The most popular tour with the travellers (both domestic and inbound) in India is the Delhi Jaipur Agra tour or the Golden Triangle tour. This glimpses of this tour include a peek into the mughal history , visiting the monuments dating back 100s of years , a look at the modern Indian culture , visit to the temples and mosques , a gastronomical trail - tastes of british , mughlai ,indian , irani fusions .Some of the interesting facts about Delhi , Jaipur ,Agra tour are as below : Establishing a Democracy with Delhi as Capital On 26 January 1950 the Constitution came into force; the event is celebrated annually and magnificently in New Delhi as Republic Day (see page 207). Broadly, the Constitution outlines a democracy with a President as Head of State, a Prime Minister as Head of Government and a two-house Parliament elected by universal suffrage: Lok Sabha (House of the People, 545 seats) and Rajya Sabha (Council of States, 250 seats). Based on Westminster's Parliament, the political structure also draws on the 1935 Government of India Act and on the US system, and incorporates a Bill of Rights. The infant democracy inherited its capital, New Delhi, from the British. Two years after Nehru's death in 1964, his daughter Indira Gandhi became Prime Minister. When the Congress party divided in 1969, she led Congress (I). She remained in power until her authoritarian ways led to the Emergency of 1975, and to her being ousted in 1977. But she won a landslide victory back into power in 1980. There she remained until her assassination on 31 October 1984. Her son, Rajiv Gandhi (assassinated 21 May 1991), was immediately sworn in as Prime Minister, and then confirmed in a general election. In the 1989 election he lost power to V P Singh whose Janata Dal Party allied with the Bharatiya Janata Party to form a government. In November 1990 Chandra Shekhar replaced V P Singh. Then, in India's 10th General Election in May-June 1991, a mid-term poll again produced a hung parliament and P V Narasimha Rao of the Congress (I) party formed a minority government. After the May 1996 election, the BJP briefly formed the government, to be followed by the United Front (June 1996) with Deve Gowda as Prime Minister. In April 1997 he was replaced by I K Gujral. The World's Largest Democracy: Size and Population Independent India absorbed all the former princely states. A new map was drawn. There are now 26 states and six Union Territories and Special Areas. Its population of 300 million at Independence has shot up to around 900 million, 40 percent of it under 15 years old. After 40 years of rampant urban expansion, which has attracted 25 percent of the population, Delhi and Jaipur are in grave danger of being throttled by too much growth too quick. Delhi, India's newest state, currently has a population of over 9.52 million, the third largest city after Mumbai and Calcutta. By comparison, Agra, in Uttar Pradesh state, has a manageable 2.5 inhabitants. Jaipur is India's thirteenth largest city, with a population of almost 1.6 million. It is the capital of Rajasthan (land of the Rajputs) state, a parched land of 44 million people. Previously there were 23 princely states in Rajputana, whose acknowledged head was Udaipur's Maharana of Mewar. Jaipur's position today fulfills Jai Singh II's dream 250 years ago that his new city should be the capital of a united Rajputana, a centre for government, trade and worship. Indeed, Maharaja Man Singh II became Rajpramukh (head) of the newly formed Rajasthan Union in 1948, when Jaipur became the administrative centre for a collection of democratized, formerly princely, states. The next year it became Rajasthan state. Literacy, Illiteracy and Marriage India's literacy rate is around 52 percent. While 64 percent of men are literate, only 40 percent of women can read. As expected, Delhi's literacy is a high 76 percent. So in the run-up for state and national political elections, canvassing is a colourful mixture of rousing rallies attended by film stars and the promotion of party symbols by daubing them on any available wall. The Congress (I)'s symbol is a raised hand. Those who do read are voracious newspaper consumers. India prints 1,802 daily newspapers, with the 114 principal dailies totting up a 13-million circulation. English language papers provide the visitor with national and local news, and an insight into Indian values. In all three cities, The Times of India, The Indian Express, The Hindustan Times, The Hindu, The Patriot and The Statesman are available. And the magazine India Today provides the best perky round-ups of all current issues. Sunday papers carry the no-nonsense, serious marriage advertisements listed under classifieds: 'Wanted, convent educated, fair girl from good family for Jat boy age 25 years working in reputed paint company