Tag: mountains

TOP 15 WISHLIST JOURNEYS

 

1. KAILASH MANASAROVAR –

An Inner Journey

Will you be called this year to visit this holiest of all holy mountains? Will you be invited by its famous resident to make the divine trek and seek his blessings?

Click here to know more.

 

2. ECUADOR & GALAPAGOS ISLANDS – Evolution, Not Revolution 

No amount of study can prepare you for the absolute magic that the Galapagos Islands hold. From the world’s only seagoing marine iguanas to giant turtles to stunning boobie birds – every inch of this volcanic island bubbles with life. 

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3. ZAMBIA WALKING SAFARI – Spectacular Wildlife Viewing in Comfort and Style

Live it up in the spectacular African bush. Enjoy terrific sightings of the magnificent wild animals of Africa in great comfort and luxury in the well-appointed lodges in the Lower Zambezi National Park.

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4. ANTARCTICA – The Last Continent

The ultimate travel destination. Go on an expedition cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland
Islands to experience the fascinating and extreme part of our planet – the last pristine region of Mother Earth.

Click here to know more.

 

5. GLAMPING IN THE ARCTIC – Canadian Beluga Whale Watching

Somerset Island in the far Canadian North is the world’s best place to spot the beluga whale. That too, in the comfort of a well-appointed lodge strategically located at a migration site.

Click here to know more.

 

 

6. TRANS–SIBERIAN – The Last Great Train Adventure

A railway journey that covers almost one-third of the Earth’s surface. Get on board the Tsar’s Gold Train, and watch the landscape unfold from Moscow all the way to Beijing via Lake Baikal and Mongolia.

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7. MOROCCO PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR – Blue your mind

If blue is your favorite color, we have just the place for you. Discover ‘The Blue Pearl of Morocco’ deep inside the Rif Mountains. And capture your blue feelings with help from an internationally acclaimed photographer mentoring you.

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8. MONGOLIA PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR – Mongolia In A Snap

Go on a photo tour with an international award-winning photographer. Discover the lives of throat singers and traditional nomad families who are an intrinsic part of the distinctive Mongolian landscape.

Click here to know more.

 

 

9. NORTHERN LIGHTS – Lights, Camera, Action

Deep inside the Finnish Lapland, sleep under the stars (literally) as you plonk yourself on a bed in a glass igloo.
Resign yourself to the most sought-after travel experience in the world – catching the ever elusive Northern Lights. 

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10. CENTRAL EUROPE – Europe’s Beating Hearts

Imagine a trip that combines three majestic cities of central Europe – Vienna, Prague, Budapest! Stunning architecture, evolved culture, resplendent parks and gardens, exquisite cuisine and heaving with modern history. Great for kids, brilliant for adults.

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11. BHUTAN – Boost Your Happiness Index

Imagine a country that measures its productivity by Gross National Happiness! This beautiful kingdom is tiny but large of heart. We have a special itinerary for senior citizens who can enjoy this exotic land in great comfort.

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12. FAMILY FUN IN SWITZERLAND – Picture Postcard View In 3D

Switzerland is great fun for the whole family. Its natural beauty is incomparable, while its manmade charms are unbeatable. Go on a chocolate tour, zoom in a toboggan, and make fairy tale towns come alive.

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13. CANADIAN ROCKIES – Rockies-N-Roll

When Nature shows off, she does it in Canada. Visit some of the most scenic landscapes on Planet Earth and take it all in via various modes of transport – on land, water, and air. It will leave you mesmerized.

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14. JAPAN CHERRY BLOSSOM –Visit Yesterday And Tomorrow… Today

Japan is a country where the future and the past have a blissful coexistence. Absorb the unique Japanese culture,
observe their terrific attention to detail and bask in their hospitality. Compose a haiku as the sakura blossoms.

Click here to know more.

 

15. EGYPT – From Here To Eternity

Explore this timeless land in luxury and style. Relive its magnificent history as you visit its greatest monuments.
Take a relaxing cruise along the Nile. Dive right into the buzz of Cairo. Pause and wonder about it all.

Click here to know more.

Visit Kailash Manasarovar


It is said that faith can move mountains. What if the mountain itself is faith?

