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Stairway to Heaven : A Journey to Ladakh

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Shafts of sunlight wake you up from a much needed slumber that was brought upon by a crazy work schedule and the vanishing weekends in between. You look outside, and are momentarily stymied by this…

Aerial view of Laddakh…the sight of  hundreds of snow capped peaks, stretching as far as the eye can see. The Mountain Kingdom awaits, and you catch your breath, only to lose it again as you land in the pleasantly cold Kushok Bakula Rinpoche airport. That’s how my ten day tryst with Ladakh began.

We arrived at the lovely Hotel Gawaling International, a proud and quiet oasis in the little town of Leh, with an impressive backdrop of majestic mountains and a little creek that in the mornings almost dry, gushed forth in the evenings. Little hotels may lack fancy accouterments, but they make up for it with unabashedly warm service, and an enthusiasm we soon discovered was characteristic of the Ladakhi soul.

The rest of the day was spent acclimatizing; if that’s what you call mimicking a sloth bear before hibernation. On a serious note, most of Ladakh averages a height of about 12000 feet above sea level (carry altitude sickness tablets with you) and the overzealous traveler would do well to spend the first day in bed.  Prepare to have little to no cellphone coverage at all. No complaints though, not when you have soup, momos and Jenga blocks for company.

A journey to Ladakh

Enroute to Khardung La

The northern frontier is best seen in the summer months of June and July, when there is enough sun to take a dip in the Indus and traipse around the monasteries that dot this land, but also enough Jack Frost in the air to keep some chilly winds and snow flakes swirling around you as you climb higher and higher, searching for those treacherous high passes the land is named after ( La Dakh, land of high passes).

Khardung La, easily one of the world’s highest motorable roads, is a must, even if you do get snowed in for four hours (we did). In such times, take comfort in the stories your amiable driver will tell you. Better yet, ask your travel guide his story, and he will tell you how he is actually saving up to go to France someday. Let him chip into your conversation about the meaning of life and all the while, know that you are high above most people anywhere in the world(literally).

Head back to Leh after your adventures, for this charming town has much culture and love to offer. Shanti Stupa is the Buddhist answer to a stress buster. Instead of letting your hair down and sipping cosmos, let the winds caress your tresses as you scarf down some Tibetan butter tea. Walk into the Leh palace, and let the ageing paint, wood, and dust stir a feeling of deep seated imperialism in you. Buy turquoise jewelry, pashmina shawls or apricots if you’re a keen shopper. Visit a monastery, spin the prayer wheels of dharma, and let your sins escape into the mountains.  If you’re lucky, you will sight little Llamas, boy monks robed in maroon that are schooled on the temple grounds.

A journey to Ladakh

Wheels of Dharma

 A journey to Ladakh

Shanti Stupa, an Indo Japanese token for peace

Speaking of schools, trivia alert: the school featured in the 3 Idiots movie is worth a quick look – Drukpa White Lotus School in Ladakh is famous all over the world, for its award winning sustainable and eco friendly design. Besides, who wouldn’t want to play basketball in a playground encircled by the Himalayas? This place is witnessing quite the wave of education and reform. A dear friend swears by an educational NGO called SECMOL in the village of Phey, some twenty kilometers from Leh, so if you have the luxury of time, you might want to investigate, if only to applaud the spirit of the little pink faced cherubs in these schools.

If you have a day to spare, make for the camping grounds in Nubra Valley. The journey alone is enchanting. I’ve always loved wild landscapes, and the ride didn’t disappoint. Sudden sandstorms chase your heels, rogue waterfalls beckon, and amidst bare stone, there is that sudden  emerald lagoon, blazing trails of green. Keep your windows rolled down, and if you squint hard enough, you can spot some native wildlife-gorgeous horses, furry marmuks, even Bactrian camels. These camels once carried trade along the historic Silk Route from Central Asia into India.  They now ship tourist upstarts like yours truly and indulge in the occasional photoshoot.

A journey to Ladakh

Nubra Valley from afar

 Mystique Meadows Camp,Nubra Valley

Mystique Meadows, one of the camps at the  Valley.

I’ve saved the best for the last – a slice of heaven the locals call Pangong Tso. Nestled in land that is both India and China, the lake is exquisite, almost something out of Tolkien’s world. When the wind and clouds are just right, it is a mirror, with the endless skies reflected to create a heady view.  Lofty mountains stand guard over this precious pool, their peaks at once chocolate, beige, sawdust, and every other color you can think of. This is my favorite thing about the trip-that I could throw my head back anywhere, and the skyline would be anything but buildings and neon signs.

A journey to Ladakh

Pangong Tso.

When I was there, I sought refuge in the lakeside Martsemik Camp for the night so I could get me some more shutterbug time in the morning, when the light is just right. Resigned to hiding under layers of sweaters and chaddars,  I was more than surprised when the staff braved their way to my tent, armed with heating pads for my bed. It is the little things, truly, that count. Why then, should we indulge the giant hotel chains that threaten to quash these thriving tourism industries with all their monstrous commercialism? Why indeed.

