5 treks to villages in Himachal you should definitely opt for

Himalayan villages are not only famed for breathtaking views of the mountains and gushing sounds of the rivers but also for the simple and unfussy life of people in the villages. Spend a day or two in these villages while you are here, just to soak in the vibe and learn more about the lifestyle of these villagers. A night halt in Tosh would not cost you more than 700 bucks and in Kasol, you have options galore as there are many budget and luxurious accommodation options. Camping options are also available in Parvati Valley, Kasol and Malana. Tosh If your idea of holidaying is lazing around in green pastures with a camera in hand, savouring local home-made delicacies and chatting with a bunch of shawl makers sitting in a group; easing off as the day passes; and sink into the silence of the place as the sun sets, then Tosh is the place for you. While you may not call it a completely off-the-beaten-track kind of a village, it still has its charm intact. Owing to its popularity in recent times, Tosh has found its place in the checklist of every backpacker, which has led to opening of numerous homestays and guesthouses in the area. The village is spread over 10 km and is easily walkable. Your trail will take you through apple orchards and hashish plantations, which is the main source of income here. It is recommended to spend at least a night here, witness the freshness of the morning and eat breakfast while alluring the beauty of the mountains, the stream and the valley. How to reach: It's a bumpy ride from Manali to Barshaini and traffic is annoying during weekends. From here, Tosh is just a 3 km trek, which takes 45-50 minutes (for beginners). Options for shared cabs are also available from Barshaini. Soon, the 3 km stretch up to Tosh from Barshaini is also going to become motorable, as construction work is in progress. Malana Malana is like mecca for hippies and backpackers looking for solitude. Since last few years, it is on the checklist of adventurers and nature lovers for all the good reasons. It's a tiny village in the state of Himachal Pradesh, resting on a remote plateau, at 8701 ft above sea level. It offers surreal view of the snow-capped mountains in the Parvati Valley and the torrential Malana River. Malana, arguably, is the source of some of the best and the costliest varieties of hashish. This village has its own customs and traditions and resolute faith in the residing deity Jamblu Devta. How to reach: You can reach Malana after a 10-hour trek from Parvati Valley (Manikaran) that passes through Rashol Pass. Moreover, you can reach Malana from Nagar, passing through Chanderkhani Pass, which would take approximately two days. Jari is the nearest village from Malana. Travel tip: Do not touch the villagers or their belongings Do not try to make videos Do not try to enter their temples Do not burn wood in the forests of Malana Kasol Resting on the banks of River Parvati, Kasol is just 42 km away from Bhuntar Airport and lies on the way to Manikaran, a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus and Sikhs. Steeped in classy riverside cafes, cheap guesthouses, bars and bakeries, Kasol is a hub for hippie backpackers and is densely populated with Israeli travellers who stay there for months and can be found chilling in many of the hotels in the region. Kasol is the starting point of numerous hikes and treks, including Kheerganga, Pin Parvati Pass, Yanker Pass, and Sar Pass, besides others. Soak in the vibe of the place by staying here for 2-3 days; visit nearby villages, interact with locales and try local food. It's a beautiful place to bring out the artist in you; just relax and let the nature do its work. How to reach: Try visiting nearby villages, just plan an early morning stroll across Chalal and Katagla villages. Parvati Valley As you move a little south of Kullu, you'd see River Parvati flowing violently beside you, chasing you at every turn and finally merging into River Beas at Bhuntar. The beautiful Parvati Valley stretches up to the awe-inspiring hot springs at Manikaran and north-northwest of the region. A hub for backpackers, this village is renowned for weed (charas), growing wildly in the fields, and dreadlocked Israeli travellers, and cafes that give a different vibe to the place. There are numerous of guesthouses and camping options in the region along with numerous food options. Moreover, it is a jumping-off site for many treks, including Pin-Parvati Pass and Chandrakhani Pass. Travel tip: If you are staying in Manali and planning a day trip to Parvati Valley, start as early as 3 am in the morning. The traffic is worse during weekends and holidays, so plan accordingly. Kheerganga A trek of 14 km from Tosh will take you to Kheerganga, one of the best kept secrets of the Himalayas. On your way, you'll cross many waterfalls and bridges, the picturesque views of which will be etched in your memory forever. The tremendous flow of the river sometimes sends shivers down your spine, you almost tend to quit but there is something in that route that keeps you glued and encourages you to reach your destination. Take a bath in hotwater spring when you reach there and relax, it's an experience of a lifetime! How to reach: Kheerganga is a 14 km trek from Tosh. From Bhuntar Airport, it takes around 4 to 5 hours to reach Tosh, assuming there is no traffic.

