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The Shakti Walking Experience by Ampersand Travel is ideal for travellers seeking seclusion and a remedy to city minds frazzled by concrete and adrenaline. Situated in India’s far north and perched at over 3,500m (11,500ft), Ladakh is often referred to as ‘little Tibet’ and is home to one of the best preserved Tantric Buddhist societies in existence. Rugged snow-capped mountains and deep turquoise lakes dot this high-altitude desert making it one of the most otherworldly, picturesque places on earth. The Shakti Village Experience avoids the over now-crowded hub of Leh and takes adventurers off the beaten track to unspoiled, traditional villages in the Indus valley. Staying at Shakti, Ladakh, travelers can experience the ‘Head in the Clouds’ journey as the perfect antidote to the frenetic world that most of us live in, with highlights including silent walks led by mindfulness gurus and a 3km hike to mountain caves chaperoned by a monk, imparting a unique insight into the region’s spiritual life. Accompanied by local porters and guides, guests stay in traditional homestays – complete with private chef – that Shakti has spruced up to provide serious comfort without compromising on authenticity – pashmina blankets, fluffy duvets and cosy fireplaces are complemented by traditional artefacts and Indian artwork. For the more active guests, Shakti offers rafting, trekking and camping in remote but beautiful locations with the chance to spend the night in a tented camp set up exclusively to enjoy outstanding mountain views and some of the clearest night skies to be found in the world at altitudes of up to 6,000 – 14,000 ft. Throughout the journey, guests will dine on healthy meals from a menu of family recipes ranging from Parsi Apricot chicken and the delicious Burmese dish; Khowsuey, to Samosas made with the finest local produce and the freshest ingredients picked directly from the Houses’ own herb and vegetable gardens. These unique experiences bring Shakti guests closer to Ladakh’s people and their living cultures, whilst also allowing them time and space to recalibrate under spectacular mountain views and clear skies. T

HOW: Specialist India operator Ampersand Travel (+44 (0)20 7819 9770 // ampersandtravel.com) offers the 16-day Ladakh Village Walk Experience from £9,995 per person. This includes accommodation at the Trident Gurgaon, Delhi, Shakti, Ladakh and The Imperial Hotel, Delhi, international and domestic flights, private transfers and private guiding.