A little more wanderlust will lead you to the Indus Zanskar confluence in central Ladakh, where you can ride the rapids. Pick a route and a grade (Beginner to challenger) and before you know it, you’re riding through valleys and little hamlets singing some Denver while you drift. Jump out of the raft and into the river during the last leg, and swim along…even if it leaves you with chattering teeth and aching muscles, the adrenaline will have been worth it.

A journey to Ladakh

Is Ladakh an easy trip to make? Surely not, but the locals will shell out some Zen wisdom ,tell you to let go of inhibition, and let Nature lead the way. As for me, it was my Indian Winterfell summer, and by Jove, I’d love to do it all again sometime.

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Discover the finest tours across Morocco: an adventure oasis

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Morocco is a North African country renowned for its contrasts and many wonders. Its territory stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the golden dunes of the Sahara. Moreover, it boasts a rich history spanning thousands of years and a culture that intertwines Berber people, Arab heritage, and French influence. 

If you’re in search of Morocco desert tours that allow you to explore and experience unforgettable adventures in the country, the options are as diverse as its landscapes. You can immerse yourself in the impressive urban landscape of Fez, savour the exquisite cuisine of Marrakech, relax on the coasts of Essaouira, and, of course, journey through the Sahara Desert via various tours, which will also invite you to explore numerous cities and towns of Morocco, and indulge in unique activities. If you’re keen to discover more about the desert tours that Morocco has to offer, this article will introduce you to some of the finest.

Tours from Marrakech to the desert

From the vibrant city of Marrakech, you can find numerous tours departing towards the desert, promising to offer you a unique and unforgettable experience. One of the most popular Marrakech desert tours is the trip to the Zagora desert, which over two days allows you to explore the High Atlas. 

Here, you can admire landscapes of breathtaking beauty and visit Berber villages that reflect their culture and origins to the teeth. Upon arriving in Zagora, you’ll have the opportunity to ride camels at sunset, followed by a cosy night under the stars in a traditional camp. 

If you’re seeking an even deeper and comprehensive experience, you can also undertake three-day tours from Marrakech to the Merzouga desert, which give you the chance to explore the popular Erg Chebbi dunes, as well as including visits to historic kasbahs, fertile valleys, and allowing you to observe the interesting local life in the oases.

Camel Trekking in Merzouga

Merzouga is also the perfect starting point for a Camel trekking Morocco, thanks to its spectacular sand dunes. Through this activity, you can experience nomadic life, trekking through the Erg Chebbi dunes, known to be the highest in Morocco. 

At the same time, you can opt for a one-night camel excursion, where you’ll enjoy the sunset in the desert, a traditional dinner around a campfire, and a night in a Berber tent. Then, upon awakening, you’ll witness the tranquillity and beauty that can only be offered by the sunrise in the desert. 

For those more adventurous individuals, there are also options for multi-day trekking, where you’ll have the opportunity to visit numerous nomadic communities and explore the unique geography of the desert. Ultimately, camel trekking tours are an ideal way to immerse yourself in the beauty and simplicity of the Sahara Desert.

Tours from Fez to the Sahara Desert

Fez, the impressive imperial city steeped in history and culture, is another starting point for embarking on a Sahara desert tour. It’s a typical two-day tour that takes you from the antiquity of Fez through the Middle Atlas mountains to the entrance of the desert

Along the way, you can see cedar forests with wild monkeys and the dazzling Ziz Valley. Then, once you’ve reached Merzouga, you’ll have the opportunity to embark on a camel ride to the desert camp, where you’ll spend the night. 

On the other hand, tours from Fez to the Sahara Desert also often offer the possibility of visiting local villages and markets, providing you with an authentic insight into desert life. Finally, you’ll have the unforgettable experience of sleeping surrounded by the immensity of the dunes and under the stars of the desert sky.

Whether it’s exploring ancient Berber villages, trekking across towering sand dunes, or experiencing the tranquillity of a desert night under the stars, these tours promise an adventure like no other. Book your Moroccan adventure today and create memories to last a lifetime.

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Discovering Valencia and the Valencian Community: an unforgettable holiday experience

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Valencia, with its Mediterranean charm and a rich history seamlessly intertwined with modernity, stands out as a unique tourist destination in the Valencian Community and one of the main attractions on the entire Iberian Peninsula. Explore everything you can do in this wonderful region, where magic, natural beauty, and culture offer a wide range of options for enjoyment.

Spain is one of the most tourist-oriented countries in the world. Its extraordinary natural attractions, rich cultural heritage, excellent tourist services, and a wide range of entertainment options make it one of the most visited destinations in the European continent. Among the regions and cities that contribute to Spain’s international tourist significance, Valencia, and the entire Valencian Community undoubtedly take the top positions, always preferred by both national and international visitors.

