The Ultimate Himalayan Adventure Calendar 2015

Adventure is quickly overtaking ‘Facebook-ing’ as an hobby and we’re euphoric! If you are the kind that likes their travels and trips to thrill and give you an adrenalin rush, here is the ultimate Himalayan Adventure Calendar for 2015.  From trekking and mountaineering to rafting, cliff jumping, bridge slithering, body surfing, abseiling & rope course – all combined with natural backdrops and conditions, these destinations have just about anything an adventure traveller could ask for. Keep the list handy for 2015, so that your months are never dull. See what tempts you the most, and make the most of this year. Because, adventure as they say, is out there! 

1. January: Chadar Trek of Ladakh. Every travel magazine and every adventure seeker is talking about it this season. The Chadar Trek on the frozen river Zanskar in Ladakh is an adventure that’s bringing international tourism to India, and rightly so. The landscape is beyond beautiful, and the Chadar Trek which comes in two varieties, a 9 day extensive trek or a 5 day Chadar experience, is an adventure seekers paradise. Ladakh is famed for its high passes, brackish water lakes, a stunning lunar landscape, a Buddhist culture warped in time, deep blue endless skies, and a landscape that is larger than life. So in January 2015, go walk on a frozen river bed, live in caves along the way and fight the twin difficulties of cold and altitude to conquer all!
   
   
   
2. February: Skiing in Auli. Auli is a favorite snow-destination of the country, because of its easy access from Delhi, and the pristine white sheet of snow in the winters that comes second to nothing. The slopes of Auli are perched high at an average altitude of 3000 mts (10000 ft) and face the high & majestic mountain giants like Nanda Devi, Kamet, Dronagiri, Trishul & Hathigodi peaks giving it a spectacular feel, making it the best Skiing Destination in India. It has a 4 kms long cable car (Asia's longest) and along with it has chair lifts and ski lifts for skiers. Ski here once, and come back every year because that’s how addictive it is. 
   
3. March: Trek to Nagtibba. This is an extremely popular weekend trek that is just 3 day long but offers amazing camping experience along with the terrain. This trek starts and ends at Dehradun, which in turn is very well connected with other parts of the country. So close, yet one can reach an altitude of more than 3000 mts and hike in an absolutely remote region with almost no habitation. So, come here for a weekend and start your adventure. 
4. April: Har ki Dun Trek. If you are a 'Lord of the Rings' fan, and are in awe of the landscape in it, then Har ki Dun will blow your mind with the  smorgasbord it has to offer. There are endless lush meadows, wild alpine flower gardens, scraggy mountains, towering snow-capped peaks, glaciers and gushing streams & waterfalls that seem to spring from nowhere. This 7 day trek is a week of adventure that will bring you closer to the healing and fulfilling nature. What’s not to love?
5. May: Trek to Indrahar Pass. Come experienced trekkers, come newbie, come all! This Himalayan trek has something unique to offer to everyone. Set in the beautiful and unique Kangra valley, it is filled to the brim with hiking pleasures. On this trail one gets fabulous views of the Dhauladhar range. The trek starts from Dharamsala/McLeodganj, has magical camping locations, and the hike towards the 4420m high Indrahar pass is a thing every adventure lover dreams of. And oh, there are chances you’ll find snow here even in May and June. Perfect, isn't it?
   
6. June: Trek  to Roopkund – the mystery lake of Himalayas. For many years, Roopkund, the beautiful and mysterious lake has held the attention of trekkers not only because of the enchanting landscape surrounding it but also because of the presence of several bones and skeletons that can be seen in its waters. The mystery has now been solved, obviously, but go there to witness it and you’ll see the appeal. The Roopkund trail is a classic case of experiencing both, the beauty and the beast. Only here the beast is equally if not more enchanting.
7. July: Spiti. Do we need to say more? The landscape of this valley is stark and spectacular and challenges one’s idea of beauty at all stages. Spiti has captured the hearts of travellers and adventurers alike for years, and the region is flooding with breathtaking beauty and too-good-to-be-true landscapes. Spiti valley is often compared to its famous neighbor, Ladakh, in terms of beauty. Only, Spiti is still untouched by the impact of tourism and is hence more thrilling. This valley is open only for a few months every year as the high passes leading to it get blocked by snowfall. Along the trip, as you drive and hike through the wonderful vistas of this valley you come across small settlements with ancient monasteries, chortens, mane walls, fluttering flags, prayer wheels & Buddhist monks, leaving an image which is sure to last a lifetime. Half of 2015 is already over, what are you waiting for? 
   
