Sumitra Senapathy
The Hindu; 11th May 2003

Not everyone wants to go on a whistle-stop tour, getting up at dawn, packing and unpacking everyday. More in tune with the way live now is choosing a small corner of our country and getting to know that place more intimately. Himachal Pradesh is waiting to be rediscovered by urban weary people. We tend to neglect many pockets of the country and sometimes every interesting places are eclipsed by their better known neighbours. For example, pristine Sangla valley is quite different from tourist-rich honeypots, Shimla and Kullu Manali, and makes for a terrific bolthole.

Situated at an elevation of about 10,000 feet, this is the place where Himachal greets Tibet. Forbidden territory virtually from independence till 1992 because of its close proximity to the Chinese border (30 km away), the sleepy inner line valley is still largely populated by tribals and the occasional Jawan of the Indo-Tibetan Border police. But you are unlikely to stumble upon either at the "Banjara Camps", a tented resort that nestles on the banks of a river in the backdrop of some dramatic peaks.

The campsite has been picked carefully, and the thoughtfulness of the facilities, indeed take you by surprise. The snug, spacious 12 feet by 12 feet well-furnished Swiss cottage tents even have uninterrupted power supply and roll-up meshed windows to let in light. Meals are always served outdoors, with generous helping of sunlight, or by the side of a roaring bonfire, to keep you snug and warm.

Climb the meadows at Sangla to melt the stress and enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Long walks are perfect for discovering the valley that bursts with an amazing variety of flora and fauna. All of Kinnaur is dotted with apple orchards and the region boasts the best cider in the Land.