When Sri Lanka became peaceful after the Norwegian Peace Accord in 2004, UNIQUE JOURNEYS of Reno, Nevada immediately planned a tour which went out last month with 19 passengers.

In 2005, peace has reached the Vale of Kashmir and Unique Journeys has the first tour planned for September, 2006, which will be personally escorted by the owner, Suraj Zutshi who also happens to have a Kashmiri background. Now we offer a 2009 tour.

Join Unique Journeys on the “Myths, Mountains and the Moon” tour departing from Los Angeles or San Francisco via Singapore Airlines. The tour visits New Delhi, Kashmir, Ladakh(Little Tibet) and the Taj Mahal by full moon.

After a couple of nights in New Delhi of sightseeing and welcome dinner, you will fly to Leh, the capital of Ladakh which is the highest inhabited region in India. Ladakh straddles four main mountain ranges – Himalayan, Zanskar, Ladakh and the Karkoram. Ladakh history goes back to at least 399 A.D., has unique flora and fauna, culture, clear blue skies and a land ‘where snow never melts and only corn ripens’. In Leh you will see the famous Hemis, Thiksey and Shey Monasteries, the Leh Palace, Stok Palace, walk around the bazaars and enjoy a scenic rafting trip on River Indus.

After five days in Ladakh, fly to Srinagar which was called Paradise by the Mughals. Srinagar was founded in 3 B.C. by Emperor Ashoka. Enjoy the spectacular scenery and alpine climate, stay in a deluxe houseboat, Mughal Gardens, shikara(gondola) rides on lakes, visit the rare saffron growing fields, tree-lined roads and an excursion to Gulmarg. Enjoy a wazawan – a special Kashmiri banquet with a couple of dozen (or more) courses!

After Srinagar, you will fly to Agra to see the Taj Mahal in its full glory – by full moon! The Taj is once again open in the evenings during the full moon and this trip has been designed to take advantage of this. After a grand farewell dinner, a private cooking demonstration and free time for shopping, depart for home via Singapore.

The 15-day trip is limited to 18 participants and is available for $3995 per person from San Francisco or Los Angeles including the airfare, deluxe and best available accommodations, most of the meals, complete sightseeing and most of the tips. Visa fees and departures taxes are additional.

Please call 1-800-421-1981 for more details and reservations.

Suraj Zutshi, CTC
President