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The lost planet of Socotra

Tripoto
1st Feb 2015
Photo of The lost planet of Socotra 1/19 by Srotoswini Svetlana Baghawan
First glimpse of Qalanciya
Photo of The lost planet of Socotra 2/19 by Srotoswini Svetlana Baghawan
One of island's lagoons
Photo of The lost planet of Socotra 3/19 by Srotoswini Svetlana Baghawan
Light falling on Socotra
Photo of The lost planet of Socotra 4/19 by Srotoswini Svetlana Baghawan
Bedouins or the mountain people
Photo of The lost planet of Socotra 5/19 by Srotoswini Svetlana Baghawan
The fantastic Cucumber Tree
Photo of The lost planet of Socotra 6/19 by Srotoswini Svetlana Baghawan
Wadi Dir Hul, one of the lost wadis
Photo of The lost planet of Socotra 7/19 by Srotoswini Svetlana Baghawan
Shifting sands of Zahak
Photo of The lost planet of Socotra 8/19 by Srotoswini Svetlana Baghawan
Dragon Blood Trees
Photo of The lost planet of Socotra 9/19 by Srotoswini Svetlana Baghawan
Emerald private pools
Photo of The lost planet of Socotra 10/19 by Srotoswini Svetlana Baghawan
The sugar white sand mountains of Qalanciya
Photo of The lost planet of Socotra 11/19 by Srotoswini Svetlana Baghawan
Emptiness of Moumi Plateau
Photo of The lost planet of Socotra 12/19 by Srotoswini Svetlana Baghawan
Omak Beach and only me
Photo of The lost planet of Socotra 13/19 by Srotoswini Svetlana Baghawan
The stunning Detwa Lagoon
Photo of The lost planet of Socotra 14/19 by Srotoswini Svetlana Baghawan
The pot bellied Desert Rose Trees
Photo of The lost planet of Socotra 15/19 by Srotoswini Svetlana Baghawan
Adventure of a lifetime
Photo of The lost planet of Socotra 16/19 by Srotoswini Svetlana Baghawan
Flamingos of Socotra
Photo of The lost planet of Socotra 17/19 by Srotoswini Svetlana Baghawan
The local lagoon and date plantations
Photo of The lost planet of Socotra 18/19 by Srotoswini Svetlana Baghawan
Arhar beach and giant sand dunes
Photo of The lost planet of Socotra 19/19 by Srotoswini Svetlana Baghawan
Unbelievable emptiness

Imagine an island which is untouched by tourism. A sugar white beach which belongs solely to you, shy people who live in caves, fantastic trees and fauna, excellent fishing, paragliding and snorkeling activities on an island which receives only 2-4 tourists every month. Famous for Blood Dragon trees, Socotra is somewhere in the middle of Indian Ocean and is called "Galapagos of the East". 90% of the island's flora and fauna are endemic and the island remains closed for 6 months due to strong winds. Only 2 flights/week cater to Socotra and the island is a virgin paradise for adventure and nature lovers. There are more goats than humans on Socotra and there is only 1 road which encircles the island. Public transportation is rare and I had waited by the highway for more than 3 hours to get a bus. It is not for comfort lovers, but if you love sleeping in caves, swimming in sparkling streams in hidden valleys, sleeping under the stars, fishing your own meals and catching sunsets from giant sand dunes, then Socotra is the place for you. Right now, it is once again closed due to Yemeni war situation and direct flights from Dubai to Socotra are expected soon in winter. Socotra is not a destination. It is a lost planet, an adventure of a life time.