Vast, diverse, deeply spiritual and utterly unforgettable, India is unlike anywhere else on earth – a melting pot of ethnicities and religions, a treasure trove of history and culture, and a curious mixture of chaos and serenity. Stretching across more than three million square kilometres, it encompasses a staggering array of landscapes, vistas and environs, and offers unparalleled travel experiences – from the beautiful beaches of Goa, to the compelling craziness of Kolkata, the sacred Ganges river banks of Varanasi, the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas in Kashmir and the ancient, exquisitely crafted temples dotted across the entire country. Not to mention the vibrant, friendly people, and the incredible cuisine.
Situated deep in the Ladakh mountain range, almost 4000 metres above sea level, the small high-altitude village of Ulley is one of the most remote in India. Here, where the tiny population lives in a quaint collection of homesteads, visitors travel from far and wide in the hope of seeing the ever-elusive, always-enthralling snow leopard in its natural habitat. This is one of the best locations to spot these majestic creatures, where they live peacefully along with Himalayan wolves, ibex, urial, and Himalayan fox. Nicknamed the ‘grey ghost’, this cat species is one of the rarest on earth. Travellers will be able to enjoy an otherworldly experience which makes for breathtaking photography and incredible memories.
Resting on the banks of the Shyok River in India’s beautiful Nubra Valley, the town of Diskit is set in the scenic Himachal Pradesh region. The stark valley is traversed by countless streams, rivers, and waterways and fringed by soaring peaks. As the largest town in the valley, it serves as the transport hub of the surrounding region. It is home to a 14th-century Buddhist monastery called the Diskit Monastery or Dekit Gompa, which is undoubtedly one of the main highlights of the town. Perched on top of a hill and laced with colourful prayers flags, it is the largest and oldest surviving monastery in the Nubra area. Visitors can also look forward to exploring the Old Town, soaking up the spectacularly scenic views of the magnificent broad Nubra Valley and discovering local treasures at the central bazaar. Don't miss the opportunity to see the giant Maitreya statue.
