Monthly Archives: June 2010

The Grand Canyon of the Colorado!!

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A trip that I am definitely going on, come with me.


THE GRAND CANYON OF THE COLORADO
Monday 18th April 2011 – Thursday 5th May 2011
(Arrival and departure dates into and out of Las Vegas Nevada)

It is the most famous river trip in the world…. And with good reason. Journeying for 14 days and 226 miles down the Colorado river is the smallest part of this trip. We get a chance to explore the Grand Canyon from within, with its scenic side hikes and spectacular waterfalls. You’ll camp on expansive sandy beaches retracing the expedition of Major John Wesley Powell in 1867 and visit ancient Indian ruins. There is frequently a two-year waiting list for a commercial trip and up to 18 years for a private trip. We are so happy to have this departure date and very much hope you will be able to join us on a trip of a lifetime. April is a wonderful time to raft the Grand Canyon. The Canyon is greener than normal and water flows are excellent.

“Now the danger is over, now the toil has ceased, now the gloom has disappeared, now the firmament is bounded only by the horizon, and what a vast expanse of constellations can be see! The river rolls by us in silent majesty; the quiet of the camp is sweet; our joy is ecstasy. We sit long after midnight talking of the Grand Canyon, talking of home.”

Powell’s Journal, Major John Wesley Powell

Your Fun Filled Itinerary!

Day One:
You’ll be met on arrival at Las Vegas airport, Nevada by our trip leader who will take you to your hotel on the Las Vegas Strip. No matter how tired you are from your long flight from India, this place will wake you up! It’s Disneyland for grown ups! Settle in for a good rest before we make our way to Arizona tomorrow and that one step closer to rafting the Grand Canyon.
(No meals included)

Day Two:
We’ll leave Vegas around 10 am and take in the gorgeous drive to Flagstaff, Arizona (4-5 hrs). We will drive past the Hoover Dam, which holds up Lake Mead at the end of the Grand Canyon. This was an amazing engineering feat in itself, but when you consider it was built in 1936, it is truly sensational. Flagstaff is typical small town America but has a number of fantastic restaurants and bars to explore at your leisure. We will have a pre-departure meeting prior to dinner and pass out some equipment for your trip. This will be your last chance to purchase any last minute items for your trip. The crew will have Chums (glasses retainers) hats and caps.
(Included: Breakfast)

Day Three:
We meet for breakfast early! At 7.30am we’ll take the gorgeous drive to our rafting put in point at Lees Ferry (3 hrs), just below Glen Canyon dam. You’ll be outfitted with the remainder of the equipment, given a full and comprehensive safety talk as well as paddle instructions. As we float off downstream, you are about to embark on one of the best river journeys in the world. The History as well as geology of this area is astounding in its beauty.
(All meals Included)

Days Three To Fifteen: (Zero to Six hrs a day)
Each day we run amazing rapids such as the famous Crystal, Granite and the original Lava as well as awesome blast rapids such as Hermit! White sandy beaches, gorgeous side hikes everyday. Many people never get to sample the beauty of the Grand Canyon from within…. For those of you who have seen it from the rim, that in itself is a stunning experience, set amidst gorgeous granite and marble walls, we sleep on beaches with just the river in the background to send us to sleep. We visit ancient Indian ruins high above the river and view the scenic beauty of this canyon. We run the rapids and see where Major John Powell ran these rapids and this gorge in the late 1800’s in wooden dories. Similar boats are still in use in the Canyon!
There is ample time to adjust to river life during the trip. You wont need watches, cell phones or to worry about anything. This trip offers 100% relaxation.
We have no “fixed” itinerary for this trip, preferring instead to set ourselves up for hikes and ruins that we can do as a group. This adaptability allows us to remain on our own and away from other groups that may be in the canyon at the same time to us.
All meals included days three – fifteen.

Days Sixteen:
Your trip on the river finishes at Diamond Creek where we are met and taken back to Flagstaff (3-4 hrs) for our post trip meal. You have reason to feel proud of yourself! You have completed one of the best river trips in the world. We overnight in Flagstaff at the Grand Canyon River house. You’ll get the chance to look at some of your DVD of the trip and decide if you would like to purchase this. We’ll prepare you an amazing Cajun Boil tonight, a meal traditional to the area and a great way to spend your last night in Flagstaff.
Included: All meals

Day Seventeen:
We depart Flagstaff for our drive back to Las Vegas. Tonight, it may well be a great idea to all go out for an amazing meal at the revolving restaurant on top of the Stratosphere for the best views in Vegas. Bring your nice clothes… they have a dress code!
Included: Breakfast

Day Eighteen:
After breakfast, you’ll be dropped back at the airport for your flight back home after a trip of a lifetime.
Included: Breakfast

Cost Details : US$ 5500

What Is Included
• Transfers to and from Las Vegas Airport. We request that you are there on Day One, two days before your rafting trip departs (as described above). Transfers are also provided from Flagstaff to Lees Ferry (the start point) and from Diamond Creek back to Flagstaff after the trip.
• Accommodation for 2 nights in Las Vegas (one before and one after the rafting trip) and 2 nights in Flagstaff night (before and after the river trip) in a tourist hotel. On your last night in Flagstaff we will stay in The Grand Canyon River house, which is more basic than the pre-trip hotel, but we will give you an amazing meal, which is traditional in this area. This will be on a share twin basis with somebody else on the trip. Single supplements available for Vegas and Flagstaff hotel ONLY USD$170.
• All transfers to and from the river.
• All meals from breakfast on Day Three to dinner on Day Sixteen. Also included breakfast on Days two, seventeen and eighteen. We can cater for most dietary requests, just let us know!
• All rafting equipment, including the best in buoyancy aids, helmets, and spray jackets.
• Tented accommodation whilst on the river.
• All camping equipment including camping mattresses and sleeping bags* If you feel the cold, bring plenty of layers, because it can be cool in the evening..
• Qualified and experienced guides. The crux of our trips, we have a mixture of local and overseas guides who are extremely professional and are some of the most experienced guides in the world. These guys and girls make every effort to make your trip memorable and fun for you whilst at the same time ensuring your safety. They all hold advanced first aid qualifications and in the unlikely event of an injury they have the expertise and professionalism to deal with it.
• All necessary permits and licenses.

Please Note: Not included are flights, visas, departure taxes, travel insurance, inoculations, video or DVD of your trip, alcohol, personal items or gratuities. You will also need to budget for meals in town, which are not included in the price and any extra accommodation outside what is provided.

Holiday Options & Extensions
If you are interested in having a few more days (or weeks!) in America then the choice is endless. Depending on your available time there are everything from trips to National Parks, to an insight into the Vegas nightlife. We can recommend the following and suggest if you are interested in any of them to have a chat to our office staff who will be more than happy to give you the cost and low down on the different activities.

