Everything Under The Sun: Travel Stays With Native Peoples

Sunday, April 17, 2016

Travel Stays With Native Peoples

A local Ladakh woman cooking a meal.

Have you ever thought of taking a trip to the Himalayans, where you could view the world's highest mountains? It's an area where mountain climbers set off to accomplish their goal of climbing Mount Everest. It's where Sherpa, Ladakh, Dzongu and Lepcha, and Spiti peoples make their homes.

Don't want to stay in a hotel? Want to see how the native peoples live their lives? Welcome to HIMALAYAN HOMESTAYS. They specialize in booking homestays with the various native peoples who live in the area. There are some advantages to this type of travel. Visitors staying with a family learn more about the customs and lifestyles of the local people, support a local family's income to preserve the lifestyle common to their ancestors, and don't add to the wealth of large hotel chains, plus it's eco-friendly.

Back in 2002. Himalayan Homestays started among the Ladakh people, with the help of the Snow Leopard Conservancy, the Mountain Institute, local tour operators, and villagers. The first Homestays were started in Hemis National Park, where snow leopards abound and then more were added in Sham. Since visitors were quite interested in snow leopards, locals learned the value of preserving these animals as a source of income for tourists.

Tourists receive quite a few comforts, while experiencing the culture of the Ladakh people. Lighting is provided by candle or solar power; traditional Ladakh meals are cooked with eco-friendly methods, showers can be taken with solar-warmed water, dry-composting toilets are furnished, and local nature guides can be easily booked.

The Dzongu and Lepcha peoples provide the Sikkim homestays. Visitors have access to scenic views of Mount Khangchendzonga and the Khangchendzonga Biosphere. The Spiti experience is in an area known as Little Tibet; homestays are provided in one of five villages. This area is the home of the Tibetan wolf and Blue Sheep, along with the snow leopard. It is an area of beauty, with access to several trails that introduce visitors to various aspects of local life.

Some Sikkim area villagers with wedding drums.

Details of how to book accommodations and visits are found on the website. So, if you are interested in a culturally immersive experience and meeting local people in their home environments, Himalayan Homestays will provide you with that unique experience.