For millennia, Mount Kailash has been venerated as an extraordinary peak, with divinity attributed to it. For Hindus, it’s revered as the very abode of the powerful Lord Shiva and his consort, Parvati. It is also believed to be the pillar of the world, reaching up to the heavens. At 22,022 feet above mean sea level, it indeed seems so. Mount Kailash also holds a special place for Jains, Buddhists and the people belonging to the indigenous Tibetan religion, Bon. All these religions believe that a parikrama or the ritual circumambulation of Mount Kailash brings good fortune to the one who does it. From its location in modern-day Tibet, Mount Kailash radiates divinity and spirituality that guides devotees from all over the world to visit it and bask in its majesty.

At the base of Mount Kailash is the presence of the holy lake, Manasarovar. At 14,950 feet above mean sea level, Manasarovar is the highest freshwater lake in the world. The geographical significance apart, Lake Manasarovar is also considered extremely holy. A dip in this water is supposed to wipe off all the sins of your previous lives. Manasarovar feeds another nearby salt-water lake called Rakshastal. According to Hindu belief, Ravana – the lord of the demons – performed a tough penance on the foothills of Mount Kailash to propitiate Lord Shiva, which gave rise to this lake named after him. Both these lakes are considered opposites: fresh versus salty, brightness versus darkness, life-giving versus lack of life and calm versus choppy. This is also a special spot geologically. Lake Manasarovar is close to the sources of four great rivers, the Brahmaputra, Ghaghara, Sindhu and Sutlej.

Thus, both spiritually and geologically, Kailash Manasarovar is a rather extraordinary place in this wonderful planet of ours, and you have to be blessed and privileged to go on this physical and mental journey to experience it. However, as you would expect, Kailash Manasarovar is located in an inhospitable, remote terrain. It’s not an easy journey to undertake and you need to be reasonably fit, both mentally and physically. But if you think the call has come from the top of Mount Kailash, asking you to visit His abode, give The Wanderers a call.

GETTING THE CALL

Why travel with us? Many solid reasons. We have been promoting trips to Kailash Manasarovar since 1998, at a time when one had to rough it out – camping in the outdoors, fording streams and rivers and traversing rough terrain without any sign of tarmac. Since we have been at it for two decades now, we know the lie of the land and have warm, trustworthy relationships with the people who partner with us locally. Needless to say, all those who have travelled with us in these 20 years have put in a good word for us and recommended us to others to undertake this very special journey with The Wanderers.

With our vast experience, we are your best advisors, telling you upfront what to expect if you have ‘received the call’ and made up your mind. As mentioned earlier, it’s not an easy trip to take to this remote, high-altitude terrain and you need to be prepared to head out there. We make you go through extensive briefing to prep you up mentally and physically to go to Kailash Manasarovar and return home blessed.

Of course, our objective is to also make sure you are comfortable and safe throughout the trip. Hence we use the best quality hotels and stay options available in Nyalam, Saga and Darchen. We are also equipped with facilities like oxygen cylinders, keep the availability of medical support through most of the trip and we supply you with duffel bags, day backpacks and (returnable) down jackets for your use. There is also The Wanderers’ legendary attention to detail and personalisation options, which sets us apart.

We offer four route options, depending on your budget and time:
1. Overland ex-Kathmandu
2. Helitour ex-Kathmandu
3. Helitour ex-Lucknow
4. Overland ex-Kathmandu via Lhasa

All options work well and there is no difference in our quality of service. The ideal time to visit Kailash Manasarovar is between May and September. Though it is difficult, elderly persons of even 70 years of age have travelled with us in comfort and ease. We even customise packages for private groups.

Are you ready then to take the call?

To check out our Kailash Manasarovar Package click here

Email: askus@thewanderers.co.in

Insiders view on Tyrol, Austria

The Wanderers in conversation with  Angela.

Everything the guide books or tourism websites won’t tell you about the place..

One little-known fact/trivia that everyone should know about when travelling to Tyrol?

In Tyrol fresh drinking water comes straight from the tap. It is very clean and of a high quality, so drinking it is probably one of the most natural and most healthy refreshments you can experience.

What is a must buy when in Tyrol?

Visit one the Swarovski shops and you will know. For example, go to the store in Innsbruck and gives you a feel of a Swarovski museum. Buy yourself a present there and take it home with you as something that will always remind you of a very special holiday in Tyrol.

One take-away after a visit to Tyrol?

