The Most Rewarding Family Adventure Holiday – Taj, Temples, and Tigers

On January 27, 2012, In Archeology & Culture, Deserts, Wildlife, By Sylvia Arad

Venture into India, and introduce your family to this fascinating and colorful country on this 12 day  adventure that takes you to the palaces of Maharajas, to small villages, to bustling Delhi and to the tigers of Ranthambore Park.

Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur

Day 1:  Delhi. The first day is free to arrive and enjoy the wonders of Delhi. Delhi is a  bustling city and the capital of India. New Delhi, built for the British Imperial Government of India, is the administrative centre of the country. It also has a busy commercial sector and a new Parliament building as well as imposing government offices and embassies.

 Day 2:  Delhi to Mandawa. This morning, depart for Mandawa, the  gateway to the Shekhawati region, a region of rich merchants, landlords and even rulers of smaller princely states of Rajasthan. The region abounds in unique fresco paintings which adorn the area’s buildings.  A visit to see  the Fresco Paintings of the Havelis is also part of this day, followed by the day’s highlight  – a camel ride.

Day 3:  Mandawa to Bikaner. This morning  drive to Bikaner, to visit the Junagarh Fort, an untouched fortress retaining all its  glory.  Then visit  a Camel Breeding Farm, the only one of its kind in Asia. Camels from various breeds are bred here to produce the best quality camels in India, and are sold throughout the world for racing.  

 Day 4: Bikaner to Jodhpur. Today on to  Jodhpur,  with a stop  on the way to the Rat Temple (Deshnoke).  At this temple, of the Goddes Karni, thousands of rats are found.

On arrival into Jodhpur, tour the massive 15th century Mehrangarh Fort and the Jaswant Thada Cenotaphs,where the Royal Families are enshrined.   The   5 km long majestic fort is perched on a hill and is one of the most impressive and formidable bastions.  Although invincible from the outside, the fort has four gates reached by a winding road. The fort’s interior houses some magnificent palaces with stunning carved panels and latticed windows . The panoramic view of Jodhpur from the fort is splendid.

Set at the edge of the vast Thar desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with ancient tales and monuments.   Jodhpur  is encompassed by a high wall, 10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions. Known as the ‘Blue City’, Jopdhpur’s walls are washed in blue, giving an amazing haze in the desert light.  

In Jodphur visit the bustling market under the tall clock tower. Spices, flowers and beautiful textiles are on sale here and barbers work under the nearby banyan trees The  market  is one of the most interesting  sights in Jodhpur.

 Day 5:  Jodhpur to Pushkar. This morning  take a jeep safari to visit the nearby Bishnoi Villages. The Bishnois  preserver  the wildlife of Rhajasthan. Throughout the centuries they have protected the animals and ecosystem  against the menaces of growing technology  in these rural  areas.

Continue  to Pushkar, a holy city. The Pushkar Lake  , is believed to have been created by Lord Brahma himself. Devout Hindus believe that it is essential to visit Pushkar at least once in their lifetime, to dip in the waters of the holy lake.  Pushkar has  nearly  400 temples and ghats and houses the only temple in the country that is dedicated to Lord Brahma. While Pushkar is a religious haven, it is also the venue of one of the country’s most colourful fairs – the Pushkar Camel Fair, held annually in November.

Visit the Sacred Lake and the  dedicated to the God Brahma – God of Birth. Then take an easy hike through the city to the Savitri temple, which is situated on a hill and provides excellent views of the town, especially at sunset.

Day 6:  Pushkar to Jaipur.  Today travel to Jaipur,   the capital city of the northern  state of Rajasthan. Known as the Pink City, it is one of the most vibrant and colourful cities of India, famous for its colourful culture, forts and palaces.

Visit the market here and  take a tour of the magnificent  City Palace, with its seven courtyards and seven floors. The current home of the Maharajah of Jaipur  it houses some  fascinating  museums.

The Jantar Mantar, next to the City Palace,  is an Astronomical Observatory and  home to the largest sundial in the world.

 Day 7: Jaipur. This morning a photo stop at the Palace of Winds – the Hawa Mahal. This five-storey building was built for the Maharajah’s royal ladies to watch festive processions and other special events without being seen themselves.

Next is a visit to the beautiful Amber Fort perched on a hilltop, overlooking a gorge in the Rajput landscape. From there is a magnificent view of Jaipur and the fort itself is home to many stunning buildings and  monuments:  The Temple of Kali with its silver door; the vibrantly colored  Audience Chamber with its vaulted ceilings of mirrors; and the Hall of Pleasure.

