WHY YOU SHOULD BOOK 'Chasing Spring - on the roof of the world'
Come April, the frozen rivers start melting, and the rivers turn a turquoise blue; the apricot trees burst into a blossom of pink and white flowers. It is springtime in Ladakh. This is the best time to discover the KARGIL region, where the stories of Aryan settlers, Silk Road traders, the oldest Monastery, cave paintings, and the journey of Buddhism into Ladakh, are each fascinating. In the times of the Silk Road caravans, it is said that “all roads lead to Kargil” as it was equidistant from Kashmir, Baltistan, Zanskar, and Leh. Kargil means a place to stop from all directions. We discover many more stories as we explore the pretty little villages and meet with the many people from the different communities.
This is also the time when the Himalayan Brown bear comes out of its Hibernation to start the New Year. We will spend a day or two in Drass to discover the nature reserve and, if lucky, spot the Himalayan brown bear.
In short, you will be just in time to see this part of Ladakh come out of its winter slumber into the beautiful spring. The landscape is picturesque, and stories are plenty on this Apricot Blossom Trail in Ladakh.
3 cheers for Shoba and Salil for curating an absolute doozie of a trip. It was unique, thoughtful, personalised and represented the best of the region in the best possible way....extra mile has given us pictures, experiences and stories that are truly brag worthy and will stay with us a lifetime. Thank you both for the care and comfort at every juncture and for simply putting together an unforgettable trip. Huge congrats on a job well done...Take a bow both!🥂🥳 As for my co EMJ's(extra mile junkies🙃)....couldn't have asked for a nicer bunch of co-travellers...was wonderful spending these 10 days together and sure hope to catch you folks again and again and again...:)
– Archana and Anand
Thank you, Shoba and Katy, for a lovely experience of Shekhawati. Going back with wonderful memories.
– Natasha Seth
Thank you, Shoba and Katy, for all the unique experiences and for promoting a place that would have been lost to the world!
– Priyanka Rati
The Pashmina Trail Tour was nothing short of magical—an immersive experience filled with breathtaking sights, enchanting sounds, and the unforgettable aroma of Ladakh. We were lucky to have our very own Buddha, Siddhart, whose energy, passion, and deep love for the land were both infectious and inspiring. His joyful spirit made every moment feel special. And then there was Shoba—gracious, radiant, and effortlessly orchestrating a seamless journey. Her thoughtful curation and genuine care ensured that every detail was perfect. Her ever-present smile and passion for what she does shone through from start to finish.
– Marc Morabia, USA
Thank you, Shoba and Katy, for an offbeat and enriching experience…It was truly wonderful
– Priya Amin
Thank you, Shoba and Katy, for the whole experience. Had a wonderful three days.
– Sharmila Mangwani
Thank you all for a perfect Ladakh trip. The group was lovely and Shoba and Sid the curation was phenomenal- a healthy mix of art, religion, food and the quintessential pashmina! (something for everyone). I always wondered why in all my travels I never ventured to Ladakh- cause I needed to do it perfectly with both of you -Shoba and Sid!
– Anonymous
It was such a fantastic trip that one has to think. Your flexibility in dealing with the changes and adjustments was fantastic. Your staff and collaborators were knowledgeable and it was clear that they loved what they did. The driving team was skilled. Thank you for everything.
– Ritu and Satya Ahuja, USA
A one-of-a-kind experience wandering the open gallery of Havelis and Frescoes.
– Chany Koshy
You and your team did such a phenomenal job, you know, everything was taken care of. We felt so cared for and just so looked after even when we were camping. I mean, everyone was just so warm and welcoming.. it never felt like a group of strangers. It just felt like, you know, friends who were happy to spend time together and know more about each other and I think a huge reason for that was you and the way you put it all together because I can just imagine the planning that must have gone in beforehand but when we were there, it just seemed seamless.
– Tripti Sahni, Mumbai
I don’t write many reviews, but will make an exception to write about our journey to the NorthEast (Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and a bit of Assam) with “The Extra Mile”. It is, as the name suggests an unforgettable journey with many “extra miles” thrown in. Shoba, Salil and the rest of the team were just fantastic hosts (with Andrea somewhere in the background!). Apart from the warmth and hospitality, the journey was magical - tales and stories of the tribes in the enchanting Northeast; we experienced their culture, their crafts, their food and their company leaving us mesmerised by the rich heritage of a part of our country that we hardly know, living in the city of Mumbai! Then attention to detail was impeccable and even when the weather brought us unseasonal rains, the program was gently tweaked to accommodate the change! Unlike most travel companies, The Extra Mile is all about experiences and not just about sightseeing; it is about interactions with the local communities rather than just selfies with the locals - creating everlasting memories. I would sign up for another trip with the Extra Mile anytime.
– Micky Dalal
Thank you, Shoba and Katy, for a wonderful Shekhawati experience. Had a wonderful 3-day exploring the rich culture of the region.
– Rita Jain
Thank you, Shoba and Katy, for a lovely 3-day Shekhawati experience! Learnt so much and saw things which we would have never experienced otherwise
– Reena Aurora
Thank you, Shoba and Katy, for the most beautiful experience. Enjoyed visiting the Havelis and seeing the intricate frescoes. The trip was very well curated.
– Sabina Sanghvi
While I use the terms “lost tribe”, happy tribe” and “wounded tribe” playfully, they carry a deeper truth. Over the past ten days, we’ve come together as a group, sharing experiences, laughter, and meaningful moments, while gaining a richer understanding of both the region and one another. This has only been possible because of the thoughtful curation and care put in by you, Salil, his team (Wati, Atsi, Azo) and everyone at Extra Mile. Having had the privilege of joining three of your journeys, I truly believed the last one couldn’t be surpassed. Yet somehow, you and your team continue to weave magic, creating journeys that feel even more extraordinary and deeply fulfilling each time. I’m almost convinced you have your own private shaman, and I suspect his name is Salil. Thank you for creating the space and framework that allowed me to step into such a remarkable world and experience Tales of the East in such a seamless, joyful, and unforgettable way. Where to next…..?
– Marc Morabia
Thank you, Shoba and Katy, for an absolutely wonderful experience! The Havelis were beautiful and such a unique experience.
– Falguni Toprani
Thank you, Shoba and Katy, for the unique experience and for all the great arrangements. Really had a great time.