at, Jabalpur. Covenanted post four figure salary plus perks. Early man tag, thoroughly practical: he knows what he wants, and she can see what she will get. It is a system still favoured by even the university-educated urban middle-class who claims that such frankness is a major reason for the low divorce rate. But the marriage deal for poorer women is usually not good: the average marriage age is only 18.3 years, around 60 percent of women are illiterate and the pernicious dowry system (with demands for a fridge, TV and motor bike besides the traditional silks and jewellery) means parents pray for a baby to be a boy (abandoned ones are usually girls). Furthermore, dowry deaths, so-called accidents after a girl's in-laws demand extra post-marriage dowry, are back on the increase. So are incidents of sati, the practice of a widow's self-immolation on her husband's funeral pyre that was outlawed by the British in 1829. Language: A Foreign Tongue still Dominates Despite all efforts, English is still the lingua franca. It is even spoken by taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers. But Indian English, like American English, has its own particular accent and idioms, many of them highly imaginative. In 1965 Hindi was proclaimed the national language. This is not fine classical Hindi, a Sanskrit-based language, but a less attractive, simplified version created for administration. It has failed to find approval, and it is used it is peppered with English words where it lacks Hindi equivalents. Official languages are now both Hindi and English: India's official name is both Bharat and Republic of India. But an erudite Delhi family receiving a wedding invitation in Hindi may still call on their son's schooling to help translate. There are also 18 recognized national regional languages (Konkani, Manipuri and Nepali were added to the official 15 in 1992) and another 1,650 or so languages and dialects. Delhi has mainly Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi speakers, whereas Jaipur has Rajasthani and Hindi speakers. However, the visitor to North India, where the nation's 38 percent of Hindi speakers are concentrated, needs English for most occasions and a few Hindi words and phrases do make the exploration of back streets and villages easier. Religion: A Tolerance for Gods of Every Kind India has no official religion. But the breakdown of followers of the six principal religions is revealing: 82.6 percent Hindu, 11.4 percent Muslim, 2.4 percent Christian, 2 percent Sikh, 0.7 percent Buddhist, 0.5 percent Jain and 0.3 percent Parsee. Two of the world's great religions have Indian roots. First Hinduism and then Buddhism which developed from it. The Jain and Sikh movements also grew out of Hinduism. Hinduism: The astonishing number of Hindu gods and the length and complexity of the great epics can be approached by the first-time visitor by starting with the Trinity—Brahma (Creator), Vishnu (Preserver) and Shiva (Destroyer)—and by reading a good short version of two of the sacred texts, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana (see bibliography). The religion's roots are in the Indus Valley. Disseminated by the Aryan invaders who arrived in North India around 1500 BC, this early form was given structure by the Vedic scriptures. Put very simply, Hindus believe that the spirit endures a series of rebirths ending in moksha, when it is freed from the rebirth cycle. The concept of karma is that each person's deeds lead to lower, or higher, reincarnation. (See also Glossary, page 216). Jaipur has an all-pervading Hindu atmosphere, especially during puja (worship) time at the Govinda Deva Temple, at Amber Fort's Kali TeMple and at Hanuman Temple near Sisodia Rani ka Bagh. For a more intense experience, Vrindaban and the other villages north of Agra are where the young Krishna played. Islam: Islam came to northern India with the succession of invaders pouring down over the Hindu Kush, and was consolidated by the long Mughal rule. Since the area covered by this book includes two Mughal capitals, Delhi and Agra, their legacy of Islamic buildings, religious shrines, cultural traditions and, indeed, numbers of the faithful are disproportionate to other regions of India. Muslim means 'he who has submitted'. The submission is to the will of Allah (God) and is total. The Prophet Muhammad (c 570-632) preached that there was one God and that a believer's sacred duty was to spread the word of Islam (submission to God). The Qur'an, Islam's sacred book which records the Prophet's revelations, says God is the creator of the universe, rewards the faithful and punishes the wicked, can bestow renewed life after death, and all men are equal in life and in death. This last tenet was particularly attractive to India's lower social classes trapped at