Without question the Indian Subcontinent offers the best trekking on the planet. From short walks through the meadows and forests of the foothills, to month-long journeys through the iconic regions of the Himalaya, the continent offers almost limitless routes for anyone with a sense of adventure and a pair of walking boots. Follow ancient trade routes through the terraced hillsides in the Annapurna Sanctuary, over dramatic high passes in the Khumbu or up into the spectacular Karakorum, there is something for anyone and everyone.
Is trekking for me?
With proper planning and a reasonable level of fitness, everyone can enjoy trekking in the Himalaya and no specialist equipment or knowledge of mountaineering is needed for the vast majority of trekking routes. Trekking is going to be a challenge, but if you want to see the highest and most dramatic places on earth then it’s your only option! The real pleasure lies in the process; a steaming mug of tea after a day of trekking or stopping for a few minutes to grab a bit of chocolate and take some photos of a particularly fine vista.
When to go…
When to go is probably the most common question asked by first-time trekkers and the answer isn’t always obvious.
All the trekking regions are exposed to the monsoon to some extent, but at subtly different times and to different extents.
April & May and Late September until November are the peak trekking times; the views in late spring can be a little hazy, but you have the consolation of the spring flowers!
Late autumn is the classic trekking season, with fine views of the mountains and pleasant temperatures.
The ‘shoulder’ seasons, particularly December and March are brilliant times to visit when the popular routes become less crowded.
It will be colder in December, but the peace and quiet more than makes up for that extra jumper!
Also important is the extra work you’ll be providing for the many porters, guides, sridars and cooks that depend upon trekking for their livelihood.
There are plenty of places that offer out of season trekking – call us on 0207 622 5120 and ask!
Want to travel a certain time of year but unsure if it’s the best time for trekking? Contact an India and Nepal expert: info@imagineindia.co.uk or 020 7622 5120
Where to go…
Perhaps the most important question is how long you have; roads, thankfully, have not yet encroached too far into the mountains, but many people choose to fly into remote airstrips to save themselves a walk-in.
Just beware getting too high, too soon and allowing the altitude to ruin your trip, a few days around Pokhara can be immensely rewarding if you don’t have a lot of time.
There are a few other questions that you’ll need to consider before committing to a trek. Do you want to see the classic peaks or do you want to visit the Sherpa people of Khumbu or the Lama communities in Dolpo? Are you happy as part of a larger group or do you want to go at your own pace with your own guide and porter?
Often one region can accommodate lots of different options, so ask us! The most famous regions around Annapurna, Everest and Langtang are likely to become very crowded in the peak trekking seasons which can be a comfort or an inconvenience, depending on how you look at it.
The best way to plan your trek is to give our trekking experts a call on 0207 622 5120…
Can’t decide where to choose for your trekking holiday? Our India and Nepal specialists can advise what is best for you. Contact them: info@imagineindia.co.uk or 020 7622 5120
Everest Base Camp treks have become immensely popular in recent years, but the region offers far more than just the chance to see Chomolungma (Everest) close-up.
The Solu-Khumbu region offers wonderful scenery and well-maintained, teahouse-lined trails.
The emergence of ‘Luxury’ Trekking Lodges in more recent years has made the region more accessible than ever and has made trekking in the region a more attractive option for many.
Over 30,000 tourists visit the Everest region every year and it’s not hard to see why, aside from the highest mountain in the world…
Solu-Khumbu also offers some of the best trekking peaks, the chance to learn about Sherpa communities and, of course, the chance to follow in (at least some of) the footsteps of some mountaineering legends.
Prices for 19 day luxury treks to Everest Base Camp start at £1,895, excl. international flights
Prices for 19 day teahouse treks to Everest Base Camp start at £1,195, excl. international flights
Possibly the most famous trek in the world, a once in a lifetime trip! Our India experts can tailor-make your perfect Everest trek. Contact them: info@imagineindia.co.uk or 020 7622 5120
Kanchenjunga Base Camp
The third highest mountain in the world sits in the north-east of Nepal, far enough from Kathmandu to make it significantly quieter and therefore less straightforward than the Everest or Annapurna treks.
The first successful expedition (3 years after Hilary and Tenzing stood atop Everest) stopped a few feet short of the summit to honour the beliefs of the Sikkimese who consider it holy. In 1997 the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area was created and now offers a more adventurous trekking option where you can walk on trails normally only used by local communities.
If you have a little more time then Kanchenjunga offers lush forests, unspoilt landscapes and stunning views of Kanchenjunga and its surrounding peaks.
