India has been described by many as a melting pot of cultures - a grand mixture of ethnic groups, religions and race. The Indian Himalaya, flanking the country’s northern reaches is a composite of isolated kingdoms with a blend of Hindu, Buddhist and Animist religions amongst others.

India’s temples and religious sites are incredible in their magnitude and detail, with famous sites such as the Taj Mahal alongside lesser known but equally important temples and cultural sites. The Himalaya is home too much of India’s heritage, and is the source of India’s great holy rivers such as the Ganges and the Brahmaputra. India will assail your senses in a potpourri of incredible sights, smells and chaotic cultural blends.

The Himalayan portion of the Indian subcontinent is comprised of a number of ancient kingdoms including Sikkim and Ladakh, containing some of the most interesting and remote cultures in the region. Ladakh lies across the Himalaya from Kashmir. It is situated on the Tibetan plateau and the clear Tibetan influence in Ladakh customs and religion has led to it being known as “little Tibet”. Ladakh’s incredible barren landscape, a result of the high Himalayan barrier which prevents rain clouds from climbing across, has also given it the name “the moon land.’ Many visitors wishing to experience untouched Tibetan-style culture will choose to visit Ladakh.

Sikkim, located in the eastern Himalaya, sits between Nepal and Bhutan, south of Tibet. Sikkim is a mountainous Kingdom, well known for providing stunning views of Kanchenjunga (8598 m) - the world’s third largest mountain. Kanchenjunga separates the Indian border with Nepal. To the south of the Himalaya lies the great plains of the Ganges, the deserts of Rajasthan and cultural treasures beyond imagination.

Holy cities such as Varanasi (Benares) attract pilgrims from allover India and the Ganges, a sacred river, is lined with important historical and religious monuments dating back thousands of years. Visit magical places such as the Taj Mahal, Samode and other vestiges of the Maharajas. Take in the amazing desert landscape and activities of Rajasthan, while you mix with camels, bicycles, trains, motorcars and ox-carts - a plethora of cultural excitement in an amazing land. India is truly one of the world’s most exotic and adventurous places to visit.

Enjoy lndia’s Rajasthan province in a unique combination of walking, cycling and camel safari as you experience the sights, smells and sounds of this legendary desert state.

Much more than just a sightseeing tour, the Rajasthan Safari is an Indian experience! We visit the palaces and forts that give this desert state its remarkable diversity. Taking every opportunity to get off the beaten track, we spend two days cycling through Indian villages and then enjoying a three day camel safari in the Thar desert. We visit delightful desert towns like Pushkar and Jaisalmer, staying in the Maharaja’s palace at Sariska and Daspan and also visiting the holy city of Benares (Varanasi) on the banks of the Ganges. With so many highlights, it is easy to see why this remains one of our most popular trips.

This journey takes us to the “abode of the gods”, Tibet’s most sacred mountain, MountKailash. Witness pilgrims of many faiths, bathing in the holy waters of this high altitude mecca. Crossing from Nepal to Tibet we venture into Nepal’s remote Simikot region, a newly opened area inhabited by the Humli people -the region’s high mountain herdsmen.

The Kailash-Manasarovar region in western Tibet attracts the faithful of four great religions - Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Bon-ism. Devotees journey to this pilgrimage site to take a ritual dip in the icy water of the sacred Manasarovar Lake. Bring your swimsuit, if you dare! Despite the region’s travel restrictions, adventurers are increasingly able to admire the spectacular views and revel in the stark landscape. Our trek begins with a scenic flight to Simikot in the northwestern corner of Nepal. We then walk through forests, valleys, fields and remote villages to cross the border into Tibet at Sher. The next portion of the journey consists of a drive to Taklakot and on to Darchan at the foot of the entrancing peak of Mt. Kailash (6,714m). The trek around the holy mountain takes three days and from Mt. Kailash we travel overland to Lhasa, visiting monasteries in Shigatse and Gyantse en route. Our trip ends with a beautiful mountain flight from Lhasa to Kathmandu.

After your arrival in Delhi, you will tour the sights of this fast paced city. Travel on to Rajasthan’s Mandawa, renowned for beautiful frescoes, where you will have a tour followed by a camel ride in the surrounding area.

You then move to Samode, where you will stay in the Samode Palace -an incredible heritage hotel dating from the old days of the Maharajas.Then its off to Jaipur, the home of the Amber Fort, where you will visit important local heritage sites. Following a morning of sightseeing, you will take an afternoon jeep safari through Sariska Tiger Sanctuary. Of course, a visit to India must include the famous Taj Mahal enroots to Varanasi - one of India’s most important pilgrimage sites.

Tour based on bed and breakfast basis.

This challenging trek visits a remote region of Ladakh, high above the lndus Valley, and gives an opportunity for the more energetic trekkers to ascend Kangri, a 6,114 m. peak over looking Leh.

We approach from the west of Leh, climbing from the lndus towards the rugged Zanskar river range, and the extremely stark region of high passes and wild mountain rivers - a harsh and beautiful mountain landscape softened only by the immense charms of the Ladakh inhabitants. Crossing the Zanskar River we climb again towards the spectacular scenery of the Stock range, where we attempt the ascent. This climb is optional and non-technical and provides outstanding views of the lndus valley and its surrounding ranges. This trip takes participants through some truly unique mountain landscapes, among some of the friendliest yet isolated cultures on earth.

The clouds play a dramatic symphony as the vapor boils up silently out of the deep valleys, taking fantastic shapes - a sight to behold. As you stand in awe, the silence is broken by the sound of bells, signalling a monastery ahead. The smell of burning juniper marks a village and then, gently the swirling mist reveals the threshold of a holy monastery - one of 67 in Sikkim. This is the experience of Sikkim.

Sikkim is a perfect destination for travelers in search of enchantment, tranquility or adventure. A jewel embedded in snow-clad mountains, Sikkim is a primeval land that is unlike anywhere else. Its rugged and dramatic terrain has elevation variations ranging from 284 m. to 8540 m. This land of mystery and myths casts an enchanted spell that holds visitors enthralled. A land so rich in tradition and steeped in religion, it is truly one of the most special places on earth.

Sikkim is located in the eastern Himalaya, sitting between Nepal and Bhutan, while to the north lies eastern Tibet. It is a mountainous kingdom, well known for providing stunning views of Kanchenjunga (8598m), the world’s third highest mountain which straddles the border with Nepal. It is also a land rich in flora and fauna and has a diverse ethnic mix with rich cultural traditions. The people are predominantly Buddhist and there are many active monasteries where traditional and ancient rituals are practiced in an atmosphere of peace and serenity.

Our trek starts from Yuksom (1770 m) the trail climbs through dense semi tropical for its before changing to rhododendron, pine, azalea, and giant oak. The trekking is not difficult and follows delightful trails. Spectacular views of Kanchenjunga, Pandim and other peaks of the Singalila ridge, separating Sikkim from Nepal, are visible for the entire trek. We then trek back to Yuksom and visit Gangtok, Sikkim’s hilltop capital. Eventually, we spend two delightful and relaxing nights among the tea gardens in nearby Kalimpong.