Wonderful landscapes and trekking over the high passes gives a real sense of the geography of the place.
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
Seasons to Travel:
September to November and March to May: These months are ideal for a trekking trip in Nepal or Bhutan. During this time, you can expect mild temperatures and clears skies, which gives you better visibility for taking in those spectacular mountain views these countries are most famous for. However, it’s important to remember that this is also high season, so popular trails and teahouses will be busier, which also means that prices will be higher throughout the region. October to November is considered one of the best times to go 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 in these months.
June – 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.
Low season:
December to February/early March: Although this is the low season, where there are fewer travellers trekking on the trails, humidity is also lower, and the skies are generally at their clearest in the mountains and cities – so it could be a great time to book your trip. If you don’t mind the 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 February and March, 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. The beauty of this trip is that it’s scheduled during the low season for the region, when there are very few visitors to Ladakh, which makes it extra special.
Helen Casson Peaks of Ladakh Trek
James Nesbitt Peaks of Ladakh TrekGreat trip with fantastic guide (Valerie Parkinson)
Phillip Dixon Search for Snow Leopards with Valerie ParkinsonThis is my second time to Ladakh for snow leopard spotting and both times have been incredible.
The landscape, people and wildlife are incredible and matched by the dedication of Valerie and her team to ensure you enjoy your time here and have the best wildlife spotting opportunities.
It can get cold and you should pay careful attention to the trip notes, bring plenty of layers and be prepared to trek and work for your sightings, but those sightings are the stuff of magic.
The homestay and festival visit are a great extra to the wildlife too, giving you an insight into local life and culture.
Lastly the food provided by the local team is excellent and plentiful, with Johnny the chef’s culinary delights being worth the trip evenif you didn’t have the wildlife.
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