ShivaShaktiTravel organizes trekkings and retreats in India for people who want to see the country in its most traditional form. The places chosen are often non-touristic areas but offer the opportunity to discover the local customs and spiritual places of worship. It is aimed at people who prefer "off the beaten track" holiday and who are willing to experience the way of life of the natives.
The treks we are offering are aimed at people who already have a good level of fitness without being too challenging, and would enjoy walking in rural parts of the country, going through several little hamlets with an almost constant back ground of high Himalayan peaks.
The maximum altitude reached is 3200m, not too high for Himalayan standards, while the average altitude remains at 2500m.Nevertheless it still involves a daily marching routine of four to six hours for 9 continuous days therefore it is advised to prepare for 2 or 3 weeks in advance before leaving your country by practicing medium impact sports such as cycling, running, swimming.In any doubt contact Alessandro to discuss further.
We also would like to point out that although during the last decade the lifestyle has improved dramatically in most modern cities of India, the same cannot be said of rural India; in many villages along the route water is still collected from the main well in the square, electricity (when available) is intermittent, and toilets facilities differ greatly from the ones adopted in the European countries.The trekking experience requires a certain degree of tolerance, open-mind and adventure.
Each trek is limited to a group of 6 -8 people maximum.
Alessandro Visentin
Alessandro has been travelling regularly to India since 1985, mainly to the Indian Himalayan regions in pursue of long-distance treks through rural countryside, fascinated by the simple yet hard life of its inhabitant. His trekking experience extends to neighbouring Nepal, The Moroccan Atlas Mountains, the Spanish Pyrenees, and his native Dolomites in Italy.Alessandro lives in London (UK) and frequently enjoys long week-ends exploring the beautiful mountains of the British Isles.
In 2005, during one of his visits to the Indian state of Kumaon, he met Prakash, a qualified guide who organizes treks in the Himalayas, and their instant friendship led them to decide to work together. Alessandro’s role acting as the trekking party leader, meeting clients at Delhi airport and back, and taking them to the starting point of the trek with some sight seeing along the way, while Prakash provides the logistic for the trek, i.e. porters, pack animals, tents, kitchentent, foodas well as being the head guide .
Alessandro is an experienced trekker, and familiar with the local traditions and lifestyle. His calm, balanced and practical nature makes him an ideal guide to accompany a group and to let you discover the simplicity of living among the majestic landscape of the Himalayas. He is a keen reader and his many interests encompass history, literature, science and Nature.
Marianne Simonin offers retreats that are not part the treks in the rest of the country. She has been teaching Yoga for 20 years and has a major interest in indian spirituality and Art. She has travelled in many parts of the country but often settles in the non-touristic areas of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. She likes to interact with the local people, learn their spiritual customs and live in a simple and traditional way. She is also a massage therapist and artist.
Marianne lives and work in London; she offers workshops and retreats on Yoga, meditation & Art in India and Europe.
