Russia the world’s largest country is a true riddle waiting to be solved by the true traveler. It has it all from historic cities, beautiful countryside socialist and czarist legacy to art, literature, great train rides and vodka fueled nights. It also has Mt. Elbrus - the highest mountain in Europe and one of the seven summits. It is situated between the Black and the Caspian sea on territory of the Russian Federation, only 20 km from the Georgian border. Mount Elbrus is a dormant volcano. The last explosion occurred about 2000 years ago. The two summits of Elbrus are in fact two craters of volcano. Everywhere on its slopes you can see debris of solidified lava.

Trek to Deo Tibba Base Camp is also know as the trail of the Pandavas. It is believed that the Pandavas once wandered around this path. The trek is itself is very pleasant that takes us to the grazing pastures of the Gaddi shepherds and the emerald blue waters of the Chandratal Lake (4,480 m/14,698 ft) with magnificent views of Deo Tibba peak (6,001 m/19,688 ft) and its huge hanging glaciers. This is a spectacular view that make makes the trek even more alluring.

Mt. Deo Tibba is a beautiful 6001 Meter (19,687 Ft.) high peak, located in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalaya and situated quite close to the resort town of Manali, in Himachal Pradesh. The mountain itself consists of an extensive ice cap, with the actual climb to the summit being up an inclined hump of a ‘windslab’ snow. This magnificent peak is accessible, once the edge of the great snow & ice plateau extending right up to the periphery of the Malana Glacier, (which abuts the upper Kullu and Malana valleys), is reached. On reaching the summit, one is rewarded with an exhilarating view of vast eternal snowfields, hanging glaciers and many peaks of the surrounding areas; including the great peaks of the Malana & Tosh glacier catchments.

The state of Nagaland in the North East of India is home to several tribes each of which are distinct in their language, culture and customs. The festivals are important to the tribes as these revolve around agriculture, which is a major profession in the state. The Nagas consider their festivals sacred and so participation in these festivals is essential. To encourage inter-tribal interaction and to promote cultural heritage of Nagaland, the Government of Nagaland organizes the Hornbill Festival every year in the first week of December. The festival is named after the Indian hornbill, the large and colourful forest bird, which is displayed in folklore in most of the state’s tribes. If you are headed to the Hornbill festivel, it’s a great opportunity to combine this trip with a stay and safari at the popular Rhino destination – Kaziranga National Park. And then further explore the North-East and get mesmerised by Meghalaya.
This experience will allow you to do just that.