In the afternoon, wander around Jaipur at your leisure, and perhaps visit the Rajmandir, an Art-Deco theatre used for watching the latest Bollywood movies.

Day 8:  Jaipur to Sawai Madhopur – Ranthambore National Park. Today e head to Sawai Madhopur and Ranthambore National Park. In the afternoon take a game drive in a canter in search of tigers and sloth bears. The area also abounds in wildlife including  black bucks, chinkara, spotted deer and many other types of deer, and even leopards and   crocodiles may be seen.  The region is home to  5 vast lakes  encompassed by towering  mountains and a vast forest.   The National Park is also home to the Ranthambore Fort, which houses an ancient Ganesh Temple, a site for pilgrimeges.  

 Day 9:  Ranthambore National Park – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra. Today starts with an early morning game drive  and a second  chance to spot tigers. Later today, drive to Agra, en route stopping in Fatehpur Sikri.

Fatehpur Sikri, a perfectly preserved, deserted red sandstone city offers detailed insight into the life of India’s Moghul emperors. Built by Humayan’s son, the Emperor Akbar, Fatephur Sikri was a capital city for a very short time. See the stone-tethering elephant ring  used to crush criminals to death; the Turkish Sultana’s House with stone carvings of animals; the Astrologer’s Pavilion; the outdoor chess court; and the Harem.

Then on to Agra, famous for one of the Seven Wonders of the World  the Taj Mahal.  

 Day 10:  Agra – Taj Mahal, Red Fort. This morning a sunrise visit to see the amazing Taj Mahal,  the tomb of Shajahan’s favourite wife Mumtaz-Mahal. The marble walls of the Taj Mahal change colours throughout the day  - at dawn  the Taj is pale pink, at noon it is blindingly white and at sunset it is golden. The gardens, with their dark green cypresses and water channels are an integral part of the artistry of this romantic building. Visit the mosque to the west of the Taj and the guest pavilion at its  east to get  vaired views.  To the rear , the Taj overlooks the Yamuna River and offers  views of the Agra Fort.

Visit the imposing Agra Fort, a World Heritage Monument. Its red sandstone ramparts dominate the landscape and offer a spectacular view of the Taj. Then on to the   beautiful Itmad-Ud-Daulah,  known as the Baby Taj.

 Day 11:   Agra to Delhi.  Today is the last day of the trip. This morning  drive back to Delhi. In the afternoon,   take a   tour of the city.   Visit the World Heritage sit of Humayan’s Tomb,  considered by some to be  equivalent to the Taj Mahal. This tomb, built in 1570, is of particular cultural significance as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. It inspired several major architectural innovations, culminating in the construction of the Taj Mahal.

Take in the Parliament Buildings and India Gate. The great India Gate, made from Bharatpur Sandstone, was built to commemorate the Indian Army officers who died in World War One, and has the names of approximately 14,000 Indian and British soldiers who died in the First World War enscribed on its stones.

 Day 12:  Depart Delhi

Wild Boar in Ranthambore Parkl

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The Adventure of a Lifetime Awaits You at the Pushkar Fair

On January 24, 2012, In Archeology & Culture, Deserts, Family Vacation Adventures in Asia, By Sylvia Arad

Every November, the sleepy little town of Pushkar, in Rajasthan, India comes alive in a riot of colors and a frenzy of activity.  This is a time when locals of the inhospitable desert surroundings join together with traders and visitors from near and afar to celebrate and enjoy an unparalleled experience; it is the time when Hindus converge in a pilgrimage to worship at the only Brahma temple in the world and “wash away their sins” in the holy Pushkar Lake; it is a season of fun and frolic, colorful festivals and sacred worship.  This is the advent of the Pushkar Fair.

The Pushkar Fair

Situated some 11 kms. from Ajamer, Pushkar is a holy place.  Legend has it that the Lord Brahma performed Yagna, a ritual of sacrifice, in this ancient town, making it an important center of Hindu pilgrimages.  Punctuated by several stunning temples and surrounded by rolling hills, this beautiful, sleepy village has gained worldwide renown for its colorful camel fair.   Celebrated in the month of Kartik, November, each year all Rajasthan bustles with the excitement of the Pushkar festivities.

