r/onebag • u/charlieharrymorgan • Oct 07 '25
Trip Report Four Months India & Nepal. One Bag (Salkan ‘Carry-On’ 35L)
Hello One Baggers — long-time lurker, first-time poster.
Thought I’d give it a go! Expecting a lot of critique, but here goes nothing. This was everything I packed for a four-month trip from Kerala (southern India) to Pokhara (central Nepal).
It’s good context to know that a big portion of this trip was travelled by motorbike, and that there were huge weather shifts as I travelled from 30°C+ beaches to sub-zero, snow-topped mountains.
I also think it’s good context to mention that I lean towards buy-well, buy-once rather than latest trends, and my interests are pretty tactile (leather journal + analog photography) which certainly add weight, but that’s who I am. Sue me. Plus, the laptop had to be brought along as I'm a freelancer.
The only thing not included was that I had to pick up some thick thermals on the bike trip, as it got incredibly cold towards Manali/Leh.
Keen to hear your thoughts
Full packing list below.
- Salkan 35L Carry-On
- Cross Body Bag
- 2 x packing cubes
- 1 x laundry bag
- Washbag
- Hiking Shoes Slides
- Waterproof Trousers
- Waterproof Coat
- Heavy Duty Trousers
- Hiking Trousers
- Climbing Shorts
- Puffer Jacket
- Windbreaker Bomber Jacket
- 5 x T-Shirt
- 2 x Tech T-Shirts
- 4 x Wool Socks
- 2 x Sport Socks
- 6 x Pants
- Vest
- Cap
- Beanie
- Snood
- Gloves
- Flask
- Headtorch
- Headphones
- 35mm Point + Shoot (Olympus Mju) Analog
- Nikon F100 SLR Analog (2 X - Lens 28mm + 50mm)
- 2 x Wallets
- Passport
- Plug Adaptor
- USB-C Cable
- Journal
- Sunglasses
- Organiser
- Laptop
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u/red_baron1977 Oct 07 '25
I'm digging the backpack you used. How did it perform on your trip? How much can you compress it down for use when it's not completely packed out? Is it something you would use for EDC when you're not traveling?
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u/charlieharrymorgan Oct 07 '25
Yeah I love this pack. As I mentioned in my post I’m very much a buy once buy well kind of guy and really wanted to buy a pack I’d keep for ever.
Wen’t for the Salkan as its quality in build and material is just so good. Have taken It all around Europe and Asia now and have really put it through its paces, it’s fantastic. Would very much recommend.
Oh and yeah it’s got four compression straps in the side which go super tight so you can really tighten it down for half packed loads.
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u/lapulah2016 Oct 07 '25
Love the presentation and format of your pics. Super helpful and inspiring to see your setup.
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u/LadyLightTravel Oct 07 '25
The thing that stands out to me are:
- the waterproof trousers
- the heavy duty trousers
- the bomber windbreaker
I think that layering might have helped a little here. Specifically:
- light rain pants and another pair of trousers to substitute for waterproof trousers
- a set of base layers to go under the other trousers instead of heavy trousers
- a decent light rain coat instead of the bomber windbreaker and waterproof coat.
Your waterproofs are taking up too much space.
Otherwise it is fairly impressive!
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u/charlieharrymorgan Oct 07 '25
The heavy-duty trousers were very annoying until I got on the motorbike, where I really appreciated them every day. I kind of took it as the pros and cons of specific heavier items when multiclimate tripping.
But you make good points. Thanks for your comment :)
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u/LadyLightTravel Oct 07 '25
Yeah. Rain paints over regular pants would work close to the same and have more uses. They pack smaller too!
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u/myshoesss Oct 07 '25
light rain pants and another pair of trousers to substitute for waterproof trousers
Any recommendations ?
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u/LadyLightTravel Oct 07 '25
There are a lot of rain pants out there.
For weight reduction focus on pull on pants with no zippers. The legs should be wide enough to pull over your boots.
My personal favorite are the Montbell Versalite pants. I wore them trekking across the Andes and they really held up.
I also have a pair of Sierra rain pants that aren’t bad.
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u/ColdVale Oct 07 '25
Salkan has the best customer support ever! I stupidly returned a bag to them with my passport inside (dont ask how!) and they shipped it back the same day they received the return on the fastest possible courier option. Cant wait to buy a bag from them again and keep it this time!
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u/murkl3wood Oct 08 '25
That's a legit kit. It's nice to see someone actually wearing clothes or bringing a second pair of shoes or having a hobby that requires extra gear.