Crossworld Holidays gives the best Himachal Group Tour Pacakges from Thane, Mumbai 

Crossworld Holidays Tours & Travels (IATA approved)

Ground Floor, Ram Smruti,
Opp. to New English School,
Ram Maruti Road, Cross Road,
Thane (W) - 400602, India
Tel:+91 - 22 - 4038 4747 
Fax:+91 - 22 - 2542 3427
E-mail: crossh@gmail.com

Top Experience in Australia

Australia is one of the most interesting countries to visit, offering a beautiful melange of natural and man-made wonders including, Great Barrier Reef, Glass House Mountains, SydneyOpera House and Powerhouse Museum, to mention a few. The diverse flora and fauna of the region and beautiful beaches attract a lot of naturalists and holidaymakers from far and near. Listed below are a few attractions of Australia that have made into our shortlist:

The Overland Track

The Overland Track is Australia's most famous multi-day trek, offering a magnificent traverse of the world heritage wilderness. The 70 km track winds its way through a sub-alpine landscape of soaring dolerite peaks, glacial lakes, heathland, tall forests and waterfalls. The Overland Track is an exceptional trek and also offers access to the peaks and wilderness beyond. The Tasmanian parks and wildlife limit the number of trekkers to control the impact, a maximum of 60 trekkers per day are allowed and Overland Track Permits cost $120 per person and should be booked well in advance. Many trekkers choose to join a guided bushwalk that provides food, equipment and safety in this rugged environment.

Glow Worm Caves

Located in the caves of Queensland's National Parks, hide thousands of nature's most unusual if not beautiful creatures; the glow worm. The glow worm's spectacular ability to produce strings of glowing pearls is used as a creative way to attract prey.

Most visitors, as they walk into the cave, feel like they are standing in the Milky Way. Looking closer, the stars began to wiggle and grow. In reality, thousands of glow worms were going about their daily routine, using their light to produce bait for their food. As a bonus, they happen to create an enchanting and organic display. Delightful and strange, it certainly is a sight you must see to believe.

Snorkeling around and under Lizard Island

Not usually a coral enthusiast, I usually prefer meeting large fishes when I'm snorkeling. I have to say that I was overwhelmed by the colourful and hugely varied array of coral to be found around Lizard Island on its fringed reef lagoon and outer reefs. This is truly the location that spawned the phrase coral garden, that's exactly what it looks like, coral of all shapes and sizes both hard and soft, covering every surface save the sandy bottom, you can also see all the fishes from Finding Nemo. Here you can snorkel almost straight off the beach and most of the island's coastline is beaches. Further out there is still the possibility of seeing some larger fish, wrasse and red bass as well as the potato cod that are favourites with visiting divers. Moreover, you can also see a white tip reef shark, an eel or manta ray. One of the main attractions of Lizard Island is the Giant Clam Garden that has impressively healthy clams, which are supposedly 150 years old. For divers the main attraction will be Cod Hole.

There are good spots all around the Great Barrier Reef, but for a good variety of marine life, large and small fish, and corals Lizard Island is probably one of the best spots. The resort on the island is exclusive but you can camp in the national park, just remember to bring your own supplies, this isn't somewhere you can pop out to the shops. It's almost too obvious to include, but there are only a few people who can stay in the resort so the numbers are kept to a reasonable roar. Good for beginners, my advice would be to get away from the crowds and the guides and do some exploring. You can't really go wrong in the water here

Surf Snapper Rocks (Superbank)

Nicknamed Superbank, this is a point/beach break wave with a sandy bottom. It can link through Greenmount beach, possibly Australia's best beach break wave (very crowded), which has a right-hand wave and is strictly for advanced surfers only. Good all year round with best surfing on waves up to 6 ft, but it can have a strong sweep when waves get over 4 ft. Minimum water temperature is 18 degrees.