Transport: Essential for your adventure

The first thing to organise before travelling to Valencia is the transportation within the city. Fortunately, there are excellent options to meet all types of needs, preferences, and budgets. A good idea is to use Uber Valencia services, with a broad network of vehicles available from any part of the city, at any time, without restrictions and at quite reasonable prices. It is an efficient, practical, and modern means of transportation accessible through their corresponding mobile application. Who doesn’t know about this extraordinary transportation service in these times?

However, if you enjoy immersing yourself in the daily lives of the city’s residents, you can purchase Valencia bus tickets and explore the city using this comfortable and cheap form of transportation.

The Municipal Transport Company (EMT) Valencia is responsible for providing public transportation services in the city, with high-quality buses perfectly equipped to ensure maximum comfort. Their routes cover not only Valencia but also reach nearby towns such as Alboraya, Alfara del Patriarca, Sueca, Burjassot, Tavernes Blanques, Moncada, Vinalesa, and Sedaví.

Drinking water from the taps

An interesting and significant feature is that Valencia tap water is entirely suitable for human consumption; in other words, it can be consumed directly from the tap without any sanitary risks. Tap water in Valencia undergoes strict quality controls to ensure its potability. Competent authorities constantly supervise the water supply to ensure compliance with the highest standards set by the European Union. Controls include periodic tests to determine the presence of possible contaminants such as chemicals, bacteria, harmful residues, and heavy metals. Being in Valencia, you can be confident that tap water is well treated and will not pose any problems.

Shopping: Exploring the best stores

In addition to its fascinating beaches, beautiful tourist sites, modern architecture, historic centres, stunning landscapes, nature, gastronomy, festivals, traditions, and exciting nightlife, Valencia shopping tours are another interesting attraction to explore in this wonderful city.

The majority of shops and shopping centres throughout the Valencian Community are open every day, including Sundays and holidays, ensuring that you can shop whenever your heart desires. Shopping is a relaxing activity that also provides the opportunity to find items and products that may not be available in your hometown.

Valencia boasts stores of the finest trendy brands, modern shopping centres, and complementary services, making any shopping spree an unforgettable experience.

In conclusion, Valencia and the Valencian Community offer a truly enchanting experience, seamlessly blending the allure of its Mediterranean charm with a rich historical tapestry and modern vibrancy. From efficient transportation options like Uber Valencia to the exploration of the city’s daily life through bus rides, the journey is as convenient as it is immersive. Moreover, the assurance of safe tap water underscores the city’s commitment to quality living. In addition, the vibrant shopping scene, coupled with Valencia’s myriad attractions, ensures that every visit becomes an unforgettable adventure. So, embark on this unique odyssey, where history, culture, and contemporary life converge to create memories that linger long after you’ve bid farewell to this captivating corner of Spain, you won’t regret it. 

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Cheapest place to buy a house abroad

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Buying a house or making investments in development projects was always a great way to access a better life. This can be seen in foreign lands, where families and investors find great opportunities to live or invest —and profit of—. The dominican republic real estate is one of the best ways to do so.

Buying property oversea

Nowadays, many people find that the best way to invest in the real estate business is to look oversea; there are incredible countries and opportunities to get our money’s worth. Between the best places, we can mention the Caribbean shore and, in Europe, the Spanish peninsula —between many others—. These places are beautiful and the respective real estate markets are strong.

Nevertheless, the people who have most success in this area recommend getting a great assessor in property law & investment from the country in which we want to make our investment. The cost of doing so is marginal, but it can help us to avoid any inconvenient or delay in the process.

Which are the best options to buy abroad?

Spain

According to the specialists, Spain can be one of the most attractive places to live and invest. There, the opportunities are bigger and more lucrative, as this country contains some of the most exclusive cultural and historical sites in the world, and is one of the most selected destinations because of his great landscapes and beaches.

The real estate law is especially hard, and requires the listing of a professional that can resolve the different aspects of the purchase. Even more, if we want to invest in an urban project, they bring comfort and security to the process —they are guaranties of the success of our investment—.

Even though the spain real estate business can be complex and overwhelming for someone who doesn’t know the law —many taxes must be pay and there’s an abundance of documentation that must be presented to avoid any inconvenient—, it remains one of the best options to buy abroad.

The Caribbean shores and Dominican Republic

Across the Atlantic, one of the most lucrative and safer investments out there remain in the Caribbean shores; in the Dominican Republic real estate business. If we want to buy a house to live in or if we want to put our savings in a safe and profitable financial instrument, there’s no better place.

Effectively, this country is much cheaper than Spain. This is one of the most important reasons why so many people choose to live there. In the Caribbean, we can find many affordable properties and developments of ever-growing performance in a market of great demand.

There, we can find many properties close to the most incredible shores in the whole continent; even more, the prospect of growth in this market, over the years, will give us a profit over our investment that can’t be match.

Many specialists recommend investing in the Dominican Republic real estate. Then also indicate the benefits of hiring a property law advisor that can provide knowledge and experience in the matter. The cost of doing so is relatively low, and it betters our chances to buy a cheap house abroad.

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