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Ladakh: A Photographic Journey To Little Tibet - Ibex Expeditions

LADAKH: SPECIAL EDITION PHOTOGRAPHY JOURNEY TO “LITTLE TIBET”

Adventure Travel, Trip Departures India, , ,

Ladakh: A Photographic Journey To Little Tibet - Ibex Expeditions

Flying into Leh, the former capital of the Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh, feels more like landing on the moon than landing in India. Its harsh, mountainous terrain is starkly beautiful and very dry, due to its high altitude and cold desert climate. Dotted with stupas and whitewashed houses, the Old Town is dominated by a dagger of steep rocky ridge topped by an imposing Tibetan-style palace and fort.

Our 40th anniversary special edition journey to Ladakh this September will be led by Himraj Soin, an adventure travel journalist and photographer.

Following a theme of a responsible eco adventure, walking in the footsteps of the  this photo adventure journey will take you to all Buddhist monasteries, trek through breathtaking passes. You will discuss Buddhist traditions, learn about renewable energy projects with conservationists, visit outfits promoting sustainable development and walk along hillsides dotted with chortens and monasteries with exquisite Himalayan vistas.

Since 2012, Ibex Expeditions has supported the Give Back to Nature programme of WWF India and for each participant of this journey, we will donate US $ 40 per person.

ITINERARY
13 nights / 14 days
15 – 28 September 2019

15 September
Arrival Delhi
Hotel Imperial
On arrival into IGI Delhi airport, you will be met by our Office Assistant, holding a
name placard followed by transfer to your hotel. Since your arrival is late night, check-in to your hotel and catch up on jetlag.

16 September
Delhi
After breakfast, proceed on a guided tour of Delhi at 0930 hours which includes the city’s world heritage sites.
Drive through New Delhi roads & sights such as India Gate, The Presidential Palace and Parliament house to get a feel for the grand new city that Sir Lutyens built in the early 1900s.

17 September
Delhi – Leh (3500 m) by flight – Stok Village by road (30 minutes)
This morning you will be transferred to the airport to board early morning scheduled flight to Leh.
Note – Check In starts 1.5 hours prior to flight departure.
Met on arrival at the Leh airport followed by transfer to your hotel in Stok Village.
On this day, it is important for you to take it completely easy to allow for good acclimatisation, taking plenty of liquid and relaxing.
Today you meet Raja Jigmet of Ladakh and interact with him, as he welcomes you to his family home (note – subject to his availability).

18 September
Leh
This morning, you can still take it easy for further acclimatisation and then go out for
a half day sightseeing only after lunch. You will be taken by a Ladakhi guide to see two local sites and walk in Leh’s main bazaar.

Shanti Stupa – Dominating Leh from a high, rocky ridge, this gigantic white spired
pudding of a stupa was built in 1991 by Japanese monks to promote world peace.
You can circumbulate to canned mantras and meditate in the Buddha Hall, but the
greatest attraction is the stunning view over Leh. Ideally, make the breathless 15-
minute climb when golden afternoon light still illuminates the city but the steps up
from Changspa are already bathed in cooling shadow.

Shey monastery, 15 Km south of Leh was constructed by the first king of Ladakh,
Lhachen Palgyigon and of successive kings. Around 12 ft Shakyamuni Buddha’s
statue made by copper guilt is the largest in the region, built by Deldan Namgyal in
1633 is a funerary memorial to his father, King Singee Namgyal. There is another
statue of the Buddha three story in height at Dresthang down the castle. Stone
carving and many chortens are scattered around the Dresthang Gompa.

This evening visit a local home in the village for a culinary class and home cooked
meal. Interact with the host family and learn about the Ladakhi lifestyle.

19 September
Leh – Likir by road (45 Kms, 1.5 hours) – Yangthang (3630 m) by trek (3 hours)

After breakfast, check out and do a short drive to Likir where you visit the monastery atop a hill, upstream of the village.

Here you meet the trek staff and mules and thereafter commence trek to Yangthang. The trail passes over a small pass of Phobe La (3550 meters) and Charatse La (3650 meters). Arrive Yangthang and camp near the stream.

20 September
Yangthang – Hemis Shukpachan (3600 m) by trek (6-7 hours)
After breakfast, gear up for the day ahead.

You walk alongside the river and trees amidst the gorge to the Rizong Monastery, which is isolated at the back of a natural amphitheatre and has three main rooms to visit, two with large Buddhas and third with a large stupa.