Las Vegas
If you are looking to stay on longer or arrive earlier than your scheduled days, we can arrange extra nights at a cost of $25 per person per night if you book early. Single rooms are $50 per night. The bright lights, oxygen filled casinos are an amazing place to visit in our opinion for a short period of time. Check out only places you have seen on TV, ride the roller coaster at New York, New York, or visit Caesars Palace and the MGM Grand. For advise on where to stay and what to do there, please contact our office teams in the UK or US.

National Parks
The US has some incredible National Parks to explore in this region. If you want to extend your stay in the USA, may we suggest a trip to the incredible Zion Park in Utah. Alternatively, check out Canyon lands or Bryce Canyon. This is truly breathtaking scenery.

Mountain Biking in Moab
For those of you fat tire enthusiasts, we can highly recommend a few days up on the slick rock landscapes of Moab. Mountain Biking trails abound here for the recreational, the hardcore biker.

Grand Canyon Flight
If you want a bird’s eye view of the trip you have just completed, there are plenty of options for a helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon. These leave from Vegas or the town of Grand Canyon. Contact us if you would like details or make a booking.

Grand Canyon Skywalk
The Hualapai Indians recently completed the ambitious project of constructing the Grand Canyon Skywalk over the edge of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Walking on reinforced glass 4000 feet above the bottom of the Grand Canyon is not for the faint hearted, but you will be rewarded with out of this world views.

Getting There:

BEFORE YOU TRAVEL
Ensure you have got a VISA before traveling to the United States. This should be organized well in advance before your planned travel date. No responsibility or refund will be given to participants who have not completed the relevant VISA process or are denied entry into the US.

FROM INDIA
Plenty of regular flight options exist to the US from Delhi and Mumbai. Your best connections will be to Los Angeles and an onward flight to Las Vegas from there. United, Continental and Air India all offer flights.

Climate & Water Levels:
Water Flows are controlled by Glen Canyon Dam and as such flows are consistently good from April to September. Its the only river we do anywhere in the world that the tide goes in and out! Temperatures are usually between 25-40 degrees Celsius with nighttime temperatures 10 – 20 degrees lower. Rain? We never know for sure when it will rain. It is extremely impressive if it does… the waterfalls and side streams are amazing. Bring a rain jacket just in case, but we also provide a spray jacket for on the river. We also suggest a thermal top. Even if it’s warm, the river is VERY cold. Under 40 degrees Fahrenheit!

Geology:
The Grand Canyon is a relatively recent surface feature etched into the face of a far older world. The Colorado River drainage and the Grand Canyon have developed in the past 40 million years but the rock strata the river cuts though represent more than a third of the earth’s 4.6 billion year history. Our trip leaders and guides are on hand to provide you with their immense knowledge in this area.

Wildlife:
There is a wide variety of wildlife on the Canyon if you keep your eyes peeled! You may see Desert Bighorn sheep, bobcats and mountain lions, or smaller species such as lizards or the infamous rattlesnake.

Exploration History:
The Indians were the first settlers in this area and there are still many Indian Reservations in this area. We’ll experience first hand the history of this area by visiting ancient food granaries and other historical relics. We’ll see and possibly meet Hualapai and Havasupai Indians.
Major John Wesley Powell was the first major explorer of the Colorado River. His diaries make excellent reading if you have the chance to get a copy to take on the river with you. He ran the majority of the river in wooden dories with the help of relatives and colleagues. Some left part way through the expedition on foot, and were never seen again. You will see examples of dories on the riverbanks left there from the early exploration days of this great unknown.

Beer Kitty:
We provide water and lemonade during the day. All hot drinks are provided. Generally on all our other trips people put in for a beer kitty. Work out how many beers you would like each evening and we will collect the money the night before the trip. Let us know your preferences for the trip, beer wine or marguerittas! We also suggest you bring a plastic bottle of your favourite drink and we’ll take it with us. Please let us know prior to your arrival if you require any special mixers for your drinks.

Fishing:
Please let us know if you are interested in this before the trip and we will organize some fishing licenses for you. You can catch trout, carp and catfish. Fish and chips anyone?

Dress Code:
Dress is casual around camp. Obviously get out your “glad rags” for the post trip meal in Flagstaff and Las Vegas! Due to the temperature fluctuations between the river and the outside temperature, we recommend long light trousers to cover your legs during the day, as well as a long sleeved business shirt. Make sure you also have a good wide brimmed sunhat for on the raft during the day.

Personal Equipment:
After years on the river the guides have found exactly what is necessary to feel comfortable on the raft by day, cozy around the camp at night and totally in style in town before and after trips! Therefore our equipment list will mean that you will be perfectly attired and outfitted for your whole trip and well under the baggage allowance – river guides are famous for being light travelers (one has to be when a kayak is often in tow!). A full list of what we recommend will be sent to you upon booking conformation. We find that most people already have in their possession what is needed for a rafting trip and very little if anything in specialized equipment is needed to be bought. Perhaps the only thing that we specifically recommend for America is PLENTY of sunscreen.

Visa Requirements
Please ensure you have a machine-readable passport or one of the new biometric passports. Visitors from the following countries do not need to apply for a visa before arrival into the United States providing you are traveling for less than 90 days. Andorra, Iceland, Norway, Australia, Ireland, Portugal, Austria, Italy, San Marino, Belgium, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, Liechtenstein. Slovenia, Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Finland, Monaco, Sweden, France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. There is no cost involved for these nationalities, however upon entry into the United States you will be required to have your photo taken and be finger printed.

Exchange Rates
The US remains relatively in expensive for certain items, notably food and fuel. Exchange rates at the time of printing are 1€ is equivalent to $1.10 and £1 was equivalent to roughly $1.48. $1 buys 45 Indian Rupees

What Is Supplied
• Tents on twin share
• All river running equipment
• Spray jackets for on the river.
• Sleeping bag with sheet
• Eating Utensils
• Ground cloth and foam pad
• All meals while on the river
• A small pelicase for your camera
• Waterproof duffel bag
• Shuttle from Flagstaff to Lee’s Ferry and from Diamond Creek to Flagstaff at end of trip
• Music for the trip.

