Are you dreaming of a trip to the Indian Himalayas? A trip offers the opportunity to experience the mountains in very different facets. Most people associate the mighty peaks in the Indian Himalayas with Tibet, Nepal or the small mountain state of Bhutan. Around 70 percent of the most impressive mountains are in India. In our blog we introduce you to some places where you can experience the Himalayan adventure in India.
The “Little Tibet”: Ladakh
The former kingdom of Ladakh lies in the northernmost state of India. In the midst of rugged, sparsely vegetated mountain landscapes, you will find a culture here that has many connections to Tibet. Whitewashed Buddhist monasteries sit on rocky peaks, prayer flags flutter in the mountain wind. One of the most important monasteries is Hemis, whose history stretches back almost a thousand years. The Hemis Festival takes place here every summer, during which the victory of good over evil is celebrated for two days in colorful traditional costumes.
From the old royal city of Leh, you can explore the Indian Himalayas on hikes or short tours. For example, you can reach the Nubra Valley, a fascinating place of contrasts, via one of the highest drivable mountain passes in the world. The valley is actually an alpine cold desert, but the inhabitants cultivate a variety of plants thanks to the Shyok river that flows through it. Elsewhere in the valley, there are sand dunes that you can cross on the back of Bactrian camels.
Darjeeling and Sikkim in Indian Himalayas
Sikkim also has a strong Tibetan influence – not least due to its geographical location. The state in northeast India is sandwiched between Bhutan, Nepal and Tibet. Like Ladakh, it was once a Buddhist kingdom and is still home to many magnificent monasteries and stupas. For most travelers, the gateway to this region is Darjeeling, an important center of tea cultivation, which itself is not yet part of Sikkim. Against the backdrop of the Indian Himalayas, magnificent green tea fields stretch out here, which are best seen on a ride on a wonderfully nostalgic steam train.
Sikkim is much greener than rugged Ladakh. Rhododendrons, orchids and magnolias grow here, among other things. The animal world is as diverse as the landscape. Various big cats, Tibetan wolves and red pandas live in the forests of Sikkim. Further north of Sikkim, on the border with Nepal, lies Kangchenjunga, India’s highest mountain at 8,586 meters – and the third highest peak in the world.
Source of Ganges
The Himalayan regions of India are not only wonderful for being active on hikes, but also for relaxation at its finest. Complete peace and quiet in front of a magnificent backdrop can be found in the 360° Leti resort, which is secluded at a height of over 2,400 meters in the middle of the untouched mountains of Kumaon. From the only four pavilions, guests can enjoy a wonderful panorama even in bed thanks to the large windows. Meditation, yoga, walks and evenings by the campfire – always surrounded by majestic peaks – make the stress of everyday life seem a long way away.
Anyone who checks into the Ananda in the Indian Himalayas follows in the footsteps of Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, Kate Winslet and Prince Charles. The luxurious retreat – formerly a Maharaja’s palace – is located just above Rishikesh, where the holy Ganges leaves the Indian Himalayas. You can relax like royalty here with yoga, meditation, Ayurveda treatments and spa treatments.
In our travel blog about India’s Himalayas we have only presented a small selection – there are many more treasures to explore. How about a multi-day trekking Himalaya trip in Ladakh? Contact our experts, they will be happy to advise you.