Sydney Opera House

Significantly more graceful and elegant than the rest of Sydney, the Opera House is beautiful from all angles, and worth looking at from all angles as well. Coming into Circular Quay on the ferry shows the Opera House off to its best. Its custom built tiles have an iridescent look in the morning and evening light, and the rest of the cut glass harbour and the city behind complement the building perfectly, making it look a thousand times more attractive than anything else around (except for Sydney's great natural asset—the harbour).

The Opera House interior is more dated than its timeless and pristine exterior. The stark concrete details of the entrance hall were ultra-modern at the time but now look more like a bus station; however, further inside in the performance spaces, the feeling of graceful spacious understatement returns, so don't be too disappointed by your first impression as you enter.

One of the best experiences to have in Sydney is a visit to the Opera Bar under the Opera House concourse—the view, framed by the sailed sides and the less graceful Harbour Bridge, some great live entertainment, and good food and drink make it one of the best experiences in

Whitehaven Beach

Whitehaven Beach is a spectacular, picture-perfect white sand beach. In the competition for the best beach, Whitehaven on Whitsunday Island, has been regularly bandied about. Whitehaven Beach supporters cite the sand, which is pure white silica (which means made up of tiny grains of granite and suitable to be used to create the most precise glass for optical instruments etc.) and very bright in the warm sun, set against 7 kms of clear waters which naturally appear a stunning shade of blue. If your idea of a perfect beach involves having the colours just right you will love Whitehaven Beach. You can walk the beach for over 5 kms, and also camp, swim, snorkel and buff your jewellery in the sand.

The best way to get to Whitehaven Beach is to moor offshore on your yacht and swim to the beach, and find a spot not frequented with day-trippers. Failing that, you need to become one yourself, and there are a number of catamaran and other boat trips from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach.

Hunter Valley

At less than 2 hours drive from Sydney the Hunter Valley has become one of Australia's most visited wine regions. It is also one of the oldest. The buttery Chardonnays and well aging Semillons are the regions most successful wines, and as for reds the region seems to produce big tannin heavy Shirazes. Most of the wineries are in the lower Hunter between Cessnock and Branxton centring around Polkolbin, where the premium vineyards own land, while the upper Hunter has vineyards nestled into the curves of the valley and shaded by thin lines of gum trees along the four rivers that keep the region so green.

The Hunter has always been an important region for Australian wines and many of the most well known spas providing luxury accommodation and hot air balloons full of sightseers are a common sight in the crisp still morning and evening skies.

Glass House Mountains

Brave people put up the routes here in the 60s and 70s and adventure climbers not scared of the big walls still follow them. These old routes aren't particularly well trodden (be careful to check all your bolts) so when you get to the top you'll be admiring the spectacular views of the thick velvet bushland of the southern Sunshine Coast without too much intrusion. Aid climbers will like the bolted overhangs at Beerwah's (the largest mountain in the range) slabs.

Crossworld Holidays gives the best  Australia Package From Thane, Mumbai 

Crossworld Holidays Tours & Travels (IATA approved)

Ground Floor, Ram Smruti,
Opp. to New English School,
Ram Maruti Road, Cross Road,
Thane (W) - 400602, India
Tel:+91 - 22 - 4038 4747 
Fax:+91 - 22 - 2542 3427
E-mail: crossh@gmail.com

4 Reasons Your Luggage Could Be Delayed Long After Your Flight Lands

Even if you manage to get off your flight quickly, that doesn't mean your luggage will be awaiting you at baggage claim. There is a lot that happens between the time your bag leaves the plane and the moment you grab it off the carousel—and many different things can cause a delay.

The next time you contemplate giving in to premature lost luggage grief, consider some of the biggest reasons your bag could be delayed:

Electrical storms

Weather is one of the biggest reasons your baggage may take some extra time to make it to the claim area.

When lightning—or any other severe weather—strikes, ground crews are ordered inside for safety reasons, meaning they will take longer to get to your luggage and bring it indoors.

Airport size

Just like it would take you more time to walk through a larger airport, it takes your luggage more time to travel the distance from your plane to the baggage claim.

Passenger capacity

If your flight was full, there are more bags to transport throughout the airport. If you were lucky enough to experience a practically empty flight, there's a good chance your bag was removed from the plane in a timely manner.

State of the airport

Most airports have mastered the baggage process through a series of security checks, conveyor belts, and hand-offs, but there are still some hubs with little to no technology behind the baggage process.

Keep this in mind when you're traveling to remote areas with airports that don't experience much traffic.