the bottom of caste ridden Hinduism, hence Islam's initial success. A Muslim has five duties or pillars—belief in the one true God with Muhammad as his Prophet; remembering this by praying humbly five times a day; charitable work; fasting during Ramazan (Ramadan), the month Muhammad received his revelation; and going on haj (pilgrimage) to Mecca (Muhammad's birthplace) at least once in a lifetime. To balance a Muslim's total submission and fatalistic acceptance of God's will, idolatry is an unforgivable sin. Also, a Muslim may not drink wine or eat pork; he may not display pride, arrogance or ostentation; and (which the Mughals often forgot) tomb-building and the veneration of graves was not approved. Sufism, the mystical thread in Islam (followed by many Muslims in India including the Mughal rulers), can assimilate local religious customs such as singing, dancing and a more individual relationship with God. Arising in the tenth century in Sindh, the Saint Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chishti brought the Chishti order of Sufism to Delhi in 1192, and was buried at Ajmer in Rajasthan. The Muslim atmosphere is best seen around mosques on Friday, the holy day, especially around Old Delhi's Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque), Agra's Jama Masjid, and at three smaller but intensely Muslim places: Nizamuddin, a medieval Sufi village that is the oldest living area of Delhi; Ajmer, an important pilgrimage centre south-west of Jaipur; and Fatehpur Sikri's Jama Masjid where Sheikh Salim Chishti is buried. Christianity: Although Christianity came to South India very early, possibly brought by St Thomas the Apostle, it was first brought to the Mughal court at Agra by the Jesuits in the late sixteenth century. The Agra cantonment was serviced by the fine St George's Cathedral, St Patrick's Roman Catholic Cathedral and an overflowing Roman Catholic Cemetery, all still used by the town's 30,000 faithful. In Delhi, the old cantonment area has the Greek Revival St James's Church, and New Delhi has a clutch of grand churches built for the empire's subjects. Sikhism: Many Sikhs came from the Punjab to settle in Delhi. Most wear their distinctive turbans over their uncut hair—although some have now shorn their locks—and are known for their hard work. They follow a fairly new religion founded by Guru Nanak in the fifteenth century. Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708) introduced five symbols or hahhars by which they could recognize each other: hesha (uncut hair), hangha (comb), hachha (shorts), Kara (steel bracelet) and hirpan (sword). Their temples are called gurdwaras and the Sisganj Gurdwara in Old Delhi's Chandni Chowk is usually bustling with activity. Buddhism: There are few Buddhists in this area of India. This more contemplative religion, breaking away from rigid Hinduism dominated by the priests, was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, a prince who received enlightenment late in the sixth century BC at Bodh Gaya in Bihar. As the Buddha (Enlightened One), he preached his first sermon at Sarnath near Varanasi and emphasized dharma (religious teachings), sangha (monasticism) and buddhi (intellectual enlightenment). Bodhisattvas, his close followers, are those who have postponed nirvana (release from the cycle of birth) to "show others the way. Jainism: This has similarities with Buddhism. Developed early in the sixth century BC and for the same reasons, another prince, Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara (saint), rejected his worldly life and went to live as an ascetic and attain the highest spiritual knowledge. He then became a jina (conqueror), and his followers are called Jains. Emphasizing the monastic life, Jains believe the universe was not created but is infinite so they have no god. But they do believe in reincarnation and salvation, found through such deeds as temple building and ahimsa (reverence for life), which demands strict vegetarianism. There are two sects: Digambaras (sky-clad) who possess nothing, not even clothes; and Shvetambaras (white-robed), who are less strict. Jains are concentrated in Gujarat in West India, and go in pilgrimage on foot to their sacred hills. In Delhi, the Jains visit the Digamber Jain Temple and Charity Bird Hospital, at the top of Chandni Chowk, facing the Red Fort in Old Delhi. Zoroastrianism: The tiny but exceptional community of Parsees, as the followers of Zoroastrianism are known, has produced some of India's greatest industrialists and scientists, notably the Tata family. Migrating from Muslim persecution in Persia, they arrived in Gujarat in 745 AD and later came to British Bombay as traders, shipbuilders and bankers. Following their prophet, Zarathustra (golden light), they seek knowledge and illumination through