Holidays in the Himalaya

We like to share the rejuvenating effects of remote surroundings – to provide privileged access to places far removed from the noise and clutter of the modern world, where space, peace and epic landscapes provoke the imagination and nourish the soul. And our Himalayan holidays are perfect for this.

The beauty of the Himalayas has lured visitors to this region since ancient times and being the world’s highest mountain chain, it constitutes the greatest attraction to climbers and trekkers throughout the world for holidays in the Himalayas. More than anything else though, our Himalayas holidays allow you to experience the awe-inspiring power, beauty, and grandeur of nature.

Western Himalayas

Take in the sacred landscapes of Kumaon and Garhwal – birthplace of the holy Ganges – with expert, Sherpa guides, staying in simple, comfortable, spectacularly located atmospheric homes set in wildlife-filled valleys, or a luxury lodge set high on a ridge commanding uninterrupted views of the great rearing massif of Nanda Devi, where the only sound you’ll hear is that of monks chanting in the distance whilst on your Western Himalayan holiday.

Walk from village to village, observing the peaceful, rural culture – watching farmers harrow their fields with oxen, whilst the women plant chillies, beautifully attired in colourful saris – and not another tourist in sight. 

Across the spine of the Himalayas, in the rain-shadow, lie the high, arid Buddhist lands of Ladakh and Spiti, where giant bearded vultures and golden eagles drift over fluttering prayer flags and gigantic tiered monasteries cover entire gaunt hillsides. Perhaps walk through the snow-filled paths in search of the snow leopard on your Himalayan holidays, or travel through the jungle on elephant-back in search of tiger on tiger safaris with a difference in Corbett. Whatever stimulates you, our Western Himalayas holidays engage you on every level.

The Eastern Himalayas

A kaleidoscope of extraordinarily contrasting landscapes and experiences. The eastern quadrant of India offers an exhilarating kaleidoscope of extraordinarily contrasting landscapes and experiences for Himalayan holidays.

This is the borderland where the Indian plate collides against south-east Asia, grinding under the Tibetan plate to throw up the highest, steepest mountains on Earth. It is a region dominated by Everest and Kangchanjunga. It is where one of the great rivers of Asia, the Brahmaputra, which predates the rise of the Himalayas, breaks through the barrier of the mountains to create the vast, fertile alluvial floodplain of Assam.

A fabulous river journey by luxurious river boat makes it possible to explore this incredible riverine system, visiting vibrant traditional farming communities and steaming through remote stretches of the river populated by rare Gangetic dolphins. Superb wildlife reserves like Kaziranga, Manas and Nameri preserve the last fragments of floodplain grassland and riparian jungle that support great one-horned rhino, tigers, elephants, wild buffalo, a host of deer, pig and an incredible assortment of birds, reptiles, butterflies and plants.

Bordering the plains are deep, isolated valleys where tribal groups – more akin to south-east Asia than India – still practice traditional hunting lifestyles. From the foothills of Bengal one can board the 100 year-old Darjeeling Himalayan Railway – a world heritage monument – and steam up through some of the most stupendous scenery in the subcontinent, to chug through hill towns jostling through crowds and markets and traffic jams to emerge above the clouds in a landscape covered by endless acres of velvety tea bushes.

Stay in a beautiful lodge on a tea plantation near Darjeeling and hike through magnificent high country in the shadows of Kangchenjunga – a region that offers some of the finest walking holidays in India, remote and beautiful scenery, Buddhist culture and unmatched birding. The region also offers some of the finest fishing and rafting. There is also a wonderful, private walk or trek that you can take in Sikkim with your own Sherpa guides on your Himalayan holiday. Otherwise, one can walk and ride from a wonderful converted tea plantation bungalow at Dibrugarh, Assam where tea was first planted. Head into the fascinating states of Nagaland or Mizoram with their unique cultures.

Calcutta or Kolkata – the hub of this region is a must – try to spend several days here. It has beautiful hotels, amazing history and architecture to rival that in Delhi – brought alive by our special heritage private tours of India that bring this incredible city to life.