Crossworld Holidays gives the best 

Crossworld Holidays Tours & Travels (IATA approved)

Ground Floor, Ram Smruti,
Opp. to New English School,
Ram Maruti Road, Cross Road,
Thane (W) - 400602, India
Tel:+91 - 22 - 4038 4747 
Fax:+91 - 22 - 2542 3427
E-mail: crossh@gmail.com

4 Reasons Your Luggage Could Be Delayed Long After Your Flight Lands

Even if you manage to get off your flight quickly, that doesn't mean your luggage will be awaiting you at baggage claim. There is a lot that happens between the time your bag leaves the plane and the moment you grab it off the carousel—and many different things can cause a delay.

The next time you contemplate giving in to premature lost luggage grief, consider some of the biggest reasons your bag could be delayed:

Electrical storms

Weather is one of the biggest reasons your baggage may take some extra time to make it to the claim area.

When lightning—or any other severe weather—strikes, ground crews are ordered inside for safety reasons, meaning they will take longer to get to your luggage and bring it indoors.

Airport size

Just like it would take you more time to walk through a larger airport, it takes your luggage more time to travel the distance from your plane to the baggage claim.

Passenger capacity

If your flight was full, there are more bags to transport throughout the airport. If you were lucky enough to experience a practically empty flight, there's a good chance your bag was removed from the plane in a timely manner.

State of the airport

Most airports have mastered the baggage process through a series of security checks, conveyor belts, and hand-offs, but there are still some hubs with little to no technology behind the baggage process.

Keep this in mind when you're traveling to remote areas with airports that don't experience much traffic.

Crossworld Holidays gives the best 

Crossworld Holidays Tours & Travels (IATA approved)

Ground Floor, Ram Smruti,
Opp. to New English School,
Ram Maruti Road, Cross Road,
Thane (W) - 400602, India
Tel:+91 - 22 - 4038 4747 
Fax:+91 - 22 - 2542 3427
E-mail: crossh@gmail.com

Hidden lakes of North India

There exist many serene lakes in the lap of the Himalayas that are still off the tourist radar. Surrounded by towering hills and visited mostly by the locals, these hidden lakes of North India are perfect for those in search of serenity and quietude.

Although it is not possible to reach all of them by road, there are treks that take you to these remote lakes. It is interesting to witness these lakes change their colours with varying hues of the sky, especially during sunrise and sunset. Admire the reflection of the sky, surrounding peaks, trees and everything else in the placid waters or just sit by the lakeside throwing pebbles and watching the ripples die out. Here's a list of hidden lakes in North India that have left me mesmerised, and will surely amaze you too!

Nako Lake

This high altitude lake is located at an elevation of 3662 metres in Hangrang Valley in Kinnaurdistrict, near Indo-China border. Nako is a small village settlement near the lake and serves as a stopover for travellers going to Spiti via Shimla. The lake is considered pious by villagers as it is believed that Guru Padmasambhava meditated near the lake, and his footprints are also marked on a rock here.

Start your day at Nako with a small trek to the mountain behind the lake. Climb the small hill behind the lake up to the chorten and you will get a beautiful bird's-eye view of the lake, the village and the surrounding peaks. During the day, roam around the village, visit the monastery and spend some time talking to the villagers. Spend the evening near the lake as it is magical—the sun setting over the snow-covered Himalayan peaks looks simply amazing!

Chandra Tal

In the serene surroundings of the towering snow-covered peaks and green pastures lies the breathtakingly beautiful Chandra Tal. It is located at an altitude of about 4300 metres in the Spiti. Drive through the magnificent route from Kaza to Kunzum Pass, and thereafter, to the lake. However, the journey to the lake from the pass is quite challenging, and hence, you need an expert to drive on these roads. Alternatively, there is a trek of around a kilometre to reach the lake. The best time to visit is early morning when the reflection of the snow-capped peaks in the placid lake water effortlessly casts a spell on you. Spend the night in the tents pitched in the lap of snow-covered Himalayas (literally), just a few kilometres from the lake. It might just turn out to be one of the most exciting experiences of your life.