After visiting the gompa, you ascend gradually to the Shushut pass (4000 m). From the pass you will have a view of Hemis Shukpachan as well as surrounding peaks. An easy descent towards your camp at Hemis Shukpachan takes a couple of hours. It is one of the major villages of Sham, and the name of the village is derived from the conifers (shukpa cedar or juniper).  Visit the village for photography and interaction with the locals.

21 September
Hemischukpachen -Thimsgam by trek (4 hours) – Alchi (3100 m) by road

From Hemis Shukpachan post breakfast, you go onto a flat ground as far as ill-defined pass alongside the Chortens (stupas). A steep descent will lead you to the right side of the mountains and climb steadily on the slope towards the Mebtak La (3720 m). After a short rest and enjoying the view from the pass, you head down to the village of Ang.  From Ang, you head towards the south on the dusty jeep road to the village of Thimsgam . Thimsgam, is well famed for its monastery, and is perhaps the most affluent  village in the Sham valley for its apricots, apples, nuts and beautiful houses.

Here you meet your transport followed by drive to visit the famous and ancient Lamayuru Monastery – the oldest monastery of Ladakh.  Thereafter, proceed onwards to Alchi Village for overnight stay, with a visit to the village for photography. The village of Alchi is unmissable for the murals and carvings of its world-famous temple complex, founded in the early 11th century by ‘Great Translator’ Lotsava Ringchen Zangpo and one of the Himalaya’s great artistic treasures. The village itself is a charming and relaxing place.

22 September
Alchi – Nubra Valley (3050 m) by road (230 Kms, 6-7 hours)
After breakfast, depart for Nubra Valley via the Khardung la pass. This is one of the highest motorable roads in the world, passing over the Khardung la pass at a height of 5602 m.  The road begins from Leh itself and winds its way up to reach the Khardung la.  The views from here are magnificent and take in the Zanskar and Karakoram ranges.

After this you descend to Shyok Valley in Nubra. From the hamlet of Khalsar, which is at the far end of Shyok Valley the trail divides, one heading up along the Nubra River to the Siachen Glacier and the other to the villages of Bogdang and Turtuk, which were once a part of erstwhile Baltistan, now a part of Indian-administrated Kashmir. On arrival in the valley, proceed to your resort for check in. Later visit Hunder village and take a brief Bactrian camel ride.

Hunder – is a pretty village set among lots of trees and mingling streams and is about 7km from Diskit. Between Diskit and Hunder is an area of sand dunes, not unlike the Sahara region if one ignores the snow-capped Alps like mountains in the background. The Gompa here is about a 2km walk above the village. It is completely deserted and quite eerie. There is only a small Buddha statue and some frescoes, but the climb is worth it for the views and atmosphere.

Hunder has a palace, deserted 50 years ago and now belonging to the Hunder monastery.  Hunder is a pretty village full of religious and historical sites including the palace and monastery and a huge Chorten arch with fine paintings in the dome.

Possibility for Upgrade to TUTC’s Chamba Camp in Diskit Village for a supplement.

23 September
Nubra Valley
After breakfast, visit Samstanling Monastery in Sumur.
The picturesque village of Sumur is a charming spot in Ladakh. Calm and peaceful is what this village is all about and giving it an added beauty is the Samstanling Monastery. Set amidst scenic mountains and greens Samstanling is a popular monastery which showcases the traditional touch with shades of gold, red and white. It houses about 50 monks.
Afternoon free for independent activities.

24 September
Nubra Valley – Pangong Lake (4350 m) by road (5-6 hours)
After breakfast, check out and drive to Pangong Tso. Remainder of the day is at leisure to walk around and for many photographic opportunities. Thereafter, drive to Tangste (14 kms away) where you check-in to your fixed camp for the night with the evening at leisure.

25 September
Pangong – Stok Village by road (160 Kms, 4-5 hours)
After breakfast, check out by 0900 hours and drive to Leh, visiting Thiksey monastery enroute.

Thiksey is an imposing monastery and one of the finest examples of Ladakhi architecture. This Gompa is situated on the top of the hill and part of the Gelukpa order.

The 12-storey monastery complex contains numerous stupas, statues; Thangkha, wall paintings, swords and a large pillar engraved with the Buddha’s teachings, there are sacred shrines and a many precious objects to be seen. The successive reincarnation of the Skyabje Khampo Rinpoche act as in charge of the monastery. The main prayer hall has a 15-metre-high-seated Buddha figure. 

