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Sound Xplorer

Stories, journeys, and field recordings from around the world.

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Category: Daily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 248

Posted onFebruary 21, 2022February 27, 2022AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

(Nomad: Day 1430), Nairobi, Kenya, The two last days, I was able to go two times to the Karura forest because my accommodation was close enough. Today is my last day in Nairobi. I am going to explore the country Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 247

Posted onFebruary 19, 2022February 19, 2022AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

(Nomad: Day 1428), Nairobi, Kenya, Yesterday I moved to a new place in Nairobi, a little cottage quieter than the previous apartment. Here I can hear birds and sleep quietly. I will stay just 3 days then I will road Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 246

Posted onFebruary 16, 2022February 16, 2022AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

(Nomad: Day 1425), Nairobi, Kenya, It has been a long time I have not written an entry in my journal. I have been working as usual in Nairobi the same as the latest 4 weeks. I also went exploring a Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 245

Posted onFebruary 10, 2022February 10, 2022AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

(Nomad: Day 1419), Nairobi, Kenya, Four more days passed since my latest journal entry. Not much interesting happened more. I am still staying in the city, working on my stuff. I am discussing more with the elephant orphanage to plan Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 244

Posted onFebruary 6, 2022February 6, 2022AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

(Nomad: Day 1415), Nairobi, Kenya, Another day in the capital city of Nairobi. These days, I feel my time is flying away. Even though I am doing a lot of necessary tasks, having a comfortable life here does not fit Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 243

Posted onFebruary 4, 2022February 4, 2022AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

(Nomad: Day 1413), Nairobi, Kenya, The days pass by in Nairobi, and I am learning more about Kenya and East Africa every day. I am tracing my itinerary a little better, but also taking the time to work on the Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 242

Posted onFebruary 2, 2022February 2, 2022AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

(Nomad: Day 1411), Nairobi, Kenya, 4 or 5 days have passed since the last time I wrote an entry in my journal. In fact, not much happened. There has been a warning from embassies and the Kenyan government about an Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 241

Posted onJanuary 28, 2022January 28, 2022AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

(Nomad: Day 1406), Nairobi, Kenya, Yesterday I visited the Karura forest. It is situated almost in the middle of the city. I was not expecting so much about it. But after walking one hour inside this place the sound of Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 240

Posted onJanuary 25, 2022January 25, 2022AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

(Nomad: Day 1403), Nairobi, Kenya, It is now my eighth day in Nairobi and in Kenya. I have to say I am well treated here. Food and accommodation options are really good. It’s actually one of the best places I Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 239

Posted onJanuary 21, 2022January 21, 2022AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

(Nomad: Day 1399),Nairobi, Kenya, I continued my exploration and discovery of the Nairobi metropolis. I found similarities with Kuala Lumpur. There are several ways the city developed and has a similar influence. They are both young cities, with a lot Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 238

Posted onJanuary 19, 2022January 19, 2022AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

(Nomad: Day 1397), Nairobi, Kenya, I arrived in the capital city of Kenya, Nairobi. This is where I am planning to stay for the few next weeks and most probably one entire month. Unfortunately, I initially chose an apartment that Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 237

Posted onJanuary 17, 2022January 17, 2022AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

(Nomad: Day 1394), Doha, Qatar, I am now in transit between Egypt and Kenya. The last few days in Cairo I visited various neighborhoods, in Nasr, new Cairo, and the old Cairo. I am not impressed by this city. From Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 236

Posted onJanuary 13, 2022January 13, 2022AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

(Nomad: Day 1391), Maadi, Cairo, Egypt, I had an incredible experience recording lions the other day. Everything went really well; it actually happens way better than I would have imagined. Ashraf the owner was really talented with the animals and Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 235

Posted onJanuary 10, 2022January 10, 2022AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

(Nomad: Day 1388), Maadi, Cairo, Egypt, Two days have passed in Cairo. Since Yesterday there was less haze. Because the wind woke up, I think it chased away the bad smoky air. This made the city more comfortable to wander Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 234

Posted onJanuary 8, 2022January 8, 2022AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

(Nomad: Day 1386), Maadi, Cairo, Egypt, I am now installed in Cairo, in the neighborhood of Maadi. Here I can finally try to leave as a local since nobody bothers me selling their tourist’s shit. I have to say this Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 233

Posted onJanuary 6, 2022January 6, 2022AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

(Nomad: Day 1384), Cairo, Egypt, I arrived in Cairo 2 days ago, I spent the first night just in front of the pyramid. There are many hotels and guest houses in the part of the city of Giza (Cairo metro Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 232

Posted onJanuary 4, 2022January 4, 2022AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

