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that time of the year again. The much expected rains are here.
Though that brings joy to the heart, it also brings to mind
the endless puddles one would have to wade through. A holiday
in this downpour?...who would think of it!!! Well, that’s
exactly what Banjara brings you –a chance to escape the
sogginess, a chance to explore mysterious places with the
sunniest of weathers and to take in vast vistas of endless
colours and shades. |
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This
quaint little town, in the lovely Spiti Valley, home to a 1008
year old monastery, is a precious jewel in the arid landscape.
The nine temples in the monastery are a delight to explore
with their collection of thangkas and murals on the walls. The
pretty little houses of the village and the Banjara Retreat
among them add to the warmth of the atmosphere, while the
caves atop a hillside add that much vaunted element of
mystery. To give credence to the mystery is the ‘mummy’ of a
lama found nearby. |
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From
Tabo, follow the Spiti river, a blue ribbon snaking its
way through the treeless terrain, to reach Kaza, the
biggest town of the valley, also boasting the highest
petrol pump at 3600m. Enjoy the home-like comforts at
the Banjara Retreat, right beside the Kaza Monastery,
with amazing views of mountain ranges opening out in
front. Explore the highest motorable places in the
world. Walk amidst deep-sea fossils, believed to have
been formed when the Himalayas were below sea level
(!!). On the whole, get mystified and mesmerized.. |
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Carry
on to even higher altitudes. Cross the Baralacha La at
4892m and descend to its other base, the end point of
Himachal Pradesh on the way to Ladakh. This is Serchu at
4253m before one enters the Moray plains and the
moonscape of Ladakh. A Shangri-La in the middle of
nowhere, Camp Blue Poppy will welcome you with its
comfortable Tibetan-style tents. The dining tent which
also doubles up as a prayer area for the traveling Lamas
has some lovely Tibetan wood carvings to add to the
aesthetic senses. The transition region from Spiti to
Ladakh will be a truly off-beat destination that you
will remember for years to come.
So pack your
bags and get set for the most exciting monsoon of your
life. Get ready to take a dip into Buddhism at places
truly spiritual. Who knows, you might come out
thoroughly cleansed – inside-out!
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Come and experience the holiday of your
lifetime with Banjara Camps & Retreats. Contact the office
at 26861397, 26855152/3 or Rajesh Ojha at 9810040397. |
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