In the afternoon, visit the Leh office of the Snow Leopard Conservancy Trust India (weekdays during office hours only). Interact with the staff and learn about the good work being done by them in partnership with the local communities to preserve this beautiful mammal.

Thereafter proceed to your hotel in Stok Village, for the night.

26 September Leh
Enjoy the colourful Ladakh festival which is a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Ladakh spread over 4 days. The activities include archery competitions, polo matches, masked dances from the monasteries and dances by cultural troupes from the villages. There is also a grand procession/parade with musicians, dancers and cultural troupes.

27 September Leh
Continue to enjoy a second day of the Ladakh festival and imbibe in the colour and dance and music of this amazing landscape.

28 September
Leh – Delhi by flight -Depart
Early morning, you will be transferred to the Leh airport, for your flight to Delhi.

Zanskar Rafting - Ibex Expeditions

Ecotourism Society of India—Working Towards Sustainable Tourism

Ecotourism, , ,

 

Zanskar Rafting - Ibex Expeditions

Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries in India. With this pace of rampant growth, there is a need for a set of guiding principles that tour operators and the hotel industries need to be abide by, to be able to grow and prosper sustainably, in an environmentally friendly manner.

Ecotourism Society of India (ESOI) is a non-profit organisation that aims to promote and ensure environmentally responsible and sustainable practices in the tourism industry. The society was formed in 2008  by 13 widely experienced founding members from state government departments of tourism and forests, the tourism industry, wildlife conservation, NGOs and also Members of Parliament. It has been formed under the advice of the Ministry of Tourism. It is the national body for responsible tourism.

The outfit stands on three pillars:

  • Engaging in advocacy
  • Helping create policies and guidelines
  • Helping with certification

In its advocacy role, ESOI has launched national workshops on Environmental Law, Responsible Tourism and Best Practises, in partnership with WWF-India, supported by the Ministry of Tourism and state governments. These workshops allow for knowledge sharing, capacity building and a better understanding of ecotourism and its practical implementation. They also help raise awareness on the implications of unsustainable tourism and the need for green measures.

ESOI has conducted “Best Practice” workshops all over India, and has successfully managed to create state ecotourism societies as well.

The society is open for membership to conscious companies and individuals who wish to walk the sustainable path and lend support to the cause.

Some of the advantages of becoming a member of this important outfit are:

1. Exchange of environmental good practices among members
2. Sharing of best practices on responsible tourism
3. Invitation to training programs, seminars at concessional members rate
4. Use of logo on members website / stationery / publicity material to communicate  organization’s commitment to being eco-friendly organization
5. Certification of tourism enterprises
6. Society shall champion for Member’s issues concerning Ecotourism and take up with the govt. bodies for resolving the same
7. Affiliation with worldwide ecotourism bodies
8. Mention in membership directory and website
9. Visits and invitations to selected ecotourism sites
10. Membership certificate
11. Possibility of becoming an Honorary Ecotourism Warden of the Society

Mandip Singh Soin has been the Founder President, and is the Immediate Past President  of the Ecotourism Society of India. Other founding members include:

1. Dr. Venu, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Government of India;
2. PD Rai, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha;
3. Avay Shukla, (Retd.) Addl, Chief Secy, Forests, Govt of Himachal Pradesh;
4. Rakesh Mathur, Director & Principal Advisor – Zinc Hospitality, Cross Roads Hotels, Speciality Restaurants;
5. Toby Sinclair, wildlife filmmaker
6.  Sudip Sahi, UNDP Consultant
7. Krishna Kumar, former MLA and environmentalist
8. Ravi Singh, CEO, WWF India;
9. Steve Borgia, Chief Managing Director, Indeco Hotels;
10. Sarat Champati, chief naturalist
11. Jose Dominic, MD CGH Earth Hotels;
12. Niranjan Kharti, GM Environment, ITC WelcomGroup Hotels.

The Honorary Members include:

1. Shri Shilabhadra Banerjee IAS Former Secretary, Govt.of India, Min. of Tourism;
2. Shri Sujit Banerjee IAS Former Secretary, Govt.of India, Min. of Tourism;
3. Dr. H S Pabla Former PCCF, Madhya Pradesh; Retd. IFS;
4. Maharaja Gaj Singh Ji, The Maharaja of Marwar, Jodhpur;
5. Shri M.P. Bezbaruah, IAS, (Retd.) Honourable Member of North East Council (NEC).