(Nomad: Day 1382), Luxor, Egypt, Some days have passed in Luxor, the capital of ancient Egypt. I visited some obvious infamous places, very touristic but must-sees in Luxor. I could record very interesting ambiences from the West bank where I Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 231

Posted onJanuary 1, 2022January 1, 2022AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

(Nomad: Day 1379), Luxor, Egypt, So I arrived in Luxor after a long travel time from Dahab, I already spent New Year’s Eve. I really appreciate being able to see with my own eyes all the remains of the great Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 230

Posted onDecember 30, 2021December 30, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

(Nomad: Day 1377) Dahab, South Sinai, Egypt, Yesterday I walked in the desert. It is actually very practical to stay on the border of the town as I have direct access to the wide Sinai desert right next to me. Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 229

Posted onDecember 28, 2021December 28, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

(Nomad: Day 1375) Dahab, South Sinai, Egypt, Yesterday was a slow day. I noticed again that everything takes time. There is a paradoxical fate to slow travel: staying longer at one place is very beneficial as it allows to regenerate, Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 228

Posted onDecember 26, 2021December 26, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Dahab, South Sinai, Egypt, My journey continues in this part of the world. In Dahab life is easy and simple, I have not much reason to complain. Yesterday for Christmas I went on a trip to Mount Sinai. It’s a Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 227

Posted onDecember 23, 2021December 23, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Dahab, South Sinai, Egypt, I am starting to really like and appreciate life here. Yes, it is a poor country, everything is messy, the streets are dirty, infrastructures are crumbling, and every piece of goods has a dubious quality and Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 226

Posted onDecember 22, 2021December 22, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Dahab, South Sinai, Egypt, Yesterday I took the decision to wake up early this morning. And I think it was the best decision as the sun wakes up early around 6 am, this will allow making the most of my Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 225

Posted onDecember 20, 2021December 20, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Dahab, South Sinai, Egypt, Here is day 225 of my journal which should read day 350 if I had written every day from the first post, but also should read Day 1350 if I had written every day from the Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 224

Posted onDecember 19, 2021December 19, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Dahab, South Sinai, Egypt, Unfortunately, I did not write much these last few days. I was busy visiting Tenerife with my parents, we also did a day trip to the neighboring island of La Palma, a long ferry road to Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 223

Posted onDecember 15, 2021December 15, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Los Gigantes, Tenerife, Canaria Islands, 3 days have passed in Tenerife where I met my parents to spend one week together. The town we stay in is very nice along the cliffs. We visited some places around the island and Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 222

Posted onDecember 12, 2021December 12, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Los Gigantes, Tenerife, Canaria Islands, Yesterday I left Gran Canaria island, took the ferry, and arrived in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, then I took a bus to meet with my parents arriving at the airport. There was an issue with Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 221

Posted onDecember 11, 2021December 11, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Las lagunetas, Gran Canaria, Canary Island, The last two days I visited the South of the Island. I have to say the landscape is very dry and arid. Also, the development is focused on mass tourism, there is no charm Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 220

Posted onDecember 9, 2021December 9, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

La Aldea de San Nicolas, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Yesterday I was on a quest to find the quietest place I could on this island. This is not an easy task on an island with almost 1 million inhabitants, a Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 219

Posted onDecember 8, 2021December 8, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Las lagunetas, Gran Canaria, Canary Island, Yesterday I went on a road trip through 4 villages up North, Valleseco, Tenor, Firgas, and Artrenara. I also went to Barranco de Azuaje. It was a lot of car road winding around the Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 218

Posted onDecember 7, 2021December 7, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Las lagunetas, Gran Canaria, Canary Island, Yesterday I discovered that some recordings I did from the last months are ruined by my negligence. In fact, my input setting on my custom kit was set to ‘microphone in’ instead of ‘line Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 217

Posted onDecember 6, 2021December 6, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Las lagunetas, Gran Canaria, Canary Island, Here is my second day in the middle of the mountainous countryside of the island of Gran Canaria. It is quite cold up here compared to the coastline. Also, there are lots of fogs Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 216

Posted onDecember 5, 2021December 5, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Las lagunetas, Canary Island, Yesterday I left the co-living house in Las Palmas, and I got the car I am renting for 1 week. I will be exploring the island this week. I arrived at my new room in the Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 215

Posted onDecember 3, 2021December 3, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Island, Yesterday, I had to resolve a lot of technical issues. There are so many of them and I feel it takes all my time; however, I was able to find time to go Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 214

Posted onDecember 1, 2021December 1, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Island, Yesterday was some kind of more relaxed day, the sun was finally back, I decided to explore a little more of the neighborhood of Triana and Vegeta, and learned more about the history Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 213

Posted onNovember 29, 2021November 29, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Island, For a few days now, the atmosphere changed a little, it is a little bit colder in the air, it has rained quite a few times, and the sun does not show up Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 212

