The quiet way? Then why do we write this post? Well, we have been thinking a lot about whether we should write it or not, and have finally decided to do it. Otherwise people could mistakenly conclude that we are environmentally and socially irresponsible. So let’s say it once and for all: we do good, [...]
Many climbers are always longing for higher peaks to conquer. The beautiful Alps rise only until the 4.810m summit of the Mont-Blanc, so it is natural to look farther; and of course, no matter how far you look, the highest mountains of the planet rest on the Himalayas, the roof of the world. The Stok [...]
The most dangerous worldview is the worldview of those who have not viewed the world. Alexander von Humboldt A travelling fool is better than a sitting wise man. Nomadic wisdom Walking is better than sitting by the fire. Paracelsus The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a [...]
What will the weather be like in Ladakh? What temperatures should be expected? These two questions are between the most frequently asked by our guests. And every year I'm a bit more cautious when answering them. Why? Because in Ladakh you can expect almost anything, almost always. How will the weather be in Ladakh? [...]
Cycling is becoming a very popular activity in Ladakh. The bicycle rental sector in Leh has been steadily growing every season for the last few years. But what are the best cycling routes, and what should you take into consideration when exploring the country on two wheels? Discovering Ladakh on a bicycle can be [...]
Zanskar remains one of the very few places on Earth that, for several months every year, becomes almost entirely isolated from the rest of the world. It can only be reached, or left, via the frozen river Zanskar. Our guide Phunchok Motup - also known simply as Kalyan - comes from that region, and he [...]
Holidays also mean good food and drink, taking time to slow down and enjoy a coffee and a cake. There are many restaurants and cafes in Leh during summer, where you can meet people from all over the world and enjoy really good food. That’s why we recommend our guests insteat of exclusively eating at [...]
Are you planning to go for trekking in Ladakh but not sure which trek will be right for you or which area in Ladakh and Zanskar? And which trek is suitable for you and your stamina? We'd like to help you choosing the right one. Which is the best trek for you depends on several [...]
Expeditions in the Himalayas? The majority will automatically think about Nepal. And yes, Nepal has a much longer history when it comes to climbing tourism and they are truly experienced in that business and has the advantage of having the maximum mountains above 8000m. And there is one more thing that makes expeditions in the [...]
Many people shy away from traveling to Ladakh (and other regions of the Himalayas), because they are afraid of the effects of high altitude. And yes, Ladakh is only in a few places below 3,000 meters above sea level. At that altitude the air is thin enough that keeping it inside requires some effort. But [...]
Hemis Festival is held every year, but every 12 years it is very special. 2016 will be one of those years. In the 5th lunar month of the monkey year several hundred thousand people from tibetan-buddhist areas and the whole world will gather to celebrate the life of Naropa. Hemis Festival: Every 12 years [...]
It soars 8586 meters high: the Kangchenjunga. The third highest mountain in the world, the highest peak of Sikkim and India, and, since part of it lies on its territory, the second highest mountain in Nepal. There are so many different ways to write its name: Khangchendzonga (with or without "h") in the original, Kangchenjunga [...]
When in Rome, do as the Roman do. You do not have to adapt to everything what the Romans do, but knowing a little bit about how to behave in their country while on a visit can avoid annoyance and disrespect to the local customs and hence earning some unexpected friendly treatments. Some experiences and [...]
Once a year, every monastery in Ladakh is celebrating with a festival. Most of the monastery festivals take place in the winter months – those are the ones we recommend visiting the most – but of course there is one or the other festival happening in summer. Dates for Monastery festivals 2016 Spituk Gustor [...]
Even though Ladakh is for the most part a high altitude desert and therefore very, very dry, it can surprise you with some really beautiful lakes. The best known are the Pangong Tso, the Tsomoriri & the Tsokar. These three lakes have a lot in common: First of all their names contain the word “Tso”, [...]
This post is not a theoretical essay on long-distance traveling with children: it is a collection of my own experiences as a mother of three who, for at least two months every year, packs her bags and takes her young on an adventurous journey. And no, it is not always a cheerful, problem-free scenario, and [...]
Many tourists travel with a bad conscience and think that travel, in general, brings more harm than good. It destroys the environment, the traditions and the culture of the host… And yet they travel, hoping to be the exception. Every traveler leaves traces. Every step does, even at home. It is the nature of a [...]
[tg_promo_box title="News: India declares 500 and 1000 rupee notes worthless" border="" shadow="0" button_text="" button_url=""]The Indian government withdrew all 500 and 1,000 rupee notes on 09th november 2016, essentially leaving millions of people with invalid cash in their wallets. The move is designed to combat corruption and the black money economy. The old notes can be [...]
