Walking & Trekking in the Himalayas
This is our favourite way of exploring the Himalayas! From Ladakh in the West to Arunachal Pradesh in the East, the vast stretch of the Himalayas offer some excellent walking and trekking – to enjoy countryside, remote rural locations inaccessible by vehicle, unspoilt scenery and wildlife. As a very general rule the western Himalayas tend to be less precipitous than the Eastern part and offer somewhat easier hiking – but it is all relative and subject to many exceptions.
Walking
For those who do not want to be tied to a fixed route and minimum number of hours on the trail or be camping out in the mountains, there are some excellent mountain lodges where you can base yourself and explore the countryside, wildlife and culture on foot taking your own time and wandering at will. This is what we would call comfortable walking, whereby one has all the advantages of walking in the most magnificent surroundings, but then returning in the evenings to a lodge where there is a wood fire, delicious fare and a comfortable bed! In particular, we have some really gorgeous walking holidays in the foothills of the Himalayas, in the Kumaon region, as well as in the Buddhist states of Sikkim and Ladakh. These tend to be gentle meanders, walking for perhaps 4 to 6 hours each day, with a sherpa guide, on an individual basis. This is no route march, rather a gentle introduction to the countryside and its people. No comforts are forgotten – sleep in village houses with comfortable beds and cashmere blankets and hot water bottles, where hot water and soap are provided, delicious food and most of all, knowledgeable and charismatic guides. There is even a beautiful, luxurious retreat to end one’s stay in Kumaon. These walks can be anything from a couple of days to a week, but we invariably recommend at least a week to make the most of the area. In Spring, the rhododendrons are in flower and this is one of the most beautiful times to visit these regions. We offer you the same experience in Ladakh where one can spend a week walking with one’s own guide, visiting magnificent monasteries en route. In Bhutan, one is staying at comfortable lodges, although one can hike as much or as little during the day. It is entrancing, walking through pine forests and happening upon an ancient temple where all one can hear is the melodious chanting by the monks. Walks can be anything from half an hour to about six hours with your guide and are at a comfortable pace.
We can arrange walks in the following regions:
- North Bengal & Sikkim
- Nepal – Kathmandu Rim, Pokhara from Tiger Mountain Lodge, wilderness walking in Chitwan and Bardia National Parks.
- Kumaon Himalaya from one of several small, comfortable lodges or a week long village walk staying in local homes.
- Leh and Stok Valley, Ladakh – again, on a week long village walk.
- Garhwal Himalayas – Tolma Village in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.
- Bhutan – throughout the entire Punakha, Gangtey, Paro and Bumthang regions.
Treks
The lure of high mountain country with its spectacular scenery, isolated human cultures, rare wildlife and physical challenge is an irresistible addiction for many travellers. Expeditions style treks – with your own staff, camping equipment and porters or horses, is a perfect way to fulfil this need. We organise treks right across the Himalayas looking for snow leopards in Ladakh to exploring the beautiful and sacred mountains of Kumaon and Garhwal, origin of the holy rivers and home of the Gods through Nepal, Bhutanand into Sikkim and the treasures of isolated Arunachal Pradesh with its amazing cultural and natural delights.
These are just some of the treks and walks that we can arrange for you:
- Snow Leopard Trek, Ladakh
- Markha Valley Trek and other treks in Ladakh & Zanskar of variable length
- Kolahoi Glacier, Kashmir
- Shakti Treks – Ladakh, Kumaon and Sikkim
- Bailey Trail
- Sandakphu Trek
- Nepal Treks
- Jomolhari Trek Bhutan
Please do call us for further details!