Ibex Expeditions has been associated with ESOI since May 2009, and our association is going strong. We uphold the values of #treadlightly and encourage our travellers to avoid using single-use plastic

We recommend you to become members of this wonderful association as well.
Website: http://www.ecotourismsocietyofindia.org/

Costa Rica’s Finca Rosa Blanca: Paradise For The Conscious Traveler | Ibex Expeditions

Costa Rica’s Finca Rosa Blanca: Paradise for the Conscious Traveler

Ecotourism, Trip Departures International, , , ,

Costa Rica’s Finca Rosa Blanca: Paradise For The Conscious Traveler | Ibex Expeditions

Nestled in the hills above San José in the rugged, rainforested Costa Rica is the divine Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation and Inn. Recognised by The National Geographic as one of the Unique Lodges of the World, it is a welcome retreat where art meets nature meets incredible cuisine, and coffee!

Costa Rica’s Finca Rosa Blanca: Paradise For The Conscious Traveler | Ibex Expeditions

A labour of love of over 30 years, Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation Resort is the creation of three generations of the Jampol Family. Sylvia Jampol along with her son Glenn and his wife Teri started the dream in 1985. More than three decades later, Teri and Glenn live next door to the hotel in the organic coffee plantation which allows them to oversee the guests’ every need. Their two daughters Lily and Olivia, grew up on the grounds of Finca Rosa Blanca along with countless dogs, cats, horses, friends and family.

Glenn Jampol is an artist, and his artwork is on display at the hotel and restaurant. Mr. Jampol is also one of the pioneer advocates of the global ecotourism movement. He is one of the founding member of the outfit Global Ecotourism Network (GEN), and is considered to be one of the fathers of sustainability of Costa Rica, owing to his work in the country as president of CANAECO, a nonprofit organization with the aim of stimulating the country’s tourist activities in a responsible manner.

Costa Rica’s Finca Rosa Blanca: Paradise For The Conscious Traveler | Ibex Expeditions

The Finca Rosa Blanca embodies the spirit of sustainability. No chemicals or fertilisers are used in the coffee plantation, all waste is recycled. Over the last 25 years, the outfit has planted more than 7,000 native trees and is carbon neutral. We highly recommend this wonderful resort and meeting the wonderful owners.

World Environment Day 2019 – Beat Air Pollution | Ibex Expeditions

World Environment Day 2019 – Beat Air Pollution

Ecotourism, Responsible Tourism, ,

The United Nations’ mandated World Environment Day on 5th June every year.   Since it began in 1974, the event has grown to become a global platform for public outreach that is widely celebrated in over 100 countries.

This year, the theme revolves around air pollution. Air pollution is a man-made problem that has been responsible for early deaths of about seven million people every year, around 600,000 of whom are children. It is estimated that 90 per cent of the world’s population breathe polluted air. 

“The right to a healthy environment is fundamental to human well-being and is legally recognized by over 150 States at the national and regional levels. It should be globally reaffirmed to ensure the enjoyment of this right by everyone, everywhere while upholding the human rights principles of universality and non-discrimination,” David Boyd, the UN’s Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment said in a statement.

As travellers, we explore everything. The fresh mountain air, the warm tropical breeze, the aromatic smell trailing through winding lanes of old quarters of world cities, the powerful fumes of history in old monuments…the list goes on. Air is primary to our existence. Whether it is the cold, billowing wind of Antarctica, or the sultry breeze of Rajasthan, or the mountain air of the Himalaya, every breath we inhale adds to our experience and to our memory of that place. So it becomes important for our tribe to be aware of this primary important element of life. While policy makers have the larger responsibility of ensuring clean air for all, we as world citizens can do our bit by reducing our carbon footprint, by supporting causes and outfits that work towards reducing air pollution, and by generally advocating good clean air. After all, we have only one planet.

MANDIP SINGH SOIN AT THE 5TH MAIL TODAY TOURISM SUMMIT

Mandip Singh Soin Speaks at the 5th Mail Today Tourism Summit 2019

Ecotourism, Mentions In the Press, ,

MANDIP SINGH SOIN AT THE 5TH MAIL TODAY TOURISM SUMMIT

Indian media outfit Mail Today organised its 5th Mail Today Tourism Summit 2019 last Friday, 31st May. The event, held at the Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi, witnessed a number of thought leaders from the tourism industry to discuss ideas that could redefine the future of tourism industry. There were panel discussions on how online companies are shaping travel, luxury travel, and destinations Indians prefer.

