Shaksgam: This valley in India is not open to Indians!, Travel and Leisure : Today Indya

Shaksgam: This valley in India is not open to Indians!

Travel and Leisure

Tripoto

A beautiful country that transforms itself in every few miles - India has got everything that you wish to see - mountains, deserts, canyons, beaches, marshes, mangroves and rainforests. However, there are some spectacular places in India which are off the limits for the citizens. One such place is Shaksgam. You might have heard its name for the first time, but when you look at the map of India, it has always been there.

Shaksgam: This valley in India is not open to Indians!

Where is Shaksgam?

Shaksgam Valley lies to the north-west of Siachen glacier, north of Baltistan, east of Gilgit and south of Chinese province of Xinjiang. Towards its south is the Karakoram range and to the north is Kun Lun mountain range, and as such Shaksgam is surrounded by some of the highest mountains in the world. The harsh terrain of the region has preserved Shaksgam's beauty from easy encroachment. However, though India officially recognises it to be a part of the Indian territory, the region is being administered by China since 1963 until which Pakistan claimed it to be a part of Kashmir.

While there is a lot ongoing with regards to the political scenario at this juncture where international boundaries of India, Pakistan, China, Afghanistan and Tajikistan find a convergence, let's gasp at the beauty that we hope will find a liberation from people fighting for land.

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Pakistan’s Karakoram mountains: that time where we struggled to reach the #Shaksgam river on the border with China, 10 years ago. I saw the river. I was chasing an old dream: entering the realm of “Blank on the map”, one of my all time favorite book, from Eric #Shipton. “ As I studied the maps, one thing about them captured my imagination... Across this blank space was written one challenging word, “Unexplored” " That was in 1937. The blanks have been filled since then, but the feeling of rawness and remoteness are all the same. My friend Bruno and I ended up on top of a 6000m unclimbed peak. I tore a muscle coming down and finished that trek on my behind. Not very glorious; the 3 weeks on instant noodles didn't help my body. #Karakoram #Pakistan #trekking #exploration #mediumformat - Share your images and experiences using #NatGeoInspires for a chance to be featured in the @natgeomuseum and more. This is part of the lead up to the Instagram @natgeobook coming out Tuesday, featuring some of my images. See link in my profile. #paleyprints

A post shared by Matthieu Paley (@paleyphoto) on
Oct 21, 2016 at 9:17am PDT

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It was a really good experience. #Shaksgam Valley - 2010 north face Gasherbrum Expe attempt. Still unclimbed!

A post shared by Hervé Barmasse (@hervebarmasse) on
Jul 22, 2014 at 5:17am PDT

If only this paradise was open for tourism, Shaksgam would have beaten Switzerland and Iceland as the most favoured exotic travel destination. The world is a beautiful place, and sometimes this beauty becomes the reason for conflict among admirers. Shaksgam is that enchantress who has been veiled.

Article Original Source : https://www.tripoto.com/pakistan/trips/shaksgam-this-valley-in-india-is-not...

#shaksgam valley india

11 Secret Hotels In India Where You Can Truly Get Away From The Internet

Travel and Leisure

Tripoto

These hideaways are the sacred saviors from the city rush. You not only need tranquil swish of wind and the silence of the forest but also a calm and undisturbed retreat to spend your days in absolute disconnect from the world. You want the luxury of nature on a silent mode at a zero gadget buzz zone. Here's a tour list of hotels in India giving you the much sought after disconnect from the world.

1. Elephant Valley Eco Farm, Kodaikanal

If you’re moving away from the civilization then it better be for the best. 20 kms away from Kodaikanal, these eco farms attract eco-tourist year round. This old elephant migration route is a biodiversity hotspot and gives you more reasons to move away from the crowd and spend your days in one of the twenty eco friendly bungalows in the wilderness equipped with solar light and firewood.

2. The Tamara, Coorg

Amidst the greens of the Western Ghats, The Tamara Coorg brings you a unique experience of blissful solitude in the luxury cottages overlooking the vast Kabbinakad Estate. With the freshness of the Arabica and cardamom plantation, this retreat in the lap of nature gives you immense opportunities to be one with the nature. The Rudraksh trail, bird watching and the rejuvenating studio spa would leave you with nothing more to ask for.

3. Hidden Valley Retreat

Situated in the wilderness of Wayanad, Kerala, Hidden Valley Retreat lives up to its name and offers a tranquil experience. The homestay is totally disconnected from civilization and while it's not fancy, it is great for someone who wants to experience off-the-grid living. At night time, darkness completely engulfs the area making it perfect for someone seeking solitude.

4. Little Dream, The Morning Surprise!

Located near Manali, this homestay is tucked away in a village called Nasogi and offers peace and a stunning view of the hills. Just 15 minutes away from the Manali bus stand, the cottage is secluded from the hustle-bustle of everyday life and the busy streets of Manali. Just 300m from the cottage is an amazing waterfall, and if you go during the harvesting season, you might find a multitude of apple trees.

5. Home of Gaia - Yogic Abode

The homestay is nestled in an apple orchard, located on a mountain cliff opposite the bustling town of Manali. The place is away from traffic and noise and makes for a perfect secluded getaway. This place is at least a 20 minute hike from the main road and cannot be easily spotted. Hence, you'll have to contact the host once you get to Vashisht. It is a perfect place for artists, musicians, writers, yogis looking for meditative retreats and wanting to connect to nature.

6. Tipperary Colonial Bungalow

The vintage bungalow built in a colonial style reminding one of a Charles Dickens' novel is an absolute gem hidden away at the far end of Yercaud town. The rooms are beautifully decorated, with an astounding view of the city of Salem. It is a perfect getaway from Bangalore, away from your phones and laptops!

7. Cardamom House, Dindigul

The silent haven of Didigul is home to yet another traveler utopia. Cardamom house is a family home to British physician Dr Chris Lucas. Outside the small village of Athoor, these cottages with rooftop terrace overlook a beautiful monsoon dependent Kamarajar Lake. This remote retreat in the foothills of Western Ghats offers immense photographic opportunities with the flowers in bloom, butterflies in the pool garden and wonderful dawn at the adjoining lake.

8. Treehouse Hideaway, Bandhavgarh

This is the dream hidden amidst the 21 acres jungles of the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. The treehouse balconies overlook the exquisite Bandhavgarh National Park with the highest count of tigers in the country. A traditional jungle living experience that has been in your bucket list awaits you here.

9. Tranquil, Sultan’s Battery

From one treehouse to another, there is no reason to step down yet. Sultan’s Battery, watch tower constructed by Tipu Sultan 4km from Mangalore. The quaint tree houses at Tranquil Plantation Hideaway amidst coffee and vanilla plantation is an ideal escape into the wild.

10. Serenity, Vazhoor

Located at the Kanam Estate on a small hilltop, at Serenity you are enrapt in the scents of tropical spices. This private villa hotel prides itself for its vintage architecture and heritage ambience. If you wish to spend more time with elephants than with people, this is the choicest destination giving an exquisite Malabar escape.

11. The Auli Resort, Auli

The snowcapped peaks of Garhwal are a loner’s paradise throughout the year. These tourist bunglows on the heavenly white slopes are the Himalayan elysium. If you wish to hide away, make sure that it’s a wondrous hideaway and the bungalows on the snow blankets at Auli give you a bite full of nature you can savour for life.

Article Original Source : https://www.tripoto.com/india/trips/secret-hotels-in-india