Picture of Pushkar Fair
thanks to A flickr photographer and Ookaboo!

The fair’s lure is its original, rural charm.  It opens on the eve of Kartik as hordes of camels make their way across the sands of Rajasthan for a week devoted mainly to them.  Thousands of men, women and children, come with their beasts, suddenly inhabit the barren landscape.  The riot of colors – turbaned men, women in pleated skirts, bangled and bejeweled from head to toe – contrast the brown hues of the desert plains to put the final touches on the scene.  The festive event continues for nine days during which the mass trading of adorned cattle – camels, horses, cows, goats and sheep takes place.  Camels, however, rule the roost, where camel auctions, races and competitions are the prime attractions.  Soon to be part of a beauty pageant, the newly acquired camels are washed spanking clean and then adorned with handmade saddles, strings of colorful beads, vivid embroidered cloths and woven saddle straps, then ultimately paraded, vying for first place.  Other events include “musical chairs”, a weight competition and much more.  Though spectators enjoy the entertainment, as they preen before the crowd, it is the camels that enjoy all the attention!

Camels Decorated for the Beauty Parade

The array of goods on exhibit at the fair is endless.  Stalls are set up to sell items    ranging from saddles, saddle straps, beads, strings and more, all to beautify the camels. For the women, little interested in the world of beasts, glittering wares in stalls under canopies beckon:  Intricate, silver ornaments   – neckbands, nose rings, hairpins, chains and trinkets are just a few among many.  Colorful garment stalls tout clothes of the latest fashion and tattoo stands provide lifelong beauty marks.

Shopping at the Fair

On the last day of the fair, the festivities culminate in   a day of ritual worship.   Pilgrims scramble for a place on the bathing Ghats where the holy waters of Pushkar Lake wash away lifetime sins.  On   Kartik Purnima, the night of the full moon, romance touches Pushkar as tiny boats of leaves, flowers and flickering lamps are set asail on the lake, reflecting hundreds of twinkling lights on the waters. The next day dawns to the sight of a mass exodus, as long caravans of camels make their way into the distant desert horizon.  Pushkar and its fair is the absolute manifestation of the culture of Rajasthan.

Ghats at Pushkar Lake by Zedzap http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ghats_at_Pushkar_lake,_Rajasthan.jpg

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Top 3 Golden Triangle Destinations – Jaipur (Part 3)

On January 6, 2012, In Archeology & Culture, City Breaks, Deserts, By Sylvia Arad

Jaipur, the fabled “pink city” located in the royal deserts of the state of Rajasthan, is the last stop on India’s Golden Triangle circuit.  Resplendent with magnificent forts, beautiful palaces, havelis, museums, temples and colorful bazaars, Jaipur is the capital and largest Rajasthan city.  Founded in 1727 by the ruler of Amber, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur’s monuments and forts reflect its glorious past.

Standing majestically in the heart of Jaipur, the City Palace affords a perfect example of Mughal and Rajput architecture.  The compound is home to numerous beautiful structures, including the Chandra Mahal (Moon Palace, a 7-storey palace;  the Diwan-e-Khas, Hall of Private audience, and the Diwan –e –Asm (hall of Public Audience), the Mubarak Mahal, which houses a museum with a rich collection of Mughal artifacts, costumes and manuscripts.

City Palace View from Hawa Mahal photo by Vssun on Wikimedia Commons

The Hawa Mahal, the “Palace of Winds”, is Jaipur’s most striking monument.  This 5-storey semi-octagonal building is actually a sandstone screen with 593 windows with latticed balconies.  It was designed to be used as a “veil” for royal women to watch and enjoy processions and activities below without being seen.

Palace of Winds (Hawa Mahal)

The Jantar Mantar of Jaipur was also built by the city’s founder, who was an astronomy aficionado.  Built in stone and marble, this giant astrological observatory looks more like a futuristic sculpture garden than a set of near-400 year old devices to determine the movements of the universe.

Jantar Mantar at Jaipur

On the outskirts of Jaipur, the old city of Amer was the original seat of power, bustling with life and prosperity.  Sawai Jai Singh, the last maharajah of Amer, shifted his capital when he established Jaipur.  Standing atop a range of craggy hills, Amber Fort, originally built in the 1600’s, stands in all its glory. It is remarkable not only for its sturdy battlements and beautiful palaces, but for the majestic grandeur of its surroundings as well.

