The Five benches are located on Jakhu Hill in the small northern Indian town of Shimla. Ensconsed between deodars, they offer a view of the wide forest on one side and the town on the other.

A hill station in the Western Himalayas in Northern India, often called the ‘Queen of the Hills’. Shimla is the capital of the state of Himachal Pradesh.

Set in the Western Himalayas, this Northern Indian state is almost entirely mountainous and offers an insightful look into the mysteries of this incredible mountain range and how human society has evolved in its valleys and hills.

The highest mountain range in the world with many of the highest peaks including Mount Everest and K2 which are both over 8000 meters high.

With some of the worlds highest peaks, diverse vegetation and snow-cover the Himalayas present a wide range of challenging adventure sport opportunities.

Perhaps the most easily accessible way of experiencing the culture, ecology and lifestyles of the people that inhabit these mountains, the festivals are an invaluable resource for anyone researching the Himalayas.