What You Need To Bring
• Camera and plenty of film or spare memory card for your digital camera. We also suggest extra batteries.
• Small pillow
• Personal toilet articles:
• Large brim hat with chin strap, or baseball cap with tie on strap
• Towel & washcloth
• 2 pairs shoes (we suggest a pair of hiking boots and a pair of Chaco Sandals [chacosan.com]
• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Sunscreen SPF 50+ /moisturizing lotion/ lip balm SPF 50 +
• Soap & shampoo (biodegradable)
• Light coat/windbreaker or sweatshirt (Spring trips need heavier coat)
• Other t-shirts cos we are bored with the other smelly one!
• Rain coat
• Shirts -long & short sleeved, only fashionable items. You will need a loud Hawaiian shirt for the post trip meal….
• Long sleeved business shirts are good for sun protection
• 2 pair eyeglasses or spare contacts with tie on strap such as Chums (we have these available for purchase)
• Pants (of quick drying fabric work best)
• Sunglasses with tie-on strap such as Chums (we have these available for purchase.)
• Shorts
• 2 medium sized plastic water bottles (for taking on hikes) We recommend Nalgene or Sigg What is also a good idea is a Camelback for hikes which can carry a bladder of water plus some clothes and snacks for hiking.
• Karabiner for attaching water bottle to raft
• Swimsuit (s) please note guys…. No banana hammocks
• Flashlight or Headlamp + extra batteries.
• 2 sets of thermal underwear. Long sleeved tops and bottoms. One set for the river and one set for the evening.

Fitness and Safety:
The Colorado is a great trip. There are no specific requirements for this trip although we do recommend a reasonable standard of fitness to get the most out of the trip. The side hikes are great. At times we will do some loops away from the river and meet up with the rafts again downstream from where we left them. We recommend that you exercise regularly; running, walking or swimming, a month or two before the trip, to maximize your fun on this amazing river. Please let us know, quietly if you wish) if you have any medical conditions or are taking any medications that could affect you throughout the course of the trip that you think we should be aware of.

Finally…
Please remember that things do change, prices go up and down, activities stop running or change format and weather can send the best laid plans out the door. We will do our best to provide what is described above but please take into consideration the nature of the journey that you are embarking on and the country that you are traveling in and understand that a certain degree of flexibility is necessary!

Guides
The key to you any great adventure are the guides that accompany you. Not only will your American team guide you safely down the river by day, they’ll transform into amazing chefs and entertainers and give you incredible insight into local wildlife, customs and history. Here is a sample of who may accompany you on your trip.

USA FACTS

Full name: United States of America
Population: 290 million
Area: 9.63 million sq km
Capital City: Washington DC
People: 71% Caucasian, 21% African American, 12% Latino, 4% Asian,
0.9% Native American
Language: English, Spanish, Native American languages
Religion: 56% Protestant, 28% Roman Catholic, 2% Jewish
Government: constitution-based federal republic (apparently)
Major industries: Oil, electronics, computers, automobile, manufacturing, aerospace industries, agriculture, telecommunications, chemicals, mining, processing and packaging.
Time Zone: Eastern Time GMT –5
Central time GMT –6
Mountain time GMT –7 (Arizona) Presently –8 Due to UK Daylight Saving
Pacific standard GMT –8

Electricity: 120V, 60hz
Currency: US Dollar
Exchange Rate 1 USD: 45.7 Indian Rupees
1 USD: £0.675 pence
1 USD: EURO0.81 centimes

Average cost of a meal: Budget US$ 3-10
Mid-range US$ 10-15

American Slang

How y’all doing: How are you
A whole ‘nother: Something completely different
Air head: lacking in brains
Blow a fuse: Lose your temper
Rugrats: children
Y’all have a good day now!: Have a nice day
Blow chunk: Vomit
“Chill, dude!”: Relax please
Da bomb!: An expression of good stuff, as in “That gig last night was da bomb, dude!”
Limey: English person
Ya’ll: (Southern US) you all
24/7 : 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Pond : The Atlantic Ocean
Dork :A person without social graces (“dweeb, nerd, geek”).
Dude: Cool person
Drop the ball : to mess something up.

Did you know?

The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long. The rock strata that the river cuts through represents more than a third of the earth’s 4.6 billion year history.

Major John Wesley Powell was the first person to explore the Colorado River in 1869. Normal Nevills began commercial river runs in 1938.

Cancellation Policy:

Final payment are due by December 10th 2010. If payments are not in on time, trip will be cancelled or any spaces not paid for will be cancelled.

All cancellations lose $750.00 deposit. All deposits are Non-Refundable.

Passengers who cancel cannot be substituted for new passengers. Payments are non-transferable.

All passengers who cancel will be charged cancellation fee.

All cancellations within 120 days prior to the trip forfeit the entire tour cost.
We are strict with our policy and strongly suggest your clients purchase travel insurance prior to your trip. For best coverage clients must purchase insurance within 14 days of paying their initial deposit.

We require a minimum of 12 paying guests and a maximum of 16 paying guests. If minimum numbers are not reached by August, an option exists to book onto another trip on the 8th – 25th May 2011 with the same itinerary as above. This will be on a Space Available basis.

Ladakh and Zanskar – the last frontier

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With more than 25 years in the field of Adventure Travel.

I am now using my knowledge and expertise to periodically bring to you a pick of the best adventure trips being offered in our country. Some of which I do also join.

Please note that any trip I recommend is :

1.Most likely one I have personally done before or would definitely do.

2.Run by complete professionals who take care of not only the fun and enjoyment, but have a standard and safety record of the highest.

3.Is a trip that will give you the best the area chosen has to offer, with people who are some of the best to explore it with.

So here is a magical trip that I highly recommend. Read on and join us.

Zanskar Update

“There is nothing whatever to do. That is Leh’s charm…nothing to do but to slow down, relax, laze, to become one vast transparent eye” Andrew Harvey A Journey in Ladakh

A Zanskar – Ladakh expedition adventure. Its one of the best ways to visit Ladakh. It is certainly not a strenuous trip, and besides being the only way to visit the canyon of the Zanskar, it has great hiking options nearly every day on the trip.
We have two departures, so do decide soon on which departure you would like to be on, and revert soonest so we can block space for you.If you are a large group we would suggest take the second dates.

Aquaterra Adventures, a leading adventure operator, are pioneers in adventure travel throughout the Indian Himalaya, offering the widest range of adventure travel products, from soft adventure trips to challenging expedition travel. They lay tremendous emphasis on safety, meticulous planning and top-notch guides and equipment. Add to that efficient staff, guides current in First Aid and CPR certification, excellent camp cuisine and an eco-friendly approach to travel.

LADAKH – An Introduction

Ladakh lies in the eastern half of the state of Jammu & Kashmir in the far north of India. It shares its much disputed north western border with Pakistan, while to the north lies the Chinese province of Sinkiang, and to the east, Chinese occupied Tibet. It covers an area of approximately 60,000 sq. kms.And ranges from 2600 metres to 7670 metres in elevation, making it the largest and highest district in India. Ladakh is sandwiched between two mountain systems – the Karakorams to the north and the Himalayas in the south. Ladakh can basically be divided into five geographical regions – Central Ladakh(the heartland of the Indus valley), Nubra(lying to the north of the Ladakh range), Rupshu (a dry, high altitude plateau lying in the south-east of Ladakh, Zanskar(one of the highest inhabited regions in the world) and western Ladakh or Lower Ladakh (around Kargil).