Panoramic View of Amber Fort photo by Skmalladi on Wikipedia

Reflected in the waters of the lake at the foot of the hills, the red sandstone and white marble pavilions combine to give it an amber hue.  The lavishly ornamented palace complex exhibits the wealth of Amer.  The Sheesh Mahal, the splendid Chamber of Mirrors, the beautifully proportioned Diwan-e-Am, the hall of public audience, opens on 3sides and stands on 2 rows of ornamented pillars.  The Diwa-e-Khas, the Hall of Private Audience, is adorned in delicate glass mosaic, and the Sukh Mandir is guarded by sandalwood doors inlaid with ivory.    The Massive Fort is designed with finely carved lattice windows, exquisitely painted doorways and halls, and sculpted pillars, and is a fine blend of Hindu and Moslem architecture.

Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors)

Some 15 kms. Away, Jaigharh Fort, perched on a hilltop overlooking the city of Amer and its palaces, holds the world’s largest cannon on wheels.  Built during the reign of Maharaja Sawai Hai Singh, it is positioned to protect the city.  Constructed in 1734, the Nahargarh Fort, at the crest of a hill above the city, houses within its ramparts architectural beauties such as Hawa Mandir and Madhevedar Bhawan.

Jaigharh Fort photo by Akred99 on Wikimedia Commons

Jaipur is a city of royalty at its best, with an age-held culture and traditions.  Beset with historical monuments and majestic palaces, it is a commanding region which was ruled by crowned leaders who passed their royalty to their future generations.  As such, it is the perfect culmination to a trip through India’s illustrious Golden Triangle.

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World’s Top Ten Eco-Lodges: High Adventure at Three Camel Lodge

On August 23, 2011, In Deserts, Eco Adventure Accommodations, Outdoor Adventure Travel, Uncategorized, By Sylvia Arad

Who would have imagined that Mongolia would feature one of the world’s best eco-adventure lodges?   Indeed, this is the case at Three Camel Lodge, where comfort and eco-tourism come together in one of the world’s top ten adventure lodges.

Photos of Three Camel Lodge, Ulaanbaatar
This photo of Three Camel Lodge is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Set on the edge of the Gobi Desert in the Gobi Gurvansaickhan National Park, Three Camel Lodge is the ideal starting point for adventuring Mongolia’s diverse terrain.  Nestled in the foothills of the Gobi-Attai Mountains, this 50 acre wilderness outpost serves as a perfect base for desert exploration.  The vast and fascinating landscape of the Gobi Desert, with its red rock cliffs, lush valleys and towering sand dunes is best negotiated by foot, on horseback, camelback and kayak with superb expedition options on offer.

Camel Trekking in the Gobi Desert

Desert wildlife – hares, hedgehogs and numerous species of birds traverse the camp’s grounds.  Ancient petroglyphs depicting antelopes, sheep, ibex and wolves are a short walk away.  Camel treks through sand dunes and forests to explore the Gobi’s diverse ecosystems are one among many adventures affording the opportunity to view local wildlife.  Horseback riding through the vast desert plains of the Gorkhi Terelj National Park, where brown bears and numerous birds roam under an infinite blue sky, will lead to the legendary Gunjin Buddhist Temple. 

View from the Temple

Petroglyphs

Mongolian Wild Khulan

Traversing the Gobi Landscape on Horse

Multi-activity expeditions include kayaking on Lake Hovsgol, then continuing along ancient tea trade routes on a double-humped back camel.  Four-wheel drives, horse treks and mountain biking to remote canyons, mountain springs and verdant valleys are part and parcel of the myriad adventures on offer, while overnight tented expeditions are ideal for experiencing the Gobi’s unique wilderness.  Closer to camp, the brilliant red rocks of the Flaming Cliffs hold the mysteries of ancient dinosaur fossils to be excavated.  And for those wanting a taste of the Gobi, hands-on cooking classes are offered.

The Flaming Cliffs

Built with the help of the local community according to environmental and sustainable development standards, the lodge utilizes its natural elements – sun and wind – for its renewable energy.  Hand-crafted by local artisans, the thirty latticed-wood, canvas and felt gers, traditional tents of Mongolia’s nomadic herders, provide peaceful repose in the silence of the desert.  The gers simple exteriors blend into the remarkable landscape with southward-facing doors, built according to local tradition, providing unobstructed desert views.  The simple exteriors betray lovely, comfortable interiors, appointed with hand-painted furniture, wood-burning stoves, wide beds with plush cashmere blankets and felt slippers and bathrobes.

