Indian Himalayas
Stunning treks in mountains and valleys, searching for snow leopards, and spiritual journeys including to the home of the Dalai Lama. And breathe!
Shimla was like going to a different country. Beautiful scenery and no hassle. It was a great place to unwind for a couple of days at the end of a North India trip.
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If you’re looking for a breathe of fresh air and beautiful mountain scenery, perhaps with the added advantage of spotting a snow leopard, or maybe with a break to learn yoga, a journey to the Indian Himalayas would be a fine choice.
- Dharamsala: The nearest town (called McLeod Ganj) to the home of the Dalai Lama and the headquarters of the exiled Tibetan government.
- Kashmir: The area is still not fully open, but as long as FCO advice is positive, come for the beauty of the lakes surrounded by mountains and walks in stunning valleys.
- Ladakh: In the western Himalayas, this is India’s least-populated and highest region. Hemis National Park is in eastern Ladakh in the Zanskar Range - excellent for trekking and the tracking of the rare snow leopard.
- Rishikesh: This is a quiet and holy town on the banks of the Ganges. It’s a place of pilgrimage for Hindus, with ashrams and places for anyone to study yoga and meditation.
- Shimla: This was the hill station to which much of the British Raj retired in summer. Colonial charm with a backdrop of snow-capped Himalayan peaks, and gorgeous places to stay on forested slopes.
- Himalayan wildlife: The Himalayas, and specifically Hemis National park, is the place to search for the elusive snow leopard. See our section on Indian wildlife safaris.