In my opinion, a “Zirben-pillow” would be a great take-away, it smells very good and can decorate your couch at home. Otherwise Kitzbühel with its luxurious boutiques and shiny jewelry stores is the most famous shopping destination in Tyrol, I am sure you will find something nice at the exclusive shops at the “KITZ GALLERIA” (shopping mall).

What is your advice to first-time travelers?

You have to pack your suitcase for different types of weather. Like the onion-model: Be prepared for cold weather, but so that you can put off clothes if the weather is warm.

One thing to definitely pack when travelling to Tyrol?

Take good shoes with you. Doesn’t matter if you go through cities, on a mountain or just for a walk. Keep in mind that you might want to touch the snow on one of our impressive glaciers, which are easy to reach also in the summer.

One activity anyone travelling to Tyrol should not miss.

For sure you should not miss the view when you are on the top of a mountain. It is possible to go there for everyone. You can hike or take the gondola. For Example in Sölden in the Ötztal Valley you can visit the Big 3 panoramic rock path covered in glass, the view from there is breathtaking – even for locals!

Where should anyone, travelling to Tyrol, definitely get their picture taken?

It’s nearly the same for this question: On the top of a mountain. Do not forget to share it on social media to let your friends admire the view as well.

Which is the best place to get a panoramic photo?

The Valluga in St. Anton at Arlberg, because you can see the peaks of three countries: Italy in the south, Switzerland in the West and Germany in the North – that’s a unique experience!

Best place to enjoy sunset/sunrise?

As we are in the middle of the Alps, the best places to enjoy the sunset/sunrise is on the top of one of our beautiful mountains or on a tease with a nice cup of coffee.  If you are in Innsbruck you can go up the Mountain with the “Nordkettenbahn” which takes you at an elevation of almost 2,000 meters in 20 minutes directly from the city center.  This is something you could do every day, however for sunsets I recommend considering a Friday as the cable car has extended opening times till 11.30 pm.

Most romantic place to take a special someone to.

To the Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens (only 20 minutes away from Innsbruck), because with their subterranean “chambers of wonder” they are a sparkling fantasy world and a pure invitation to dream. The atmosphere is magical to romantic there, someone special will notice.

Best place to have local food?

The best place for local food is a real Tyrolean restaurant, beside the numerous international restaurants they are easy to find everywhere.

Your favorite local dish and drink that you would recommend?

I would recommend the “Käsepressknödel” (cheese dumplings) because they are a vegetarian speciality that is typical for Tyrol. By the way, the “Graukäse”, which is the cheese used for this dumplings, contains just 0,1% fat.

One place only the locals would know?

There are many places in the different regions. One example is at the Ötztaler Alps. There you can see ibexes most of the time.When you come to Tyrol, just ask one of the locals. The people here are very friendly and will share their hidden spots with pleasure with you. If you would ask me I would send you to the Ötztal Valley to see the most beautiful waterfall – the “Stuiben Waterfall”.

The best pub and a best place to catch up for a drink?

There are plenty…so I try to give you the highlights.

In Innsbruck on the rooftop of a shopping mall is a quaint local bar called “360 Grad” that has an amazing “360-degree” view of downtown Innsbruck. For a real party experience I would recommend “The Londoner” in Kitzbühel, as it is the favorite party location for summer and winter tourists as well as for the local party animals since more than 25 years. In the Ötztal Valley the “Top Mountain Star” is a combination of a panoramic platform and a bar in a special shape on a mountain beyond 3000 meters above sea level.

A local festival you feel more travelers should come and see?

The traditional “Almabrieb” is a very colorful event in in autumn (mainly in September) where the cattle of the farmers that have grazed the mountain pastures all summer long are driven back down the mountain to the safety of their winter quarters. That is very beautiful in the region of St. Anton am Arlberg.

 The things guide books will not tell anyone about Tyrol?

As you know, the official language in Austria is German, but we are very proud of our various dialects. However, sometimes people from the different valleys do not understand each other. As a result, it is common to make friendly jokes about the `foreign` dialects.

Is there any particular month you would not recommend travel to Tyrol and what would that reason be?

The best time to come to come to Tyrol is the summer season (middle of May – end of September) because the climate is very nice. You will have a warm temperature, but it is never getting too hot.

In one sentence, Tyrol is the heart of the Alps!

Hello, my name is Angela, I am 29 years old and grew up in Innsbruck – the capital of Tyrol. In the last years I studied and worked abroad, it was amazing to see so many beautiful places in the world, but coming back and to settle in Tyrol was definitely one of the best choices I ever made, because this is where my heart belongs.

