Indian Himalaya
India is vibrant, chaotically mad. But you can easily escape to the tranquil high mountains and have them to yourself.
This is Nepal, but without “teahouses” packed together on every popular trail.
Indulge your spirit of adventure and trek the spectacular Indian Himalaya. First-timers and seasoned trekkers alike can experience the region’s rich blend of cultures, religions and dramatic landscapes … LP
As you know, the weather is fickle. The infrastructure undeveloped. You need be confidently independent at altitude or sign on with a reputable guiding company. People die in the Himalaya every year of altitude sickness.
Personally, sadly, I’ve hiked very little in this region. I’m still kicking myself for not trekking to Kangchenjunga when I had the chance in the 1990s. I stood on a ridge in Darjeeling looking at the third highest peak in the world, and decided to head to the beaches of Goa for Christmas, instead. Doh!
The best future destinations for serious hikers, I think, are the Indian Himalaya and Bolivia. (Bhutan, as well, if it ever opens to independent travel.)
More information on our new Indian Himalaya information page.
The best guidebook is Lonely Planet Trekking in the Indian Himalaya. But more inspirational is Trekking and Climbing in the Indian Himalaya (Trekking & Climbing Guides) by Harish Kapadia. (It can be difficult to find a copy.)
Leave a comment if you have your own favourite trek in the Indian Himalayas. We’re looking for advice.
You might like this story from what is considered an ideal `easy trek’ into Kumaon, Uttaranchal.
Trekking the Himalaya and Tibetan Plateau in Ladakh, Northern India is a good option.
Like all mountainous regions, the landscape is course dramatic and the Lakakhis are friendly and obliging. You can stay in local villages at a Himalayan Homestay – the Ladakhi equivalent of the British B&B – and learn at first hand about the people and their culture.