Speaking at the panel on “Digital Nomads: How online companies are shaping travel plans”, Mandip Singh Soin, founder president, Ecotourism Society of India, commented on how awareness needs to be created towards responsible tourism, even by online companies.

Read more about the event here.

Satpura National Park: Luxury Safari to the Heart of India

Adventure Travel, Cultural Journeys, Ecotourism, Luxury Travel, Trip Departures India, Wildlife, , ,

On the 40th anniversary of Ibex Expeditions, Mandip and Anita Soin, owners and Directors, take you on an enthralling personally led deluxe journey through this forest declared as a National park in 1981. Have you considered walking in a forest in the footsteps of erstwhile explorer, Captain James Forsyth of the Bengal Lancers who traversed this forest in 1862? The Satpura Tiger reserve covers 528 km from Gujarat in the East through Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh and is an extensive forest area with unique flora and fauna and is the only tiger park in India that allows for a controlled walking safari and mobile camping access accompanied by forest guards.

We first experience a walking expedition through the forest spending two days in a mobile camp. Later we experience the deluxe Reni Pani safari lodge and engage in canoe and jeep rides, all the while enjoying the local hospitality and community interactions. We then travel to the beautiful Ahilya fort (Relaix and Chateau) in the countryside town of Maheshwar living like a royal and explore the countryside with its seamless confluence of textiles, culture, serenity, and architecture. Boat rides on the Narmada river, island picnics and drinks by the poolside sum up the high life as you retreat into a bygone era of simplicity and grace.

Since 2012, Ibex Expeditions has supported the Give Back to Nature programme of WWF India and for each participant of this journey, we will donate US $ 40 per person.

Itinerary

Arrival Delhi

On arrival into IGI Delhi airport at hours, you will be met by our Office Assistant, holding a name placard followed by transfer to your hotel. Since your arrival is late at night, check-in to your hotel and rest.

Hotel: Imperial 

Delhi

After breakfast, proceed on a guided tour of Delhi at 0930 hours which includes the city’s world heritage sites. Drive through New Delhi roads & sights such as India Gate, The Presidential Palace and Parliament house to get a feel for the grand new city that Sir Lutyens built in the early 1900s.

Meals: Breakfast

Delhi – Bhopal by plane

Early morning transfer to airport to board the scheduled flight to Bhopal. Flight AI 435  ( 0555 – 0720 hours). On arrival at Bhopal airport, transfer to your retreat on the outskirts of the town. Post lunch at 1400 hours, your private city guide will report to the hotel for a guided excursion to Sanchi stupa (45 km one way). Today, the remarkably preserved Great Stupa is the centerpiece of Sanchi’s World Heritage-listed Buddhist monuments. Return to the retreat in the evening for dinner and a good night’s sleep.

Meals: Breakfast on the plane, lunch and dinner

Hotel: Jehan Numa Retreat

Bhopal – Satpura Park by road (4-5 hours)

After breakfast, check out and drive to Satpura National Park. Satpura National Park covers 1500 sq. km of a unique Central Plateau Highland ecosystem, with rugged terrain, valleys, rivulets, waterfalls and narrow gorges. The park is rich in biodiversity and is the abode of numerous species of flora and fauna. The area’s stunning topography coupled with the abundance of wildlife it contains caters to a variety of interests and a combination of ways to explore them. In the afternoon proceed on a guided nature walk in the buffer zone. The feeling of being in the jungle with no separation between wildlife and oneself is truly exhilarating and is an experience any wildlife enthusiast would cherish. Birdwatchers and butterfly enthusiasts enjoy viewing the ample bird and butterfly life.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Hotel: Reni Pani

Satpura Park – Pachmarhi by road (2-3 hours)

Early morning after breakfast at 0630 hours, check out and drive to Panchmarhi at 0700 hours, a lovely hill station nestled in the highest peaks of Satpura. Upon reaching Pachmarhi, you will commence your descent towards Dehelia camp which will be used as the point for your first campsite. This walk is extremely unique, and patrons get a one of a kind opportunity to witness the transformation from Sal to Teak forest. The first 7 km is a steep decline to the Kanchighat where you will stop for lunch. Here, there is a wonderful perennial stream where you can take a dip and enjoy an array of colorful birdlife including Red-Whiskered Bulbul, Indian Nuthatch, Oriental White-eye, Common Tailorbird, Indian Yellow Tit and beautiful damselflies like the Stream Glory and the Stream Jewel. After lunch, you will walk another 6 km to the picturesque Dehelia camp located on the banks of the Denwa River. Your exclusive mobile camp will be set up along a lovely sandy beach on the river. Look for the Indian Giant Squirrel here. Enjoy cups of specially brewed aromatic coffee from the Chikmaglur estates in South India, in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Hotel: Private Camp

