Gaurav PunjThe Land of Moonlit Snows: & Other Real Travel Stories from the Indian Himalaya

I had the privilege of going to the Himalayas a few times and each time I came back, I was left more mesmerised than the previous time. There is something so magical about these mountains. They are still, but even, in their stillness they seem to have life, and, infuse you, with energy. It's rather ironical, but it truly needs to be experienced, to be believed. I had the opportunity of going on a trip to Ladakh recently. It was a life changing trip for me in many ways. And, when I returned home, I knew I had to read more about the magical range.Every chapter in this book is beautifully penned. You start feeling, everything. You feel part of the surroundings, the people, the emotions, everything. The minute I read the first story on Ladakh, I was in spilts. It was simply written, but the impact it had on my stomach was amazing (Cos, i laughed, till my stomach hurt). They are real life/trip stories that truly come alive through the book, for you. It really builds on you. And that's how you start connecting with the mountains and discovering it's people(simple, yet one of the most hospitable hosts ever) through the book. It's absolutely fascinating !!The stories just flow, like the pristine Himalayan rivers, right into your heart. The stark changing landscapes (lush meadows to snowy mountains to barren mountains etc.) are one of the highlights of this mighty range. And, you really comprehend it well through the different chapters of this book.While every story is a gem, my favourite stories in no particular order, are on Ladakh, Kugti and Sikkim. You have got to read these stories to really know, what i mean. Another wonderful story is by Rujuta Diwekar on her solo misadventure.Every chapter is accompanied with an itinerary on the routes that can be taken, local contact list and some basic Do's and Dont's. The author really stresses on engaging the locals, being responsible eco citizens and literally taking the path, less travelled. And, this is something I truly appreciate.Describing the Himalayas is no easy feat, but the author manages, to do the impossible climb, in an amazing way.And, it will compel you to go for a/many Himalayan trek(s)It is the perfect book, the one that you would enjoy with a hot cuppa. You will literally feel the warmth and the fuzziness reading The Land Of Moonlit Snows.

I loved the writing style of G Punj. It is very easygoing and entertaining. The guidance given at the end of each chapter can help the reader to plan for his trip to these places. Having been to three of the places mentioned in this book, it was even more thrilling to read someone else's experience at these places.

Gaurav has a way of describing things that makes words come alive through imagination .Every time I read his books ,my heart yearns to go back to the Himalayas- trekking through snowy mountains , walking besides flowing rivers and through changing landscapes .- sometimes beautifully stark at other times just plain beautifulLove the simplicity and directness with which this book has been written -truly reflective of life and people in the Himalayas.And yes, I liked Rujuta's solo trek chapter, but my favorite stories are Gaurav's hilarious account of the Gaddi crossing and the last story with his third person "birds eye"view and actual happenings of celebrations at Thugu - that chapter in particular had me in splits :)Itineraries and contact details for each trek at the end of each chapter are most usefulWould definitely recommend it to any one looking to trek in the Himalayas- you will want to trek after reading this book !Look forward to more books from the author

Not upto expectation.

The Land of Moonlit Snows is simple, fun, informative, entertaining, thrilling, light-hearted, makes you feel like you are part of every story in there (or surely want to be part of it), just a perfect read after a good, hard-working, long day at work. Will also help plan your holiday calendar and save thousands of rupees because one will want to drop all the "foreign" trips and go on a trek/ road trip/ solo trek (credits RD) to the Indian Himalayas more often than just once! Keep trekking & writing GP!

For people who love Himalayas this book will remind you of the beautiful treks that you can do in the mountains

Fantastic stories. True to the core. And most importantly a good guide for all new trekkers of Himalaya. Sometimes with influence of Bollywood many think trekking is five star affair - BUT it takes a lot to become a good trekker apart from physical fitness and that’s what this book is all about. Many thanks Mr Gaurav for amazing stories. Someday I will have pleasure of trekking with you.

Authors passion for Himalayan treks and camp is evident in every chapter.The book started with stories based on funny and typical characters of Gautham and Shrisha who were part of the group. In every group tour one would encounter such people.Following this, we can notice some of the highlights that author wants to make it crystal clear to the readers.The effects of global warming has has been noticed in the remote areas over the last decade. Although the global leaders meet and come to a conclusion , every individual can save the natural resources by doing the bare minimum ie. By using water and electricity only to the extent it's required.Instead of visiting the already crowded hill stations, try to explore and visit the places that are undiscovered .Beauty of the endroits, the naiveness of the natives and the hospitality coaxes one to visit these unexplored.Though the author has mentioned that pics attached in the book do not match the scenic beauty of reality, but to me, justice has been done to grab the true nature and bring it to the readers.Thank you for the enlightening book, if I ever travel to these untravelled places, I would dedicate my travel to you Gaurav Punj, the author