Mesmerizing Meghalaya
If every cloud does have a silver lining then Meghalaya or “The abode of clouds” would be raining silver heavily. This small state in the North-East region of India has abundant rainfall and sunshine around the year and is considered to be one of the richest botanical habitats in Asia. Meghalaya is subject to vagaries of the monsoon. The climate varies with altitude. The Meghalayan sky seldom remains free of clouds and the Meghalayan spirit seldom remains free of adventure.
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Sandakphu-Phalut-Singalila Range Trek
5-8 Days
For a clear view of the four of the five highest peaks (Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu), what wouldn’t any trekker do? It is pretty easy, all one has to do is trek to Sandakphu or Phalut.
In recent years, this trek has gained much popularity and not because of the view to the four eight thousander peaks but for the beautiful trail that this trek entails across the forests of rhodendrons and magnolias and more.
Dzongri-Goecha La Trek
10 Days
Kangchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world (after Mount Everest and K2), with an altitude of 8,586 metres (28,169 ft). Kangchenjunga means “The Five Treasures of Snows”, as it contains five peaks, four of them over 8,450 metres. Three of these five peaks (main, central, and south) are on the border of North Sikkim district of Sikkim, India and Taplejung District of Nepal, while the other two are completely in Taplejung District.
The Dzongri-Goecha La trek takes the trekker up-close for a spectacular view of the majestic Kanchenjunga amidst a beautiful panorama of the other lesser Himalayan giants within its range of mountains.
Wild Assam
Assam is a multi-faceted state. Dominating the remote North-East of India with its sheer size and population, this region is home to a large variety of flora and fauna. Every year thousands of wildlife enthusiasts, conservationists and naturalist converge here to re-discover their tryst with nature. It has a wealth of rarest and highly endangered species of wildlife including Pygmy Hog, Golden Langur, Clouded Leopard, Hoolock Gibbon, White-Winged Woodduck, Tiger, Hispid Hare, Swamp Deer etc. and of course the Tiger and the unmistakable one-horned Indian Rhino.
The state is home to many national parks – Manas, Nameri and Kaziranga to name a few and that’s where our wildlife experience is going to be focused on. However, beyond the wild is the beautiful island of Majuli on Brahmaputra, Sibasagar – ancient capital of Ahom the erstwhile rulers of Assam, ancient Kamakhya temple and more.
Bhutan Experience
6-10 Days
2-9 Oct, On request
Bhutan has been much in news. It is not because of its effort to measure its performance in terms of Gross National Happiness rather than GNP. It is also not because of the natural beauty of the place – the monasteries, fortresses (dzongs) and the amazing topography ranging from subtropical plains to steep mountains and valleys. The big news is that Bhutan has become carbon negative. Yes, exactly that. Led by the dynamic Prime Minister Tshering Togbay, Bhutan has been working hard to protect the environment and reduce pollution and the results are showing.
But this is not the only reason to visit the land of Thunder Dragon. The Himalayan kingdom offers a plethora of experiences ranging from adventure, trekking, climbing to culture and heritage, from nature and wildlife to calm and peaceful environs of a Buddhist monastery.
In line with our philosophy, Rustik Travel has curated a range of travel experiences that are rustic, offbeat and sustainable. Here goes.
Surreal Sri Lanka
On request
Sri Lanka had many names in the past. Persians and Arabs referred to it as “Sarandib” or “Serendip” from the word serendipity. A true to the meaning this beautiful island in the Indian Ocean is. Arthur C Clarke, the famous science fiction writer made Sri Lanka his home and stayed here till his death and has written much about the cultural and geographical diversity of this island nation. Recovering from the decades of tragic civil war that split apart the nation, Sri Lanka is taking rapid strides forward economically. Blessed with natural beauty and diversity, Sri Lanka is already a favorite travelers destination from many. The place from North to South and from East to West provides great many opportunities for various activities and travel experiences. With its pristine beaches and beautiful ocean with bustling marine life scuba diving and snorkeling, along with kite surfing and other water sports are popular out here. As you go deeper inside the country, the green forests and the wild life with leopards, elephants, birds are a treat for any wildlife enthusiast. The green country provides amazing trails for bikers and cyclists. The swelling rivers are great for white water surfing. Culturally Sri Lanka is a diverse country with Sinhalese Buddhists having the larger numbers and hence the influence. Though one may find enough influences from the Portuguese, Tamils, Muslims and other ethnicities or nationalities that have come and stayed in Sri Lanka for centuries. Not to forget the tales from the epic Ramayana about Lord Rama’s nemesis Ravana who ruled Lanka as part of the myth.
Sri Lanka is a microcosm of diversity with everything yet something for each and every traveler.
Rustic North Thailand
Thailand is known for its sun and sand, lovely beaches, tropical weather and crazy beach parties. However, if you go up North to the Chiang Mai region you will be surprised with a different Thailand. This mountainous region is blessed with lush forests and rich wildlife. Living together in the mountains are the hill tribe people and their elephants. For generations these villagers have coexisted with nature and over time have developed a vast knowledge of the forest environment. Recently, due to unregulated development and a booming tourism industry, the forests in Northern Thailand are dwindling with many elephants in captivity being forced into unnatural living conditions. These majestic animals no longer are roaming the vast jungles of Thailand but are forced to perform for human entertainment. Our experience is set in an elephant sanctuary that is working towards bringing as many of these magnificent creatures back to the forests to live as naturally as possible.
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Markha Valley Trek
6 Days
The Markha Valley trek begins from Chilling village passing through villages, shepherd camps across the arid and surreal Ladakh towards the Markha river taking you across Markha valley. At last it crosses Kongmaru Pass and finishes at Shangsumdo.
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African Safari
4-8 Days
Jul, Sep, On Request
The Savannah grasslands, this is where the first humans originated from. Known as the Serengeti ecosystem in Tanzania it is a huge national park extending into Kenya that is known as Masai Mara. Serengeti is derived from the Masai language and it means “endless plains”. And truly endless it is to get lost not just physically but in its beauty. It hosts the largest terrestrial mammal migration in the world. Approximately, 70 large mammal and 500 bird species are found here. Wildebeests, gazelles, zebras and buffalos some of the commonly found mammals. Of course there is the big five as well – lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros.
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