BACTRIAN CAMELS IN INDIA

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*http://www.telegraphindia.com/1061007/asp/atleisure/story_6792034.asp*

*Try this bumpy ride*

*A camel ride can be great fun provided you know how to handle a double

decker, says Avik Chatterjee* * * *Quick-fix pills: Psychiatrists are

overestimating the poof depression. *

 

*The turbaned guide smiles at you as you sit astride the camel. And before

you know it, you lurch towards the ground, rising several feet into the air

as the animal stands up, snorting. The camel starts moving in a lolling

gait. Soon it's a rolling, pitching, bumping motion, which takes you some

time to get used to. Your inner thighs begin to hurt. But why, you wonder.

You've been to those horse-riding classes and it seemed good fun. Suddenly

you realise that the girth of a camel is not something your poor legs are

used to. And that is when you realise that camel riding and horse riding are

as different as the animals are. *

 

*But don't worry, a camel ride can be really exciting provided you know how

to handle a double-decker! Camels with double humps are of the Bactrian (or

Asian) variety. A shorter and stockier type, it can endure variable

temperatures — from the hot deserts in northern Iran to the freezing

temperatures of Tibetan winters. It has longer and finer wool than the

dromedary — single hump — variety. Bactrian camels have heavy eyelashes, a

cleft on the upper lip, and nostrils that can seal themselves to keep away

the sand. On an average, they are about seven feet tall and weigh between

300 kg and 690 kg. *

 

*Since Bactrian camels are found only in Nubra valley near Leh in India, you

need to go to Diskit from Leh for the great Indian camel safari experience.

Once you reach your destination, you can choose between a half-an-hour ride

(Rs 150) and an extensive whole day ride (Rs 500). In most cases, one camel

is provided per person, and a camel cart accompanies the entourage, laden

with food, utensils and other supplies; it's also an option for anyone who

fall sick while sitting on a lurching camel. *

 

*If you're really tough and adventurous, a camel safari through the Thar

desert is just for you — one that tests your grit and determination. You can

always opt for easier and less rigorous routes, though the spirit of

adventure lies in the unknown challenges ahead. *

 

*Jaisalmer is usually accepted as a good starting point. A conventional

safari will take you to the architectural ruins of Lodurva, close to

Jaisalmer, the oasis at Anasagar, the sand dunes of the Samm and the water

source of Moolsagar. The halts — villages en route the desert scrubs — are

no less exciting. *

 

*But before you start out, be prepared to face the blistering heat. Make

sure you wear large rimmed hats at all times. Since the temperatures range

from zero to 30 degrees centigrade, it's imperative that you're well

equipped to handle both the heat and the biting cold. Carry comfortable

cottons and woollens along with cotton caps, scarves and balaclava,

umbrellas, sunscreens, moisturisers, lip salve, mineral water, a torch and a

knife. *

 

*Most camel safaris are organised during the winters. For this is the time

of year when the weather is favourable. Rajasthan's summers are unbearably

hot and dry; so going on a camel safari at that time is virtually

impossible. November to March is the period when most camel safaris are

organised. In Leh, the safari is usually on for four months — from June to

September. *

 

*Ideally, you should try and book a trip with an adventure travel company.

That way, it will save you a lot of trouble. Starting from booking a ticket

to putting you up at a good hotel — they virtually take care of everything.

However, if you're the adventurous type and willing to explore on your own,

be careful. *

 

*When you are taking your pick from a host of safari deals, do check what's

on offer. Make sure you get your money's worth. Find out what arrangements

are being made for accommodation, food, drink and other essentials. In some

camel safaris, mineral water is not part of the package, in which case

you'll have to get your own water. *

 

*When you finally start, keep a few things in mind. Remember you're

travelling through the desert — it's dry and if you're not careful you could

get dehydrated. Drink plenty of water — at least two to four litres a day —

and keep yourself well covered to prevent sunburn. Wear a sun hat,

sunglasses and apply suntan lotion to keep your skin from peeling. And make

sure you never leave a trail of junk behind. *

 

*So, why wait? Brace yourself for a humpy ride ahead.*