TRAVEL SPECIAL.................. ON A HIGH NATURE TRAILS INDIA SPECIAL

ON A HIGH NATURE TRAILS INDIA SPECIAL  VACATIONS WITH A GREEN THUMB  Explore India destinations that promise unique opportunities to explore breathtaking nature trails.     One of the hidden treasures of Jammu & Kashmir region is Ladakh. We bet, you don’t really need higher lung capacity to reach here as Ladakh is now on a regular traveller’s platter too. Thanks to Aamir Khan’s 3 Idiots film, Ladakh’s motorable roads, hills and lakes are now in the cine limelight and most Indians would like to get a glimpse of Phunsuk Wangdu’s homeland.     Rightly termed the ‘Land of high passes’, Ladakh is nestled in the region between the Kunlun mountain range in the north and the main Great Himalayas to the south, inhabited by people of Indo-Aryan and Tibetan descent. Biker groups have been touring Ladakh terrains for years now and if you haven’t been here then make a plan, what with competent travel agencies chalking out a holiday itinerary with relaxation and rejuvenation written all over it.     Move your eyes on to the bottom half of this special page and indulge in a first person note on Pahalgam, another hilly gem from the Kashmir region. If it’s a breathtaking vacay you want, it’s got to be in Kashmir. Read on... TREKKING IN LEH-LADAKH REGION: Kashmir FITNESS LEVELS: Moderate to high (This is a suggested 12-day itinerary amongst many others you can choose from) Day-1: Fly into Leh. Situated on an altitude of 3,500 mts, it is essential that you acclimatise. Day-2: Visit Leh Palace. Say your prayers at the beautiful monasteries at Shey, Thiksey and Hemis. Day-3: Wear the right clothing and most importantly, sturdy and comfortable footwear. We suggest you trek from Phey Village where you can catch the sight of the Indus River on your side as you trek ahead. Later, enter Zingchen Gorge. Stop by to say hello to locals at the Zingchen Village after about an hour’s walk. Move quickly toward the Hemis National Park and then have a short break at Sumdzom Village. Rest by night. Day-4: Next day, prepare to walk upstream and climb uphill to Kandala Nallah. Carry on to Yurutse and Kandala Base Camp. Day-5: After Kandala Pass, take a the path to Shingo. Reach Skiu and later rest at campsite by the Markha River. Day-6: Take a dip in the Zanskar Gorge and visit Kaya village. Day-7: Start early and move ahead in the trail from Skiu to Sara, have a bite here. Trek ahead to Chalak Village, move toward Markha Village and camp here. Day-8: Keep your energy bars ready as you trek to Umlung and Hanikar. Kangyatse Peak (6400m) can be seen as the group moves upto the confluence of Luntang Chu and Nyimaling Chu Rivers. Camo at Thujungste Village. Day-9: Get camera-ready as you will spot Blue Sheep during the trail from Thujungste to Nyimaling. Day-10: From Nyimaling, the trail crosses the Nyimaling Chu upwards to Kongmaru La Pass. Move to Lhartse and then to Shang River. Visit shepherd camps at Chuskumo and Chukdo. Campsite is at Shang Sumdo. Day-11: Explore the valley and Shang monastery at your pace. Move from Shang Sumdo to Hemis in 3-4 hours. Reach Martselang and then taxi ahead to Leh. Day-12: Spread smiles as you head back to your city. DID YOU KNOW TRAVELLING IN LADAKH TERRAINS It’s best not to make a hurried trip as you will need to acclimatise your body according to the weather during the trek. Sturdy shoes with warm clothing to prevent stomach chill is ideal. Carry instant noodles and energy bars in your haversack. Compiled by Nimisha Tiwari ETTR 140417