Explore Himalayas without 5-star trappings: Filmmaker

New Delhi, Aug 12 (UNI) If you want to enjoy the Himalayas, you should do it without the trappings of a five-star hotel, says filmmaker and painter Sarbjeet Singh.

''This is what I have tried to convey to the youth of today through my 20-part television series 'Destination Himalayas','' he said.

The series commissioned by Doordarshan, is an effort to bring to the viewers the magic of the great mountains and the myriad ways to enjoy them, says Sarbjeet.

'Destination Himalayas', the third episode of which will be telecast this week, takes the viewer on an exploratory journey across the length and breadth of the great mountain range, from Arunachal to Zanasakar, literally an A to Z of the Himalayas.

Through the eyes of experience of two young travelers, the series explores the far frontiers, and the cultures and lives of the people who inhabit them.

The main coincern of the series is to sensitise the viewers to environmental concerns, inculcate respect for local cultures and spirit of adventure, without being preachy about it.

''Going by the logic that even a bus ride can be an adventure we follow the young travelers as thy backpack, ride, hitch and trek across the Himalayas,'' says Sarbjeet.

The series starts in the high altitude mountains of Ladakh and Zanaskar and then moves down the great Himalaya range. Lhol and the fabulous Chandratal lake, the Kullu valley, the Ravi valley and Chamba, Kinnaur and Sipti.

Then the focus shifts eastward to Kumaon and Garhwal Himalayas.

A unique Diwali in Gangotri, followed by pilgrimage to Badrinath, and finally exploring new ground in Niti valley.

In the Eastern Himalayas, the journey starts with the stunning trek from Yuksom to Dzongri, at the base of Kanchendzonga. Then a wild motorcycle ride across Arunachal Pradesh, and finally to onto Namdapha, the easternmost national park in the country.

''If the series impels even a few of our young to explore the Himalayas, not like the commomn tourist who always wants a five-star facilirty hotel around, but in away that really takes him close to nature, then I would think that my labour has been worth it,'' Sarbjeet said UNI