Typical Ger

In the Ger

View from the Lodge

The Dining Room

Fashioned in traditional style after a Mongolian temple with nary a single nail, the Dino, the camp’s main lodge, buzzes with energy and activity.  Guests here enjoy meals created from locally grown, fresh organic ingredients of traditional Mongolian fare.  In the evening, music and dance performances are held by the light of the glowing fireplace.  In the silence and utter darkness, the star-studded sky seems endless.

The lodge’s setting provides an authentic taste of Mongolian culture where often, Nomadic herders stop by to visit and revel with guests.  The Three Camel Lodge combines adventure, sophistication and traditional Mongolian hospitality to create the ultimate adventure travel experience with the stunning setting of the Gobi Desert.

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World’s Top Ten Eco-Lodges: Explora Atacama at Hotel de Larache

On August 12, 2011, In Deserts, Eco Adventure Accommodations, Outdoor Adventure Travel, By Sylvia Arad

High in Chile’s harshly beautiful Atacama Desert, Explora Atacama, based at Hotel de Larache, forms the best start-off point for family adventure in a region of unparalleled appeal and beauty.   Positioned at 2500 m (8000 ft.) above sea level, this architecturally striking lodge is set in the middle of the highest and driest desert in the world in 17 hectares (42 acres) of former farmland amongst an oasis of lush pear and quince trees.

Explora Atacama

Build to blend into the stark landscape, the welcoming lodge invites travelers to be in touch with their surroundings.  The low-lying adobe buildings with cool terraces facing the desert’s vast chain of volcanic mountains are set around a shady central square, bordered by ancient pathways which form an inviting complex for exploration.  The lodge’s stylish wood, wicker and tile rooms,    with Jacuzzi, plush down comforters and imported linens, the public areas  with overstuffed couches, beautiful tapestries and hand-crafted pottery, and the rooftop deck, and seven pools to cool off after a day of adventuring all come together to create a luxurious oasis. 

Explora Atacama inspires visitors to fully immerse themselves in its untamed environment of massive volcanoes, sand mountains, salt flats dotted by aquamarine pools and high altitude wetlands holding gurgling geysers and hot springs.  From a couple of hours to full day journeys, and from easy to physically demanding, the lodge offers between 8-10 guided excursions each day, where hundreds of miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails beg for adventure and exploration.  With a maximum of 8 people per group, the outings set travelers in the midst of a land of irresistible beauty and adventure, from discovering nearby San Pedro de Atacama village, trekking with local shepherds herding goats and alpaca, mountain biking over 100 mi. along mountain rims and shimmering salt pools to climbing the region’s massive volcanoes.  Extensive trips include open-air picnics as well.

Atacama Volcanoes....

....and Valleys

Sitting atop the rooftop deck, the star-studded sky is ripe for nightly gazing in the profound surrounding darkness; at dawn, the perfectly transparent light illuminates the vast desert’s stark colors.  After a day of intense adventure, the lodge’s pools offer a haven for relaxation and for soothing sore muscles.  Meals, served in the quincho, the outdoor barbeque area, are prepared from quality ingredients, many locally grown.  The cuisine is superb and includes simple dishes such as quinoa tabbouleh and seafood ceviche.

Stargazing from Observatory

The numerous adventures offered by Explora Atacama present visitors with an in-depth acquaintance and a rich, unforgettable encounter with the singular wildlife, ancient culture and natural landscapes of this vast terrain.  Explora Atacama is an experience not to be missed.

 
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Discover the Wonders of a Moroccan Kasbah

On March 15, 2011, In Archeology & Culture, Deserts, By Sylvia Arad

Strategically located at the junction of 3 rivers, Ouarzazate was once the base of power over vital southern trade routes and remains to this day the main gateway to these routes.  At the heart of the region rest the bizarre remains of ancient and restored Kasbahs, highlighting a family adventure well worth the effort. 

A Kasbah in the Dades Valley

 Kasbahs, fortified mountain villages usually perched on a mountain hillside for defense purposes, were built out of mud and straw.  Constructed to protect from arrow and other attacks, they were built with high walls and no windows or very narrow ones.  Erected in a sprawling manner, Kasbahs included attached earthen dwellings as well as other buildings necessary for everyday life – bath houses, garrisons, stables, granaries and more.

