High in the towering Himalayan mountains lies a remarkable area of outstanding alpine beauty that remains relatively undiscovered. Located in the north on the highest plateaus in India, the region is renowned for its snowcapped peaks and turquoise blue lakes. This is where we will take you far off the beaten track during an exhilarating walking journey across the peaceful mountainscapes of the Himalayas that preside over the Indus Valley below. The three main regions Explorations suggests for unique walking holidays include Kumaon in the state of Uttarakhand and Ladakh in the far north, with Sikkim in the north-eastern Himalayan range. Discuss with us your ideal Himalayan experience and we’ll curate a personalised itinerary that showcases the region’s most spectacular highlights.
"Walking journeys offer an eco-friendly and sustainable form of travel that provides a rare opportunity to disconnect from daily life and become immersed in nature."
The picturesque Kumaon region is dominated by dramatic views of the Nanda Devi summit, the second-highest mountain in India. The off-the-beaten-track walks here offer panoramic views over the charming village of Leti and the majestic mountain backdrop.
Often referred to as ‘Little Tibet’, Ladakh feels far from civilisation. The dramatic mountains are dotted with shrines and hilltop monasteries whilst shimmering lakes contrast with glaciated peaks that reach over 3500 meters. The charming gompas (Buddhist Monasteries) that remain today are remarkably well preserved given their location at such a high altitude, which protected them from the worst devastation of the Chinese Cultural Revolution. Given Ladakh has a larger concentration of houses, vehicles are used for journeys between villages but there are plenty of activities to enjoy from cycling to rafting.
Sikkim, like Kumaon, boasts an untouched and uniquely diverse landscape and culture that is presided over by the world’s third-highest mountain, Kanchenjunga. Known as the ‘garden state’ Sikkim is home to an astonishing variety of birds including the Snow Partridge and Himalayan Cuckoo and over 4,000 species of plants, from rhododendrons to over 450 species of orchids.
Walking journeys offer an eco-friendly and sustainable form of travel that provides a rare opportunity to disconnect from daily life and become immersed in nature. Step out of the modern world during a trek of your choice across the rocky, challenging terrain to glimpse life in rural India. An incredibly enriching experience, we can create itineraries and suggest hiking routes based on your personal preferences, with local porters and expert guides accompanying you as you set out across the mountainous terrain. Visiting monasteries, colourful markets and schools, this journey with Explorations takes you deeper into the rich cultural heritage at the heart of the local community. Each day will provide a different insight into life in the Himalayan mountains and will be entirely curated around your wishes. Spend time winding through the mountains combining walks, drives, rafting, cycling and other activities. If you’re feeling adventurous, spend a few nights camping in dome tents in campsites such as Moncarmo.
Beyond the magnificent surroundings, we can elevate your experience further by arranging unique experiences, whether attending a private village festival in Ladakh or interacting with locals at craft and community welfare projects in Kumaon. Learn about local culture by watching metal smiths working with bronze, silver and other metals in the settlement of Chilling. Or for a taste of Ladakh’s complex cuisine, spend time in a local Ladakhi kitchen. Perhaps stay in beautifully restored village homes for an authentic taste of local life, or stop at a charming tea house in Changma. Wherever you wish to explore, your expert guide will immerse you in the pristine scenery and rural Himalayan life.
As you’re walking in highly remote areas with an altitude of 11000-14000 ft, all treks require a reasonable level of fitness in each region. If you’re seeking an exhilarating experience and have a high fitness level, opt to trek and camp in the wilderness and be rewarded with breathtaking scenery that you can enjoy in solitude. However you choose to experience this magical region, your private journey will be curated to showcase the finest reaches of this magnificent Indian alpine wilderness.
