Lahaul & Spiti Valley (Himachal Pradesh)

Lahaul & Spiti Valley

Lahaul-Spiti became the district of Himachal Pradesh in 1960 and is one of the frontier districts of India. It is 120 km. away from Manali and has snow fed glaciers and barren mountains. Keylong is the headquarter of Lahaul-Spiti and oasis of green fields. The two valleys at Lahaul and Spiti have a tenous link over the Kunzam Pass ( 4,520 metres ). The two twin valleys, Lahaul and Spiti in the North-Eastern corner of Himachal, protected by distance is a region of nature at its wildest which has lent it much enchantment. The threshold of one of the Lahaul plateau is nourished by the Chandra and Bhaga rivers and is surrounded by high mountains on all sides, the Great Himalayas to the North, the Pir Panjal to the South and the Spiti and Chandra watershed to the East. Lahaul has curious mixture of Buddhist and Hinduism. There are a number of Monasteries and Temples.

Famous Places Around Lahaul and Spiti :

                           

                          Tabo ( Village and Monastery )

 At The Right Of Spiti River, Is An Ancient Village Named Tabo, Flanked On Either Side By Lofty Brown Hills And Sun Burnt, Is The Seat Of One Of The Most Famous Buddhist Monasteries - Sherlang, Duang, Chamba, Chibbo, Domlang Gompas, Regarded By Many As Only Next To The Thelong Gompa In Tibet. The 10th Century Tabo Monastery Houses More Than 60 Lamas. Large Number Of Scriptures And Pieces Of Art, Wall Paintings - 'tankhas' And 'Stucco.25

                                                                             Kaza

Kaza Is The Largest Hamlet In The Lahaul Valley And Spiti Valley Of Himachal Pradesh. Sited About 11,980 Feet Above Sea Level, Lying Along The Spiti River, The Kaza Township Is Snuggled In The Midst Of High Mountains With Snowy Summits, Gleaming Rivers, Streams And Barren Splendor Intermixed With Patches Of Green.

Kaza Is A Popular Tourist Place In The Lahaul And Spiti Valley Of Himachal Pradesh. It Is Divided Into Two Areas-the Old Kaza And The New Kaza, While The Old Kaza Is Called Kaza Khas And Comprises King's Palace, Monasteries, Gompas, And Ancient Buildings, The New Kaza Is Called Kaza Soma And Houses Government Offices, Hotels & Restaurants. Tourists From All Over The World Visit This Stunning Destination To Get A Glimpse Of The Beautiful Mountain Terrains And Pristine Locals That Also Offer Adventurous Activities Such As Trekking, Mountaineering, Etc.

There Are Three Most Popular Trails From Kaza That Conects To The Lovely Villages Around Here, Plunged In A Rich Natural Beauty Of The Spiti Valley. Also, Available Here Are Some Very Ancient And Exquisite Monasteries And Gompas That Depict The Culture And Tradition Of Kaza. One Can Easily Reach This Amazing Spot From The Kinnaur Valley And Lahaul Valley. The Route From Kinnaur Valley Is Most Appropriate As It Remains Open Throughout The Year, While The Lahaul Valley Route Opens Only During The Summer As The Kunzum Pass Closes During Winter.

                                                               Kibber 

Kibber Is Situated 16 Km Away From Kaza. It Is Situated In Spiti Valley Of Himachal Pradesh.it Is The Highest Motorable Village In The World. The Key Monastery Is The Largest In Spiti Valley. Kibber Lies In A Narrow Valley On The Top Of A Limestone Rock. The Agriculture Is The Backbone Of The Local Peoples. Potato, Barley And Peas Are The Main Crops. The Purang La Is The Main Trade Route. The Spiti Remains Snowbound During Winter And Temperature Reach Zero Degree. The Village Has A High School, A Post Office,dispensary,post Office. The Kibber Monastery Was Founded By Serkang Rimpochhe Of Tabo.

The Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary Was Established In 1992. The Wildlife Sanctuary Is Spans Over An Area Of 2,220.12 Sq.km Of Land. The Altitude Of This Sanctuary Is 6700 Meters Form Sea Level. The Wildlife Sanctuary Is Home Of Ibex,blue Sheep,red Fox,tibetan Woolly. The Wildlife Sanctuary Is Also Home Of Himalayan Wolf And Snow Leopard.

The Village Has Around 80 Houses, Unique, Given That They Are Made Of Stone Instead Of Mud Or Adobe Brick Used Extensively Elsewhere In The Spiti Valley. Kibber Monastery Was Founded By Serkang Rimpochhe Of Tabo.