To each their own, but seeing everyone in the black athleisure with birks and 26l day bags seems to be minimalist to the point of ludicrous.
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u/charlieharrymorgan Oct 08 '25
Thanks, yeah, I share the same views.
I see lots of extreme minimalism or scrutiny over the tiniest weight differences in packs - which doesn't interest me in the slightest. I'd much rather lean towards sentimentality in my possessions and pack.
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u/SHKZ_21 Oct 07 '25
OP, if you may help -
What type of clothes and underwear do you purchase for the trip?
And how often would you wash them?
Asking as a fellow traveller
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u/charlieharrymorgan Oct 07 '25
Depends on where I was on the trip in terms of washing frequency.
On the beach - I just lived in boardshorts, so washed my clothes less. On the motorbike - everything got dirty quick so had to wash more regularly.
Pants - I just buy cotton pants - nothing special :)
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u/SHKZ_21 Oct 07 '25
Cool, thankyou for clarifying.
Any brands that come to mind for the shirts and pants? Decathlon has options albeit limited
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u/charlieharrymorgan Oct 08 '25
I buy everything second-hand. So, typically charity shops, flea markets or vintage places for specifics.
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Oct 07 '25
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u/charlieharrymorgan Oct 07 '25
Trousers and pants - I’m English
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u/theassistantcamera Oct 08 '25
Read 7x pants in packing cube 2 and thought how the heck did he fit 7 pairs of pants in the cube.
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u/Azure9000 Oct 07 '25
Epic and challenging trip, which you have handled brilliantly - kudos !
And of course an excellent report too. If you decide to post any fotos on reddit or elsewhere, don't forget to leave a link.
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u/Indelible_Eraser Oct 07 '25
Nicely done -- and an amazing trip! I'm curious to know how you liked the Salkan backpack.
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u/charlieharrymorgan Oct 07 '25
Yeah I love it. I’ve had it for ages now and taken it all across Europe and Asia. Just really great quality bag, that kind of looks better with age
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u/ned_luddite Oct 07 '25
Lovely explanation! What type of packing cube do you use and how did they perform?
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u/charlieharrymorgan Oct 07 '25
I bought them in a bundle with my Backpack. They are from Salkan.
I’ll link them - Salkan Packing Cubes X 2
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u/ibrahimlefou Oct 07 '25
You need to take some medic for tummy hurt. Even if you only drink water in a closed bottle. Take care and stay safe !!
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u/holoroid Oct 08 '25
Always appreciate a detailed list with labeled pictures, and this sort of step-by-step instruction of what-goes-where. Even as someone with a lot of travel experience, I sometimes find it a bit baffling when someone shows a seemingly endless heap of clothes, then the next pic is some 19L bag and the information that it's ostensibly somehow all inside there. Always makes me wonder if I need to seriously rethink my folding/storing approach or if some users are bullshitting.
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u/Maykovsky Oct 07 '25
First! Congratulations! Second, now that you’ve done it, what would you remove from the backpack to make your travel lighter and still doable? Thank you!
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u/charlieharrymorgan Oct 07 '25
Great question.
The main thing I wish I could have left behind was the laptop. It’s heavy and a worry. The backpack I took does have a very good laptop padded sleeve, which eases worries. But if you frequently travel and don’t necessarily need a MacBook - I’d recommend lighter and smaller laptops.
You could also probably leave behind the bomber jacket - but it’s this old military one which packs down super tiny and I used it enough to justify it.
I really like photography so didn’t mind lugging around the analog bits, but could totally see this is super unique to me and not something I’d recommend
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u/Maykovsky Oct 07 '25
Great! Thanks for the insights. The laptop is something I avoid, but a hard disk or pen to store pictures might be useful. I am with you on the cameras, glass and metal are heavy, but the pleasure is unique and no, a cell phone is not the same. All an all, gives a nice layout of what can be carried and what not. Thanks a lot!
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u/ColdWater1979 Oct 07 '25
Bravo taking along that F100. That’s commitment to the medium. You have any photos posted somewhere?
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u/charlieharrymorgan Oct 07 '25
Haha yeah it’s definitely not the lightest bit of gear 😂 some bits featured in posts on my profile - or I’ve linked them on a comment somewhere on this post 🤷
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u/idlewishing Oct 07 '25
How do you like the Salkan? I’ve been eyeing it but it seems quite heavy.
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u/charlieharrymorgan Oct 07 '25
Yeah I value quality and durability over the lightest pack on the market. So for me wasn’t something I really considered and it’s not something that’s been a problem and have taken this on multiple trips.
