In a difficult to reach high altitude village in Baltistan, it was late autumn. Winters here are brutal. Electricity in not assured…frequently zero. In this area it was the work of the women to roam far and wide to search, cut, and carry these backbreaking baskets of heavy wood. They then carry them up over and around the rocky terrain to their villages to store for winter. It is their only fuel for heating and cooking when it is often -25°.
My friend Sher Baz reassured me, as I already know, that thé men do this in their culture in Gojal/ Hunza regions as it is considered too much for women.
It certainly is a very hard life in Baltistan for women.
Happy week….hot here…keep warm if not in Australia!