                             

                                                     Langza 

Langza Village, At An Altitude Of 4200 Meters, Is One Of The Most Picturesque Villages Of Spiti Located On The Highland Meadows With Snow-capped Mountain Ranges Forming The Backdrop. The Village Is Adorned With A Beautiful Statue Of Buddha And An Ancient Temple More Aptly Called ‘lang’ Said To Be The Abode Of The Deities Of The Region And Over 1000 Years Old. The Beautiful Peak Of Chau Chau Kang Nilda Makes The View Of This Village Even More Beautiful.

Langza Is Also Well Known For Its Rich Fossil Reserves. Millions Of Years Ago, Spiti Lay Submerged Under The Tethys Sea. Fossils Of Sea Life Can Easily Be Found Scattered Close To The Village. Regular Fossil Excursions Are Organized For A Unique Insight Into The History Of The Himalayas.

                                                                            Hikkim

Hikkim Is A High Mountain Village At An Elevation Of 4,572 M (15,000 Ft) Above The Sea Level, Located In District Lahaul Spiti Of Himachal Pradesh (Northern India). Hikkim Village Is Popularly Known For The Highest Post Office In The World And The Highest Polling Station Of The World. It’s One Of The Highest Towns Accessible By Car On Earth.



It Is At A Distance Of About 16 Kilometers From Kaza And This Village Too Offers Great Views Of Chau Chau Kang Nilda Peak. There Is Not Really Much To See In The Village Except For The Natural Beauty Of The Valley Around.

The Hikkim Post Office Which Is Located In The Lahaul Spiti District Of Himachal Pradesh Has Been Functioning From November 5, 1983 And Is Run By The Postmaster Rinchen Chhering. Reaching This Post Office Is A Back Breaking Journey And Considering The Remoteness Of This Village, One Can Only Imagine How Difficult It Is To Send Out The Post From Here.



As I Understood From The Locals, Mails Are Sent On Foot From Hikkim To Kaza Every Morning, Which Is Then Taken To Reckong Peo By Bus, Onward To Shimla, Then Loaded On A Train To Kalka, And Loaded Again On A Bus Heading To Delhi. From There The Mails Make Their Journey Towards Its Destination.

The Hikkim Post Office Was Opened On November 5, 1983, And The Man Who Holds My Dream Job—rinchen Chhering—has Been The Branch Postmaster Here Since Its Inception. He Was 22 Years Old When He Took Charge. Today, As He Stamps Those Letters And Postcards, It’s An Act As Familiar As Planting Peas In His Backyard Or Drinking Tea.



This Inconspicuous Little Spitian Office Which Doubles Up As Chhering’s Home Is The Only Conduit To The World For Hikkim’s 161 Or So Residents—there Is No Cell Phone Signal Or Internet To Connect With. Like The Rest Of The Valley, The Post Office Is Also Shut For Six Months Of The Year Because Of Snow.

                                                              Koumik

Koumik Village Is The Highest Village In Asia Situated In Lahaul Spiti District Of Himachal Pradesh In North India. The Population Of The Small Village Is About 114 But Setting Of The Village Surrounded With Snowbound Mountains Is Picturesque.


The Village Is Also Famous For Lundup Tsemo Gompa Buddhist Monastery And It Is Said That Monastery Has ‘matrey Buddha’ Or The Future Buddha. This Monastery Is Also Famous For Being Highest Motorable Buddhist Monastery In The World.


The 14th Century Monastery Has A Fortified Castle Made Up Of Slanted Mud Walls. The Murals, Scriptures And Arts Belonging To That Era Make It A Historic Destination. It Is Said That Before The Construction Of The Monastery It Was Already Foretold In Tibet That The Monastery Would Be Built In A Mountainous Region In Spiti Which Would Look Quite Similar In The Shape Of The Eye Of Snow Cock. The Place Was Thus Called Koumik – ‘ko’ Stands For Snow Cock And ‘mic’ Means Eye.


Koumic Is Located In The Cold Desert Area And For The Locals Their Village Is Their World. Tourists Visiting The Village Will Be Surprised To Find The Modern Amenities That Even The Villages In Other Parts Of The Country Enjoy, Missing. But The Breathtaking Views And Charming Festivity Is Seen To Be Believed.

Festivals Are Integral Part Of The Village Life And Koumic Too Has Festivals Which Even The Tourists Enjoy. The Lama’s Also Take Perform The Chham Dance Or Mask Dance Which Is Based On Defeating The Evil.

For Adventure Lovers The Treks In The Region Provide All The Thrill They Are Looking For.

The Region Is Cut Off From The Rest Of The Country Due To Heavy Snowfall. The Local Residents Store Enough Food To Last The Winter Season And Use The Time In Making Handicraft Like Carpet, Shawls, Cap, Jackets, Paintings Etc.