worship, fire and sun and follow the path of Asha—good thoughts, words and deeds. As worshippers of fire, they lay their dead in towers of silence for vultures to avoid polluting fire or earth. To explore Golden triangle tour packages one needs to have a minimum of 4-5 nights , Golden Triangle holiday package can also be combined with Amritsar , Shimla , Varanasi , Goa and many more exotic destinations in India . For customised requirements on this tour contact Swan Tours - one of the leading travel agents in India. The most popular tours promoted by Swan Tours related to Delhi, Jaipur and Agra are as below: Delhi Jaipur and Agra with Fatehpur Sikri Tour, Golden Triangle Travel Package , Golden Triangle with Shimla Tour , Golden Triangle Tour with Mathura Vrindavan, Golden Triangle Tour With Varanasi.
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7/29/2017 0 Comments Major tourist attractions in GoaDona Paula East of Miramar lie leafy suburbs, residential areas, palm groves and paddy fields that wind up close to Dona Paula Bay. The bay separates and unites the estuaries of the Rivers Mandoyi and Zuari as they merge Arabian Sea. Two small rock encrusted beaches curl around the cove, these can be accessed from the esplanade at Dona Paula. Catering primarily to tourists, the promenade is packed with hotels, cafes and shops and stalls that sell trinkets, bags, clothes and film rolls! It is also the one place in Panaji to offer facilities for water sport - water scooters, pedal boats and sailboats. Contact: Dolphin Adventure Sports or Dona Paula Water Sports Association at Dona Paula. Love's Labour Lost: The bay is named after Dona Paula de Menezes, the lovesick daughter of the Protuguese Viceroy. A statue of Dona Paula stands gazing out to sea from arc: a rocky escarpment overlooking the bay Local legend tells us that the poor girl fell in love with an officer on the ship bringing her to Goa_ When the lovers were refused permission to marry and the officer sent back to Portugal, Dona Paula would climb up here to wait for the ship she believed would bring her beloved back. The poor unfortunate soul never came because dad had had him bumped off. When Dona Paula discovered her father's perfidy, she threw herself of these very rocks. Mahalakshmi Hindu Panaji's presiding dell) is the Goddess Mahalakshmi. She watches over the city from her temple abode at the foot of Altinho. The shrine houses a four armed, black stone idol of Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth. The temple was constructed in 1817 mostly from funds generated from devotees whose faith in the goddess, one presumes, had paid off! The annual Maruti-Zatra (festival) is held at the temple every January. Muslims were persona non grata in the early years of Portuguese rule, partly because of Christianity vs Islam baggage and partly due to Portugal's battles with the Arabs. The persecution of Goa's Muslims lasted through the Inquisition. It was only long after the Inquisition that Muslims felt safe enough to build mosques. Panaji's Jama Masjid is one of the few mosques in coastal Goa and it too was built after the Inquisition. Municipal Garden `Jardim de Garcia da Orta', the garden planted by Dr Garcia de Orta is now Goa's Municipal Garden. Dr de Orta was a noted physician in 16th Century Goa who spent his leisure hours cataloguing and studying indigenous plants and herbs used by Yunani hakims and Hindu vaids. The good doctor was convinced that local physicians were best equipped and more qualified than European doctors to treat tropical ailments. His magnum opus, a comparative study of European and Indian medicine was published in 1563 in Goa. Museum of Goa, Daman & Diu Panaji has just one museum of note, the Museum of Goa, Daman and Diu, which includes artifacts and archives from the other two Portuguese territories in India. The Museum's archaeological and archival material is acknowledged to be the best of its kind (in India) in the context of Portuguese rule in Goa. Sculpture, furniture, coins, textiles, objects d'art, ivory statues etc reflect the overpowering Christian influence on Portuguese art and crafts. The sculpture collection includes antiquities from Goa's Hindu era. Museum of Goa, Daman and Diu, Directorate of Archives, Archaeology and Museum, Ashirvad Building, St. Inez, Panaji, Goa 403 001 Timings: 10:00hrs to 13:00hrs; 14:00 hrs to 17:30hrs Closed on Sundays and public holidays. Of cafés, casinos, cruises and carnavals The riverside boulevard is the most crowded part of Panaji —usually packed with pedlars and pedestrians. Even local residents hang out here waiting for the ferry, watching the river flow by or the sun to set. Down below, by the riverbank is the ferry wharf with a frenetic fish market and an amazing aura of anticipation. The area buzzes with activity, especially