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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ladakh is the land of high passes blessed with natural beauty any other place in the world would envy. In ancient times it was an important outpost in the important silk route trade. Much of that richness esp. in culture and heritage is still very much reflective in the present day Ladakh.
Not much else needs to be said about Ladakh. A landscape vastly different from anything imaginable. Though so much has been talked and written about it that most people have an idea of the place, yet nothing can prepare you for what to expect the moment the door of the aircraft opens and this land opens its arms to you.
Sikkim has lot of history since it has been nestled for ages between the ancient Tibetan, Bhutanese and Nepalese kingdoms, and later with the British that saw frequent historical exchanges, remnants of which can widely be seen.
Sikkim has a rich heritage seeped in Buddhism as can be evident from the number of beautiful monasteries each of which have a story to tell.
Sikkim has been very careful not to let development come at the cost of nature with a third of the state being heavily forested till date and a fourth of it being protected under the Kanchendzonga national park making it a state very rich in flora and fauna. Sikkim is also India’s first fully organic state. Not to forget the mighty Kanchenjunga which is of reverence to all there and forms a beautiful backdrop at a number of places.
The people of Sikkim are remarkably cheerful and friendly, urban centers in Sikkim are great places to chill out.
The quintessential Sikkim experience is an attempt to explore all of these – history and heritage, nature and mountains as well as the rich and unique local culture.
Spituk – Stok treks gives a taste of a typical Ladakh experience. This trek starts from Leh and takes you past the mighty Indus river across dry arid landscape to a beautiful mustard meadow at Rumbak, to crossing a high altitude pass at Stok La at the base of Stok Kangri, a 20,000 ft. peak popular for climbing, and finally heading back to Leh via Stok village giving you a rustic flavour as well.
While Garhwal region of the Himalayas is known for its tremendous beauty at high altitude, Kumaon is known for its beauty at lower altitudes thanks to the lush and unbroken greenery, tall oak and pine trees and dense forests. That makes is a perfect getaway for a weekend or short durations.
Mukteshwar is perfect because it isn’t too remote, yet feels almost like you have the entire landscape to yourself. The apple orchards and in the distance, views of some of the most prominent ranges in the greater Himalayas are a stunner- Mt Trishul, Mt Nanda Devi, Mt Pancha Chuli form a beautiful backdrop.
Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest peak in Africa. It is also the tallest freestanding mountain in the world. rising 15,100 feet (4,600 meters) from base to summit. Kilimanjaro is also the most prominent mountain in Africa.
Kilimanjaro is composed of three distinct volcanic cones: Kibo 19,340 feet (5,895 meters); Mawenzi 16,896 feet (5,149 meters); and Shira 13,000 feet (3,962 meters). Uhuru Peak is the highest summit on Kibo’s crater rim.
The climb to Kilimanjaro is a mix of moderate to strenuous climb and definitely once in a lifetime experience.