Ladakh really is a “Little Tibet”. Although Tibet is politically part of China today, Ladakh, like parts of Nepal, is situated on the Tibetan plateau.Ladakh has many Tibetan refugees who fled Tibet with the invasion from China.The daunting height of the Himalaya adds to its isolation, even today the main road routes to Ladakh remain closed for more than six months of each year. Until 1979, there were no regular civilian flights into Ladakh so from October to June the region was completely cut off.

Today, it is full of amazing sights – strange gompas perched on soaring hilltops, dwarfed by snow capped mountains, the barren shattered looking landscapes splashed with small, brilliant patches of green and ancient palaces clinging to sheer rock walls. But most of all it is notable for its delightful people – friendly as only Tibetans can be and immensely colorful.

Our Journey to Zanskar

We will pass the airport and Spituk gompa on our way, travelling west of Leh towards Kargil. After the army camps, the road rises upto a plateau and passes the diversion to Phiyang gompa. After 36 kms of leaving Leh, we reach Nimu, the confluence of the Zanskar with the Lion river, the Indus.

The next 60 kms are a culture vulture’s dream. 06 kms after Nimu we pass the temples and derelict fort at Basgo.Another 10 kms, we reach the painted caves at Saspol. The historic gompa of Alchi is only a 4 km diversion from here.

26 kms further down the road we reach Khalsi where the road crosses the Indus river and slowly winds its way 27 kms upto the beautiful gompa at Lamayuru. On the left, just before reaching the village, there are great views of the ‘moonlands’. We continue climbing for 15 kms upto the highest pass on the route, the Fatu La (13,450ft). After 36 more kms we cross another pass, the Namika La (12,210ft) and then the road descends 15 kms to the village of Mulbekh. Just before the village, there is an ancient 9 metre sculpture of Maitreya, or future Buddha carved into the rock. From Mulbekh, the Wakha river leads upto the cliff face gompa of Gyal.

41 kms further is the town of Kargil which marks the transition to a predominantly Muslim area from where one can either continue west to Kashmir or take the rough road south up the Suru valley into Zanskar, which is our destination.

From Kargil, the road runs south upto the Suru valley for 67 kms upto Panikhar. The Balti settlements along this valley are surrounded by lush fields growing a wide variety of crops and fruits ; the villages may seem rather untidy and in a state of disrepair. As we gain height the mighty snow capped peaks of Nun (23,410ft) and Kun (23,220 ft) begin to dominate the view.

The road swings to the east for 63 kms, past the last Muslim settlement of Parkachik, to the Buddhist Gelukpa monastery of Rangdum, sitting astride a small hill in the middle of a wide plain.

The Pensi La (14,440 ft), which is the entrance to Zanskar is only 20 kms from here. The road descends to the Stod or Doda river which it now follows past the well cared for Zanskari villages to Padum (90 kms), the capital of Zanskar. A little more than a large village, it has a surprisingly large Muslim population, mainly Baltis from the Kargil area, who have settled here since the mid 17th century.


THE LADAKH – ZANSKAR EXPEDITION

Aug 7-18 and Aug 21-Sep 01, 2010

Trip Overview

Our trip begins in Leh with an early morning scenic flight. On a clear day, you could see as far as K2. We land in very barren landscape as the plane nearly skims the sides of Spituk gompa on one of the most difficult landings in the world.

Be prepared to be frisked a lot on this flight – this is a high security flight. Keep a pen and your passports handy – visitor’s registration needed when we land at the airport.

Leh, where the altitude of 11,500 feet makes you lightheaded and the simplest chore — climbing a few stairs or struggling with a tight sleeping bag could leave you short of breath. Many people may need up to 24 hours to acclimatize. Headaches and breathlessness usually can be controlled with rest and very light exercise, if any.

A three-day ride to the put-in point on the Stod River traverses mile after mile of empty valleys, past millennia-old glaciers and up dizzying mountain passes 14,000 feet high.

The Zanskar river trip is graded as being medium difficult, over its 110-mile, six-day white-water rafting expedition. Its scenic beauty and landscape is such that you’d be thrilled to have signed up for this yearly feature.

The Zanskar is one of India’s most remote, most isolated and little-traversed rivers.

More than half our journey will pass through an otherwise inaccessible gorge, where each bend in the river brings yet another astounding array of color and shape.

Water temperatures will vary between 9-11 degrees Celsius.You will be outfitted with wetsuits, booties, gloves, and splash jackets under your lifejackets.The sun is extremely fierce, and large amounts of protective layering, caps, sunshades and sun block are needed.

A day on the road will typically begin by 6 am for long 8-9 hour drives with lunch enroute and we will reach Kargil on the first day to have our last shower for nine days.The next two days are over a mainly un-tarred road to the plains of Rangdum and onwards to the put-in at Remala, on the Stod river which meets the Tsarap Chu river downriver of Padum, to form the Zanskar river.

At Remala, we say goodbye to our duffel bags and transfer all that we need for the next six nights into large dry bags, to be shared by 2 persons.Pack carefully.We will carry these on rafts till our take out at Nimu.

Our trip starts with a safety briefing by your guides – rafts used may be oar / paddle assist or only paddle rafts. The first two days on the river are easy and on the third day, we enter the gorge of the Zanskar, where sheer walls rise 2500-3000 feet above the river.

We are on the river for a total of six rafting days plus one day dedicated to a hike into a Zanskar village.A river day begins with breakfast at 7 am by which time; you are expected to vacate your tent so packing can begin. You may help with setting up and packing up of tents. We aim to usually be on river by 9am and reach our camp for the day by 2-3pm, if not earlier. Lunch is usually had on river, and cocktail hour is at sundown each evening. Please remember to carry ample quantities of your favorite poison – there will be no local produce to bank on !

You will sleep inside 4 season tents, which can withstand extreme weather conditions.Karri mats are provided for you to sleep on and are placed under your sleeping bag.If you own a thermorest, please bring it along. Toilets are the great outdoors for most – we also carry toilet tents to use for ladies and whoever may care to give up the joy of having a nicer view.

Our crew of guides will also be supplemented by a cooking crew, which would prepare the days meals for the 8 days that we are camping out.Menus vary from Indian fare to Chinese, pasta, cold cuts, sandwiches, eggs etc.. You will be surprised by the variety.We provide you safe drinking water throughout the expedition – we use only the best – KATADYN EXPEDITION water filtration system, which is used by most wilderness expeditions, including those going to Mt. Everest.