when it’s time for river cruises and conducted tours to leave or return. Its carnaval time & King Momo's in charge Goa celebrates the carnaval — a three-day pageant of uninhibited revelry and fun, an orgy of merrymaking, music and dancing that traditionally sets the scene for the 40 days of fasting and praying in the month of Lent. Pagan in origin, totally hedonistic by inclination, Portuguese and Indian in essence, the Carnaval finds the streets of Panaji jammed with bands, dancers and floats in parades presided over by King Momo himself. The carnaval concludes with the Red & Black Ball held by the Clube National in Panaji. Those lucky enough to be in Goa for the Carnaval (February) have to obey King Momo's command — eat, drink and make merry! Cruises Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) organizes conducted tours for North & South Goa and Old Goa, and river cruises on the Mandovi. Tour buses park opposite the GTDC Tourist Hotel or near the jetty. The Santa Monica cruise features traditional Goan bands, dancers and cuisine and presents great views of the two riverbanks with Reis Magos and Aguada Forts, small villages, jetties and whitewashed churches. Tickets for the Mandovi river cruise can be purchased at the counter near the office of the Captain of Port Jetty. Goa and Panaji, by virtue of being its capital, have the requisite infrastructure to host visitors. Hotels are available in plenty, though the best and most preferred hotels are in the beach resorts in North and South Goa. But Panaji has a fair share of good hotels, guesthouses, apartments and paying guest accommodation. Restaurants and cafés, bars and taverns are equally prolific and the choice of cuisine on offer is mind-boggling. Every variety of Indian cuisine from rigidly vegetarian Gujarati to hardcore meat-oriented Punjabi and Mughlai is easily available. Local dishes are much sought after even though they are hot and spicy. Fast food, American, Italian or Indian kind is served at trendy cafés and bars, most of them on Dayanand Bandodkar Marg. All commercial activity in Panaji centres around 18 June Road — the district is packed with shops selling cashew nuts and spices, wines, feni, jewellery, baskets, mats, books, branded goods and designer wear. Accommodation in Panaji Goa Panaji obviously caters to those who like to be in the centre of action! Rented apartments, guesthouses and hotels of every category are available — but not in season and not unless accommodation has been booked well in advance. Suggested hotels: Accommodation in Goa is divided into five segments – Budget, Standard, Deluxe, Luxury and premium some of the preferred hotels in Goa are as below: W Goa , Ramada Caravela Beach Resort , Alila Diwa Goa , The Lalit Golf & Spa Resort Goa , Grand Hyatt Goa and Holiday Inn Resort Goa Casino Goa Panaji's hottest venue and latest offering to the world of leisure entertainment is MV Caravela, a cruise ship casino. The very first of its kind in India, the Caravela is a lavishly appointed twin-engine catamaran that can accommodate 300 people. It has a bar, restaurant, sundeck and swimming pool and a casino featuring eight slot machines and twelve table games where enthusiasts can try their luck at Blackjack, American Roulette and Stud Poker. Stakes begin at Rs 100 and can go up to Rs 10,000. The Caravela also has a few suites for those inclined to stay onboard. The ship stays anchored off the jetty at Panaji and will cruise the Rivers Mandovi and Zuari and down the coast to Varca in south Goa. Off season (monsoon) cruising will be restricted to the waters of the Mandovi. Around Panaji Ribandar (3km): Across the causeway from Panaji lies Ribandar, the old trading port on the River Mandovi. Its proximity to Panaji makes it worth a visit if not to admire its Portuguese era buildings and narrow streets, then to shop at Goa's first ever designer store, Camelot. Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary: Catch a ferry at Ribandar to visit the sanctuary on the island of Choroa. Mangroves and wetlands host a number of resident and migratory species. The sanctuary is open all year round. For permission, apply to Chief Wild Life Warden, Forest Department, Junta House, Panaji. Fort Aguada (10km): Built in 1612, Fort Aguada guarded the river route to Velha Goa from its vantage position on Cape Aguada, across the river from Panaji. A freshwater spring inside the fort gave it its name — `agua' is Portuguese for water. The fort now does duty as Goa's Central Jail. Siridao Beach (6km): Calm and shallow waters, with no tow or undercurrents make this beach safe for swimmers. Swan Tours one of the leading travel agents in India can organize holidays in Goa including air tickets, transfers, sightseeing, meal inclusive at 5 Star Hotels in Goa, beach resorts in Goa