A Kasbah was also a place of residence of a wealthy and powerful local leader.  As such, it was the place of defense and the refuge for inhabitants when a city was under siege.  Built to a height of three stories with towers on every corner, Kasbahs were constructed higgledy-piggledy, twisting and turning without an organized plan.  This is precisely what makes them such a great family adventure travel destination, especially for children.  Exploring a kasbah, one never knows what to expect around the next corner.

Kasbah Touririt

Located in the heart of Ouarzazate, Kasbah Taourirt, the one-time home of Pasha Glaouil, one of the world’s richest men, is one of the first of the Kasbahs to explore.  Its architecture is typical of this kind of edifice; its exterior and interior are magnificent, offering a clear picture of how these fortifications were built.  The Kasbah was made to house over 1000 people – slaves and family members in over 300 rooms including stables, garrisons, ceremonial rooms and domestic living quarters.  Traditional dyes – saffron for yellow, henna for red, mint for green, indigo for blue – were used to color the tiles decorating the walls and ceilings and other architectural features abound.  The fun in exploring here comes when wandering through the myriad of rooms and passageways – a maze of twisting and turning, up and down chambers, which are fascinating from the architectural and decorative point.

Ait Benhaddou

Towers at Ait Benhaddou

The breathtaking vistas in the region have also become a choice film location, the most well-known of these being Ait Benhaddou, a Kasbah north of Ouarzazate.  This UNESCO World Heritage Kasbah is so stunning that many popular films have been made here –among them “Lawrence of Arabia,” and “the Gladiator”.  Ait Benhaddou is well worth a visit.  A Kasbah made up of various fortresses towering 10m into the air, it is one of those places you dream of visiting – exotic and different, and you can easily fantasize life here centuries ago.  And the view is spectacular, especially at sunrise and dawn, when the Saharan sun reflects the red walls.  Wandering through the Kasbah, you’ll need to climb and jump and look out for mud pieces falling on you as you go.  For youngsters, this is a dream come true!

Ait Benhaddou from Above

These are only 2 of the countless Kasbahs in the region.  Traveling north from Ouarzazate, the Dades Valley, known as “The Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs,” features many beautiful painted, crenulated Kasbahs which are the stuff of fantasies made for great exploration for family adventure travel.

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The Adventure of a Lifetime: Camel Trekking in the Moroccan Sahara

On March 1, 2011, In Deserts, Outdoor Adventure Travel, By Sylvia Arad

Imagine sitting on top of a camel, trekking through the Sahara Desert just like the caravans of old.  Silence surrounds you as the only sound is that of the camels’ cleft feet plodding along the soft sand.  No matter where you look, endless stretches of sand confront you.  Far from the stress of modern-day life, you enjoy the peace and tranquility of solitude.  This is what camel trekking in the Sahara desert is about, and it is an excellent introduction to family adventure travel!

Camel Trek in the Sahara

The Erg Chebbi dunes, near Merzouga, are the highest and most spectacular sand dunes in Morocco.  Some 50 km southeast of Erfoud, a garrison town and an excellent base for desert travels, these golden-red dunes lie where the desert meets the Atlas Mountains.    They mark the beginning of a great travel experience, as well as the western boundary of the Moroccan Sahara, bordering on Algeria.

Berber Villages in Region

The desert landscape provides the backdrop for this not-to-be-missed travel adventure.  The undiluted peace of the camels trekking along will take you back to caravans that travelled along these century-old routes, seeking a cool oasis.  The brilliant blue of the sky above against the endless red dunes; the infinite vistas, the solitude and the silence of the desert create mysterious energizing powers.  Sometimes, an oasis emerges; at other times, merely a mirage.   Pass Berber villages where you’ll get a glimpse of the simplicity of life – people drawing water from a well, collecting grass and dates, or simply tending to their crops.  Crumbling Kasbahs (fortifications) dot the desert landscape while extraordinary rock formations mark the ground, guiding traders on their route.

