Indian Himalaya

The Himalaya is the world's mightiest mountain system, containing nine of Earth's ten highest peaks and stretching more than 2,500 km (1,500 mi) across India, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet and Pakistan. Long associated with great adventurers and mountaineers, this is a region like no other: remote, majestic and romantic.

For the people of the Indian Himalaya, the mountain range continues to dominate their lives as it has always done, and marks the divide between three of Asia's most important religions - Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. It's the combination of awe-inspiring wilderness, ancient cultures and deep spirituality that makes this region so special.

Whatever your interests or fitness level; take a look at our unique collection of active Indian Himalaya adventure itineraries and start planning your Indian Himalaya adventure.

Spiti Monastery with the Ladakh Range towering behind  | Richard I'Anson

Find your Indian Himalaya adventure

Indian Himalaya highlights

 

Why travel with us

Our all inclusive approach

Quality services at the best prices make our adventures great value for money. Our trip costs cover valuable inclusions like all meals while trekking and a dedicated local crew who will go the extra yard to ensure you have the experience of a lifetime. Our high level of support allows you to relax and focus on the incredible journey ahead of you.

Unmatched experience

While we have been organising treks and tours in the Indian Himalaya for several decades, we continue to push the envelope each year by innovating new programs. Our firsthand knowledge of the Indian Himalaya is unmatched as our adventures provide genuine insight to the beautiful culture and landscapes of this unique region.

Expert guides

Our guides in the field are the real keys to our success, making your experiences exceptional. From Lonely Planet author and Himalaya expert Garry Weare to our immensely experienced local leaders, our staff make your Indian Himalaya experience unforgettable.

Leaders in responsible travel

Responsible travel practice is at the heart of every program that we offer in the Indian Himalaya. When you book one of our adventures you're supporting a program that is committed to safety and sustainability.

Responsible travel

 

Cultural sensitivity

Positive interactions are achieved when the traveller is aware of the cultural sensitivities of the community they are visiting. Our guides are always ready to inform travellers about the correct etiquette, including matters of appropriate clothing and actions when entering a temple.

Support of local economies

We ensure that the landowners whose fields we use for camping are paid fairly for the use of their land and we encourage travellers to shop at handicraft shops within the small villages we pass through.

Animal welfare focus

We adhere to our Animal Welfare Code of Conduct in the Indian Himalaya. We engage the services of reputable and registered horsemen and yak contractors, insisting that all animals are in good health before carrying loads and that the loads are appropriate for the animal.

Accommodation

Wilderness camping

Enjoy fully supported camping in remote locations with our outstanding crew of sherpas, porters and kitchen staff. While the campsite locations have been handpicked for their location, our commitment to responsible travel ensures our footprint is kept to a minimum.

Hotels

In cities and large towns you will be accommodated good quality properties that are centrally located, atmospheric and reliable.

Leaders in the field

Garry Weare

Garry has been involved with World Expeditions since its inception in the mid 1970s. He is a recognised authority on the Indian Himalaya with his intimate knowledge of the region documented in the Lonely Planet guidebook 'Trekking in the Indian Himalaya' now in its 5th edition. He is also a founding director of the Australian Himalayan Foundation.

Jono Lineen

Jon has been at the cutting edge of world adventure for 33 years. Jon reached the summit of Everest alone and completed first ascents of extreme new routes in the Himalaya. An accomplished polar explorer, Jon was the first Australian to trek to both poles with Eric Philips. The culmination of Jon's dedication to adventure was his unsupported traverse of Australia in 2001, where he completed the first unsupported walk to the geographic centre of Australia.

Kate Leeming

Kate is an extraordinary adventurer who has cycled the width of Africa - some 22,000kms from Senegal to Somalia - pedalled 25,000km around Australia and is the first woman to cycle unsupported across 'new' Russia. In more recent times, Kate has turned her focus to cycling in Antarctica. When not trailblazing cycle routes and raising vital funds for many worthy organisations, Kate is a professional real tennis player.

Sanjay Wangchuk

One of our most senior guides, Sanjay has been with us for some 20 years and is a star performer with regard to traveller feedback. Aside from leading many cultural tours in Bhutan he has also led numerous Snowman Treks, which is one of the most strenuous treks in Bhutan. He is an asset to our company and we are certain that travellers will surely enjoy his experience and cultural knowledge of his Bhutanese mother land.

Dr Ross Anderson

Dr Anderson lives with his wife in a small town near the Lakes District in the north of England. He is a Family doctor and spends much of his spare time travelling as an expedition doctor. He has more than 10 years of altitude and travel medicine experience. Previous treks and expeditions have focused on the Himalayas, with others in the Scandinavian Arctic and mountainous areas of Africa. He also enjoys trail running, cycling and open-water swimming.

Custom made itineraries

A custom made itinerary is the ultimate way to see the world how YOU want. They are created especially for you, giving you complete freedom to choose what you want to see, where you want to go and when you want to do it. If you love our current itineraries but want to customise it privately as a couple, a group of friends, family, club, business or school, you have the freedom to add or remove as many elements as you like to suit the interests of your group. Alternatively, you can start with a blank canvas and create a new and exciting itinerary from scratch! Our well-travelled consultants can give you firsthand suggestions and eliminate any uncertainty with trip planning to ensure you maximise the quality of your experience and get truly off the beaten track. Simply email, phone or visit us to start planning your dream adventure.

Trip reviews

Videos

Markha Valley Trek - and Beyond | Indian Himalaya with World Expeditions

Country information

Currency

Indian Rupee

We recommend that you bring US dollars (in cash or travellers cheques) as it is readily accepted over other currencies in India.

Credit cards and ATM are available in most large cities and hotels, however it is not recommended to rely on these solely. Always keep a watch when your card is being processed and please note that you will be surcharged for the use of your card.

Traveller’s cheques may be changed (for a fee) at many hotels. Make sure that you bring some small denominations and keep a separate record of your cheque numbers, to assist with quick replacement should you lose them.

Electricity
Type C plug

Electricity in India is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is C. (2 round prong).

Visas

Visas are required to enter India and visitors from some countries including Australia and New Zealand can obtain an online visa, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) prior to arrival.

For stays of less than 30 days, travellers can apply for an ETA online (US$60) at the official website https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html, no less than five days and no more than 30 days before the date of travel.

At present other nationalities including the UK and Canada and those clients regardless of nationality visiting Sikkim and other restricted areas must have an Indian visa stamp in their passport prior to arrival in India.

Safety

Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.

Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.

We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.

We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.