The Clear Skies Offer A Stunning View Of The Sky And Star Gazing Is Quite Popular In The Region. Carrying A Telescope Can Be Quite Thrilling.

Koumik Has Basic Homestay Options. The Locals Charge Nominal Rent For The Facility. Those Looking For Luxury Stay Can Opt For Kaza.

The Village Has No Big Restaurant Or Hotel. Locals Provide Home Cooked Food If Ordered In Advance. Every Visitor To The Monastery Gets A Cup Of Tea.

Best Time To Visit Spiti Is D3333uring Summer From May To October. From October End, Rohtang Pass Remains Closed Due To Snow Fall.

                                                 Pin Valley National Park

Pin Valley National Park Is A Beautiful Place, Located In The Lahaul And Spiti District Of The State Of Himachal Pradesh.

The Pin Valley National Park Was Established In The Year Of 1987. Total Area Of The Park Is About 1150 Km2 (Core Area – 675 Km2). The Park Is Located In The Coarse And Rocky Spiti Region Of Himachal Pradesh.

The Region Is A Cold Desert, Which Is Adjoined To The Great Himalayan National Park In The Southwest And Rupi Bhabha Sanctuary In The South. The Rugged Himalayan Terrains Have Always Been A Dream Destination For Those Who Love Adventure.

The Park Has A Rich Flora And Fauna, Including The Ibex, Snow Leopard, Red Fox, Marten, Weasel, Pika, Himalayan Snow Cock, Chukor, Golden Eagle, Griffon, Snow Partridge, Chough And Raven.

The Park Is Populated With Numerous Medicinal Herbs And Spices That Make It A Valuable Land For Pharmacists.

Visitors Not Only Enjoy The Unique Fauna And Flora Of The National Park, But They Also Love To Roam Around The Region. The Nearby Areas Are Equally Beautiful. They Are Dominated By The Influence Of Tibetan Culture.

                                                                      Losar

Losar is a tiny Himalayan village located in the cold desert region of the Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh. Losar is situated at a towering altitude of around 13,400 feet above sea-level (4084 metres) and is the first inhabited village on the Manali-Kaza route crossing the famous Kunzum-La. It is also the last inhabited village on the Indian side of the Indo-China border.

Travellers have only two options of getting to Losar, the first is to hire a private taxi from Manali which is at a distance of 145 km. The taxi ride is costly but also a lot more comfortable and faster option, that gives travellers the liberty to stop and click pictures at every scenic spot along the way. The journey by taxi takes around six to eight hours covering some of the world’s most treacherous roads along the way.

The second option, travellers have is to board the government HRTC bus to Kaza which leaves from Manali in the morning at 5 am, it is advisable to cross check the bus timings a day or two prior to the journey. The bus is an excellent option for budget and solo travellers. The journey by bus takes around eight to ten hours.

Major part of the road from Manali to Losar is bumpy and has plenty of ditches along the way but at the same time, the scenic beauty of the road especially after one crosses the famous Rohtang Pass is something which words can’t really do justice to. From waterfalls and streams to wild horses grazing, travellers will be blown away by some extraordinary terrain.

Once in the village of Losar, the first thing travellers will notice is plenty of greenery and vegetation around. This is strikingly different in comparison to the barren brown trans-Himalayan mountain range. Potato, Barley and Green Peas are grown in this cold desert region, while the Peas are the only thing which are traded with the outside world. 

The main attraction is the village monastery which is a short walk from the main road. The Gompa as it is known locally is similar to all the other monasteries in the valley. The houses are also built in typical Spitian style with white paint and prayer flags on the flat roof to emphasise the strong Buddhist culture in the village.

The other major attraction near Losar is the pristine high altitude Chandartal aka Moon lake which is around 42 km from the village. Travellers generally break their journey at Losar by spending a night in this unexplored village enroute to Chandartal.

Accommodation options in Losar are limited to a handful of guest houses and home stays most of which are located along the road. Being the first inhabited village from the Manali-side and the last from Kaza, the room rent in the village is not very light on the pocket. Bargaining generally does not work since the number of rooms are lesser than the travellers stopping at Losar every day during tourist season.

Food provisions in the village are again limited to a couple of dhabas which are makeshift cafes and homerun eateries in the guest houses. The food served is very basic and includes vegetarian thalia, aloo parathas, bread omlette and sandwiches.

The best time to visit Losar is during the summer months from the end of June to mid-October. Thick woollens are needed even during summers since the night temperature in Losar drops well below freezing point. Locals also claim that Losar is the coldest village in the valley and one can surely experience the Himalayan chill post 3 pm in the village when the weather drastically changes from sunny and warm to cold and breezy.

