The Himalayas For Aquarians

Travel by Signpost: Aquarius (January 21-February 19)

“Planning something unique and out of the ordinary is right up your alley," says Daily Mantra astrologer Maria. “Lots of research on the internet followed by constant checking of email on your traveling companion, your PDA is your ideal way of being on vacation. No matter where you go or what you do your intellect must be stimulated.”

The Daily Mantra recommends the out-of-the-ordinary destination of Leh, a small town in the Indian state of Ladakh, for Aquarians. You can research all you like before you go, but little can prepare you for the experience of life in the Himalayas.

Your flight will take you over a landscape that seems to have been carved out of sand. Small pockets of vegetation and water appear in the valleys, like the Shangri-La of legend. When you land, you may not notice the effect of the altitude at first, but soon you may feel your breathing become labored, and your head begin to ache. For those unaccustomed to high altitudes, you will want to walk as if you are in slow motion, heightening the effect of being on another planet as you look out over the alien landscape.

The majority of Leh’s population is Buddhist, with a significant minority Muslim presence dating back to the annexation of the once autonomous region by Kashmir in the mid-19th century. The Dalai Lama has a summer home in Leh known as Photang Palace, although his permanent home is in Dharamsala. There are grounds nearby for him to address his many followers in the region. Be sure to wake up early to attend the morning prayers at the nearest of many monasteries, Thikse Monastery. The 12 story complex contains numerous stupas, statues, wall paintings, swords and a large pillar engraved with the Buddha's teachings as well as sacred shrines.

Visit the ruins of the Leh Palace to get a sense of history and to look over the Valley’s architecture amidst the imposing mountains. Then make it a point to venture up to Khardung La, one of the world’s highest motorable passes. At 18,380 feet, you stand surrounded by snow, looking down on a desert.

A trip to the Himalayas will remind you of the strength of the human spirit and give you a new appreciation for gentler landscapes and the variety available on Planet Earth.

[Reprinted with kind permission from The Daily Mantra. For more enlightening stories go to www.dailymantra.com.]