8. August: Valley of Flowers. Ah, here comes the MOST famous adventure destination of all times – and if have already been here, we know you’re now nodding in agreement. Nestled in the Himalayan Valley, this is a World Heritage Site long acknowledged by renowned mountaineers, botanists, and in literature. From no-fuss travellers to adventure seekers Valley of Flowers is visited by people from all over the world. The valley is open only for a couple of months, generally, so you have to plan ahead and book in advance. This is also famous for its celebrity spotting but that’s not the point, the point is – millions of flowers spreading far and wide till the eye can see. The bloom starts immediately after the melting of snow. Different flowers bloom in different months but the peak blooming period is from mid July to mid August. Almost 300 species of wild flowers bloom here unhindered by mankind. But the valley has much more than just flowers: waterfalls, glaciers, towering mountains, big rivers and quaint villages. We clearly can’t shut up about it, so you better better visit it once and see it for yourself. Go book!
   
9. September:  Hampta Pass. Wake me up when September ends, really? Not anymore because - Hampta is going to take your breath away. This is another Himalayan Trek for when the humidity is still hurting you in the cities and the winters seem far away, and you want an adventure to break free of the routine. So take 4 days off your city life, and head to the Lahaul-Spiti region for some serious fun. Enjoy the views - On one side is the absolutely lush green valleys of Kullu & Manali and on the other is the semi-arid region of the Lahaul valley. Hike, trek or camp, everything is possible here. All this is obviously dependent on weather conditions, but getting held up in a lodge that overlooks Himalayan peaks, is exactly the kind of unplanned adventure we crave for, and you? Not that it’s going to happen very often. September is magical in the Himalayas!
   
10.  October:  White Water Rafting. Rafting is a rage these days because of the adventure-high it gives. White water, rapids, rafts and a lot of energy : perfect recipe for adventure. In 2015, plan a rafting trip to not just the well known and often crowded Haridwar-Rishikesh route, but also to the amazing rapids of Yamuna, Alaknanda, Upper Alaknanda, Tons, Kali, Spiti, Pin, Zanskar & Bhramaputra river in India. Our favourite is the White Water Fiesta! But if you are new to the world of wicked rapids, try a short trip of 2 or 3 days, and if you consider yourself the tamer of white waters, definitely go for the Rafting Expedition. If you are a fun family, the rafting with deluxe camping should be your pick. Co anything, but don’t miss the thrill of wading your rafts through the young rivers and feisty rapids. You’ve got to Raft in October!
    
11. November:  Chopta. It has a beautiful Himalayan lake, minimal sights of civilization and a background story that goes back to Mahabharata. Interesting, right? This is a tempting region to explore in November, because Chopta is famous as the Mini-Switzerland of India because of its undulating green meadows – think Yash Chopra movies! The breath taking view of the majestic Himalayan peaks is an added bonus. Camping here is a totally enjoyable experience. One can also trek up to the Tungnath temple, which at an altitude of 3680m is the highest Shiva shrine in the world. Or just stay at a comfortable place in Kund where you can reflect on life, looking over the Mandakini river or the Kedar Peak, and trek high altitudes the next day.  Options, option.
12. December - What? December 2015 already! It is now time for the most talked about White Chirstmas and New Year Bonanza. Spend Christmas amidst the pristine snow, and ring in the New Year surrounded with white Himalayas. There’s a lot you can do – from skiing to snow trekking, from multi-sport vacations to just chilling around the campfire, and from some kickass Snow Adventures to relaxing stays in the quiet mountains. Take your pick.
    

So you see, the Himalayas have a lot of adventure potential, along with the famous magic and majestic beauty. Have you made up your mind yet? So go, take off on the ultimate escapade in 2015. Take an adventure, live it up!

5 Reasons Why You Should Travel With Kids

No matter what people say, what your past experiences tell you, or how tough you find it in the beginning, traveling with kids is worth it. 

 Image Source: supershuttle.com

Yes, you will have to plan every detail. 