Losar is a must halt village for everyone who is on a road trip to Spiti Valley as the village offers travellers a good place to break journey, acclamation and get some much needed rest before heading off to Chandartal..

Plitvice Lakes National Park (Croatia)

                    

           Magnificent Plitvice Lakes National Park (Croatia)

Plitvice National Park In Croatia Is Considered To Be One Of The Most Beautiful Natural Sights In Europe. Due To Its Natural Beauty And Significance, This System Of 16 Interlinked Lakes And A Large Forest Complex Around It Were Set Aside As A National Park In 1949. In 1979 The Park Was Inscribed On The Unesco World Heritage List. 

The Plitvice Lakes Area Has Been A Site Of Continuous Human Settlement Since Prehistory, And Today, Locals Still Inhabit Small Settlements Scattered Around The Park. Though It Is Indiscernible Today, The Lakes Have Been Constantly Modified And Changed By Humans Over The Centuries. Some Have Been Filled In To Provide Farmland, Whilst A Number Of Tributaries Have Been Diverted To Provide Water To Local Villages.

Since The Medieval Times, It Has Been An Area Of Strategic Importance Within Eastern Europe, Providing The Backdrop To Scenes Of Fierce Fighting Between The Advancing Ottomans And The Unified Austrians And Croats Of The Hapsburg Empire. The Forests Provided Much-needed Refuge For Civilians Fleeing The Violence, As Well As Being Used As A Key Frontier By The Conflicting Armies.

Somehow, The Park Escaped Relatively Unscathed By The Ravages Of Centuries Of War, And By The 19th Century, It Was Already Being Developed As A Holiday Resort, With Numerous Hotels And Restaurants Constructed By The Lakes. By The 1960’s, A Decade After The Area Was Declared A National Park With Protected Status, Tourism Was Really Booming. In 1979, It Was Officially Registered As A Unesco Site Of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Geography Of The Park

 

The Plitvice Lakes National Park Is Situated About A 2-hour Drive South Of Zagreb, Close To The Bosnia-herzegovina Border. This Mountainous Area Is Known As The Dinaric Alps, A Majestic Southern European Chain Stretching From Kosovo To Slovenia. The Lakes Themselves Are Bookended Between Two Mountains – Mala Kapela At The Western End, And The Eponymous Plješevica To The East.

It Was These Mountains That Provided The Foundations For The Creation Of The Tiered Lakes Offering Such Enchanting Beauty Today. The Soft Sediment Rock Which Allowed The Lakes To Be Carved Out Is Also Largely Responsible For Their Alchemic Colour-changes. The Fluctuating Presence Of Minerals In The Water Means That Their Colour Can Vary Between Milky Blue To Bright Turquoise.

The Issue Of Protecting This Stunning National Park Has Long Been Taken Seriously, With Restrictions In Place To Safeguard The Delicate Ecosystem. This Has Allowed Plant And Animal Species To Flourish. The Beech And Fir Woodlands Are A Haven For Some Of Europe’s Most Rare Species, Including The Brown Bear And Over 100 Species Of Bird, While The Translucent Waters Of The Lakes Are Filled With Fish.

Interesting Facts About Plitvice Lakes National Park 

 

Given The Long Human History Of The Area, Myths And Legends Have, Over Time, Sprung From Each Of The 16 Lakes. One Of The Most Popular Myths Is The Tale Of An Ancient, Magic Queen Who Was Responsible For The Creation Of The Lakes. Unsurprisingly, There Are Many Stories Surrounding The Theme Of Drowning.

The Ecology Of The Park – Having Survived Many Wars In The Past – Was Most At Risk During The Croatian War Of Independence. The Presence Of Landmines Was The Main Threat. Fortunately, By The Turn Of The Millennium, The Park Was Declared To Be Safe Once More, And Tourism Eagerly Returned.

 What To Do At Plitvice Lakes National Park

Whatever The Time Of Year, You Can Make Use Of The Miles Of Trails And Boardwalks Throughout The Park. In The Summer, The Lakes Sparkle A Dazzling Turquoise, While In The Winter They Are Frozen, The Waterfalls Paused In Time. Outside Of The Winter Months, Electric Boats Are Also Available. They Are Practically Silent, Allowing You To Take In The Vast Tranquillity Of The Park. Further Afield, There Are Labyrinth Caves And The Remains Of Ancient Castles To Explore. If You Get Lucky (Or Unlucky, Depending On How You Look At It), You May Even Spot A Bear.

