Himalaya on Wheels.
Travel Another India.
You may have heard of the Palace on Wheels and Royal Rajasthan on Wheels luxury trains. However, the Himalaya on Wheels is a totally different, but just as noteworthy, concept. Highly regarded tour company Travel Another India, which organizes responsible travel off the beaten path in India, is now offering trips to Leh and Ladakh for people in wheelchairs.
Since Leh was recently voted TripAdvisor's top India destination for 2011, this tour is a remarkable way for disabled people to see one of the most fascinating regions in India. Admittedly, it's also something that's close to my heart as my cousin is in a wheelchair, and so too was my Nanna (grandmother) for a significant portion of her life. I know how restrictive it can be, but a tour like this thankfully means that it doesn't have to be.
The wheelchair-friendly sites on the tour have all been identified by people with disabilities. They belong to a group called PAGIR (People's Action Group on Inclusion and Rights), which was set up to protect the rights of disabled people and help provide them with livelihood options. Encouragingly, all profits from the tours will flow back to the group.
Each tour comes with a specially trained driver and helper. A detailed guidebook setting out accessibility issues is provided as well. There are options for luxury or standard accommodations, with three night tours starting from 9,990 rupees ($222) per person. More information is available from the Travel Another India website.
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