(MMD Newswire) February 18, 2009 -- One of the brightest jewel's in India's crown, the Himalayas have long been a popular destination for adventurous and gap year travellers. Since the climbs of the early1950's the Himalayas have been increasingly flooded with adventure tourists looking for the ‘alternative' holiday experience. As the highest mountain system on the planet and with peaks such as Mount Everest reaching a staggering 29,035 feet, the terrain is vast and perfect for trekking, climbing and abseiling.

The steady increase in tourism has meant that climbing the more famous of the Himalayan peaks is no longer a challenge reserved for famous explorers. Everest and K2 are now much more attainable goals for climbers around the world and a major focal point on the alternative and gap year travel map. This is great news for travellers who dream of scaling snow capped mountains, but not such great news when you look down and see 20 other people following in your foot holes.

But don't despair! If your travel dreams involve something a little more off the beat and track then you needn't write the Himalayas off just yet. Independent companies like i-to-i have a secret to share with the travel savvy; Spiti is the new place to be. Its heights may not be quite as dizzying as its famous neighbours, but at 16,404 feet they're not far off! Located in the Himachal Pradesh region, it's not known as the ‘Abode of the Gods' for nothing!

This stunning location has plenty to offer both cultural and adrenalin hungry travellers with a lot less tourists! One of the most remote and one of the most beautiful destinations in India, Spiti offers a truly unique travelling and gap year experience. Its close proximity to Tibet has given the region many different cultural influences, which have been wonderfully mixed together with its own indigenous population to create an overall enriched and fascinating culture.

With a density of only 2 people per km², its sweeping green valleys, glaciers and towering peaks are just part of the incredible scenery that remains almost unknown to the rest of the world. Travellers can get a dose of history visiting Tabo; one of the oldest monasteries in the world and get their pulses racing trekking, rock climbing or even Para-gliding!

Its secluded location makes Spiti perfect for those looking for something different. i-to-i's brand new Himalaya trek offers adventurers and gappers the rare chance to see the wonders that Spiti has to offer. Travellers will have the opportunity to go on Yak and jeep safaris, hike through rugged mountains, speed off mountain biking and volunteer with the local community. We're not sure it's possible, even for the most seasoned of travellers to find another opportunity to gain such a powerful insight into one of the worlds most unique and fascinating cultures! We recommend you make the most of it though; before the rest of the world finds out!

For more information visit our website at www.i-to-i.com or for media enquiries please contact Catherine Luff at 0800 011 1156/ catherine.luff@i-to-i.com

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