How To Get To Plitvice Lakes National Park

Zagreb International Airport Is The Most Convenient Method Of Transport For Visitors Arriving From Elsewhere In Europe. From There, It Is A 2-hour Journey South To The Plitvice Lakes. Hiring A Car At The Airport Is The Easiest Option, But Public Transport Does Also Serve The Plitvice Lakes – Shuttle Buses Run From The Airport To The Main Bus Station In Zagreb And From There, There Are Buses Which Go Direct To The Park.

Where To Stay Near Plitvice Lakes National Park

Staying In The Park Itself Offers Unrivalled Access To The Natural Beauty Of The Area. There Are Three Different Hotels Available Within The Park If You Are Looking For A Civilised Stay, But If You Really Want To Get In Touch With Nature Then There Is More Rustic Accommodation. There Are Plenty Of Campsites With Bungalows And Pitches For Tents. There Is Also Accommodation Available In Guesthouses Within The Surrounding Villages, Offering A Taste Of Local Life. If You Choose To Stay Here, Then Having A Car To Access The Park Will Make Life Much Easier, But Locals Should Be Able To Give You Advice About Bus Services.

 

Luxor (Egypt)

 

                                                                               Luxor (Egypt)

Luxor is Located In Upper Egypt Luxor Has Been Described As The World’s Biggest Open Air Museum. Nowadays It Has Been Elevated To The Status Of Governorate, Though It Is Still Classified As Being In The Province Of Qena. It Has A Population Of Round About 230,000, Most Of Who Are Employed In Tourism Somehow, Though There Are Many Who Are Employed In Agriculture And Commerce. It Is One Of The Most Popular Destinations In Egypt, Being One Of Those Places That You Must See. Because Of This Almost Every Tourist Company Has An Office Somewhere In The Town.

It Has Been Estimated That Luxor Contains About A Third Of The Most Valuable Monuments And Antiquities In The Whole World, Which Makes It One Of This Planet’s Most Important Tourism Sites. Monuments Such As The Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple, The Valley Of The Kings, The Valley Of The Queens, Deir El-bahri (The Mortuary Temple Of Hatshepsut), The Workers Village At Deir El-medina, The List Goes On And On And On. Though Most Visitors Will Stay For Just A Few Days, It Would Take A Substantial Amount Of Time To Visit Everything In This Amazing Town.

Once Known As Thebes, Luxor’s Importance In Ancient Egyptian History Cannot Be Denied. It Was The Religious Capital For Almost All Of The Pharaonic Period Which Is Why The Town Is Dominated By The Two Temples; The Temple Of Luxor, And The Immense Temple Of Karnak; The World’s Largest Temple Complex.

Dedicated To Amun Ra, The Temple Of Karnak Was Constantly Expanded By Successive Pharaohs, Each Adding His, Or Her, Tribute To The God. The Site Dates Back To The Middle Kingdom Under The Reign Of Mentuhotep (11th Dynasty), But Most Of What Can Be Seen Today Is From The New Kingdom. Other Parts Of The Complex Include Sites Dedicated To Mut, The Wife Of Amun Ra, And Their Son Khonsu.

Most People Know That Luxor Was Once Thebes, But “thebes” Was Not What The Ancient Egyptians Called It. Ancient Texts Show That It Was Called T-apt, Which Means “the Shrine”, With The Ancient Greeks Calling It Tea Pie. The Arabs Had Problems With Pronunciation And So It Became Thebes To Them. The Name Vanished Then As The Area Submitted To The Desert And Then By The 10th Century Arab Travellers Thought The Ruins Were Of Grand Buildings So Started To Call It Al-oksour, Or “site Of The Palaces” Which Slowly Became Luxor.

Though It Was Never The Capital Of A United Egypt, Thebes Was Capital Of Upper Egypt During The Times When Egypt Resorted To Being Split Into Two. This Was Especially True During The Period Of The Hyksos Invasion When Avaris Became Capital In The North. Thebes Was Where The Various Pharaohs Of Upper Egypt Were Based, And It Was From Here That The Final Campaign, Under Ahmose I, To Expel The Hyksos Originated.

Today Luxor Is Split Into Two, By The River Nile, And These Two Areas Are Known As The East Bank (Where The Town Lies) And The West Bank. Though This Was Also True In Ancient Times, The Two Parts Were Called The City Of The Living (East Bank) And The City Of The Dead (West Bank). Like Most Of The River Nile, The Western Side Tends To Be More Desert, With The Eastern Side Having Far More Arable Land, And So Settlement Sites Tended To Favour This Latter Side.

