Season 1, Episode 8

Leg 8: Toy Trains, Monkey Thieves and a Fever

Adventurer, guide and photojournalist Bruce Kirkby is taking his entire family on a 13,000 mile journey from their home in British Colombia to a remote monastery in the Himalaya, all without taking a single plane. They face 600 challenging miles as they move into the India Himalaya. Departing Chandigarh, India, the family boards a narrow gauge train, also known as a 'toy' train, making its way up the foothills of the Himalaya towards the picturesque mountain town of Shimla. In Shimla, the family visits the Jakhu Temple, affectionately known as the Monkey Temple. The town holds a special place in Kirkby family history-Bruce's grandfather was stationed there during World War 2. Bruce schedules a meeting with the remaining members of India's Royal Family, in hopes that they can share some insight into his grandfather's time here more than 60 years ago. While in Shimla, Taj (3) becomes sick and Bruce and Christine have no choice but to call a local doctor. With only days until their trek to Ladakh, Taj's health is their number one priority. A dose of antibiotics and he's back and raring to go. From Shimla, the family drives 8 hours to Manali, the last sizable town they will visit on their journey. The drive takes them along twisting and turning Himalayan roads, susceptible to rock and landslides, whose aftermath they witness firsthand. In Manali, the Kirkby's meet their guide and pick up supplies for the final leg of their journey. They camp at Palamo, a remote basecamp in the Himalayas, and the trailhead for their 10-day trek. Bodi enjoys a spicy paneer for the first time. They're 12,900 miles from home. 100 miles to go.

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