at discounted rates for offers on hotels in Goa call Swan Tours at 011 23415601. The approach to Ladakh by air over the Rohtang Pass transforms one's image of the Himalaya. The of tortured and rock gar reminder of the Indian sub-continent folding up against the heart of Asia, lifting rivers and lakes up to incredible heights. Yet the world's greatest mountain range seems astonishingly diminutive, clothed in uniform layers of smooth and creamy snow. It is astounding that in this terrain, once known as the end of the habitable word, communities have managed not merely to survive, but to evolve a rich socio-economic and cultural history. Initial wonder gives way to awe, the harsh black rock-face — faces carved with snow, clouds and mountain mists deters any thought of conquest. The fact that we are to skim across the high ridges, almost at touching distance and make a sharp and sudden descent into the Leh valley heightens our sense of the dramatic. We plunge directly into the once unknown world of the Ladakh plateau. Having arrived seems an achievement in itself. Even by air unpredictable weather conditions make it difficult to reach Ladakh. Until the late sixties only Indian Air Force planes carried travellers there, strapped to benches and equipped with parachutes. Over the Zoji-la Pass, the flight throws into relief the grimness of the old trade route that crossed the plateau to meet the Shyok River where the summer trail linking Ladakh to Yarkand on the Silk Route was located. The main trade routes that crossed Central Asia had been laid across mountains and deserts, linking Sinkiang in western China with Eastern Europe. It took three months for the Chang Thang nomads and the traders on the Silk Route to go from Leh to Lhasa. Also visit – Kashmir tour packages Ladakh's population is composed of distinct ethnic groups, predominantly the Mons, Dards and the Tibetans. The Mons is a pastoral community from the south of the Himalaya who converted to Buddhism in the time of the emperor Kanishka. In most villages, they are carpenters and blacksmiths, though they are now mainly village musicians who chant the great epic of the Ladakhi, the Kesar Saga. The Dards are peasants of Indo-European stock settled in Dras. The Dards and Mons must have bartered their farm produce for animal products with the Tibetan Chang-pas, the nomads of Chang Thang. From Ladakh to Yarkand and Turkestan, the intrepid merchants continued to cross-fertilize culture when along with their goods they transported customs and technology. The ties are apparent in the common dress and linguistic unity, food habits and pastimes. It is almost as if the world beyond the passes has survived because the south-west-north-east axis was designed by nature to isolate the mountain communities, yet foster in them a curiously cosmopolitan outlook. The importance of these passes is clearly evident from the historical development of the area. Today, Ladakh is a melting-pot, an expression of the living tradition of central Tibetan Buddhism and Islam combined with the Dogra, Kashmiri and Sikh cultures. Fleeing monks, antagonistic princes, adventurers all found a way into these impregnable valleys, just as the purist mountaineer still prefers to find his — on foot. The contemporary wayfarer, travelling by road through the mountains around hairpin bends, can only dimly imagine the harrowing odyssey of travellers in the past. Today, the distance from Srinagar to Leh can be covered by road in two days at a comfortable pace, once the Border Roads Organization has cut through the walls of ice in mid-June. From the plains the route over the Bra Lacha-la is well mar, ked. It is the trail that the nomads from the Change Thang plateau followed to bring their Pashmina goats for the shawl-markers of the Punjab. Historically military campaigns have also used the Zanskar-Bara Lacha — Chang Thang axis more frequently than the Zoji-la route. Now that the Bara Lacha-la route has been made less treacherous by the all-weather Upshi-Manali road built by the military, it seems as if the discovery of Latah only awaited the reach of technology. For more information on Tradition of Leh Ladakh and Leh Ladakh tour packages contact Swan Tours one of the leading travel agents in India. A journey on foot into one of the most remote corners on earth is a magical experience. You can't help but be moved by the beauty of the landscape—the breathtaking views, lofty mountains, and sparsely in-habited villages—and the kindness of the people you meet along the way. The terrain ranges from dense forests of subtropical jungles to alpine tundra. Trails are clean and unspoiled, and the mountains are filled with exotic species of plants and flowers. The forests brim with animals like takins, snow leopards, golden langurs, elephants, and tigers. Unlike