Luxor Is Situated 670km (416 Miles) To The South Of Cairo, 220km (137 Miles) To The North Of Aswan, And 280km (174 Miles) To The West Of Hurghada. It Is The Second Most Popular Place To Visit In Egypt, Behind Cairo, And Is Accessible In A Number Of Ways.

You Can Go Luxor By These Ways

By Flight:
Luxor International Airport Is Located 6km (4 Miles) East Of The City And Can Be Reached From Most Countries Around The World, Though It Is Most Popular For Charter Flights. From Here You Can Also Fly To Most Of The Main Cities And Towns In Egypt, As Well As Arriving From Them. Egyptair Runs Daily Flights From Cairo To Luxor, As Well As Luxor To Cairo, Which Take, On Average, About 50 Minutes.

By Train:
Luxor Is Situated On The Main Cairo To Aswan Railway Line And Has A Modern Station In El-mahata Square. Services To Both Cairo And Aswan Are Very Frequent, Though Restriction On Tourists Are In Place Right Now Which Allows Them To Only Use The Sleeper Service, Or The Trains Either Side Of Them.

By Road
Though Luxor Is Connected By Road To Cairo And Has A Good Bus Connection With The Capital, Tourists Are Asked Not To Attempt To Use This Mode Of Transport For This Journey And Are Therefore Left With Only Rail Or Flight As An Alternative. The Road To Aswan Can Be Used Though As It Gives The Opportunity To Visit Sites Such As Edfu And Kom Ombo. Hurghada Is Reachable By A 3.5 Hour Bus Journey, Opening Up The Red Sea For Those Who Wish A Change. Please Note: If You Do Intend To Use This Mode Of Transport You Are Best Booking Your Seats At Least 24 Hours In Advance To Ensure You Get The Seats You Want.

By Cruise
Nowadays You Can Only Go To Aswan By Cruise Boat, Though Some Operators Do Offer The Opportunity Of A One Day Sail To See Dendera. The River Nile Has Not Been Used For Cruises Between Cairo And Luxor Since The Late 1990’s. 

Oasis of Huacachina (Peru)

Oasis of Huacachina

Just 8 Km Away From The City Of Ica, In Southern Peru, Lies The Picturesque Oasis Of Huacachina. Built Around A Small Natural Lake And Surrounded By Enormous Sand Dunes That Stretch Several Hundred Feet High, Huacachina Has The Look And Feel Of A Remote Saharan Outpost, But In Reality, It Is Only An Hour'S Drive Away From The Pacific Coast. It Has Long Been A Tourist Destination For Wealthy Local Families From The Nearby City Of Ica, And Lately A Major Destination For Sandboarders Who Travel From All Around The World To Ride The Peaks.

The Oasis Is Basically A Collection Of Resorts And Restaurants Around A Blue-Green Lagoon Surrounded By Huge Sand Dunes, With A Permanent Population Of Around 100, Who Depend Entirely On Tourism. The Oasis Flourished In 1940S And 1950S As A Getaway For The Peruvian Elite And Regained A Certain Prominence Through Tourism Promotion Campaigns In The 1990S.

Today It Is A Backpacker'S Paradise And A Top Destination For Sandboarding And Dune-Buggy Rides. However, Tourism Is Taking Its Toll On The Lagoon. Groundwater Consumption Has Caused The Water Level Of Huacachina'S Lagoon To Sink Sharply. For The Past Several Years, The Lagoon Is Fed By Water From Other Sources To Prevent It From Drying Up. Called The 'Oasis Of America', Huacachina Is One Of The Few Remaining Natural Oases In America.

Most Scenic and Adventures Road Trip Karakoram Highway (Pakistan,China Border)

Karakoram Highway (Pakistan)

Karakoram Highway Completed in 1979 and opened to the public in 1985, the Karakoram Highway, formally known as the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, is a 1,300km road which links Hasan Abdal (located a few kilometers beyond Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan) with Kashgar, the second most important city in Xinjiang province, China.

What was once an important ”Silk Road” route which used to link the Indian sub-continent with China, is today considered the 8th wonder of the world, since the altitude and the hard conditions in which it was built made it become an architectonic masterpiece.

Therefore, the Karakorum Highway has attracted travelers from all over the world for decades; not only because it is the highest paved road in the world (4,800m at Khunjerab Pass) but also because it goes through the three greatest mountain ranges on Earth: the Himalayas, the Karakoram and the Hindu Kush. The Karakoram Highway is, perhaps, one of the only places in the world where you can admire a mountain 8,000 meters high, like Nanga Parbat, from the window of your car.

The Karakoram Road is, definitely, the most epic road trip ever.

