Lazarus Journeys Coincide with the Best
Weather/Climate in any given Region of India

Journey to the Ganges
For the main part of our stay on this journey a jungle location has been chosen because we feel it’s the only way to fully experience India’s wild-life and relax away from worldly distractions. In a sub-tropical setting, when mosquitoes and snakes hibernate and the temperature is perfect, our groups are the sole residents of a luxury campsite with proper beds, white sheets and full facilities.

There are ten individual chalets also at the campsite; four are deluxe but all of them have attached bathrooms. There is an extra charge for these, please see the booking form section of this site and add to your total payment cost when booking (but please contact us first regarding availability.)

Our large individual tents are classed as ‘double’ but we offer single occupancy to give you ample space. Just outside there is a table and chairs for private relaxation, a large dining area nearby and immediate access to a crystal clear river descending all the way from China.

This area is where once only Yogis’, Sadhus’ and Shamans lived, where ancient legends abound and where renowned Indian seers and saints came for deep contemplation before making their ascent to the higher regions. It is still regarded as a place of profound spiritual awakening and sacred pilgrimage; the first stopping post for those renouncing worldly life.

Both Western and Indian visitors continue to comment on the atmosphere of this ancient area steeped in mysticism and many have been drawn to staying for longer periods. It has been used for spiritual practice for thousands of years; giving a unique, uplifting ambience present in the atmosphere. The nearby town is renowned for being ‘The Yoga Capital of the World’ and is literally teeming with temples and shops filled with all sorts of ethnic artefacts.

Climate
The date chosen for this journey is because the climate can best be described as ‘perfect’ for India. The sky is reliably clear every day, the Ganges is its most perfect shade of emerald/blue and the jungle is green and lush following the monsoon rains. Snakes, mosquitoes and other creatures that can make life difficult are in hibernation during this time.

In this region, the temperature is around 25c ~ 28c during the day dropping to around 20c at night.

Wildlife
There are many Languor and Bonnet monkeys in this area that have become accustomed to living near humans and are relatively unafraid people. So be aware if you’re carrying food/fruit or eating it ~ especially when crossing either of the bridges in the local town as we can guarantee you will not finish digesting all of it by the time you reach the other side. When dealing with a Bonnet monkey it's best not to stare it in the eyes.

This is a tiger area and normally, they only come out in the late afternoon and usually never visit areas where there are groups of people. However, we have an initial group discussion where safety and practicalities are fully discussed. When sitting quietly alone in jungle, you will often be amazed by the variety of colourful tropical birds that seem unafraid of getting close. Night time is captivating in the jungle listening to the sounds of the river, barking deer, peacocks, foxes and even tigers, while sitting around an open fire.

One Afternoon we travel in a convoy of jeeps for a camp supper to an area where wild elephants reside and an unusual ancient temple stands high on a solitary rock.

Himalayan & Ganges Expedition
Parts of our route trace the old Hindustan-Tibetan Silk Road which runs along-side legendry glacial rivers passing through untouched valleys.

We spend four days in a picturesque village surrounded by snow-capped peaks in a place some historians have connected with Shangri-La. At the time of our journey, its extensive orchards of red apples have not yet been harvested and set against a back-drop of deep blue sky, the visual effects are stunning. This lush, green village also has apricot, walnut, almond and pine-nut trees and when these fruits are dried, they form part of the villager’s staple diet during the lean winter months.

Moving on we travel close to the borders of China (within 5km) in an area affectionately called ‘Little Tibet.’ In many ways the villages in this area are more authentically Tibetan than in what was once Tibet, as their way of life has had no Chinese influence; both the physical appearance and traditions of the people resemble their forefathers in every way.

Further along we travel across one of the world’s highest passes where the view is literally ‘out of this world.’ For those who enjoy trekking or long walks, there are opportunities to explore these vast open landscapes which include views of summits of the most awe-inspiring mountain range on Earth.

We have chosen this particular time of year because the monsoon has completely finished and so has the majority of tourism, due to South India cooling and the holiday season beginning there. In September, the sky in the high Himalayas is deep blue and contrasted with the gold tinges in the rock, and fresh snow on the surrounding peaks, plus autumnal foliage and rivers returning to their unadulterated colour, the entire region can best be described as spectacular.

Climate & Altitude
When people think of the high Himalayas, they usually think of suffering from some form of oxygen deprivation without realising that what they will actually experience is an abundance of healthy fresh air Our planned route is structured to give plenty of time for gradual adjustment. Unless you have a related physical disability, they is absolutely nothing to be concerned with in relation to altitude sickness.

The temperature in the regions we will pass through is around 24c during sun hours dropping to on average 16c after sunset.

Wildlife
Snow leopards’, yaks, blue sheep, bears, wolves, wild horses, goats, vultures and various other native birds are among some of the creatures who live in these regions. But please remember that you are travelling in a high altitude dessert and not until we reach the lower regions of the Himalayas will India’s wild-life fully reveal its colourful nature.

Related Interest
These are two films on ‘you tube’ which show something of the landscapes, cultures and people found in the regions we travel and stay in.

Siddhartha by Herman Hesse.
The first part of this classic story is set in the Ganges region, from the plain and rising foothills and shows the purity of the river there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21tPMWyo6QU

Samsara shows the high Himalayan wilderness areas. (You may have to search you tube for the entire film with English subtitles).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLg_f4O-h5A&feature=relatedv

Our hotel in Delhi, should you wish to book further nights.
http://www.cityparkhotels.com/index.htm