The Himalaya mountains, a destination only accessible to the most intrepid of mountaineers, explorers and adventure enthusiasts...right? Not entirely. The latest secret we've unearthed makes it possible for anyone capable of an hour-and-half forest walk to conquer the historic mountain range. Okay, you won't exactly be scaling Everest, but you'll certainly get to experience the high life (no pun intended) in the Himalayas. This brand new luxury camp in the depths of the range opened its doors to the public in October and offers a whole new type of extreme mountain experience - extreme peace and seclusion bang in the middle of majestic Himalayan peaks.
Venture for the first time into the remote and untouched northern Uttaranchal region where you'll find our current favourite place to stay,
360° Leti. The camp sits high on a precipice offering majestic 360 degree views (clue's in the name) of lush mountainous landscapes and snow-capped peaks. Built with local materials and age-old techniques, the camp blends aesthetically with its surroundings, creating a harmonious and peaceful environment. It's the height of luxury with an authentic Himalayan feel.
If drifting towards sleep while gazing through your glass paneled walls at a myriad of stars is your idea of heaven, then we're pleased to say we've found it for you. The lovely, individual en-suite rooms (there are only 4 by the way) are built into the mountainside and feature some truly special touches like private decks with fire places. If you want more company, you can relax round the open fire in the communal living room or dine on local gourmet fare accompanied by fine wines. It's the little touches at
360 Leti that really caught our attention: hot water bottles at bedtime and a steaming flask of freshly brewed tea upon waking.
So that's the evenings ticked. How about the days? Well, you can fill them with a variety of guided treks in the mountains. You can even take along a custom-packed gourmet picnic and enjoy alfresco dining, Himlaya-style. Whether you're an early bird who enjoys a good pre-dawn walk or a more laid-back rambler looking for an afternoon stroll, the lovely staff will make suggestions to cater to all levels of ability. Yes, you may want to relax, but some of the walks and the stunning picture opportunities that come with them are worth raising the pulse rate just that little bit.
If you're seeking the ultimate off-the-beaten-track experience, this camp will not disappoint. And - for a change - the getting there is about as good as the place itself. The journey to reach it takes you deep into the heights of the Himalayas. The last leg of your journey is on foot; heading straight into the depths of the forest, you'll be glad of the local guides. The invigorating walk leads through captivating and mysterious forest, and the concerns of travelling melt away with every step closer to your hideaway. It's only on arrival, when you stop to catch your breath, that the truly out-of-this-world remoteness of your destination dawns on you. Shh, don't tell anyone, but this is a true secret find.
We recommend a minimum stay of 3 nights but can almost guarantee you won't want to leave until at least 7 star-studded nights have passed.