Check out our Italy with The Wanderers

Summer Escapes This Season

Many travelers want to discover places across the world which are off the routine tourist circuit and experience magical moments drawn up from their wishlist. So, for those last minute vacation planners who are yet to decide we have chalked out some incredible vacations this summer from places as diverse as Mt. Kailash in Tibet toKalimantan in Borneo or Nubra Valley in Ladakh. From an experience as eclectic as a camping safari in Tanzania or trek through thick forests in search of the mountain gorilla. Whatever experience the traveler seeks this season, our team of wanderers should be able to come up with something truly special.

Canadian Rocky mountain adventure

get up close and personal in Canada with this self drive tour! You pick up your vehicle at Calgary and after that you go about exploring Western Canada at your own pace and time. From Calgary, drive through the magnificent Rocky Mountains to Banff. Stop when fancy takes you to admire the scenery. Explore Banff town and the National Park after which you drive down to the “Jewel of the Rockies” Lake Louise.

Check out the  Canadian Rocky Mountain Adventure

Gorilla Tracking in Rwanda

Those who love nature and love to see different aspects of it – be it the wild animals or as popularly called in Africa the ‘Big 5’, the colourful birds or the elusive mountain gorilla! This tour takes you to several national parks for game viewing. And takes you on a trek through the thick rainforest in search of Mountain Gorillas.

Check out our Gorilla Tracking adventure

Taste of Borneo

the mystical jungles of Borneo. The spectacular areas of rainforest, the National Parks, sighting of the wild man from Borneo” – the Orang-utan – either in the wild or in one of the rehabilitation centres in Sabah, Sarawak or Kalimantan, be in awe at the Clearwater Cave and head out Poring Hot Springs for treetop canopy walk.

Check out our latest Borneo adventure. 

Climb the Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania

Challenge yourself with ‘Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro’ – the Wanderers escorted climb and camp trip! Spread over 9 days, exult in knowing the Kilimanjaro (inside – out). Africa’s tallest and earth’s highest freestanding mountain, it towers above the east African plain. Its highest summit is 5895 meters. Temperatures range from 85 degrees F to sub zero. 15,000 people attempt to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro every year and almost half fail. But, the real adventure of climbing Kilimanjaro is in making the journey—regardless of whether the summit is reached or not.

Check out the climb to Mount Kilimanjaro. 

For culture lovers

If you are keen on combining Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia at one go, the Grand Indochina tour is perhaps what you are looking for. This fortnight long fixed date departure covers the best of the 3 countries.

 Salamanca and Portugal tour

See the best of Portugal with its best of monuments, beautiful beaches, churches and diverse architecture. Start your trip at Avila, a world heritage city before moving on to Salamanca, known for its 2 cathedrals. Visit the headquarters of one of Europe’s oldest Universities in Coimbra. Attend a mass at the Shrine of the Virgin of Fatima at Fatima.

Don’t miss the Spanish Exotica

Spain with its different traditions and culture, glorious art and architecture and friendly people makes for a delightful experience. Starting with Madrid, the vibrant capital, home to bull fighting. Start your introduction to the history of this country with a city tour and visit to Toledo, the capital of medieval Spain until 1560, Cordoba, one of the most interesting cities in Andalusia. Find out more about this trip!

India escapes this summer:

If jungles, high mountains and unique culture excite you, to visit North East India with time spent in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam is the perfect way of unwinding.

Explore the heritage village of Pragspur. Experience the mysticism of Jwalamukhi Temple and revel in the beautiful Kangra paintings in an old temple in Dada Siba”. Picnic by the river Beas and lunch at quaint dhabha which offer delectable North Indian cuisine. Explore the picture perfect retreat of Dharamshala – Dalai Lama’s abode and for nature lovers, visit the Kalatope Wildlife Sanctuary, all in our 9 Days Western Himachal package.

Wanderers Leh Ladakh Adventure

The highlight of 11 days passage to Leh tour starting from Delhi is the spectacular 485km journey from Manali to Leh crossing some of the highest passes in the world. Rohtang, Baralacha, LachlungLa and TanglangLa. Passes that are closed during the winter months open for a brief while during the summer months of June to September. It is arguably the most beautiful stretch of road in the Indian Himalayas!

Check out our exciting Ladakh package.