The entire crew moves together in a totally self-contained manner like a tight knit unit. All food, water and shelter, is carried on rafts and a cataraft.Which is why we need to use discretion while packing – see the packing list.

We carry a pretty comprehensive first aid kit on the trip but it will help for you all to carry some easy to access medicine on the trip, for headaches, diarrhea, constipation, and some re-hydration powders like Electral etc. It’s also a good idea to have a roll of toilet paper accessible should you need to go.

Activity Level

Our expedition trips are designed for energetic and flexible people who have the spirit of adventure and a positive attitude.Previous experience in the outdoors and camping helps, though is not a must. These trips are participatory in nature, and everyone is expected to pitch in,set up and break down their own tent, clean their own dishes and help with loading and unloading the rafts.

Altitude considerations :

Travel to any part ofLadakh deserves a little more respect than many other high altitude destinations because the whole region lies over 2600 meters (8500 ft). People in good health should not get alarmed by this but if you have a medical condition such as high blood pressure, heart or lung disease, you must take the advise of a doctor who has experience with the effects of altitude. We do not take heart or lung patients, or pregnant mothers on this expedition.

Any kind of exercise which gets you fitter before this trip is advisable, as it will enable you to enjoy the region more, even though all hikes are optional andthe rafting not of a very strenuous nature.

Headache, Nausea & Dizziness, Loss of appetite, Fatigue, Shortness of breath, Disturbed sleep, General feeling of malaise are fairly common symptoms on arrival by air into Leh. These can also be tackled by complete rest on Day 1, sleeping well and drinking lots of fluids (atleast 4-6 litres of the non-alcoholic kind!) and not smoking too much. On all our Ladakh trips till date, nearly all have acclimatised very well and we have had only one instance of a person being in hospital on the first night, on oxygen after which she seemed to have extra bundle of energy throughout the trip.

Services provided

In remote regions, we often use local suppliers who provide services that may include vehicles for transportation, equipment, logistical support, hotels, guest houses etc. We do not own or operate these independent services or suppliers. We work with them as they share our commitment to service and quality.

Note: Flights to Leh and back are extremely difficult to book during the season. We normally have an airline block which expires 45 days before the trip date. Should you wish to extend your stay in Leh, please put in a request at the time of booking.

Cost per person: Rs. 59,000 plus airfare Delhi-Leh-Delhi Rs. 21,500/person

Total cost per person including return airfare and 2.575% service tax:

Rs. 82,573/-

Whats Included: all travel from Delhi and back to Delhi by road/ rail / air as applicable (by air and non ac car / jeep / coach), all arrangements for staying and camping while on the trip, accommodation on twin share basis in tents / rest houses / hotels, all meals including those at Leh / Kargil hotels, professional guide fee,all rafting, kayaking and safety equipment with India’s most experienced guiding team, expert leadership, camp staff, cook etc.

Whats not :airport transfers in Delhi, any stay and meals in Delhi, bottled water / alcoholic beverages at Leh / Kargil hotels, restaurant meals outside Leh/Kargil hotels, sleeping bag, items of personal clothing,expenses of a personal nature like laundry, phone calls, alcohol, cigarettes, basic medical and evacuation insurance;any costs arisingoutof unforeseen circumstances suchasbadweather, landslides,roadconditions and any other circumstancesbeyondour control.

Rates quoted are on twin share. If you prefer single accommodation, the single supplement is Rs. 7500. If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodation, we will try our best to find you a roommate. If that is not possible, you will need to pay a “forced” single supplement of Rs. 3750.

Booking conditions: All bookings are subject to availability of space . We book space on a 100% advance.

 

The Next Step

Ready to go? Email me at pavanemann@gmail.com and I will forward the booking form and payment details to you.

IMPORTANT NOTE: AQUATERRA ADVENTURES (I) PVT. LTD.‚ reserves the right to change, alter or cancel a trip due to any reason or extraordinary circumstance like dangerous water levels, landslides, bad weather etc..This right will be exercised in the best interest of your safety, and for the well being of an individual or group of individuals.

What to expect :

Temperatures : temperatures on the trip will vary from a maximum of 24 degrees to minimum 10 degrees Celsius. Its best to be prepared for lower temperatures due to wind chill or the weather turning bad.The days are hot and the nights refreshingly cool.

What to carry : Keep it light – although what you carry with you is a very personal decision. Some of our guests love to travel as light as possible while others are only happy when they have countless bits of equipment for every possible occurrence, most of which will never be used.The list below covers all essentials that you must carry.

A day pack is great to carry things that you will need throughout the day, such as your camera, water bottle, packed lunch, waterproofs, a fleece or a jumper.

Good footwear is very important – most trails in Ladakh are pretty rough and steep so a good pair of shoes is important. Sandals work well on the raft (even though you have wetsuit booties as an option) and also for visiting monasteries (where footwear needs to be taken on and off, frequently). Socks, both for walking and a pair of warm ones for keeping feet warm inside the tent at night, is a good bet.

Clothes: A good base layer which could be a thermal top (polypropylene), with a T-shirt on top will keep you warm and dry. Mid layers provide insulation so anything that is warm will do e.g. a medium thickness woolen jumper or a mid-weight fleece top, along with another lightweight fleece top will suffice. If you really feel the cold, substitute the thinner layer with a down jacket. The outer layer is the final layer between you and the elements and must be capable of keeping out the wind, rain and snow. Any good waterproof, windproof jacket would do the job. Leg wear in the form of thermal long johns are invaluable. Cotton trousers or long skirts (long skirts for ladies also double as a `port-a-loo’) worn over this layer can keep you very comfortable. A good sun hat is very essential. Sunglasses which offer 100% UV protection are necessary to combat strong daylight.

A good quality sleeping bag ensures a good nights sleep after a long day outdoors. Do not compromise on your sleeping bag – err on the side of carrying a warmer bag, than carrying a light one which may give you many sleepless nights.

Carry any personal medication that you may need, or let us know should you be suffering from any particular ailment.

How to carry: Its best to carry your belongings in a large, tough duffel bag or a big rucksack.A bum / waist bag is handy to have your camera, film rolls, flashlights (handy when visiting monasteries) and a guidebook, when you are sightseeing.Pack similar things such as clothes, washing things, camping equipment etc. in separate stuff sacks or polythene bags so they are easier to pull out and add to the waterproofing in your bag.

