, and a palace for his wives. It has been captured by both the Delhi Sultanate and later by Mughals, Babur and Jehangir. Aurangzeb later turned the fort as a prison for his brother Murad Baksh and nephew Sulaiman Shikoh, who were executed here itself. Later Marathas captured the fort, followed by Scindias and finally the British. So, the fort has seen quite a staggering amount of Indian history unfold.
Today as we walk through it hallways, do we really imagine all what would have trespired within its very walls!

📍Gwalior fort, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

08/01/2022

2021 - An year of embracing unplanned travel

In a world transformed by the pandemic, the biggest lesson we learned was embracing unplanned travel. As multiple travel plans went astray, being up on our feet ready to dream last-minute travel plans led us to a wonderland of places, many of which we wouldn't have had the time to go in a normal world where usually we would keep jet setting to far away lands.

From finding crumbling painted Havelis in Shekhawati to spotting Black Panther and Tigers in Tadoba, from stumbling into rediscovered heritage sites such as Gwalior and Bateshwar to witnessing some well-known ones such as Ajanta-Ellora, traveling the length and breadth of Rajasthan and Gujarat, spending hours hitchhiking in remote lands of Zanskar, to making friends with local kids in Ladakhi villages, hiking well-known trails of Great Lakes in Kashmir to spending a night shivering in Stok river valley; the year was truly magical. It taught us that we are stronger together, hence grateful that we got each other for this journey.

Let us travel, hand in hand into the next year 2022, promising to be more impulsive in travel and life as we can be!

Follow us on Instagram for more regular updates - https://www.instagram.com/backpackercrows/

📍Jame masjid, Champaner, Gujarat

05/12/2021

"Cha village to Phugtal monastery - trekking route"

Could never get enough of this amazing blue colored river.

Follow us on Instagram for more regular updates - https://www.instagram.com/backpackercrows/

25/11/2021

"Cha village to Phugtal monastery trekking route"

Phugtal Monastery remains the only one in Ladakh that still requires a bit of trekking and is not entirely accessible by road.

Its mystical charm is created by its spectacular location along the azure blue Tsarap Chu river, hanging on a sheer cliffside.

The famous Buddhist mantra, "Om Mane Padme Hum", roughly translates as,' Praise to the Jewel in the Lotus'. Nestled in the very heart of Zanskar valley, one that has been a hidden paradise until now, this monastery is definitely the Jewel in the magical valley of Zanskar.

16/11/2021

Zanskar Series

Zangla Khar (Palace)

Built in the 10th century by Ldey Tsug Gon who the king of Zanskar and a descendant of Langdarma of Tibet. This castle is considered auspicious as several Rinpoche and Stulku got birth at this palace.

In early 19th century, a Hungarian by the name of Csoma De Koros stayed here and composed the first English - Tibetian dictionary.

The invasion of Dogra rulers happened a decade later and Zangla became a part of kingdom of Jammu and Kashmir. It has regained back to Ladakh only now after the formation of Union territory of Ladakh.

09/11/2021

Do you come back from your travels as the same person who went on it? Or are you a different one, transformed through your experiences, either good or bad? And would our travels be really worth if they don't really impact us at all?

In our small two days independent trek across Stok La pass in Ladakh, it wasn't always a pretty picture. In fact, whatever could go wrong, did go wrong. An easier hike from Zingchen to Rumbak on the first day, became an exercise in route finding since the road had been washed up by a flash flood only months ago. The village of Rumbak which waited decades for a road, saw it devastated in two years of being built.

The next day when we were hiking towards the Stok La pass, weather kept on deteriorating many times and it even snowed a bit. Unyielding, we made our way up only to be confused by the route after crossing the pass. Maybe because of the slower pace, or getting lost on wrong routes, by the time we entered Stok river valley it had started to turn dark. We did several river crossings and were determined to make it to Stok village even by 19PM, but a sheer cliff face scramble down forced us to find shelter in the forest for the night. With no camping gear, we wore whatever woolen clothes we were carrying, ate the packed food we were carrying and braved the night under open sky in 2-3 degrees temperatures, biding our time till sunrise. It even rained sparsely at night but we managed by putting backpack covers on our heads to protect the woolen clothes.

As the valley transformed with the rays of sun, we realised how amazing was the forest we spent our benightment in. Within a couple of hours of walk, we had our eyes on Stok village.

We can call this our turning moment in life. Either we choose to be afraid of independent treks in life hereon, or use this experience as a testament of willpower and carry on for more.

What has been your most transformative travel experience so far?

