Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
see The oTher side of The himalayas
They may cross six countries and contain many colossal mountains such as Everest
and K2, but journeying through the Himalayas isn't just about making it to the top. The
following five treks will give you more than just sore feet and lots of photos of snow-
capped peaks.
with some of the local farmers. Once the lifeline
of isolated rural communities scattered about
Himachal Pradesh, the yak is now slowly
disappearing, as modern farming tools obviate
the need for it. The emergence of yak safaris,
however, has ensured that the hirsute animal
has regained its value. Long live the yak.
437 meet the three sisters, nepal
Lucky, Nicky and Dicky are a bit of a legend
in Nepal. Having opened a restaurant and
guesthouse overlooking Lake Fewa in the
trekking capital of Pokhara, the three Chhetri
sisters broke with taboo in this traditional
society by establishing their own trekking
company. They and their female guides and
porters take groups on a variety of different
treks, including through the famous Annapurna,
Everest and Langtang ranges. Some of their
groups are women only, others open to both
sexes; all their trips, however, are refreshingly
free of the obsession with “getting there” that
some testosterone-heavy hikes to the summit
can exude. At a slower pace, you'll have time to
really enjoy the spectacular surroundings; after
all, it's a long way up.
Need to know Ecosphere also offers several
walking and mountain-biking trips in the valley,
plus rafting trips down the Spiti River. W www.
spitiecosphere.com; T +91 (0) 1906 222 724.
439 Journey to the centre of the
world, tibet
Going to Tibet (or not) is a thorny issue for
travellers, as if you visit from inside China your
only realistic option is a state-sanctioned tour.
One way round this is to go on a trip with The
Himalayan Adventure Company, which starts
its tour in Kathmandu, exploring its winding
lanes and ornate temples, before setting off on a
long drive into Tibet. Along the way, you'll break
for village visits and a dip in another deeply
revered site - the salty Lake Manasarovar. The
highlight of the trip is Mount Kailash, a hulking
mountain of black rock from which spring four
major rivers: the Indus, Bramaputra, Sutrej and
Karnali.
Need to know Minimum group size five. The
Annapurna Circuit (18 days) costs US$1045 per
person; the Ghorepani or Poon Hill Loop circuits
(both 5 days) cost US$290 per person, inclusive
of meals, accommodation, transport and entry
fees. For details of treks and accommodation visit
W www.3sistersadventure.com; T +977 (0) 6146
2066. The sisters also offer women-run rafting and
safari trips to Chitwan.
438 a yak safari, india
As they seem to prefer standing alone atop
freezing mountain ridges, few people ever get
very close to a yak. On a “yak safari” with Spiti
Ecosphere, however, you'll get to ride one. With
a surefootedness suited to the rocky paths and
alpine pastures, the hairy beast will transport
you over the Spiti Valley in northern Himachal
Pradesh. You'll stay overnight with families in
remote villages, dining with them and chatting
Need to know Trips run from April to October.
For prices and details of itineraries visit W www.
thehimalayanadventurecompany.com; T +44 (0)
845 094 0273.
440 trek through villages in nepal
The Himalayas are home to some of the world's
most physical trekking, but if you're after a
gentler approach, head for the Annapurna
region. A trek here takes in spectacular views
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