It has taken me a couple of months to process this trip. I previously reviewed on the plane back from trips. You see a lot of things, I was away 20 days.
Dehli hot, a wall of heat as expected. I went out for a couple of longer explorations, plenty of things to see. If at the Hotel Deventure, Shandipur is the easier metro station to walk to, but further away from the centre; metro is the cheapest way to get around and air conditioned once in the train, tuk-tuk’s are around 10 times more expensive and hassle you if you dare to walk, or you can book an air conditioned taxi if you want to spend more. My favourite moment here ended being India arch at sunset at the end of my trip.
The hotels we stayed in were all comfortable enough for me, some more basic than others, The Milky Way in Hundar or Traditional Havali Hotel in Jaipur were probably my favourites.
Indian towns and cities have many cows, dogs, monkeys wondering around; there is lots of building work going on, like the nation has never been quite finished, even up in Ladakh on the trek around Wachan.
The camping for me was comfortable; single persons get a spacious 3 person tent.
The weather was mixed, sometimes sunny, some showers and fog, unusually cool (I had expected to be hot when walking).
Each day’s walks were shorter going up than I expected, though as I had some altitude sickness probably for the best. Our guide had another shorter walk most afternoons after tea from camp and when she didn’t I had a little stroll myself unless it was too wet (or on a morning to see the sun rise).
We also saw other people trekking and an Indian army expedition higher up.
Trek the Himalaya
Highlights of the Himalaya
Himalaya Treks
The Himalaya form the largest and, arguably, most beautiful mountain range in the world. Every single moment here is breathtaking. For many, the mountains are synonymous with Nepal, but vast tracts of this magnificent range form the northern borders of India. In fact, the Himalaya stretch across six nations: Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
They are the source of three of the world’s major river systems, the Indus basin, the Ganges-Brahmaputra basin and the Yangtze basin. And from Ladakh in the northwest through to Darjeeling and Sikkim in the east, these beautiful mountains offer a diversity of scenery and culture unmatched anywhere. Everywhere you turn, colourful prayer flags flutter, and all along the chain untouched villages, remote shrines and monasteries abound.
The range is home to nine out of 10 of the highest mountains on Earth, including the legendary Mount Everest, and Himalaya holidays are the adventure of a lifetime. Challenge yourself on the trails to Everest Base Camp, head out in search of one of the most endangered cats in the world – the majestic snow leopard – in Ladakh, or simply immerse yourself in the spirituality of this mountain kingdom on a cultural adventure.
Trek the Himalaya
Departures Led by Valerie Parkinson
Join Valerie Parkinson in the Himalaya: Wanderlust World Guide Award winner and one of the most experienced Himalayan leaders, celebrating 40 years of guiding expeditions.
Seasons to Travel
September to November & March to May
Ideal for trekking in Nepal or Bhutan. You can expect mild temperatures and clears skies, with better visibility for taking in the spectacular mountain views these countries are most famous for. This is also high season, so popular trails and teahouses will be busier, which also means increased prices. October to November is considered one of the best times for trekking as the weather is dry and skies are generally clearer after the monsoon season. April to May is pre-monsoon, so you may see the occasional rain shower, more wind and dust on the trails – but the air is very crisp, and spring flowers start to bloom.
June to August
We’d recommend avoiding trekking during monsoon season in Nepal. Instead, why not head to Ladakh? June marks the beginning of trekking season in Ladakh, because the weather conditions are the most favourable. You can expect longer sunny days with cooler evenings and minimal rainfall. Ladakh is an ideal destination if you have to take your holidays in the summer months. Most trekkers will be there in July and August.
December to February & Early March
Although this is the low season, where there are fewer trekkers, humidity is also lower, and the skies are generally at their clearest. If you don’t mind colder weather up in the mountains, booking during the low season can be incredible, as the trails and lodges are much quieter, which makes for a more authentic experience. Our unique In Search of the Snow Leopard trip, takes place in wintertime in Ladakh, and although you need to be prepared for colder temperatures, there’s nothing quite like tracking one of the world’s most elusive creatures with our experts. When you catch glimpses of these beautiful cats in the wild, it’s a once in a lifetime experience.
Christopher Gale Ladakh: Nubra Valley Trek
Marcus Fisher Ladakh: Nubra Valley TrekWonderful trek with a super group and brilliant team to help on the way. The leader, guides and assistants really made the trip and it obviously wouldn’t be possible without all of their hard work. The days walking aren’t too long but the altitude does make it a challenge. Scenery is not bad either!
Leone Litvin Trek Darjeeling, Sikkim & the Singalila RidgeThis is our third trip with Exodus and as before it was well organised.
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