Far Pavilions
Himalayan India & Kashmir
June 30 - July 12, 2011
This page is under construction. Here are a few insights about this
destination from the India tourist board. Please return soon to read
the day-to-day itinerary.
The Manali – Leh
Route
Nowhere else in the world can a traveller find such splendid diversity
of mountain scenery as in the Himalayas, ‘the Abode of Snows’,
and an unforgettable way to enjoy this diversity is to travel up the
road from Manali to Leh.
From the Land of the Gods to the Rooftop of the World
The Manali – Leh road weaves in and out among the mighty snow-clad
peaks of the Western Himalayas over a stretch of nearly 485 kms.
The road is open from mid-July to mid-October every year, depending
on weatherconditions.
Let’s begin with Manali in Himachal Pradesh once called ‘Devbhumi’,
the Land of the Gods. It is easily accessible by air and by road
from Delhi, Chandigarh, Shimla and Pathankot.
Against the dramatic setting of dazzling snow-bound peaks, green
and idyllic Manali glows like some rare emerald. The tumbling, sparkling
waters of the river Beas, where one can fish for trout, the luxuriant
apple orchards, the whispering forests, all add to the magic of Manali.
It is also the ideal base for excursions to the hot sulphur springs
of Vashisht, the beautiful Malana, Parbati valleys, Chandratal (the
Lake of the Moon), Surajtal (the Lake of the Sun), the Solang skiing
slopes, Naggar and Manikaran etc.
For the intrepid seeker of adventure, Manali is the starting point
for many an exciting trek, such as the one to the Rohtang Pass, 51
kms away. This pass is an important milestone on the Manali – Leh
road as it is the gateway to the Lahaul and Spiti valleys.
On its way to Keylong (115 kms from Manali), this important road,
which was once part of the ancient trade route between India and
Central Asia, wends its way through breathtaking mountain views via
the Rohtang Pass, Gramphoo, Kokhsar, Sissu, Gondla, Tandi. One can
also reach Kaza, the main town of Lahaul and Spiti (distance from
Manali: 224 kms) via Gramphoo, Chhota Dara, Bara Dara, Batal, Kunzum
Pass (1600 ft.), Takcha and Losar. As the landscape
changes in this part of Himachal, so do the faces of the people.
Tibetan influences are marked in their looks and lifestyle and their
heritage is predominantly Buddhist. Three monasteries lie along the
way. The Karding, Shashun and Tayal monasteries are well worth a
visit.
Onward the road moves…to the Bara Lachha Pass (height: 4883
m), 73 kms from Keylong. Beyond this steep pass lies Sarchu, 43 kms
away, in the adjoining state of Jammu and Kashmir. Now the trail
hits the highest regions of Ladakh.
Through the Forbidden Land
Situated between the towering mountain ranges of the Himalayas and
the Karakoram, the average height of Ladakh ranges from a dizzy 3000m
to 3650m above sea level. The landscape is austere, yet strangely
beautiful. Join us on this extraordinary journey through the Himalayas!
Leh Ladakh Travel Guide
Lying in the rain shadow area of the Great Himalayas, Ladakh is
a cold desert area and the most sparsely populated land in the whole
world with just two people per sq km. It is perhaps the only place
where one can get frostbite and sunburn at the same time while sitting
in the sun and stretching out one's legs in the shaded area. The
peculiar climatic conditions of the region feature the freezing winds
and the burning sun at the same time. The snow-covered expanse of
this rugged terrain attracts tourists with its fantastic and panoramic
views. This white paradise is surrounded by some of the highest mountain
ranges of Great Himalayas and Karakoram ranges that are young and
mighty in geological terms.
History of Ladakh
An independent kingdom of the 10th century, Ladakh was continuously
pestered by the periodical attacks of the Kashmiri Muslims in the
16th century until it was finally annexed to their state in the
mid 19th century. One can see distinct influences of the different
visitors to the place in the Ladakhi culture.
Fairs & Festivals of Ladakh
Fairs and festivals in Ladakhi region have a deep-rooted social impact.
They provide opportunities for the people to interact and to enjoy.
Due to heavy snowfall in the winter season, most of the people
have relatively more idle time on their hands and hence most of
the Gompas or monasteries choose this time for their annual festivals
though there are summer festivals too.
Culture of Ladakh
Ladakhis are known for their cheerful disposition and most of their
festivals fall in winters, which serve as an excuse for social
and convivial gatherings. In summers, archery competitions and
native version of polo are quite common and especially among the
Buddhists.
People of Ladakh
The people of Ladakh bore much resemblance to Tibetans and Central
Asians with their round faces, short stubby noses and small 'chinki'
eyes with pronounced cheekbones. The people of the mountains, they
have good stamina are accustomed to manual labor. However, they
are considered to be soft and plain at heart.
Leh Capital
Situated at an altitude of 3505 m above sea level, Leh is to the
east of Jammu & Kashmir and is the capital of Ladakh. Zanskar
River flows through it and breathtaking sparking white snowcapped
peaks surround the valley of Leh. A blending of barren desert and
well-irrigated farms, the ruined Tibetan style palace of Leh is
the first to attract the attention of the tourists.
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