Wanderers Trip of a lifetime: Kailash Yatra

Traveling overland from Kathmandu (Nepal) on this 14 day tour to Mt.Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, which lies in the Southwestern part of Tibet, is an incredible experience. It is an epic pilgrimage to the heavenly abode of Lord Shiva, that is considered the most sacred and revered pilgrimage for Hindus, Jains and Buddhists alike. En route you can see the world’s highest mountains, travel on the world’s highest plain, meet nomadic Tibetan pilgrims and walk amidst burning butter lamps and chanting monks of Tibet’s ancient and legendary Buddhist monasteries. The numbing cold at night, the harsh sun during the day, the bitter winds, the looming solitude and the everlasting dust are a constant companion.

We have just announced our 14 day trip over the Tibetan plateau to Mt Kailash and Lake Manasarovar via Kathmandu. Dep is on 27 July, 2012. We plan to take up to 16 people on this trip. The roads are much better these days as the highway to Kailash is mostly metalled, unlike in the past.

Click hereto check out the Kailash Yatra 

Wanderers Travel Diaries:

Walk in the Clouds- Sikkim, by Shubendu Banerjee

Shubendu Banerjee is a passionate traveler. From the misty mountains of Sikkim to the dense jungles of Bandipur in Karnataka he has traveled to give a free reign to his adventurous spirit. Now, settled in Bangalore with his wife and son he continues to wander into unknown territories as often as his job allows him to. Read More

Be a Guest Author – Be the Wanderer of the Month. If you’ve got an idea for a story to share, then write on – share your photos/videos: we would love to feature your work in our bi monthly newsletter.

Insiders view on Banff Lake Louise

The Wanderers in conversation with Lukas Prochazka

Everything the guide books or tourism websites won’t tell you about the place.

One little known fact/trivia that everyone should know about when travelling to Banff Lake Louise.

Banff was established as Canada’s first national park back in 1885. It is the World’s 3rd oldest national park (#1 is Yellowstone NP in USA, established in 1872, #2 is Royal National Park in Australia, 1879).

Once ‘Siding 29’ on the Canadian Pacific Railway, the Town of Banff was intended to be a tourist town from its very inception. The park’s first superintendent, George Stewart, even oriented the town’s first street in such a way that it would offer the best possible views of Cascade Mountain.

What is a must buy when in Banff Lake Louise?

With over 200 shops, outdoor retailers and art galleries in Banff and Lake Louise, there is endless selection of souvenirs to take home for every type of traveller. That includes art, jewellery, locally made chocolate and hand-made local beauty products at the Rocky Mountain Soap Company.

One take-away after a visit to Banff Lake Louise?

Everlasting memories, created by enjoying this vast mountain playground, and perhaps a photo of local wildlife if you are lucky.

What is your advice to first time travellers?

Make sure you spend enough time in Banff National Park to really enjoy its attractions and activities at a leisurely pace. Take time to slow down and breathe fresh mountain air. Try one of our outdoor adventures, go for a soak in the hot springs or enjoy a spa treatment. Stroll down Banff Avenue with its many shops, restaurants and pubs.

Banff National Park is not only a place to see, it is a place to explore!

One thing to definitely pack when travelling to Banff Lake Louise.

Enough memory cards for your camera, as Banff National Park offers unparalleled scenic beauty, with opportunities to admire high peaks, majestic glaciers, turquoise lakes, and a chance to spot wildlife, such as black and grizzly bear, mountain goat, bighorn sheep, elk, moose, or deer.

One activity anyone travelling to Banff Lake Louise should not miss.

A hike or horseback ride to Plain of Six Glaciers in Lake Louise in summer or Johnston Canyon Ice Walk in winter!

By far one of the most scenic hikes in the Canadian Rockies, the Plain of Six Glaciers hike offers expansive views of the impressive mountain features that surround Lake Louise, including Mount. Lefroy, Mount. Victoria and the Victoria Glacier. After your steady hike up, enjoy a snack at the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse.

A canyon full of rushing water in summer, Johnston Canyon freezes in winter to form sparkling walls of ice. Formed by ancient glaciers, this is a spectacular geological landmark that is well worth the visit on a guided tour.

Where should anyone, travelling to Banff Lake Louise, definitely get their picture taken.

On the Rock Pile, a beautiful viewing spot only 5 minutes away from the parking lot at Moraine Lake (short 15 min drive from Lake Louise).