Prices for 26 day treks to through the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area to Base Camp start at £1,995
Explore this exciting and diverse region. Contact an India and Nepal expert: info@imagineindia.co.uk or 020 7622 5120
Langtang and Helambu
Often overlooked in favour of its more famous neighbours, Langtang offers lush, primary forest, classic mountain landscapes and the famous hospitality of the Tamang without the need for flights from Kathmandu.
As well as having 7000m+ mountains, Langtang is a fantastic monsoon option; if you can stand the frequent rain and slippery trails then the wildflowers here are out of this world.
The relative comfort provided by the teahouses here also make it easy to meet the Tibeto-Burman speaking Tamang communities that live in this region without having to endure domestic flights delayed by the summer rains.
Prices for 5 day teahouse treks into Langtang start at £439
Unsure whether this trek is for you? Our experts can advise if this fascinating trip is right for you. Contact them: info@imagineindia.co.uk or 020 7622 5120
Short treks in the Annapurna Sanctuary
Easily accessible from Pokhara, we can arrange guided treks through one of the most picturesque areas in the Himalaya.
This region offers a number of short but rewarding teahouse treks including the 3-day ‘Ghandruk Loop’, which offers a lovely introduction to the region for those with less time, or the 9 day ‘Jomsom Trek’ which provides spectacular mountain views and the world’s deepest valley.
Both can be completed using comfortable teahouses and require nothing more technical than enthusiasm, some sturdy footwear and a camera. We also offer group and individual guided treks to Base Camp.
Annapurna Short Treks start at £250 (from Pokhara)
13 day Luxury Base Camp Treks from £1,895
Combine your trek here with Kathmandu, or a trip to Bardia? Our India experts will design the exact trip that you want. Contact them: info@imagineindia.co.uk or 020 7622 5120
Bhutan
The perfect extension to a trip to Nepal; Bhutan has recently eased its entry requirements and as a result small groups are now welcomed.
Our Bhutan itineraries start at 4 nights, which is the shortest we’d recommend for a visit. Fly in from Kathmandu for fully-guided tours of remote monasteries and dzongs and explore the Thimpu and Paro Vallies.
Stay in Luxury hotels one night followed by a simple lodge then next – Few people have experienced this truly unique country and we’re delighted to be able to get you there.
Prices from £165 per day in accordance with Bhutan entry requirements.
Nepal & Bhutan Classic 14 day itinerary from £2,225 per person.
Concerned about visa entry to Bhutan? Our Bhutan specialist can sort all entry requirements out for you. Contact an India and Nepal expert: info@imagineindia.co.uk or 020 7622 5120
Makalu Barun
The Makalu-Barun National Park. One of the largest mountain parks in Nepal, it is situated between Kanchenjunga and Khumbu (Everest) regions and receives a tiny fraction of the attention it deserves.
The base camp trek is a wonderful trek through high and wild scenery and along pristine trails. The mountains in this region are particularly pointy and picturesque, and the Barun and Kardua Valleys offer trekking though areas inhabited by both Rai and Sherpa communities.
Our treks also offer the chance to visit the Khembalung caves for a glimpse of real mountain culture; caves like these offer a retreat for those studying to become Lamas and are frequently inhabited for many months at a time.
The centre of the park is virtually uninhabited and as a result is one of the few parks in Nepal where it is still just about possible to spot snow leopard and red panda, these areas are only accessible on a camping trek, but you can now complete this trek in teahouses as a few are starting to spring up along some trails.
For those with a few more days it is also possible to extend this trek down the Arun to Hile, a wonderful town in the Terai.
8 days trekking in the Makalu-Barun Conservation area starts at £1,215pp.
This trek can be completed as a camping expedition or as a teahouse trek. Contact us or call 020 7622 5120 to find out more. We can also arrange the classic approach to Makalu Base Camp from Hile via the Arun Valley.
Manaslu
Trek right into remotest corner of this region and to the base camp of 8th highest peak in the world (Manaslu, 8,156 m).
Trekking in this region has all the elements that you could hope for in a classic trek in Nepal including fascinating Hindu and Buddhist culture, raging rivers and precarious bridges.
This region is also home to a plethora of mountain wildlife and hosts one of the finest rhododendrons blooms in the Himalayas.
A wild trek for those with a good head for heights, this region would be perfect for a second visit to Nepal.
Without the infrastructure of some of the better-known regions, Manaslu trekking is on a camping-basis, one of Nepal’s hidden gems.
Trekking in this area is a real adventure. To find out whether this is the trek for you, please contact us or call 020 7622 5120. We can also arrange an extension into the recently-opened Tsum Valley.