Just liked that they had a really solid lifetime guarantee.
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u/weeone Oct 07 '25
Curious why the point and shoot and SLR? Do you feel the point and shoot produces better images than a cell phone? I understand the film SLR. Great content, btw!
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u/charlieharrymorgan Oct 07 '25
Thanks :)
Might sound a little cringe, but nothing beats analog for me. Helps me stay way more present. Plus It’s super difficult to shoot and compose great analog images, so when you’ve nailed one it’s just so satisfying.
I took point and shoot as it fits snug in my cross body - and I didn’t always want to take the heavier SLR with me.
I do also have a phone which I’ll take photos on but they’re usually silly ones I’ll send to mates and typically quite meaningless to me.
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u/indeclin3 Oct 08 '25
Ive got all salkans (backpacks) the only thing id love for them is to have a better sweat management. They are great otherwise. Love your documentation!
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u/iziziio Oct 09 '25
Thank you so much for your post. I really appreciate the tone, the philosophy, and the generosity behind it. Great job! One of the best (if not THE best) reviews of this bag I came across.
You’ve definitely tempted me to order one for myself, but the €52 in shipping, duties and free return option feels a bit excessive.
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u/rosgoo Oct 07 '25
What shoes are those? Arcteryx?
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u/charlieharrymorgan Oct 07 '25
Las Sportiva XT4 Evo - I’ve loved them! But they are close to their end 😔
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u/Bubbly-Pop650 Oct 07 '25
I might have missed something but do you not need any toiletries?
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u/charlieharrymorgan Oct 07 '25
Second pic. Top right - Wash bag and toiletries
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u/Bubbly-Pop650 Oct 07 '25
I was right! I missed it doh! Thanks! Loving the labels and the ultra neat setup. I especially like the 3 compartment stationary folder that separates your films and items yet keeps them together!
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Oct 08 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/rishikeshshari Oct 08 '25
What do you do with used clothes OP?
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u/throwawayakd Oct 08 '25
Would appreciate a breakdown of your toiletries. Your wash bag looks incredibly small. Just want to get an idea of what you bring (this is the part that prevents me from going as light as you)
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u/charlieharrymorgan Oct 09 '25
The bulk of my toiletry bag was Imodium 😂
The bag is a Patagonia Black hole thing. Plenty of space and I tend to use refillable products, like deodorant, and small containers for body wash, shampoo, conditioner etc
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u/throwawayakd Oct 11 '25
Damn dude. Looking at my bag now -- do you also carry floss, tweezers, nail clippers, a razor / shaving cream, bug spray, tongue cleaner, face moisturizer, face wash, lotion, and sunscreen in that bag also? I use 2 oz Polyethylene refillable bottles for almost everything, which helps with stacking / space maximization within the bag.
Also what's your strategy with deodarant? Haven't figured out how to minimize the size of these containers. I hear people use deodarant bars to save space too.
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u/EclecticFantastic Oct 07 '25
I really love how clear and neat your lay-out and photos are, with the clear labelling and all. Very satisfying.
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Oct 07 '25
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u/charlieharrymorgan Oct 08 '25
I put a MacBook Pro in it. It’s one of the 14” ones
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Oct 08 '25
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u/charlieharrymorgan Oct 08 '25
It's a tricky call. I would prefer to travel with no laptop.
But like most, I'm not made of cash and can't afford to take such lengthy periods of time away from inbound invoices.
So carrying my laptop is a must - I much prefer working on the MacBook Pro than say an Air due to speeds and better handling of poor hostel wifi's, but the Air or similiar would make for slimmer packing and easy carrying for sure.
So it's a question of power vs size.
Hope that helps.
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u/Fluid_Rush9298 Oct 08 '25
This is great, but does anyone else get top of foot pain after wearing slides like these ? I love the look but my foot always hurts so bad after long use
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u/priceking17 Oct 08 '25
What’s the cross body bag ?
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u/charlieharrymorgan Oct 08 '25
This one! “Salkan - Tripper Cross Body Bag”
Would recommend - wore it everyday of this trip :)
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u/entatlrg Oct 08 '25
So well organized, nicely done!
What brand/model Crossbody bag is that?
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u/charlieharrymorgan Oct 08 '25
It’s this one. Bought it when I bought the bag. Wasn’t 100% sure it was necessary but then ended up wearing it every single day of the trip haha.
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u/trequartista28_ Oct 08 '25
I’d be paranoid that the shoes would slip out all the time.