Posted onNovember 27, 2021November 28, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Island, Today I have 1 week left at this same place, in the capital city of the Canary island. I feel time flew by really fast. I am truly wishing to take the opportunity Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 211

Posted onNovember 25, 2021November 25, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Island, Life continues the same way here, I am in ‘routine mode’ and I am taking care of a lot of matter at the same time. I still have a little more than 1 Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

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About This Blog


Iโ€™m Stรฉphane Fufa Dufour, a nomadic field recordist exploring the world through sound. SoundXplorer is my journal of the places I travel, the moments I record, and the stories behind each sonic discovery.
on Soundcloud | on Facebook | on Instagram| on Youtube

Latest Blog Posts

  • Listening as a Tool to Realign Our Existence April 23, 2026
  • The Invisible Rig: Disappearing Into the Soundscape April 7, 2026
  • Journal Entry 286 February 12, 2026
  • Journal Entry 285 February 3, 2026
  • The Hidden Life of Curious Mechanisms November 26, 2025
-->ALL THE POSTS

Latest Video

Settle into the stillness of a Himalayan dawn high in the Kaudia Range of Uttarakhand, India. This immersive one-hour ambience captures the mountains waking at 2300 metres altitude, where bird calls carry across forested valleys, distant insect swarms hum softly through the landscape, and the silence of the hills is only occasionally interrupted by a faraway village dog.

Recorded from a hillside overlooking deep valleys, the natural acoustics create an extraordinary sense of depth and space as sounds travel between the mountain slopes.

[The Concept & Disclaimer]
This recording is part of my ongoing exploration of natural sound environments around the world. Unlike constructed or looped ambiences, this is a real, uninterrupted moment captured in the field. The environment was already remarkably quiet, requiring very little cleanup and preserving the realism of the location.

Personal note: I recorded this during a three-day escape into the mountains while attending a yoga retreat in Rishikesh, a brief period of quiet immersion and personal re-centering. Two years later, Iโ€™m happy to finally share it exactly as it was.

[The Audio Experience]
๐ŸŽง Headphones or surround system recommended!

This version is presented in 5.1 surround sound, offering a spacious and immersive listening experience. Distinct bird calls emerge through the morning atmosphere while layers of insects build and fade in the distance. Occasionally, a single insect passes close to the microphones, and faint sounds from the valley below subtly remind you that this is a real, living environment.

This is not a dramatic dawn chorus, but rather a slowly evolving and naturally repetitive mountain ambience with a meditative rhythm. The mix preserves the original depth, direction, and spatial perspective of the ORTF 3D recording as faithfully as possible within a surround format.

Surround playback is supported on compatible systems; otherwise, YouTube will automatically downmix the audio to stereo.

[Version Note]
This upload focuses purely on the immersive audio experience. More surround field recordings and natural ambiences can be found on the channel.

[Explore More]
๐ŸŒ Blog & behind-the-scenes: soundxplorer.com
๐ŸŽง Individual sounds & previews: SoundCloud
๐Ÿ”Š Professional sound effects library: Articulated Sounds
๐Ÿ”— https://linktr.ee/soundXplorer

If you enjoy authentic environmental recordings, consider subscribing and following the journey as I continue documenting unique soundscapes around the world.

[Recording Notes] ๐ŸŽ™๏ธ
Location: Kaudia Range, Uttarakhand, India (~2300 m altitude)
Recorded: Dawn, May 2024
Microphones: Schoeps ORTF 3D array
Technique: Multichannel ORTF 3D adapted to 5.1 surround
Recorder: Zoom F8n Pro
Post-processing: Minimal cleanup only, preserving the natural dynamics and realism of the environment

#Himalaya #KaudiaRange #Uttarakhand #India #NatureSounds #FieldRecording #Ambience #SurroundSound #51Surround #Meditation #Birdsong #NatureAmbience #ImmersiveAudio #asmr
Himalayan Dawn Ambience | Kaudia Range, Uttarakhand, India | Birds & Valley Resonance (5.1 Surround)
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Get the Sounds

For sound designers & creators
High-quality, royalty-free sound effects
96kHz / 192kHz with full metadata
Available via Articulated Sounds

For personal listening
Immersive albums on Bandcamp
Not licensed for commercial use

Latest Journal Entries

  • Journal Entry 286
    February 12, 2026
    (Nomad Day 2869) Dear [โ€ฆ]
  • Journal Entry 285
    February 3, 2026
    (Nomad Day 2860) Dear [โ€ฆ]
  • Journal Entry: Day 284
    May 20, 2023
    (Nomad: Day 1870), Tangkoko, [โ€ฆ]
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