The Distant Campsite

 With  the changing afternoon light, the stark landscape colors shift from pale brown to gold, then to pink.  As the sun sets, the growing shadows flirt with the stunning colors.  After a weary day, you’re glad to reach the campsite.  The Berber tents, with their colorful pillows and bright rugs offer a haven of relaxation.  In the evening, enjoy a meal cooked under the open skis.  As you sit by the campfire, the sometimes native drums resound in the far-off distance.  Sleeping under the ink-black shy, you’ll marvel at the array of glittering stars streaking the night sky.  In the morning, rise early to catch a spectacular sunrise over the dunes before continuing on your trek

A Place to Rest

From the peaceful heat of the desert, the nut and date stops on the way, the Berber villages and Kasbahs, to the Berber camps, the tribal drums, the campfire, the races up the sand dunes and the shimmering stars in the indigo sky, the rest of the world seems a lifetime away from this oasis of serenity and adventure.

By the Campfire

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Adventure Hiking in Argentina’s Quebrada de Humahuaca

On February 11, 2011, In Archeology & Culture, Deserts, Outdoor Adventure Travel, By Sylvia Arad

The 150 km long Quebrada de Humahuaca (Humahuaca Ravine) extending from Jujuy Province’s  capital city of San Salvador de Jujuy on the south to the Bolivian border on the north, is one of the region’s outstanding attractions.  This Andean gorge, flanked by multi-striped hills on either side, is streaked in rich, vivid orange, yellow, red, blue and green colors which are the canyon’s trademark.  Resulting from layered sediments deposited over millions of years, this spectacular route of multicolored mountains carved out by the Rio Grande is rich in history, culture and archeological sites and is a great adventure outdoors destination for hiking, climbing and mountaineering.

Part of a major trade route at the tail end of the Inca Trail, this mountain valley has been used as a cultural and major trade route for over 11,000 years.  Numerous tracks, roads and settlements testify to the civilizations that once lived here, among them the Incas and the Spanish.

Purmamarca with Cerro background

As you make your way along the ravine, you’ll come across dramatic natural settings and a unique cultural landscape of colorful Andean villages and towns with adobe houses, where local peoples retain ancient customs, rituals and an Andean lifestyle that reflects ancient times.  Perched at the foot of the famous Cerro de la Siete Colores (Hill of Seven Colors), Purmamarca, the “Village in Virgin Lands” is one of the region’s most picturesque towns, having kept its Andean feel with its whitewashed buildings and adobe huts.  The Cerro de la Siete Colores, a hill just outside the town, is streaked from top to bottom with a splendid array of pastel colors, whose splendor is even more breathtaking when viewed from the town’s central plaza.

Cerro de Los Siete Colores

Onwards at Maimara, you’re greeted by yet another natural wonder – a set of hills lined with colors that rise in peaks, the colors gradually deepening as they reach the top – and appropriately named “La Paleta del Pintor (The Painter’s Palette).  Maimara also features a unique cemetery with colorful crosses and emblems that reflect local traditions. 

La Paleta del Pintor

El Pulcara Ruins

Continue to cross the Tropic of Capricorn, marked only by a stone slab embedded with its eponymous astrological sign, to reach Tilcara, the province’s archeological capital.  This ancient village stands out for its mud brick houses and attractive shady plaza, where locals sell Andean handicrafts.  This is a region to explore by bike, by horse or even by llama!  On an isolated hill nearby stands El Pucara, a pre-Colombian fortification built by native Omaguaca peoples to protect the village. The site is an open-air museum housing many remnants and ruins of a pre-Hispanic past.  From here, the view of the gorge is amazing.

When you finally reach the town of Humahuaca at the top of the valley, you are rewarded with stunning vistas of sand-colored, cacti-studded peaks.  At an altitude of over 3000 m., Humahuaca with its cobbled streets, quaint shops and lively plaza is stunning.  A visit to the Iglesia de la Candelaria with its tabernacle made entirely of gold and its gleaming white towers is well worth the effort.  This is also the northern starting point of the gorge, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for it cultural and historical riches. 

Quebraqda de Humahuaca

Quebrada Ravine

The Quebrada de Humahuaca offers an up-close look at local Andean village life, and its culture and history within a not-to-be-missed breathtaking setting featuring great outdoor adventures.

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Adventure and History: A Desert Jeep Safari to Saint Catherine Monastery

On June 25, 2010, In Archeology & Culture, Deserts, Eastern Mediterranean Adventures, By Sylvia Arad

A great one-day  (or more) adventure excursion   from Egypt’s Sharm-el-Sheikh coast is a jeep desert safari to Saint Catherine Monastery (Santa Caterina). This is a great adventure outdoors for the entire family and one that kids will especially enjoy and learn from, to boot!  