CHECKLIST FOR ESSENTIAL PERSONAL ITEMS:

01. Warm Sleeping Bag (till 0’C or below at least)

02. Woollens/thermal underwear

03. Wind/rain proof jacket

04. Hiking/trekking shoes ; spare sandals

05. Woollen socks

06. Water Bottle

07. Flash Light and spare batteries – important

08. Sun Shade/Hat with Brim/woolen hat/gloves

09. Sunglasses and eyeglass retainers

10. Sunscreen/Sun block

11. Vaseline/Lip Salve

12. Insect Repellent

13. Personal Toiletries – towels/soap etc.

14. Rucsac/duffel bag to carry your baggage

15. Karimat / Thermarest (optional)

16. Small daypack to carry camera, packed lunch, water bottle and wind/rain jacket on a walk.

17. Long trousers / long shirts / Tshirts etc.

18. Good pair of shorts, one quick dry to be worn over wetsuit

19. Swim suit for ladies – a bikini top and bottom is great for wearing under the wetsuit

20. Alcohol / cigarettes – not available on trip

We provide wetsuits, wet boots, wet gloves and all rafting gear. You live in 4 season tents to withstand weather extremes, if any on the trip.Other items of personal nature need to be added by you especially personal medication, if any. Temperatures are going to vary between 25-30 degrees Celsius to 5-10 degrees at night. Long pants and long shirts are handy because of the strong sun and lots of sun tan lotion.

GEAR LINKS

1. NRS – Kayaking Gear, Rafting Supplies and Boating Equipment

 

2. www.keenfootwear.com/

 

3.www.chacosan.com/

Thermal wear : www.patagonia.com ; www.hellyhansen.com ; www.rei.com ; www.mec.ca

 

Thermarest : www.thermarest.com

 

Retainers : www.chums.com

ALTITUDE MEDICATION:

Ginko biloba: Limited studies have been performed, but the results look very promising for prophylaxis of AMS ( 120 mg po BID starting 5 days before ascent, and continuing at altitude.

Diamox (acetazolamide) is of some value in the prevention of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

Diamox, a drug often used in the treatment of the eye condition glaucoma, is also useful in the prevention of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). AMS occurs commonly during visits to 3000-4500m and may cause a severe headache, exhaustion and general feelings of illness.

Diamox reduces the headache of AMS and helps the body acclimatise to the lack of oxygen – it also probably reduces the incidence of the complications of AMS. Whether or not one takes Diamox is obviously a matter of personal choice – travel to high altitudes is quite possible without it. Though the drug is not recommended as a routine treatment, though there is variation of opinion about this many people choose to use it if travelling quickly to altitude (eg. if flying into Lhasa, or Leh in our case).

How to take Diamox: If you decide to use the drug, suggested dose is Diamox 125mg (half of one tablet) to be taken twice daily – take the drug for three days before staying at 3500m and thereafter for two or three days until you feel acclimatised, for about five days in all. NOT FOR THOSE ALLERGIC TO SULPHA DRUGS

Side Effects: Like all drugs, Diamox may have unwanted side effects. Tingling of the fingers, face and feet is the commonest, but this is not a reason for stopping the drug unless the symptoms are intolerable. Dizziness, vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, rashes and more serious allergic reactions have all been reported but are unusual. In exceptional cases, the drug has caused more serious problems with blood formation and/or the kidneys. Those who are allergic to the sulphonamide antibiotics may also be allergic to Diamox. More commonly, the drug makes many people (including me!) feel a little “off colour”; carbonated drinks and beer also taste strange when you are taking Diamox.

*COPYRIGHT UIAA MOUNTAIN MEDICINE CENTRE*

Reading List :

a)Ladakh : Crossroads of High Asia by Janet Rizvi

b)Zanskar : The Hidden kingdon by Michel Peissel

c)Leh & Trekking in Ladakh by Charlie Loram

d)The Cultural heritage of Ladakh by David Snellgrove & Tadeusz Skorupski


I.LEH – PLACES THAT YOU COULD VISIT

1.THE BAZAR

The town has a wide main bazar street (c1840’s) wide enough to accommodate caravans, with 2 old gates at each end. Leh developed as a trading post and market, attracting a wide variety of merchants – from Yarkhand, Kashgar, Kashmir, Tibet and north India. Tea, salt, household articles, wool and semi-precious stones were all transacted in the market. Buddhism travelled along the Silk Road and the Kashmir and Ladakh feeder. It is an interesting town to walk around. The bazar is colourful and gives an insight in to Ladakhi life. The Old Village, with its maze of narrow lane sits on the hillside below the Palace. A flashlight is recommended especially if you are visiting the gompas.

2.LEH PALACE (20-30min)

The Palace stands majestically overlooking the town which allowed the king to survey his subjects at all times. (Follow signs for the palace from next to the mosque; it is clearly visible from every house in Leh.) Today it stands empty, as it has since the mid-nineteenth century when the royal family moved to Stok Palace after they were besieged by Kashmiri forces. It was built by King Sengge Namgyal in the seventeenth century in the same style as the Potala Palace of Lhasa. Although not on quite the same scale, it still stands nine storeys high. The upper floors were used by royalty, while the store rooms and stables took up the lower floors, hence the larger windows on the top.

There is very little to see in the Palace today as the whole building is in a poor state of repair (be careful of the holes in the floor). Inside, it is like the Potala with numerous rooms, steps and narrow passages lined with old thangkas, paintings, arms and constitutes a museum. The central prayer room, usually locked but opened on request, is unused but has numerous religious texts lining the walls. Currently it is being restored by the Archaeological Survey of India – possible to watch work in progress. (Check up with the Hotel before you leave as to what time it is open for visitors).

From the top there are good views across Leh and it’s a fascinating walk through the alleys of the old town to get there. The old town is full of traditional architecture and many households have retained some of their rural values, keeping livestock in their backyards and drying fodder on the roofs. The alternative way up is take the gentle track that begins above the polo ground. From the roof of the palace are magnificent views of the Zanskar Range.

High above the Palace is the older and even more ruined Palace/Fort and the remains of the Temple of the Guardian of the Deities. The temple houses a large golden Buddha, many painted scrolls, murals and old manuscripts. The Soma Gompa (1957) (new monastery) in the Old Village was erected to commemorate the 2500th anniversary of the birth of Buddha.

3.SHANTI STUPA

Visible from most of the town, this new stupa was officially opened in 1985. The peace pagoda is part of the legacy of the Japanese Fuji Guruji who, as part of his mission to promote world peace through Buddhism, built pagodas and temples all over the world. It stands above Chanspa overlooking Leh and and the Indus Valley. It’s possible to take a taxi all the way to the top but a good test of your acclimatisation is to walk up the 542 steps. The stupa may be a bit garish but the views are spectacular.