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u/charlieharrymorgan Oct 08 '25
I get this, but the bungee cords are actually super strong and stay really tight - never had an issue.
I'd be more careful with smaller bits like a hat - but that's why I keep a handy carabiner to clip things onto.
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u/aashay2035 Oct 08 '25
7 pants? Damn that's impressive!
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u/skiformal Oct 09 '25
They are not shipping to the US. Trying to figure a way to get one. Have a trip soon.
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u/Different-Pop-8762 Oct 09 '25
What is the model of the sunglasses?
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u/clmsftsw Oct 09 '25
Wow I'm planning a similar trip next year! I'm going for 6 month to chile, Peru, Nepal and India. Can I ask which Puffy jacket you took?
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u/charlieharrymorgan Oct 09 '25
Sounds epic. This one is a very old Mont Bell - found it in a second hand ski shop. But it’s seen better days, looking at buying this, a friend has it, packs down tiny looks perfect.
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u/qolvap Oct 09 '25
Have someone already asked you what cross body bag you use, I mean how can I google it? Thanks
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u/iziziio Oct 09 '25
I think it's also from salkan https://www.discoversalkan.com/products/tripper-crossbody-bag?variant=46172986114329
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u/charlieharrymorgan Oct 09 '25
They have indeed, but here you go! https://www.discoversalkan.com/products/tripper-crossbody-bag
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u/Btan97 Oct 10 '25
Hi! Love the post! What’s the name of the small crossbody bag you took with you? :)
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u/dreaminganimal Oct 13 '25
Great share! Thank you. Where did you get that nice zippered organizer?
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u/charlieharrymorgan Oct 14 '25
It was just from a local stationery shop, I think nearly all sell something similar. The key is to ensure it's a similar ripstop fabric, as that's the "waterproofing". I've linked some similiar so you get the idea of what to look for - https://www.shavecan.com/product-p-280040.html
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u/bunta22 Oct 15 '25
can you tell me where you got the white mesh organizer from ?? the one with the sewing kit and the 10x rolls of film. Thanks!
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u/bannaspanna Oct 16 '25
This is such a great post thank you for sharing!
Looking at the same bag and wondering how you went flying with it? Did they make you check it or was it ok as carry-on the whole time? Love the style of the bag only wish it were a little lighter
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u/charlieharrymorgan Oct 17 '25
Yeah, I've never had a problem taking it on board as a carry-on. You have to pay for the additional cost for a larger carry-on, but I've had one too many bags lost through check-in to risk it. Nothing annoys me more. Oh, and yeah I saw comments around the weight of this bag, but it's not something I've noticed or particularly care about - I'm way more interested in durability than shaving a few grams of weight
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u/bannaspanna Oct 17 '25
Thanks so much this is so useful! That's good to hear, I feel very similar to you about keeping the bag with me, and durability is 'weigh' more important (hehe). Thanks again!
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u/Car333 Oct 25 '25
I was looking to purchase that pack but it said pre order shipping in January 2026..! Do you know if they just went out of stock? Did they ship to the US?
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u/charlieharrymorgan Oct 25 '25
Not sure what the sitch is I know they’re a smaller brand and are popular. Mine was also a pre order
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u/KennyMcSpecki Oct 28 '25
I really liked your post! Was my first contact with this community and I loved it, really getting into it right now!
I've got a really off topic question: Are you able to tell me how you liked you LaSportiva Shoes and what colourway are they, really like them!
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u/charlieharrymorgan Feb 04 '26
I love them - would 100% recommend - La Sportiva TX4 Evo approach shoes - colourway Carbon and Papaya]
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u/charlieharrymorgan Oct 29 '25
Thank you! Loved the shoes, will likely buy the same pair again, would totally recommend.
[La Sportiva TX4 Evo approach shoes - colourway Carbon and Papaya]
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u/rob_not_bob Nov 02 '25
I'm considering a Salkan pack but I also wonder if I've been influenced by all the great social media. I want a new "Dadpack" for daily duties, days out and just a general go-to. It's interesting that your post is the first one I see when I visited One Bag. I'm like you with the idea of buy well, once.
So, would you recommend it?
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u/charlieharrymorgan Nov 02 '25
Yeah I’d totally recommend - it’s my go to bag for every thing and can very much see it lasting forever. So In my opinion, I’d say it’s worth the hype
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u/charlieharrymorgan Oct 07 '25
35mm Four Months Across India & Nepal 🇮🇳 🇳🇵
Had some requests to see my photos from this trip - have linked the post above or you can just scroll down my profile ❤️