A huge thank you! We could not have had a happier honeymoon and
as Steph mentioned, we found ourselves on several occasions (when
facing plane delays and long queues at airports) singing Original
Travel's praises as we were simply ushered around the problems.
Amazing service!!
The Shakti Village Houses are just outstanding. It is the
most unique set up being situated in a local's house, done up to be
smart and comfortable but rustic and charming, in the middle of a
Ladakh village surrounded by fields being harvested, cattle and
goats, trees and streams, kids and farmers… and having the whole
thing to ourselves with the perfect level of service that only
appeared when needed and produced one delicious breakfast, lunch,
dinner after another. Our last dinner in Shakdi Stok will go down
as one of the greats as the food and the room created an atmosphere
so exotic and original. We were just so happy in those houses and
loved all the people looking after us. Throw in the monasteries and
other cultural sight-seeing, plus our charming guide and it was a
great first week.
As for the mountains, the trekking was awe-inspiring and the
camp sites breath-taking. Waking up at 4,300m and opening the tent
flap, incredible… and the endless wilderness scenery like that we
encountered was just utterly revitalising!
Well done on the last night of our trek… the Shakdi camp that they hauled up the mountain
on a train of 374 ponies was a Maharaja's palace complete with
shower tent, thunderbox and double mattress.
Rajasthan was equally impressive and the places
we stayed at were unique. Roof top cocktails at the Raas staring
up at the floodlit Mahrengey fort, breakfast in the bush at
Jawai and dinner on the Lake
Palace roof top… memories we will reflect on for many years to
come. I just feel sorry for our poor guides who got utterly blitzed
by questions from Steph and I… I don't think they've ever been so
grilled about the environment, India, the history, culture, religion,
wildlife, etc...
A note on Jawai… the landscape is some of the most stunning I
have ever seen, quite literally. Had we not seen a single leopard
we would have left exhilarated by the environment we walked and
drove through.
I could go on (no surprise there) but suffice it to say, it was
one the greatest trips of our lives… right up there with Japan last year. Thank you
for your help, advice, forbearance, support and organisation. It
was a seamless travel experience, put together with expert
craftsmanship. Many thanks indeed!!