4.CENTRE FOR ECOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT & WOMENS ALLIANCE

When you first arrive in Leh and the altitude is making you feel lethargic, go up to the Ecolology Centre one afternoon to watch the excellent one-hour video, Ancient Futures. It’s shown every afternoon at 3:00pm and is free, but be there by 2:30pm to get a good seat. The film provides a valuable insight into the culture of Ladakh and the problems that the region faces today as it struggles to come to terms with recent changes. The centre also has an excellent library, a shop selling locally produced handicrafts and demonstrations of various appropriate technologies such as solar ovens.

II.MONASTERIES AND OTHER PLACES OF INTEREST AROUND LEH

Please carry a flashlight if you are visiting the monasteries – its best to go in sandals or footwear, which is easily removable as you will need to take your footwear off frequently)

1.SHEY (25min; 15km)

Located on the east bank of the river Indus, Shey until the 16th centurty was the royal residence, located at an important vantage point in the Indus Valley. Kings of Leh were supposed to be born in the monastery. Shey, along with Thikse, is also regarded as an auspicious place for cremation. The palace sits on a strategic position on a spur jutting out into the Indus Valley. Much of the palace and the fort high above it, has fallen into disrepair though the soot covered wall paintings in the palace have now been restored. The palace gompa has a 12m-high blue haired Maitreya Buddha which is attended by Drukpa monks from Hemis. It is made of copper and brass but splendidly gilded and studded with precious gem stones. The Buddha statue is believed to be sculpted by Nepalese craftsmen. It is said that after its completion they settled in the area of Chilling and started the now famous metal working industry there. There are extensive grounds to the east with a large number of chortens in which cremated ashes of the devout was buried. A newer temple houses another giant Buddha statue. There are several rock carvings; particularly noteworthy is that of five dhyani Buddhas at the bottom of the hill.

2.TIKSE/THIKSE(30min;17km)

Situated south of Leh on a crag overlooking the flood plain on the east bank of the Indus, it is one of the most imposing monasteries in Ladakh and was part of the original Gelugpa order in the 15th century. The 12-storey red monastery with typical tapering walls has 10 temples, a nunnery and 60 Lamas in residence whose houses cling to the hillside below. The complex contains numerous stupas, statues, thangkas, wall paintings, swords and a large pillar engraved with the Master’s teachings. The temple on the right of the courtyard houses a 15 metre statue of the Maitreya, or future Buddha which was finished in 1981, while at the back of the Dukhang there is a more than a 500 year old Buddha.

3.HEMIS (1hr 20min ; 45km)

South of Leh on the west bank of Indus, the Monastery built on a green hillside surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery, is hidden in a gorge south-west of Karu. As you drive up to it you pass two enormous mani walls. It is the biggest and wealthiest in Ladakh and is a ‘must’ for visitors. However it is not the most beautiful and much of the gompa looks run down and in need of restoration.The gompa was

founded in the 17th century and is sometimes called Chang Chub Sang Ling, ‘the solitary place of the compassionate ones’. It belongs to the Kagyupa sect. Try to see

the impressive image of Guru Padmasambhava which is in a temple behind the Dukhang (the temple on the right). This huge statue is 12 metres high and was completed in 1984. On the north side are 2 assembly halls approached by a flight of steep steps.The lakhang (chapel) has a 12th century Kashmiri bronze Buddha and silver chortens, an important library of Tibetan style books and an impressive collection of thangkas, the largest of which is displayed every 12 years (last displayed 1992). There are various places where you can eat in the village and also a campground.

4.LAMAYURU (4hrs; 124km.)

The gompa at Lamayuru is one of the most immediately striking in Ladakh. Its position on top of a beautifully eroded crag, complete with rock pinnacles and caves, gives it an almost fairy tale quality as it stands over the small village below. There is a local legend that the whole valley was under a deep lake until the holy man, Nimagou, prayed for a monastery to be founded here. With that, the lake drained away. The site of the monastery is probably the oldest in Ladakh with the first temple, like so many others, being built at the time of Rinchen Zangpo. The monastery is officially called Yung-dung Tharpa Ling, or ‘place of freedom’, after it was declared a holy site in the 16th century. It now belongs to the Kagyupa sect.

5.KARSHA (9 kms from Padum)

The monastery is situated on a steep mountain overlooking the Padum valley. It was foundedby a translator from Zanskar, Fagspa Sherab and later by Dorjay Sherab and Sherab Zangpo of Stod.It is the largest Gelugpa monastery in Zanskar, with around 90 monks in residence.

6.ALCHI (3hr;70km.)

The Choskar, or religious enclave, is regarded as one of the most important Buddhist centres in Ladakh and a jewel of monastic skill. Built in the 11th century, it is a treasure trove of early Buddhist art in the Kashmiri tradition, a style quite different from the Tibetan art found in Ladakh’s other monasteries. Also unlike other gompas, it is hidden down by the river rather than in the more usual elevated position. It was constructed under the supervision of Kaldan Shesrab, a follower of Rinchen Zangpo, the man responsible for reviving an interest in Buddhism at that time. Alchi is one of the few remaining examples of that era. The monks (Gelukpa order) of the Likir monastery look after this monastery. There are 5 shrines in the Choskor complex which has some splendid wall paintings and wooden figures; note the painted wooden ceiling of the gate. The village and gompa are reached by

crossing the Indus just beyond Saspol and doubling back on yourself for about 2km.

An Unexpected Egypt.

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The sands of Arabia flowed below the wings of the aircraft depicting all the romance and expanse that they are assigned.

Rugged, rock outcroppings rising from the silk of flowing sand dunes. Little settlements with the desert crouching all around, ready to reclaim the intrusion with one deep breath.

The enchantment started there, out of the airplane window, effectively blocking out the infernal noise of some hundred teenagers from the Dubai American Academy unfortunately travelling on the same flight.

It continued with my first sight of the pyramids. These immense structures, sentinels of such a long ago civilization, that fascinates till today. A civilization of such knowledge, art, skill and learning. If one were to only look at the Sphinx alone, it would tell the story of what intricacy, art, exactitude and ability lived in those ancient people. Even with the ages of weathering, that face and it’s features are compelling and powerful. It is a place to sit and breathe in the whole. The aura and energy of the stones needs to be felt and absorbed. Come back to take photographs another time. This time just sit and stare and feel.

Block out the touts and the buses, see the camels, horses and pony carts and transport yourself to another time and the beauty of these monuments in their prime, of white robed men and women – with gold ornaments, etched in blue enamel. Regal processions and long floats on the green waters of the Nile.

I haven’t even got to that stupendous river. Like a ribbon of green through the golden desert. That says it, who is to describe what that aerial sight was? Only the imagination. I still have not experienced the reality of it, just crossed a bridge and noted that it is not a river hemmed in by buildings, houses and filth. Atleast, what I have seen of it so far.

