Press Articles
Luxury in spiritual Ladakh
Publication: Times OnlineDate: April 24, 2010
Author: Ian Belcher
Ian Belcher heads to Ladakh in search of enlightenment midst the snow-capped peaks, dramatic valleys, and ancient monasteries of Northern India. Traditionally, only intrepid backpackers and hikers have explored this lunar-like terrain, staying in basic guesthouses along the way.
But now a pioneering travel company have opened Ladakh up to high end travel. Three traditional houses in villages through the region have been refurbished into luxury accommodation, each consisting of three suites, decorated with handmade Rajasthani furniture. Whether lounging on cushions in the rooftop pagoda, or simply gazing through the apartment's floor-to-ceiling windows, Ian Belcher was stunned by the panorama before him. A dedicated team of chefs, waiters, drivers and the guide followed the party around the houses along the trail, a modern version of a 19th-century travelling caravan.
Sharing not only Tibet's geography, but also its religion, Belcher explores the gompas (monasteries) along the Indus Valley, "perched on ridges like fairytale castles." Encountering monks who meditate for months in subzero temperatures, he returns at the end of the day to chilled flannels and delicious cuisine: "The Hemis monks would not approve."
The spectacular landscape of the remote Himalayas can be appreciated on foot, with walks ranging from gentle strolls to challenging treks, or by car. A chance to drive along the world’s highest road pass cannot be missed, perhaps stopping off for a game at the world’s highest golf course or ice hockey pitch.
As he moves from one fascinating village to another Belcher identifies "the essence of Shakti: privileged access to communities little touched by the outside world."
Cazenove + loyd (020-7384 2332, cazloyd.com) offers an eight-night trip to Ladakh from £3,687pp, with one night’s B&B at The Imperial in Delhi and seven nights’ all-inclusive in Ladakh, based on two sharing and including all flights, transfers, guide, porters, up to three rafting trips, walks and drives.
THIS IS ONLY A SUMMARY OF THE ARTICLE. FOR THE COMPLETE PIECE BY IAN BELCHER PLEASE REFER TO THE TIMES ONLINE, APRIL 24TH 2010 http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/destinations/india/article7105138.ece