📍A lane in Stok village showing autumn colors

19/10/2021

Zanskar series

Only in late 2020, a new route has opened up from Leh to Padum, the center of Zanskar valley. Taking off from a diversion in between Khaltse and Lamayuru, this route is built where only a few years ago was the famous trans-Zanskar trekking route of Lamayuru - Padum was. Not yet shown on any online maps, this route starts off as a paved road till Wanla after which it turns into a muddy track as it meanders over Sigge La and Sirsir La. Both these passes, just a bit shy of 5000m are quite remote and showcase a fantastical beauty.

The entire route itself gives a feeling of stepping into a magical world, preparing one for the grand spectacle that is Zanskar!

Here are some of our favourite clicks from the route.

📍Sigge La, Sirsir La, Ladakh, India

18/10/2021

Villages of Ladakh

Ladakh is not just Pangong lake, Nubra valley and Khardung La. There are several stunningly located villages in deep hidden valleys such as this one. Reachable only by foot just a few years ago, these villages are slowing seeing basic necessities in terms of roads, electricity and a cell phone connection. Makes us wonder how we have taken things for granted in our well connected city life, pondering how small our problems really are.

What they lack in amenities, is returned many times over in the spectacular views that they offer!

📍Photoksar village, Ladakh

02/10/2021

Stok La trek (4980 meter pass) - Independent trekking - Offbeat Ladakh

Yeah this is not Peru !!!!
We witnessed these magical colors during our Stok La Pass Trek.

Join us as we share some snippets from our spectacular independent trekking journey.

27/09/2021

Let's ask ourselves on this , what have we done to ease the pressure on places, sights, nature, wildlife or this planet in general. Wouldn't it be better that this world tourism day celebration become a way for us to transition into conscious travellers, aware of our impact?

📍Tadoba National park, Chandrapur, Maharashtra

27/09/2021

Sani Village, Zanskar

Zanskar series

Our journey in Zanskar continued with hitchhiking to another beautiful village - Sani. It houses an amazing monastery, with a fascinating history.

Sani monastery boasts to be the oldest in Ladakh, with a stupa dating back to 2nd century AD in the times of King Kanishka, it is a newly installed statue of Guru Padamsambhava that gives this village a timeless outlook.

To be continued

21/09/2021

Zanskar series

Our journey in Zanskar continued with visiting Sani and Karsha next day. Both of these house amazing monasteries, each with a fascinating history.

While the Sani monastery boasts to be the oldest in Ladakh, with a stupa dating back to 2nd century AD in the times of King Kanishka, it is a newly installed statue of Guru Padamsambhava that gives this village a timeless outlook.

After returning back to Padum from Sani, we started walking towards Karsha looking for a ride. After a few kilometres, a cattle van came to our aid and helped reduce the distance. Karsha monastery is situated on a steep cliffside and apart from some fantastical frescoes also houses a venerated Lama's mummy. This was something that really took us by surprise. Karsha is also home to a nunnery on the adjacent hillock, which we visited next. The monastery houses a giant Avlokiteshvara statue and is entirely run by nuns.

To be continued

17/09/2021

Zanskar series

Zangla fort and Stongde monastery were out very first visit in the Zanskar valley. With no public transport options available, we had to hitchhike our way to these sights. Thankfully due to road constructions going in the area, there were a lot of BRO vehicles plying to help us and other locals out.

Both Zangla fort and Stongde monastery belong to 10th century, and both command astounding views over the valley. While the fort has been birthplace of several holy Lamas, the Stongde monastery boasts of excellent murals preserved through the centuries.

Our interactions with local folk and Lamas helped us get a peek in their lives.

To be continued.

11/09/2021

Strolling across History

While this might be our N'th visit to Leh, for the very first time we dived into casually strolling into the bylanes behind the market. We were pleasently surprised to find history still alive and surviving well with minor additions from the present.

Leh was at the crossroads of trans-asian trade routes before the border disputes of India, China and Pakistan. Walking in these lanes helped us understand the importance of Leh and how it is getting transformed thereafter.

31/07/2021

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

This is the place from where my trekking journey and I completely fell in love with mountains as well as hiking. This was my very first trek and I did it back in 2016. I am so glad that you (Anshul Chaurasia]) finally did this trek. I know this trek would be a cake walk for you after doing some of the toughest treks in India like Kalindi khal, Auden's Col, Panpatia col etc. But, I am sure you would have loved these amazingly beautiful lakes.

Kashmir Great Lakes (2021) - Anshul Chaurasia]

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Central America has been regarded as a dangerous place in the past decades but that is rapidly changing. Guatemala is leading with its prime destination for adventure lovers, witnessing a volcanic explosion at close quarters. P.S border crossings completed Mexico -> Belize -> Gautemala -> El Salvador Next border crossing El Salvador -> Honduras -> Nicaragua -> Costarica Follow us on https://instagram.com/backpackercrows to get more updates on our Pan-American journey (all through land border crossings)