2014 has got off to a great start at Mountain Kingdoms - our twig bridge project is complete!

Mountain Kingdoms MD Steve Berry and the 'king' of Padum are thrilled to unveil the first new twig bridge to be built in Zanskar for a generation.

Over the past 5 years Steve has raised £3,000 to restore a traditional bridge made of twigs in the remote town of Padum in the north west India Himalaya. Steve's aim was to preserve ancient skills and heritage at a time when new roads and bridges are by-passing established Zanskari trekking routes.

Twig bridges are an iconic part of Zanskar's unique cultural heritage. Boasting high passes and dramatic steep gorges, Zanskar is a small Tibetan Buddhist kingdom located in Ladakh. The region is locked away from the outside world by snowed-up passes for all but a few months in the summer and work has taken place on the bridge in winter when the Zanskar river below is frozen and conditions can reach -30oC. The project was overseen by the regional 'king' Punchok Dawa, one a handful of residents who still have the skills to weave twigs into strong rope-like cables.

Built entirely by hand the twig bridge is an extraordinary structure which can be used by locals and trekkers alike. It will form part of a new Mountain Kingdoms trek in Zanskar in September 2014. Kingdom of Zanskar Trek

Steve made the journey to Zanskar last year to check on the progress of the bridge. He is thrilled to hear it is finished:

Steve says:

"How amazing - I built a bridge of twigs with a king in a tiny Himalayan kingdom!!"

Read more about the Zanskar Twig Bridge here

About Mountain Kingdoms:

Mountain Kingdoms is a genuinely independent, UK based, small group holiday specialist with 26 years' experience. Now offering worldwide walking holidays, treks, trekking peaks, cultural tours, cycling holidays, family adventures and wildlife cruises. Mountain Kingdoms is committed to responsible tourism and offers value for money with an emphasis on quality.

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For media enquires & lots of jaw-dropping photos of Zansakr contact:

Naomi McKee | naomi@mountainkingdoms.com |Tel: +44 (0)1453 844400 | Mobile: +44 (0) 7967106103