The Monastery

Located at the foot of Jabel Musa (Mount Moses) in a spectacular natural setting on Mt. Sinai, Saint Catherine Monastery is a historic landmark not to be missed during an adventure travel holiday in Egypt. It  was erected by the Emperor Justinian between 525-565 AD  as a point of the defensive structure of the Byzantine Empire.

Saint Catherine has a rich history indeed.  It was built in honor of St. Catherine of Alexandria, a Christian martyr who was beheaded.  Traditionally, her body was carried away by angels to Mt. Sinai, where 500 years later, her remains were discovered on the peak that now bears her name.  The monastery has been a center for religious pilgrimages for over 1500 years.

The Walls around the Monastery

Built to protect the monks in the region, Saint Catherine is a formidable fortification with granite walls up to 35 m. in height, and is surrounded by gardens and cypresses.  Up to the twentieth century, the only entrance to the monastery was a small door 30 ft. high, which lifted supplies by a system of pulleys.  Over its 14 hundred years, it has withstood numerous attacks and is to this day a working monastery. It is considered the oldest working Christian monastery and the smallest diocese in the world.

The monastery sits at the foot of the mount considered to be the place where Moses received the Ten Commandments and a chapel is built on what is traditionally considered the site of the Burning Bush. 

Inside the Main Church

Within its impregnable walls, rests a sanctuary like no other, incredibly rich in important religious and historical compositions. Second only to the Vatican, the monastery houses over 4500 manuscripts in several languages including Greek, Coptic, Arabic, Armenian and Hebrew – one of the largest and most important volumes in the world.  Beyond the manuscripts, it is also the setting for priceless works of art, including, among others, a wonderful Byzantine mosaic dating back to the 6th century, Russian and Greek icons, and western oil paintings, including one donated by Catherine of Russia in the 17th century and another by Czar Alexander in the 19th century.

Sunrise on Mt. Sinai

What makes Saint Catherine so special however, is its natural setting.   The awesome work of nature on Mt. Sinai is without equal.  Reaching a height of nearly 7500 ft, nothing beats watching the breathtakingly majestic sunsets and sunrises here, befitting the work of an Almighty power.  The monastery, in its entire splendor and its glorious setting is a sparkling example of a precious gem yet to be discovered by visitors.

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Karnak – The Most Spectacular of the Egyptian Temples

On June 5, 2010, In Archeology & Culture, Deserts, Eastern Mediterranean Adventures, By Sylvia Arad

Egypt’s ancient history is brought to life through its many temples and funerary customs.  Many of these temples dot the area around Luxor, ancient Thebes.  This great capital of Egypt was defined by the river Nile.  Since the east bank of the Nile was associated with the rising sun, hence life, most of the temples built to honor ancient Egyptian gods were built on the Nile’s east bank; to the west of the Nile, where the sun set and darkness reigned, hence death, the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the queens house the tombs of pharaohs and their families from dynasties past, the most notable of these being King Tutankhamen and Queen Nefarti.

Karnak Temple

Karnak, the most spectacular temple and a sheer pinnacle of religious architecture was the center of ancient Egypt’s religious practices.  The mother of Egyptian temples and the greatest ever built; it was a place of pilgrimage and worship for nearly 4000 years.  Enlarged and built upon by one pharaoh after another for over 1300 years, the complex covers nearly 200 acres.  The Temple of Amun alone is over 61 acres – the size of ten average European cathedrals.

 

Temple of amun

Karnak was the home of the god of gods, Amun Ra, who was insignificant until the 12th dynasty when Thebes became the great capital of ancient Egypt.  In ancient times, wars were not fought between countries; rather contests between the gods determined the fates of the lands where one god subdued another and one deity replaced another, the victorious god and its people growing in power and strength.  This is how Amun, with the help of other New Kingdom gods became the supreme god and Karnak, built in his honor, and became the largest temple built.

Karnak’s vast awe-inspiring complex includes 3 main temples and other smaller chapels and pylons.  At its center sits the temple of Amun.  Known as Ipset Isut (the most select of places) by ancient Egyptians, Karnak was dedicated to the triad deity of Amun, his wife Mut and his son Khonso.

Probably the most impressive temple complex in the world, the Temple of Karnak –its gargantuan size, its architecture, and its thought-provoking construction – epitomizes the greatness of ancient Egypt.  An icon of religious worship and ancient Egyptian mythology, it reveals the mysteries of a civilization that still penetrate our modern world.  

Karnak - Aerial View

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