Sikkim’s original inhabitants, the Lepchas, call their land Nyemael , “Paradise.” Though one of the legendary “bayul” or Shangri-la valleys that refer to a handful of remote valleys of the Himalayas was said to be only behind the mighty Kanchenjunga, rather than implying the entire former Kingdom, Sikkim, now the 22nd state of India, has […]
Sikkim, once an independent Himalayan kingdom Read More »
When I met with the tour director, I questioned him about Numgal, who had been assigned to be my trekking guide. I was assured he was very experienced and that I would enjoy his company. This was welcomed news but the detail I had not foreseen was the trek would be vegetarian. We would have
Ladakh by Alexandra: Trekking in Ladakh – Part 5 Read More »
With the smell of curry in the air and the sound of samosas frying, my thoughts have returned to India. Planning for Ladakh trip In early June 2007, I traveled in Ladakh, a mountainous state in northwest India. Even though India is primarily a Hindu country and the last remnants of Buddhism were sent packing
Ladakh tour story by alexandra – Part 1 Read More »
The Mulbekh Gompa, about three quarters of the way from Leh to Kargil, marks the end of the Buddhist Ladakh and the beginning of its Muslim parts. The Muslim culture here as in Kargil and from here on toward the alpine valleys of Kashmir as well as the first third of the way toward Zanskar,
Suru Valley & Pensi La, the Gateway to Zanskar Read More »
The country of Bhutan is home to hundreds of thousands of traditional Tibetan Buddhists. To penetrate the veil of this closed kingdom, however, you need to obtain the services of an experienced travel organization: Footloose Bhutan. As a unique, affordable, tailor-made tour seller, we have been coordinating adventures to the most far-flung regions of earth
Bhutan Monasteries Read More »
Mumbai, formerly Bombay, serves as a jumping point to visit the world famous rock-hewn caves of Ajanta that lie some 60 miles from Aurangabad. These 30 caves, arranged in the shape of a mammoth horseshoe date back to the 2nd century B.C. Discovered in 1819, by a group of British army officers, these fabulous temples
Magnificant Temples of Ajanta and Ellora Read More »
If you are seeking inner peace, consider joining a special meditation trek in the Nepal Himalayas. This is really a different trek, a new way of exploring the most fascinating areas of Sherpa Land in the shadow of Mount Everest. The trek won’t just allow you to marvel at the beauty of the High Himalaya
Himalaya Trekking and Inner Peace Read More »
What is the best time to travel to Bhutan? While many guidebooks will recommend making your reservations for the fall or spring months, more and more “in the know” Bhutanese travelers prefer to travel during the wet summer or the cold winter months. These exotic vacationers reason that during the off season, fewer western tourists
Bhutan Myths, Travel and Tours Read More »
