Ladakh Festival Camps Nestling in the western corner of the Tibetan plateau, also called the rooftop of the world, hidden amidst the towering Himalayas to the south and the Karakorams towards the north, is the fabled, mystical, lunar landscapes of Ladakh. One of the few remaining Shangrilas on Earth!!! In this land of Lamas and snow covered mountain passes - time stands still. The snow covered mountains are dotted with small, remote and traditional villages. The quaint yet imposing monasteries, towering on hill-tops above the surrounding villages and valleys - do not seem of this world. The natural raw beauty of the area can only be described as a moonscape, with the colours of the minerals showing through the soil. We start the captivating journey by taking a flight to Kullu and then driving to Manali. Set against the backdrop of the towering snow covered mountains of the Shitidhar and Friendship peaks, in a lush green valley. The Kullu - Manali belt is the orchard of India. Apple, peach and apricot trees vie with tall pines and cedar in the valley. The white bubbling waters of the river Beas, give the valley its life and creating a feeling of energy and beauty. This area is populated by Hindu tribes: Dusherra, in October, is their main festival. During the festival, large and colourful processions, with the deities carried on shoulders of the devotees are taken out. Crossing the Dhauladhar ranges and the Rohtang pass in our 4 wheel drive vehicles - starts the Great Himalayan Odyssey. As we head deeper into the mountains, we traverse passes at 16,000 to 17,000 ft. The journey is through lush green valleys and sparkling, gurgling streams. Slowly, we move away to harsher landscapes. Passing the mountains, full of minerals, we reach the convoluted mountain plateau - the unique, high altitude desert of Tibet. Entering the Changthan plains, we come upon wonderful 4 wheel drive desert country, high mountain passes, secluded villages and hidden monasteries, and the turquoise water of the alpine lakes and streams crisscrossing the landscape. The colourful, nomadic Changpa tribals, who come across from Tibet are now visible, as they tend to their famous goats - that give the world the Pashmina or Cashmere Ring shawls. The camps, having all the modern amenities like large tents, with beds and toilets with running hot and cold water. These are set in picturesque locations. We have entered the trails and valleys of the river Indus. The natives are hardy yet warm people, who will invite you into their hearts. Wearing flowing robes and headgears made of turquoise and other colorful stones - the natives are a sight to behold. The prayer beads and the personal prayer wheels, add to the charm. Entering the monasteries is almost akin to entering a time-warp. The world inside is so different - calm, peaceful and yet very vibrant, with centuries of prayer and mystical rituals that have taken place there. It is a soul shaking experience. The feeling that finally emerges is one of rejuvenation - it is a catharsis. The experience of a grand Lamastic festival with masked Lamas, enacting the strange mythical stories, to the beat of drums, cymbals and blowing of traditional long brass and silver horns - reverberate through the expanse of the valley and the mountains. The sound and the feelings will remain with you, long after you are back in your home. The dramatic paintings of one of the most colourful religions of the world, are all hand made. The turquoise and other stones found here are perhaps, the best in the world. Published Tariff for the period 1-Oct-10 to 31-Mar-11   Pax Sgl* Dbl** FIT 1-9 pax 11250 15750 GIT 10 pax above 9000 13500 *Single Occupancy **Double Occupancy