During our time volunteering and living in the Himalayan village of Shri Timli, we’ve come to appreciate the serenity, the scenic splendor, and the culture of this remote region of the state of Uttarakhand. But one of the most striking things about being here is the hospitality, which we are met with at every turn.

We’ve frequently encountered a 10-year-old boy who also lives at Shri Timli who has been very friendly and helpful — he was the one who welcomed us when we first arrived at the village. And after a few days of living and volunteering here, we discover that he is a very talented artist, and especially loves to draw superhero and Manga-style characters. In fact, we’d seen some of his artwork around, and just didn’t realize it was his.

He also likes to bang a drum, and he has occasion to do so almost every evening when there is a fire in the fire pit behind the kitchen. The volunteers and staff like to sit around the fire at night and shoot the breeze. Normally we don’t join them, because we’re early risers and therefore early sinkers. But one night we do go out; and even though it’s still too early for most folks to join the party, But the lad is there, and begins jamming on his drum. Dennis picks up another one, and joins along, producing a percussion duet for the ages.

On Saturday morning, we take a stroll through the nearby hills, passing a couple of villages on the way. And around here, “village” often means just a small cluster of houses. We pass several locals, and they are all quite cordial to us, greeting us even though they speak little to no English. One man proudly points to the modest dwelling he is standing in front of and says, “My house. A hundred years plus.” Clearly, they value heritage around here.

Passing little herds of goats and cows, we come to a rather big “herd” of rather big dogs, monster size dogs, Shrek size dogs; but fortunately, they are behind a fence, for they display the usual canine hyperactivity upon seeing strangers approach. Out comes their master to quiet them down and greet us. He speaks good English and seems to know us, and he does look familiar, though we can’t quite place him. He explains that he had attended the graduation and performance of the girls at the Winter Camp a couple of days earlier.

He invites us to sit and have a cup of chai; he wouldn’t be Indian if he didn’t. And it’s quite splendid chai, apparently made with fresh milk from the nearby bovines, which he says produce top notch milk. The dogs, he explains, are pure breed Tibetan Mastiffs, which are uncommon these days. They have been a prized variety for 3000 years (they were even mentioned by Marco Polo). But their long breeding cycle and high rate of infant mortality, among other things, have made them endangered. This fellow is raising them just to help save them from oblivion. He points out that they are very efficient guard dogs, and unlike other canines who fall prey to tigers, can actually outduel the striped feline predators.

He has traveled to many countries, and has even spent a lot of time in the U.S. — he worked for a while in the oil fields of Louisiana. But he has returned here to his roots, because he wants to help preserve the community, and he prefers the simple life surrounded by unpolluted scenic grandeur rather than the cosmopolitan frantic fest. He mentions that this mountain community is — as we’ve already learned — one of the few places in India where it’s safe to drink unprocessed well water, because it’s naturally filtered.

As we’re talking, out come two young ladies who participated in the Winter Camp — two of the older participants — who evidently are part of his family in some capacity. When it’s time for us to be on our way, as we have expressed some confusion about navigating the steep paths, these two accompany us for a bit to guide us where we want to go.

As we continue hiking the paths, we encounter many other friendly denizens of the mountains. There are the cheerful kids. The placid old men. The younger adults like Kako, the movie star-handsome courier who delivers goods from the nearest markets and stores. And oh yes, there are the birds. A shutterbug-worthy panoply of aviary vivacity wherever we go. Kimberly’s camera is in hog heaven.

We hope that the efforts to revitalize this community are successful, and that we can, in at least some small way, contribute to the mission. There is plenty of grandeur here for anyone who cares to come visit. But the other pillar that makes this region so memorable is the people who live here. The place just wouldn’t be the same without them.

Events occurred: 1/10-12/2025