A Psychedelic Journey: One Hit of LSD in the Himalayas (1988)


Table of Contents


  1. Introduction
  2. Dosage and Preparation
  3. The Setting: The Himalayas and Kashmir
    1. Kashmir and the Houseboats on Lake Dal
    2. Meeting the Irish Couple and Forming Bonds
  4. The Journey to Ladakh
  5. Conclusion


1. Introduction


In 1988, I embarked on a life-changing journey that took me across the rugged and beautiful landscapes of Asia. Traveling alongside my father, we sought adventure and new experiences that would forever shape our outlook on life. This trip was filled with moments of awe and wonder, but one event stands out: an encounter with LSD in the majestic foothills of the Himalayas.


My father and I were best friends, and while he was a few years too old to be a true 1960s hippie, he was not a stranger to experimentation. Growing up, he introduced me to marijuana and alcohol, which was the beginning of my exploration of altered states. However, the trip we took to Asia would be the setting for my most profound psychedelic experience.


2. Dosage and Preparation


Dosage: 1 Hit of LSD Staggered Over 2 Hours


Before our adventure began, my uncle provided us with two hits of LSD. He handed them to us, believing that the right time and place for their use would present itself during our travels. We tucked them away, hidden in my father’s camera, waiting for that moment to arrive.


Fast forward to the Himalayan foothills, where I decided to take the plunge. The dosage was one hit of LSD, staggered over two hours. It was my first encounter with this powerful substance, and I hoped that the setting of the mountains would enhance the experience.


3. The Setting: The Himalayas and Kashmir


Kashmir and the Houseboats on Lake Dal


Our journey took us to many incredible places, but one of the most memorable was Srinagar, the capital of Kashmir, located in Northern India. Back in the late 80s, border violence with Pakistan hadn’t yet escalated to the levels it has today, and we were able to visit the region with relative ease. We stayed on a houseboat on the serene Lake Dal, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas.


The story of these houseboats is tied to Kashmir’s unique history. Unlike much of India, which was under British control, Kashmir was ruled by a Maharaja who enacted a law prohibiting the British from owning land in the region. To get around this, the British built elaborate palace-like houseboats on Lake Dal. By the time we arrived, the British were long gone, and the houseboats had become a major part of the local tourist industry.


The houseboat we stayed on was called the "Omar Khayyam," and it was owned by a Muslim family. The father of the family was named Golem, a name that I found amusing as a fan of "The Lord of the Rings." We spent several days on this boat, enjoying the fresh Himalayan air and getting to know the other guests. Golem even managed to score us some high-quality hashish, offering to sell us a kilo for just $100.


Meeting the Irish Couple and Forming Bonds


During our stay on the Omar Khayyam, we were joined by an Irish couple who quickly became our close friends. For the sake of this story, I’ll refer to them as "J" and "M." We spent many days together, lounging in the beautiful setting, smoking hash, and sharing stories. The bond we formed during these lazy, peaceful days would play a crucial role in the decision to venture deeper into the mountains.


4. The Journey to Ladakh


After several relaxing days in Srinagar, we decided to take a journey further into the Himalayas. Our destination was Leh, the capital of Ladakh, an ancient city with deep Tibetan roots. Ladakh is part of the Tibetan region that lies within India, making it a haven for Tibetan refugees following the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1959. It’s also not far from where the Dalai Lama resides in India today.


The journey to Leh, however, was not an easy one. It took two full days of travel in a Hindustani Ambassador, a locally manufactured car, as part of a military caravan. The road leading to Leh was by far the most dangerous I had ever encountered, winding through the high, treacherous mountain passes. The poor condition of the road and the sheer height of the mountains made the experience as perilous as it was awe-inspiring.


5. Conclusion


This experience in the Himalayas remains one of the most profound in my life. The combination of the ancient Tibetan culture, the serene setting of the mountains, and the psychedelic effects of LSD created a perfect storm for introspection and personal growth. My bond with my father deepened, as did my understanding of the world around me.


The journey wasn’t just a physical one; it was a journey inward as well. Traveling through the Himalayas while under the influence of LSD provided a unique perspective on both the external and internal worlds, an experience that has stayed with me ever since. As for the rest of that trip across Asia, it was filled with wonders and adventures, but none quite like the one hit of LSD in the heart of the Himalayas.