Satpura

You will wake up to the symphony of the flowing Denwa River. Breakfast will be served at 0700 hours. Today you will embark on a 16 km partly along with banks of the Denwa and in some pristine woodland habitat. As you walk along the Denwa you will be witness to the magical change in scenery that Satpura offers. High sandbanks, narrow waterways, and a beautiful confluence with the Bainganga River all await your strides. One may need to wade through knee-deep water at times to adventurously get to Jhela camp (9 km) which will be used for your lunch stop. After Jhela, you leave the Denwa river bed and walk 6 km through dry deciduous woodland towards Manakachar where your exclusive mobile camp will be set up for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Satpura

After breakfast in the camp, drive to Reni Pani lodge and check into tented rooms and cottages. After lunch, around 1430 hours you depart for a game park drive in open-top Jeeps looking for Tigers, Sloth bears, and birdlife. The state forest department guides along with the naturalists deliver a truly exhilarating experience filled with insightful knowledge on the flora and fauna that is indigenous to the Satpura Tiger Reserve. This evening you will be treated to a talk and presentation by Managing Director, Mandip Soin – ”Tales of an Explorer”.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Satpura

This morning return to the park for another game drive and resume the romance with wilderness and its many denizens. Return to the lodge around 1000 hours for breakfast. At 1130 hours, enjoy a yoga session led by Mandip Soin. Learn about various asanas such as shavasana (the dead body posture) and sukhasana (Easy sitting posture). The session will also include a guide to breathing and meditation. Duration – 45 minutes. A brief culinary class with the lodge chef is an interesting and fun way to learn about Indian cuisine early this afternoon. In the afternoon, you depart from the lodge for the Tawa Reservoir where you canoe for a few hours. Enroute you visit a local school and interact with the teachers and staff. Return to the lodge for dinner and rest.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Satpura – Bhopal by road (4-5 hours)

Early this morning, you visit the park for the last time, on a thrilling game drive. Return to the lodge for breakfast. Later check out and drive to Bhopal town via the Bhimbetka caves, a world heritage site listed by UNESCO. Your guide will meet you at the caves directly. The evening is at leisure after check-in at the Jehan Numa Palace in Bhopal.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Jehan Numa Palace

Bhopal – Maheshwar by road (5-6 hours)

After breakfast, you will check out at 1000 hours and make the last of your long drives for this trip. You will arrive late afternoon and check into the deluxe Ahilya Fort. Today you will visit the town of Maheshwar, starting with the statue of Rani Ahilya bai seated on the throne in the Rajgaddi within the fort complex. Other rooms in the fort are open for public viewing, too, and you can see other heirlooms and relics of the Holkar royal family. Ahilya Fort and the town of Maheshwar itself house several multi-tiered temples that are worth visiting. At sunset, you will go on a boat ride along the Narmada to get a different view of this unique town, and dinner will be back at the fort.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Hotel: Ahilya Fort

Maheshwar: Day excursion to Mandu

After breakfast at the Fort, drive 65 km (1 1/2 Hours) to Mandu, the 15th-century city with marvels of early Islamic architecture. Enjoy a picnic lunch near the old gates to Mandu, the Tarapur Darwaza. Mandu or the ‘City of Joy’ embodies the love of the poet Prince Baz Bahadur for his consort Rani Roopmati. The Balladeers of the region still sing about their love. Each structure in Mandu is an architectural gem. After a day filled with romance, weave your way back to the fort. This evening you will experience a hand-paddled wooden boat as it glides through hundreds of flickering lamps on the river. Local musicians will serenade you from their vessel and hotel staff will serve your local refreshments. Once you’ve reached magical Rupmati’s Island, disembark for your special candlelit dinner. Return to the fort after dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Maheshwar – Indore airport by road (2-3 hours) – Delhi by flight – International departure

After breakfast, check out by 0830 hours and transfer to Indore airport to board the scheduled flight to Delhi. 6E 509 (0945 – 1115 hours). On arrival at Delhi airport, transfer to hotel Trident Gurgaon, where a room is reserved for day use only. This evening/night transfer to International airport to board onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast

To know more about this journey this year, please get in touch with us at ibex@www.ibexexpeditions.com