Yes, you will have to be on your toes all the time. 

And yes, it is going to be demanding. Very.

But - Traveling with kids is as special as it is important. 

Let us tell you why.

1. Travel makes kids Aware, Compassionate and Humble.

New places, new people and new surroundings – they all make kids more aware of the difference in our regular lives and the world outside our homes. Travel teaches kids to be compassionate and humble, instilling in them a quality that the world needs more of. As kids observe new places and people, they learn to be more accepting of ways that are different that ours, and they learn to appreciate what they have. Watching your child mingle with children of different cultures and backgrounds, without any preconceived ideas or prejudice is something every adult should take the chance to see and learn from. We told you how Travel is the Best Teacher of all times, and it teaches kids the qualities that makes them good human beings. What more can we want?

2. Travel Pushes Their Educational Horizons

Our kids education will NOT suffer if we take them out of school for some time - this is something every parent needs repeat five times. We are so caught up in percentages, and careers and attendance, that we forget the real meaning of education. Traveling provides children of all ages an education that simply can’t be matched. Kids are like sponge, they absorb every tiny detail and when traveling to new places, they learn things that no school, no story book and no TV show can teach so quickly. Travel can make History and Geography come alive, but that’s not all. From remembering all the botanical names of all the flowers in The Valley of Flowers, to learning about Buddhism in a part of Himalayas, from learning how to camp in wilderness, to singing songs in a new language around a bonfire  – Travel teaches our kids the language of love, of tolerance and of gratitude, which is exactly the kind of education they need.

3. Travel with Kids Teaches You

Not only the kids get to learn by travel, but traveling with kids teaches us adults a lot too. Yes, it works both ways! Children tend to have an open and untainted view of the world, and while traveling with them, parents find themselves noticing things that they would otherwise have overlooked or missed. Traveling with little ones teaches us to be more informed about the place we’re visiting – so that we can answer their endless questions. It teaches us to be well prepared – for little allergies or demands. And it teaches us to be more grateful for little things – like a bowl of hot Maggi on a cold morning? Yeah, it is pure bliss. Travel can be a very rewarding, as well as a character developing experience, for the entire family, if you take advantage of the opportunity. Learning should never stop, they say, and travel shouldn’t either! 

4. The Gift of Experiences

 

Contrary to what the TV and magazines have us believe, our kids do not need a room full of toys to be entertained. The best entertainment we can provide for our kids is a life full of memories and moments that they will cherish for life. Some experiences fulfill us, while others teach us a lesson. Both are equally important. Whether it is a small hike on a Himalayan trail with the wrong shoes, or a Snow-Man with your favorite (and very expensive) lipstick smudged on his lips, whether it’s a rash you got from a tree or the spicy food you ate at a local dhaba – you will be laughing at it later, narrating these stories in your living rooms, and the kids will take these experiences with them for life. 

5. Traveling with Kids Makes the Family Come Closer

Travel will help kids develop an immense sense of home as wherever their family is, rather than it being a place. Isn’t it beautiful? Travel provides the opportunity for families to spend quality time with each other, and bond over things that will become shared memories you’ll cherish. The time you spend making memories, is the time you and the kids will remember. Years later, someone will ask you “Where was that picture of your daughter taken?”, and you’ll smile, remembering the time when you carried her to the top of a small hill, looking for rabbits and finding peacocks instead. “She’s dancing like the peacocks”, you’ll tell them happily.

So, there you go. People will tell you it’s a hassle to travel with kids, they will tell you about snarky looks of fellow airline passengers or requests to ‘keep it down’ from people on the train – and you might have experienced it yourself too. You will have to be extremely well prepared, you will have to give it your all, yes. 

But the joy of passing your love for travel on to your kids, is unmatched. Ingraining a sense of travel and adventure in your child from the get-go could help the entire family dynamic, and will help kids grow into good human beings. 

“One of the under-reported stories of the internet is this: it constantly reports on what’s possible. Somewhere in the world, someone is doing something that you decided couldn’t be done.”

– Seth Godin

Travel teaches kids a lot more than anything else ever can. Take it from us, India’s Premier Adventure & Outdoors Travel Specialists since 1999. Come spend a family vacation with us at one of our Himalayan Ecological Lodges, and let the kids explore nature.

Happy traveling!