Venue: Banjara Camp, Sangla, Himachal Pradesh
Date: July 8-11, 2005
Anchor: Raghupathy Dixit

In this unique experiment, an enchanting location hosts a mesmerizing musician and together they promise to create a 'perfect time' and a 'perfect place'.

About the musician - Raghupathy Dixit
The Raghu Dixit Project, founded by Raghupathy Dixit, is an open house for musicians and artistes from different genres to come together, collaborate and create a dynamic sound and expression. Though a gold medalist in Masters in Microbiology and a proficient Indian Classical Dancer (Vidwat in Bharatnatyam), Raghupathy Dixit is now known more as a self-taught guitarist-singer-composer-song writer-musician, based in Bangalore. As the founder-front man of his band ‘Antaragni’ for more than eight years, and now of ‘The Raghu Dixit Project’, Raghu has performed more than 250 concerts all over India. His band ‘The Raghu Dixit Project’ is all set to launch its debut album through Phat Phish Records.

Raghu’s music is a seamless amalgamation of Indian ethnic music and styles from different parts of the world. His lyrics though intense, are simple and speak about every common man’s emotions and experiences, therefore, making his songs extremely popular among his fans. Inserting Indian ethnic folk, Sufi and classical phrases cleverly into his songs, Raghu’s singing style can be described as unique at best. His vocal range and versatility has often been appreciated with awe. His songs Mysore se aayi, Mumbai, Antaragni, Hey Bhagwan, Har Saans Mein, Gudugudiya and many more are very popular among his fans. 

Raghu has also produced music for contemporary dance and theatre productions. He has composed and produced music for most of the productions by one of the leading contemporary dance groups of India ‘The Nritarutya Dance Collective’. He has also produced music for Sampradaya Dance Creation production ‘Howzaat’, a contemporary dance production based on the game of Cricket. This production is currently being presented all over Canada. Girish Karnad’s Hayavadana and Black Coffee’s Body Catcher have been his most famous works that brought him critical acclaim as a composer for theatre productions.

[ Listen to sample music ]

About the venue - Banjara camp, Sangla
The Sangla valley is part of the Kinnaur region in the Northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, and is known for its alpine country and hats. Mountains, forests, waterfalls, rivers and small picturesque villages dot this land with views of snow capped mountains even in summer. At a height of 2,700 meters the Banjara Camp is surrounded by towering mountains on all sides and is set on the banks of the Baspa river that surges through the valley. The valley is a study in contrasts. One face of the mountain is stark, potted with rocks and boulders, while the opposite mountain is decked with tall and thick Deodar trees A crisp, clear day will compel you to head out for a hike to the neighboring village through alpine forests with several photographic moments, which will allow you to reflect and absorb the beauty of the land. 

The Camp is an ideal setting for total relaxation with cozy 17 Swiss-style tents that have attached bathrooms (with hot water) and a well-equipped kitchen. In addition to the luxuries of the camp and the stunning views, there are plenty of other things one can do from Sangla. Chitkul, the last village on the Hindustan-Tibet trade route, is just 20kms away and a short drive/ trek away. One can have lunch by a glacier-fed stream near Chitkul enjoying the lovely views from there and then trek back via Rakcham village to Sangla valley via lush forests beside the Baspa river. The last ITBP check-post at Nagasthi before the Tibetan border is just 6 km and a short walk from Chitkul. Rakcham is a small village between Sangla and Chitkul, which was completely burnt down a few years back and is now being painstakingly rebuilt. One can trek between Rakcham and Sangla and then drive onwards to Chitkul too.

The Batseri village across the Baspa from the camp is a typical Kinnauri village which still preserves much of its culture and tradition. One can visit the local devta temple that is being rebuilt in the traditional style with some lovely woodwork. A specialty of the temple being the representation of all religions on its facade is worth seeing. One can also stay for the evening prayers. The village is also known for the shawls woven by the women and the typical Kinnauri caps.
 

Package cost 
Rs. 12,500 per person

Terms & Conditions
~ All prices are per person on a twin sharing basis. For single supplement, the cost is Rs. 16,000
~ 100% payment is required to confirm bookings.
~ In case of cancellation before June 20th, 2005, 90% of amount paid will be refunded.
~ In case of cancellation after 20th June, 60% of the mount will be refunded. 

Cost includes
~ Tented accommodation on twin share basis 
~ Wake up tea in tents, breakfast, lunch, evening tea and dinner 
~ Car transfers to and from the camp
~ Guides for the hikes
~ Rock climbing, rappelling, river crossing
~ Train tickets from Delhi to Kalka and back

Cost excludes 
~ Laundry
~ Telephone Calls 
~ Expenses of a personal nature 
~ Additional activities and hikes
~ Transfers in Delhi

Please feel free to revert to us if you need any further clarifications.
Shobhana Jain (+91) 9820889808, shobhana@soulitudes.net
Ram Badrinathan (+91) 9892692809, ram@soulitudes.net


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