Shakti Himalaya, which organizes private walking journeys for the sophisticated traveler through the most compellingly beautiful and remote regions of the Indian Himalayas, is launching new Sacred Journeys for the spiritually curious to explore the Buddhist and Hindu faiths of the mountain communities as they walk through these spellbinding landscapes.
Shakti Ladakh – seven nights (operates from May – September each year)
Guided by a Buddhist monk, guests will encounter many different facets of Ladakh’s religious experience on this fascinating journey through the region. The days will begin with yoga and meditation from a private tutor, followed by breathtaking walks through the Himalayan scenery. The walks will take in a number of beautiful Buddhist monasteries, dating back to the 10th century, as well as cultural locations and fascinating viewpoints that will illuminate the Buddhist way of life, meditation, history, culture and religion. The walks will be punctuated by exquisite, healthy Indian cuisine cooked by a private chef, as well as picnics in perfect spots along the walks. During the journey, guests can take the chance to white water raft to the confluence of the Zanskar and Indus Rivers, or to cycle as part of their trip to their next Village House. Their bags will be transported from location to location and each evening will be brought to a close with gentle stretching and breathing exercises by the yoga guru, or with the opportunity to consult the local Amchi (Tibetan medicine man), or a local oracle said to healing powers. The final day of the journey will see guests rise at dawn to visit Thiksey monastery to join the monks for early morning prayers, an intensely spiritual experience, not to be missed.
Shakti Himalaya offers an eight-day ‘Sacred Journey in Ladakh’ journey from USD $ 8294 per person, including the Shakti Ladakh Village Walk on a fully inclusive basis, all activities, accompanying English speaking guide, mediation and yoga teacher, private chef, and porters, car at disposal and taxes, with transfers between Leh Airport and the village experience.
Shakti Sikkim (pictured) – five nights (operates from October – mid-April each year)
Explore the mystical kingdom of Sikkim on foot, walking from house to house in complete comfort. The tone will be set on the first evening with a Sikkimese welcome ceremony by the owners, upon arrival at Hatti Dunga house. As with the Ladkah experience, mornings will be begin with private yoga sessions, early morning prayers in the monastery, meditation and time to enjoy a cup of hot tea, looking out over the mountain backdrop or beautiful surrounding forests and flowers, particularly the famed rhododendrons. Guests will walk sedately through Sikkim, enjoying picnic lunches, visiting traditional Lepcha houses, an organic farm and visiting a local Red Panda wildlife sanctuary. Once back in the evenings, they will explore the Buddhist way of life with a fascinating experience with the Lama of Enchey Monastery, who has been studying Buddhist philosophy for over 26 years, and by taking part in a Hindy healing ritual and authentic cultural programme on the final evening. Thoughout the experience, guests will dine on the magnificent produce of Sikkim’s organic farming policy.
Shakti Himalaya offers six day ‘Sacred Journey in Sikkim’ from USD $5678 per person, including the Shakti Sikkim Village Walk on a fully inclusive basis, all activities, accompanying English speaking guide, mediation and yoga teacher, private chef, and porters, car at disposal and taxes, with transfers between Bagdogra Airport and the village experience.
Every experience directly supports the small, rural communities that the guests encounter, helping to protect their futures, and allowing guests to immerse themselves fully in these ancient cultures. Guests head off the beaten track to untouched villages, accompanied by local porters and guides, staying in authentic mountain houses, that have been beautifully design by the Shakti team, recovering from a day’s walking with delicious Indian cuisine. Providing authentic experiences of local life, the walks are the perfect antidote to the frenetic world that most live in.
Each Shakti Himalaya itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to the guests’ needs and preferences each day.
For booking or information contact: www.shaktihimalaya.com / +44 203 151 5177 / info@shaktihimalaya.com
