Ladakh Visit – September 2025

The time came again for my yearly visit to Ladakh to see the schools, the children and their families. This is always such a special time for me, returning to a place I hold very close to my heart.

Getting There

The flights are never easy with late-night connections and long waits, but it’s always worth it. As the plane flies over the Himalayas, I find myself glued to the window. The view is breathtaking. Landing in Leh feels so familiar now, almost like coming home. The vast mountain range seems to wrap around me in a warm welcome.

School Visits

Once I’ve settled in, Rinchen and I plan the itinerary together (she’s always juggling her own work too!).  My first stop was Jamyang School in Leh. The students here are doing wonderfully. I happened to arrive during their inter-house sports day with basketball matches  in full swing! I couldn’t resist joining one of our sponsored students’ teams and even managed to score two hoops! (Must be those old netball skills still hiding in me!) Running around at altitude reminded me that I’m definitely not as young as I once was, but it was such great fun.

We also visited two other schools. One is incredibly well run and supported by international NGOs where the students there are thriving and full of opportunity. The other school, however, is in much greater need of financial support.

At Lamdon School, we learned that a major sponsor in India had withdrawn support for 100 students to focus on local causes. The school will be sending us details of those now in need of sponsorship, so we’ll do our best to help where we can.

Home Visits

One of my favourite parts of the trip is visiting the students’ homes. These gatherings are always so warm — tea, biscuits, and long chats about school and family life. It’s far less formal than the principal’s office, and I always feel part of a big family reunion. I update reports, collect school notes, and help record little video messages for sponsors. It’s such a joy to see the smiles and progress each year.

Community Spirit

Each morning, I walked around the small park near Rinchen’s house with her husband, Thinless (the stray dogs aren’t too sure of me yet!). The park is lovely, but we noticed quite a lot of rubbish scattered about — crisp packets, sweet wrappers, and plastic waste.

As luck would have it, there was a community clean-up programme happening at the time, so we gathered a group of locals and joined in. It turned into such a fun day! Afterwards, Thinless and I designed a sign to remind everyone to keep the park clean — it’s now proudly displayed on the gate.

Village Visits

We later travelled to Khalste, where two of our sponsored children live. It was wonderful meeting them and their mothers. We also stopped by Tingmosgang Nunnery, bringing pens, pencils, and notebooks for the children there — and of course, enjoyed a lovely cup of tea with the nuns.

Moments of Pride

I continue to be amazed by the children’s achievements. One of our long-term sponsored students was recently made Head Boy of his entire school! When I asked if his father knew, he said quietly that his father had no education and wouldn’t really understand — it was a very moving moment. We congratulated him with so much pride; it’s been 10 years since he joined the programme, and watching his confidence grow has been incredible.

Reflections

Meeting the school principals is always inspiring. Many of them balance raising young families with running schools in challenging environments. Their dedication is what shapes the students’ values and determination.

It has been a healing trip too as my mum died 8 weeks ago, so I have had time to reflect, feel and heal a little in this mountainous gentle  land of high passes. 

A Few Final Notes

I must thank Rinchen, our trustees and everyone who helps with Himalayan Children. And of course, my deepest gratitude to all our sponsors — your support continues to change lives, not only for the children but for their families and communities too.

A little postscript – on my last day I managed to misjudge a step and twist my foot! The wonderful staff at Leh Hospital took great care of me, fitted a temporary plaster cast and made sure I could fly home safely. A huge thank-you to them for their kindness.

Shortly after I left, there was some political unrest in the region – internet shutdowns, cancelled flights and school closures. Thankfully, Rinchen has now confirmed that things are peaceful again and all the children are safely back at school.

Until next time

Gail