This is my first day and other than the obvious tourist destruction so evident all over the east, it has been one of enchantment.

We rested and ate at the quaintest little garden restaurant/resort along side a dirty canal in the Giza area. It is the most tackily charming little spot – and I can recommend it as a great lunch, tea, dinner, cool off, rest spot – Alzeb.

Now my day is ending at the Cataract Hotel, one semi luxury – large resort, that has clean rooms and seemingly nice restaurants. Will sample tomorrow.

It gave a good breakfast and has a lovely pool, otherwise I am sure there are infinitely nicer places to stay in Cairo.

We got an extra day in Cairo due to some off road permissions. The pyramids at Sakkara was something that was just knocked off a list of things to see.

The Museum was breathtaking and too large to absorb all at once, so we honed in on the Tutankhamen rooms and were they brilliant. Looking at that beautiful golden face, it is hard to firstly believe you are actually seeing the real thing and not a magazine picture. Then the mind boggles at just the creation of it. What a masterpiece (amongst many others) of workmanship created so many years ago and still so beautifully preserved. It has to be seen, no words can describe the awe and sense of the whole find and the history that was uncovered with the amazing treasures.

The Khan al Khalili market is a cocktail of Chandni Chowk mixed with Janpath and stirred with Sarojini Nagar. The coffee houses in the square are loud and solicitious. The buildings of the mosque and the academy around it are quite beautiful. I am sure the market holds some fascination – to me it was too loud, too pushy, and ridiculously avaricious. Well done without, though I guess one needs to experience it once, to know that you really never need go back again.

This trip was meant to be an off road, driving trip through the western desert, but due to some hitch in permissions we are doing a completely different trip, and the unknown adventure begins.

We are still driving, but now to the Oasis of Siwa, also in the middle of the desert, miles away from anywhere, on the western border of Egypt. It was the place where the Oracle of Amon resided. The oracle that Alexander the Great came to consult. There begins the romance of it all again.

Today has been a spectacular drive, down the Nile bypassing Alexandria and swinging left along the coast towards El Alamein. What a sight it is to see the Desert meet the azure blue Mediterranean!!

El Alamein brought back every commando comic ever read, and a lot of history learnt. The World War II Museum is rather well done and you get a chance to see what that desert war must really have been.Wrecked spitfires and blown up troop carriers reminiscent of what an ordeal it really was –instead of the romanticized concept in ones head. Miles of sandy beach and this ridiculously blue Mediterranean was so enticing, we had to stop and have a swim.

Finally reached the Oasis of Siwa well after dark, driving some 800 kms through completely trackless desert. Wild camel herds were all we saw.


Imagine yourself riding for miles through the desert on a thirsty camel, (obviously you are fried and thirsty yourself.) Come over a rise in the ground and look out across this great depression in the desert, filled with a sea of palm trees and a sea of water. Because that is exactly what it is. A fault in the earth’s crust an area well below sea level, creating a salt water lake and a fresh water one.

It is like a dream, a mirage, waving palms and rippling water surrounded by craggy rock outcrops towards the west and north, dunes of golden sand on the south and east.                                       

Adobe (mud brick houses), there is absolutely no rainfall, so there are actually mud brick buildings. I know my grandmother told me that they had a three story mud built house in their village in Pakistan and I would always imagine it crumbling. Here there are the ruins of a five story fortress which has obviously stood for centuries.

It is wonderful how all the new hotels have kept to the traditional building method, so the aura and ethos of the oasis is totally maintained. The three large hills that protrude out of the centre of this area are catacombed with old burial chambers of pharoanic beings of the 26th Dynasty who created the necropolis. Lit up at night they look supernaturally eerie from a distance. Quite fascinating on actually exploring, there are some remarkably well preserved frescoes.

The ruins of the temple of Amon with some inscriptions dating from the 4th century BC, lie within the ruins of Aghurmi. The old fortress. This is the Oracle that Alexander the great came to consult before his campaign of conquest in Persia. He reached the oasis, supposedly by following birds across the desert. The oracle, Alexander’s court historians alleged, confirmed him as both a divine personage and the legitimate Pharoah of Egypt.

It was a powerful space, whether by virtue of my interest or not, I can not say. A small room, with a few inscriptions on the wall (all that is left), open to the sky, but I think it was the history in those stones and just the fact that he came here and an oracle spoke!!!

We have the advantage of a superb guide, a professor of Egyptology from Israel who does insist on speaking Hebrew but deigns to translate every so often. I am accompanied on this trip by a group of very interesting people from Israel, thus the Hebrew speaking professor.

Once we had climbed around the catacombs and seen the amazing views across the oasis from the top of the hills, we drove through the waving palms on a little dirt road  which bought us to Cleopatras pool.

 Situated at a crossroad amidst the palms. An ancient fresh  water spring fills the pool that seems to serve as the  swimming hole for all the people that pass by. There is a  very pleasant little chai dhaba where we sat and watched the  business of the oasis wander past. A little boy riding a tiny  donkey cart laden with grass, stops his cart in the shade,  takes off his djellaba and dives into the pool in his pajamas.  Cools off, puts his djellaba back on and goes on his way.  They all seem to do that as did some of our group.

The people of this oasis are closer to the Berber tribes of Libya and they all wear the white djeballa and the houndstooth checked keffiyes which you don’t really see elsewhere. Donkey carts are the preferred modes of transport and even constitute the Siwa Taxi service, all festooned and decorated.

In the evening we hired bicycles from the market, wonderfully rickety, but serviceable and rode out along a little track into the lake to Fatnas Island, which became a palm-fringed peninsula located on the edge of a saltwater lake.

The lake is akin to the Dead Sea. We could actually float sitting up in the water, sipping a beer and watching the sunset and the moon brighten simultaneously across this vaste expanse of water in the middle of the desert. It was surreal, the most amazing experience. There was a fresh water tank to dive into once you got out of the oasis to wash off the encrusted salt – all crystallized on your body. Then we cycled back to the market in the bright moonlight.

Our hotel is the Siwa Garden resort with truly lovely gardens surrounding a fresh mineral spring swimming pool. The architecture is the same mud huts that I mentioned earlier and it is a beautiful spot, very well run.

On the drive back to Cairo, a stop at Alexandria is well worth it, the new library is remarkable and may well go down in history as a worthy descendant of it’s famous predecessor.

I went to Egypt to do something quite different and came away totally enchanted with what I did do.

The Nile and all the regular Egyptian destinations will happen some day, out of the way Siwa was like a gift that fell into my lap. A little place of wonder far out in the nowhere land of sand.