Which is the best place to get a panoramic photo?

The top of Sulphur Mountain that can be easily reached by the Banff Gondola.

Best place to enjoy sunset/sunrise?

Vermillion Lakes just outside the town of Banff.

Most romantic place to take a special someone to?

Any of the two “Castles in the Rockies” – The Fairmont Banff Springs and The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Imagine yourself a turn of the century railway baron at the European inspired Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, nestled amidst the Rocky Mountains on the shores of the world’s most famous emerald glacier lake. Ask about the rich history of the Banff Springs, the renowned “Castle in the Rockies”, a National Historical Site located in the heart of Banff National Park.

Best place to have local food?

Maple Leaf Grille & Lounge, right on Banff Avenue.

Head Chef Morne Burger has created an award-winning menu showcasing the best in Rocky Mountain cuisine. Choose from a variety of fresh seafood from both Canadian coasts or enjoy succulent cuts of Alberta bison, beef and elk. With over 600 wine selections, the Maple Leaf has won nine consecutive Awards of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine.

Your favourite local dish and drink that you would recommend.

With over 120 restaurants, pubs, and lounges, it’s almost impossible to pick one favourite dish. This travel destination has attracted some of the very best in Canadian and internationally inspired foods, also known as Canadian Rocky Mountain Cuisine. Many restaurants help you sample the regional fare, bringing in organic and sustainably sourced Alberta beef and bison, fine cheeses and wines. If you’re in the mood for sushi, Thai, Chinese, Mexican, Swiss fondue or pizza, you’ve got more than enough choice of restaurants to try. After dark, kick up your heels at a local dance club or relax with a beverage at a groovy lounge.

One place only the locals would know.

With over 1,600 km of hiking trails of various lengths and difficulties, there is many options to get off the beaten path and visit hidden jewels visited mostly only by knowledgeable local people.

The best pub and best place to catch up for a drink.

The Wild Bill’s Legendary Saloon on Banff Avenue.

A local festival you feel more travellers should come and see

Ice Magic – international ice carving competition taking place outside in front of The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

The things guide books won’t tell anyone about Banff Lake Louise?

Banff National Park is such a magical place that many people who originally came only for a short visit, move and stay here permanently. That is why tourists visiting Banff and Lake Louise will encounter workers from many different regions of Canada and even from different countries, when staying in local hotels, eating in local restaurants and shopping in our gift shops.

Is there any particular month you would not recommend travel to Banff Lake Louise and what would that reason be?

Banff National Park is a four season destination that offers unique experiences and world class attractions 365 days a year.

There is no wrong time to visit Banff and Lake Louise!

In one sentence, Banff Lake Louise is Canada’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a unique combination of unspoiled wilderness, modern amenities and opportunities for active exploration.

Lukas Prochazka is Manager, Asia at Banff Lake Louise Tourism and in charge of all sales and marketing activities in India, China, Japan and Korea. Born and raised in Czech Republic in Europe, Lukas moved to Banff in 2004 and has made it his new home.

On his days off, Lukas can be found hiking, running, climbing, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in the most remote corners of Banff National Park, enjoying everything this unique protected mountain playground has to offer.

Check out our latest package on Canada

Mongolia – Heaven on Earth

 by Sonashree Roy 

Mongolia was nothing short of ‘Heaven on Earth’ for me or may be the closest replica on the face of Earth. I had the privilege of visiting this Virgin, untouched, unexplored country this summer, which has somehow managed to keep itself alien to the travel loving Indian.

It is here that I first saw a complete semi circle of a rainbow and experienced the thrill of unobstructed view of flat land, for as far as the eyes could see. At any given point of time, in the countryside, you can see at least four different colours of nature, bright and in great contrast. For miles and miles, you will not come across another soul and still you somehow end up enjoying the solitude from civilization and the return to the Cradle of Nature. Mongolia’s Capital, Ulaan Baatar is one of the best mixes of Tradition and Modernization. Everything about this country was mesmerizing, be it the simplicity of its people, its rich culture and heritage or the fact that the country is in perfect sync with nature.

Mongolia shelters the world’s last Horse riding Nomadic culture and once you see them in action, one can only wish if more countries had protected their culture half as wisely. The Ger camps outside Ulaan Baatar, with their simple and basic interiors, are a constant reminder of the many centuries this country is taking you back.

Check out our latest Photography Tour in Mongolia