Moreover, these colossal mountains and the huge contrasting landscapes are not the only reason for going on such a journey. Along the way, you will pass through an endless number of regions, where a large number of ethnic and religious groups live: from the Punjabis in the center of Pakistan to the Ismailis in Hunza, the Tajiks in Tashgurkan and, of course, the Uyghurs in Xinjiang. Traveling along the Karakoram Highway is like going on a journey through several tiny countries, whose inhabitants will bless you with their hospitality.

After spending no less than 40 days hitchhiking my way from village to village and experiencing quite a few adventures, I have compiled all the necessary information that will help you travel along the Karakoram Highway (KKH).

Things you need to know before planning your trip
When to go? – Due to the snow and the low temperatures, the side valleys are not accessible in winter. The road itself remains passable all year long, but you should be aware that, from October to November, the temperatures drop drastically. Nevertheless, if you plan to cross from Pakistan to China, or vice-versa, you should know that, because of the snow, the Khunjerab Pass remains closed from November to March. For more information, read: How to cross from Pakistan to China.

You must arrange your visas in advance – You should have a valid visa for entering both China and Pakistan.

How many days are needed? – It depends on how many side valleys you would like to visit, as well as your method of transportation. As an example, if you wanted to do the whole journey from Islamabad to Kashgar, traveling in your own vehicle and stopping overnight in 4 or 5 key places, I think that you would need a minimum of 10 days to complete it. If you wanted to explore some side valleys, you should add 2 or 3 additional days for each valley you visit. I spent 40 days along the road and was not able to see everything I wanted!

Internet – On the Chinese site, the internet works relatively well in the different towns and cities, especially in Tashkurgan and Kashgar. On the other hand, forget about connecting in Pakistan, as the connection is practically non-existent. However, I heard that the Chinese are about to introduce Wi-Fi in the region of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Is it safe? – If you are worried about Pakistan, you should know that the KKH goes through the safest region in the country.

Are you free to move around? – On the Pakistani side, after the city of Gilgit, there are no police checkpoints, which means that you can go wherever you want. On the other hand, on the Chinese side, you will be in the sensitive Xinjiang province, where you will find endless restrictions imposed by the Chinese authorities. For example, during the 130km from the Pakistani border to Tashgurkan, taking pictures is not allowed. In addition, you can’t travel that section independently but you must go by public transport or with a Chinese local guide.

Altitude – The highest point on the Karakoram Road is 4,800m at Khunjerab Pass and, throughout, a significant part of it is above 3,500m. Since the ascent is quite gradual, most travelers don’t show any symptoms of altitude sickness. However, try to drink loads of liquids and, just in case, bring Diamox with you. 

Majestic Yosemite National Park (California) U.S

                                                       
                                                       Yosemite National Park (California) U.S

Yosemite National Park, Scenic Mountain Region In East-central California, U.s. It Is Situated About 140 Miles (225 Km) East Of The City Of San Francisco And Some 100 Miles (160 Km) Southeast Of Sacramento. Devils Postpile National Monument Lies About 15 Miles (25 Km) To The East, And Kings Canyon National Park Is About 40 Miles (65 Km) To The Southeast. The Park, Surrounded On All Sides By National Forest Lands, Encompasses 1,189 Square Miles (3,080 Square Km). It Was Designated A Unesco World Heritage Site In 1984. Park Headquarters Are Located At Yosemite Village In Yosemite Valley, In The West-central Part Of The Park.

The Park Is Situated In The Heart Of The Sierra Nevada Range, And Most Of It Lies Within The Basins Of The Merced And Tuolumne Rivers. The Land Rises From West To East, The Eastern Boundary Forming A Drainage Divide. Most Of The Tallest Peaks Are In The Southeastern Area Of The Park, Many Exceeding 10,000 Feet (3,050 Metres); Mount Lyell, At 13,114 Feet (3,997 Metres), Is The Highest Summit. Glaciation Has Sculpted A Number Of Deep U-shaped Valleys, Notably The Yosemite Valley Of The Merced River. The Valley—which Curves In A Gentle Arc About 7 Miles (11 Km) Long And Between 0.5 And 1 Mile (0.8 And 1.6 Km) Wide—features A Number Of Attractions, Such As Sheer Rock Walls That Rise 3,000 To 4,000 Feet (900 To 1,200 Metres) Above The Valley Floor, Yosemite Falls, And Huge Domes And Peaks. The Greatest Of These Domes Is El Capitan, A Granite Buttress Near The Western End Of The Valley That Rises To 7,569 Feet (2,307 Metres) Above Sea Level And Towers Some 3,600 Feet (1,100 Metres) Above The Valley. Overlooking The Head Of The Valley Is Half Dome, Which Reaches An Elevation Of 8,836 Feet (2,693 Metres) And Provides A Commanding View From Its Top. The Renowned Yosemite Falls Consists Of Upper Yosemite Fall, Lower Yosemite Fall, And The Cascades Between Them; Their Combined Drop Of 2,425 Feet (740 Metres) Is One Of The Highest Cataracts In The World. Other Notable Waterfalls In The Valley Include Bridalveil, Nevada, Ribbon, And Vernal Falls.