Suraj Tal

Suraj Tal, located in Bhaga Valley, is the third highest lake in India and the 21st highest in the world. It is one of the most picturesque lakes I've ever seen. You can see it on the left as you drive on NH-21 from Keylong towards Ladakh. It lies just 3 km before the Baralacha Pass (4890 metres). It is fed by the glaciers originating in the pass. The road usually remains open from May to October, but the best time to visit is June when it is half frozen and looks stunning. You can also trek to the lake; the trekking route starts at Chandra Tal in Spiti Valley and reaches Suraj Tal via Topko Yongma and Topko Gongma.

Prashar Lake

The beautiful saucer-shaped blue-water lake lies in the lap of the snow-covered Dhauladhar ranges in Kullu Valley. A peculiar thing about the lake, located at a height of 2730 metres, is a little floating island that keeps moving and changing its position at regular intervals. Similar to most of the mountain lakes, it is also fed by rainwater and glacier. Monsoon is a good time to visit Prashar Lake, surrounded by green pastures and colourful flowers. If you wish to see some snow, visit during winters.

A legend has it that the lake was created by the Pandavas while returning after the battle, Mahabharata. Next to the lake is an old three-storied pagoda shaped temple with beautiful wood carvings and slate roof. Built in the 13th century, this shrine is dedicated to Rishi Prashar.

Tso Kar

Situated in the stunningly beautiful Rupshu Valley, Tso Kar is the smallest high altitude lake in the region. The lake is also referred to as the 'White Lake' due to the layers of salt that get deposited on its banks. The famous Tso Moriri Lake, India's highest brackish water lake, is around 50 km from here. You have to drive on a rough terrain to reach Tso Kar from Tso Moriri, and there is no habitation in between so keep yourself loaded with basic necessities. Due to the remoteness of the place, there are no accommodation options except for a few nomadic camps.

The lake is quite popular among wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers. The surrounding marshes are inhabited by rare species of birds such as grebes, brown-headed gulls, strip geese, rust geese and terns. However, the main attraction is the black-necked crane that flies to Tso Kar to lay eggs. Kiang, Tibetan gazelles, Tibetan wolves, foxes and marmots can also be spotted in the adjoining areas of the lake.

Hanuman Tal and Bharat Tal

These are the two hidden lakes of the seven lakes that are collectively referred to as Sattal. These lakes are located at a distance of around 20 km from Nainital. Just before the main three lakes of Sattal—Ram Tal, Lakshman Tal and Sita Tal—a route descends towards a dense oak forest. Bharat Tal lies just at the beginning of this route while you need to walk into the forest to reach Hanuman Tal. Although these lakes remain dry during summers, in the winter season they are flocked by migratory birds. So if you are visiting Sattal during monsoons or winters, do not forget to explore a little further to see Hanuman Tal and Bharat Tal.

Naukuchiatal

Naukuchiatal, the lake of nine corners, is apparently the most beautiful lake in Nainital district of Uttarakhand. Embraced by the majestic Kumaon and lush greenery, the lake is situated at a height of 1220 metres and is fed by underwater spring. There are many options to stay near the lake and it's highly recommended to spend at least a night here. There are many activities that you can indulge in here, such as boating, kayaking, angling, swimming and horse riding. Hang gliding is also organised by some tour companies, and the flight offers a bird's-eye view of the lake and its surroundings. Besides, this place is home to a variety of Himalayan birds and colourful butterflies, and hence, there's high probability that you may get to witness some of them during your visit.

Visit most beautiful Naukuchiatal lake in Nainital district of Uttarakhand, Uttaranchal.

Deoria Tal

Located at an altitude of 2438 metres, Deoria Tal is a beautiful fresh water lake. The lake is known for its lush green surroundings with snow-covered mountains in the backdrop and therefore, is a great site for camping. While camping, you can indulge in star gazing at night and admiring the mesmerising sunrise in the morning. From here, you can even enjoy a panoramic view of Chaukhamba, Nilkantha, Bandarpunch, Kedar and Kalanag peaks, to name a few. The 2 km uphill trek to the lake starts at Sari village in Uttarakhand. Alternatively, you can even start the trek from Ukhimath, which is a comfortable 7 km trail.

Crossworld Holidays gives the best 

Crossworld Holidays Tours & Travels (IATA approved)

Ground Floor, Ram Smruti,
Opp. to New English School,
Ram Maruti Road, Cross Road,
Thane (W) - 400602, India
Tel:+91 - 22 - 4038 4747 
Fax:+91 - 22 - 2542 3427
E-mail: crossh@gmail.com