trekking in other parts of the Himalayas, here there are few villages and facilities, no lodges or hotels. To ensure the safety and com-fort of trekkers, trained guides, cooks, and horsemen accompany groups throughout the journey. Pack animals—ponies and yaks for the higher elevations—carry the provisions, baggage, and equipment. Trekking pro-grams in Bhutan promote and contribute to local cultures and ecosystems. Thus, the Tourism Authority of Bhutan requires all trekkers to travel in an organized group and be led by a licensed guide and crew. Also Visit - Thimphu Paro Tour Treks vary from two-night trips around the peaceful Bumthang Valley and the Druk Path, to the gut-busting three-week Snowman Trek, which covers 356 km (221 mi) and climbs three of Bhutan's highest passes. The most challenging treks are in the northwest, where the highest peaks of the Himalayas divide Tibet and Bhutan. There are several reputable agencies that can arrange a trek to fit your travel schedule; physical needs, and interests. These agencies are nationally run, and your treks will be set up in advance like all of your other travel in the kingdom. Some of the northern routes cross passes as high as 5,500 m (18,040 ft) and require that trekkers be in good physical condition. The more challenging routes are not for those who suffer from altitude sickness, and proper acclimatization is a must. Altitude sickness, or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can be very serious; start slowly, drink lots of water, and allow yourself time to acclimatize after each stage of your ascent. The Bhutanese guides are trained to look out for the symptoms of AMS and other ailments that can affect trekkers. Each tour operator has his own preferred route for each trek. Thus, the time spent on treks varies slightly, as do start and finish points. The names of a trek also vary, so if you can't seem to find the one you want, explain the route to your tour operator—chances are its offered. Be-cause treks are prearranged; you are traveling on a rather strict itinerary. Most of the time, no changes will occur in your schedule, unless of course good idea to find out what gear and the weather plays a role. It's a equipment your tour/trek operator will provide and Nvhat you must bring. There is no place to buy gear once you're in Bhutan. Most operators provide necessary camping equipment, including mattress pads and kitchen utensils. Below is a small sample of treks available in Bhutan. Slight variations in timing and route occur depending on your tour operator. The num before days mentioned accounts for trekking time only; it does elude sightseeing time. For a full list of treks, with complete itineraries, contact the Tourism Authority of Bhutan or your tour operator. Also Visit - Bhutan Honeymoon Packages Druk Path Trek (4-6 Days) This five-day trek begins in either Paro or Thimphu and crosses the chain of mountains that separates the two valleys. The route is sparsely inhabited and filled with spectacular rhododendron forests that bloom in May. In late autumn and winter the views of the Himalayas are crys-tal clear. Most operators begin the trip in Paro. First you take a drive to the north-west, up the winding mountain road past Drukgyel Dzong, to the trek start point. From here, the trail slowly ascends to Jele Dzong. If the weather is clear, there are gorgeous views of the snowcapped peaks of Jhomolhari and the Paro valley. The walk gets more exciting as the trail takes you through rhododendron forests and yak pastures, on the way to to Jangchulakha (3,350 m/10,988 ft). As the path follows the contours of the ridge, you catch glimpses of the mountains and the valley. Most groups stay a night at a campsite near Lake Jimilangtso (3,800 m112, 464 ft), known for its giant trout. As you continue along the route, you'll see the unusual dwarf rhododendron trees that hover at knee's height in this region; and every so often you'll pass a yak herders' camp. A night will be spent at Simkota Lake (3,117 m/10,220 ft), which also brims with delicious trout. Toward the end of the trek, there are magnificent views of Mount Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan. Jhomolhari Trek (8-10 Days) Leaving from Drukgyel Dzong, northeast of Paro, you follow the Paro Chhu as it passes through small villages, gradually ascending through an agricultural valley to Shana (2,800 m/9,184 ft). It's a beautiful place to spend an evening, at campsites that are in a meadow surrounded by trees. The river valley slowly narrows from here and the trail ascends and descends through pine, oak, maple, and spruce forests, crossing several small streams along the way. After crossing a small bridge, it's a short distance to the campsite at Soi Thangthangkha (3,630 m/ 11,906 ft). Also Visit - Bhutan Packages from