Indian Himalayas

Himalaya has two parts in India. The western Himalaya in the north of the country is characterized by small villages and a mountainous landscape. Whereas the eastern Himalaya, sandwiched between Bhutan and Nepal is home to tea plantations with a backdrop of the Kanchenjunga peak. Both regions are relatively easy to explore and there are a variety of road, rail and air options. Most visitors will fly from either Delhi to Kolkata and then travel by car once in the Himalaya. Train travel is also highly recommended as the region’s colonial links have left in place an extensive rail network.

Most visitors visit Indian Himalaya for the scenery. This is enjoyed on foot via day walks or from the comfort of a hotel balcony or terrace. We recommend you to visit the Himalaya as a standalone destination, although it can be easily combined with a North India itinerary.

On the journey towards the peaks of the Himalayas yet another totally different and magnificent experience beckons. Imagine standing alone in the top of the world with the swirling white clouds beneath you and yet another snowy ride towering ahead.

The journey can easily be made to silvery Kashmir, cool and beautiful Shimla, or the lush green Kullu Valley, Relax sitting on the balcony of one of the beautiful hotels in the mountains, breathing in the clear mountain air and idly watching the sparkling river cascading down the mountainside.

The ancient Moghul emperors, once the greatest dynasty on earth devoted their entire resources to the task of complementing the natural beauty of Kashmir with gardens and waterways to create “Paradise on Earth”. Later, the British popularized the use of houseboats moored in the tranquil Nagin and Dal Lakes.

Shimla, the “Summer Capital” of India for British, is a place designed for complete relaxation, a delightfully situated hill station retreat. Wander down the Mall, to watch all the local people doing the same; breathe the pine scented air in the tall and beautiful forests with the sun casting light through the trees on the sparkling brooks. North of Shimla is the beautiful forested Kullu Valley, with its flowing rivers and flower strewn walks known as the ‘Valley of the Gods”.

Darjeeling is an unspoilt, English-style hill station straddling a mountain slope and surrounded with high green hills covered with coniferous trees, with massive drops into the enchanting valley below. It commands stunning views of Kanchenjunga (8586 meters) ,particularly from nearby Tiger Hill and sunrise which breaks over the mountains is one of the most beautiful on earth.

Two and half hours driver away is Kalimpong, a quaint bazaar town set in rolling foothills and deep valleys at the foot of the mighty Himalayas. There are several excursions from here to places which offer some of the finest panoramas in the world.
To the North the mountain state of Sikkim is a land of peace and tranquility high up in the mountains. The capital Gangtok, on a ridge flanking the Ranipool River, is overshadowed by the Kanchenjunga, a truly spectacular sight that will imbue you with awe and wonder.
Even further east are the states of Assam and Meghalaya. The state of Assam for is tea, and also for its wildlife reserve which can be reached via the ancient and graceful state capital of Guwahati, situated on the river Brahmaputra. The Tiger reserve Manas is also rich in other varieties of wildlife, while in Kaziranga it is often possible to see once of the India’s one-horned rhinoceros. Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is the home of the colorful Khasi People. The breathtaking views, waterfalls, brooks and pine groves has all led to the state being popularly described as “ The Scotland of the East”.