India, Taj Mahal

TAJ MAHAL, the jewel of Islamic architecture

Taj Mahal, “the epitome of love,”and “a monument of immeasurable beauty.” The beauty of this magnificent monument is beyond the scope of words. The immense love put into its construction can be felt when seeing it.
Built by Emperor Shah Jehan in memory to his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj is the ultimate tribute to love ever transcribed in architecture. Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder, which is always the sole raison-de-etre for every tourist’s visit to Agra.

The monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.

Nepal

NEPAL, Kathmandu & Jomson trail

Birethanti – Ulleri – Ghorepani – Poon Hill – Tatopani – Dana – Ghasa – Kalopani – Larjung – Marpha – Jomsom

Jomsom trek follows the Kali Gandaki river upstream through a wild and varied series of landscapes. The contrast from lowland 1000m greenery to 3800m almost lunar desertscapes is spectacular, and the surrounding snow-capped Annapurna mountains including Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri tower impressively overhead.