Yosemite’s Climate Is Strongly Influenced By Elevation And By The Mountainous Terrain. Summers Are Warm, With Many Hot Days When High Temperatures Often Reach Or Exceed 90 °f (32 °c) In The Valley, And Afternoon Thunderstorms Can Occur, Especially At Higher Elevations. Winters Are Cold And Snowy. Although Winter Daytime Highs Are Often Mild In The Valley, Temperatures At Higher Elevations Typically Remain Below Freezing. Precipitation Is Moderately High And Falls Mostly As Snow During The Winter; Annual Total Precipitation In The Valley Averages About 36 Inches (910 Mm), And Snowfall Averages About 65 Inches (1,650 Mm).

Plant Life In The Park Changes Markedly With Elevation. Lower Elevations Are Characterized By Scattered Trees (Both Deciduous And Coniferous), Shrubs, And Meadows That Fill With Wildflowers In The Spring. At The Level Of Yosemite Valley Grow Larger Stands Of Conifers That Include Groves Of Big Trees (The Giant Sequoias), Notably At The Mariposa Grove In The Southern Part Of The Park; Higher Up, Closer To The Timberline, Are Mountain Hemlocks And Lodgepole Pines; And Still Higher Are Rocky Alpine Areas That Support Only Cold-tolerant Species Such As Lichens.

Animal Life Is Plentiful And Varied Within The Park. Large Mammals Include Mule Deer, Black Bears, Coyotes, Mountain Lions (Pumas), And The Endemic And Endangered Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep (Ovis Canadensis Sierrae). Various Squirrels, Chipmunks, And Bats Constitute Most Of The Smaller Mammals, Which Also Include The Rare And Endangered Pacific Fisher (Martes Pennati Pacifica). More Than 250 Species Of Birds Have Been Observed In The Park, Of Which Some 165 Species Reside There Or Visit Regularly And The Others Are Seen There Only Occasionally. Among The More Common Birds Found Are Steller’s Jays, Western Meadowlarks, And Mountain Bluebirds. In Addition, There Are Populations Of Amphibians (Including Salamanders, Toads, And Frogs), Lizards (Notably Western Pond Turtles), And Fish (Especially Trout).

Spectacularly Scenic Jordan Wadi Rum Desert

                                                  Jordan's Wadi Rum Desert

Wadi Rum is 720 square kilometers of protected area in southern Jordan. Visitors are captivated by the tall sandstone mountains that reach up to 1500 meters high. Canyons cut their way through these mountains, creating pathways for visitors on foot. Other trails are best explored by camel or with jeep tours.

The Bedouin, Wadi Rum’s local people, have been living here for thousands of years. A traditionally nomadic tribe, the Bedouins were originally goat herders who moved from location to location throughout the desert. Many have become villagers but some still maintain the wandering lifestyle. Today, visitors can learn about their history and culture by staying at a Bedouin campsite overnight while visiting Jordan.

Within Wadi Rum, there are a number of sites worth seeing. Burrah canyon is the perfect place to watch the sunrise or sunset as the sun creates an orange glow on the rock. Visitors can find ancient rock inscriptions in the Khazali canyon or visit Lawrence’s spring, where Lawrence of Arabia is thought to have washed during the Arab revolt. Finally, don’t underestimate the challenge of climbing a desert sand dune. From the top, there is an amazing view of the desert landscape.
          
Wadi Rum can be visited easily from within Jordan or from Israel. The ideal visiting months are from March to May and September to November. The summer months can be extremely hot and the winter months have very cold nights.

One of the best ways to get the full Wadi Rum experience is with a tour. There are several Petra and Wadi Rum combination tours that leave from Eilat and Aqaba. Depending how much time you have, there is a two-day tour or a three-day tour available.

A few reminders for visitors, because of the desert climate, it is important to wear a hat and carry water with you at all times. With Bedouin culture, it is polite to ask permission before taking photos of the Bedouin people. Additionally for women, dress modestly out of respect for the culture of the people.

Wadi Rum is about a 3.5 hour drive from Amman, Jordan, and a one hour drive from Aqaba and the southern border crossing from Israel. Public transportation is available from both cities to the Wadi Rum Visitor Center.