Delhi As you continue, the valley widens. You are entering yak country, where the huge, wise-looking creatures graze along the hillsides. To proceed into higher elevations, pack horses are exchanged for yaks. From the campsite at Jangothang (4,152 m/13,612 ft), the views of Mount Jhomolhari are superb. The trek continues through forests of pine and juniper, into alpine mead-ows. Gorgeous vistas open before you, and prayer flags flutter in the wind. While in this region, you may see rare bharal (blue sheep). The trail heads northeast to Lingshi village (3,800 m/1"), 464 ft) and the 600-year-old Lingshi Dzong. From Lingshi, trails through pristine forests lead to Thimphu. Lava/Casa Trek (14-16 Days) If you have enough time, consider this trek, which goes beyond Ling0shi into the remote Laya region of western Bhutan. This itinerary the same as the Jhomolhari trek (above), but from Lingshi you con-tinue through Chebisa and Robluthang, across three passes—Gobu La, (4,352 m/14,268 ft), Jari La (4,602 m/15,088 ft), and Singe La (4990. - m/16,072 ft)—and down into Laya, the second-highest settlement in the country (3,702 m/12,136 ft). Laya, in the far northwest of the isolated Gasa district, consists for the most part of two monasteries and is rarely visited by outsiders. The people of Laya live semi nomadic lives, and are known for their distinctive conical bamboo hats and their warm hospitality. The women of Laya wear their hair long and dress in robes made from the wool of goats, sheep, and yaks. Laya's views of Masagang (7,167 m/23,500 ft), looming high above the village, are stunning. After Laya, the trek continues down to the Gasa Tshachu hot springs, a great place to relax and enjoy a soak. The trail winds through picturesque valleys, across wild rivers, and past waterfalls, before ending in the lowlands near Punakha. Bumthang Trek (3 Days) The valleys of Bumthang are the spiritual, historical, and geographical heartland of this Buddhist kingdom and the best way to explore them is on foot. This trail follows the Chamkar Chhu, until it enters Ngang Yul (2,801 m/9,184 ft). Snowcapped mountains tower over you, and surrounding you are lush forests where flowers, fruit, and medicinal herbs grow in abundance. The trail meanders through several small villages, climbing to Phephela La (3,354 m/10,997 ft), the highest point of the route. Then it slowly descends, following the banks of the Tang Chhu until arriving hack at the main road. Also Visit - Bhutan Luxury Travel Packages Snowman Trek (21-24 Days) The Laya and Lunana Snowman trek is a very strenuous wilderness adventure, unmatched in the cultural experience it provides. It is considered one of the most difficult treks in the world, and its high passes and heavy snowfalls prevent many from completing the route. The seven passes, four of them well over 4,800 m (16,000 ft), cut through the highest and wildest corner of Bhutan. The trek takes you up the Mo Chhu River to its source near Laya, at the foot of Gangchey Ta, which forms the border with Tibet. After Laya, the route continues east over a series of passes to the most in-accessible corner of the kingdom, Lunana. Here, the kingdom's highest peaks sit majestically, with emerald and turquoise lakes spread at their feet. The trail drops down into the Lunana valley, which is sprinkled with little villages. The largest local populations are in Thega and Chezo, and the villagers have a warm hospitality that is equaled only by their surprise at the arrival of trail-weary trekkers. This area has some of the most dramatic scenery in Bhutan. The return journey includes four passes, the highest of them just less than 5,185 m (17,000 ft). The daily hikes are long and arduous, but you are rewarded with sights of a pristine wilderness dotted with crystal lakes. The trek finishes at the road head near Tongsa. Gangtey Winter Trek (3 Days) This trek goes through Phobjika Valley, one of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan and winter home of the rare black-necked cranes that mi-grate from the Tibetan plateau. The birds mark their arrival in late tober by circling the Gangtey monastery clockwise three times before' landing. You make your way through forests of juniper, magnolia, bam-boo, and rhododendron, stopping to visit the villages of Gogona and Khotokha. The people of Gogona speak Blopkha, the language of nomads. Their life in this isolated valley has protected this ancient dialect. This is one of the finest low-level treks in Bhutan. For more information about trekking tour in Bhutan and Bhutan tour packages contact Swan Tours one of the leading travel agents in India.
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AuthorSwan Tours one of the leading travel agnets in India Archives
January 2018
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