Kashmir & The Himalayas Tours & Holidays
Kashmir & The Himalayas Small Group Tours & Tailor-Made Holidays
The Himalayas is the world's mightiest mountain range.
No other chain can boast summits of over 8,000 metres - there are 14 such peaks in the Greater Himalaya - and hundreds over 7,000 metres. It stretches 2,700km across the subcontinent from Assam to Pakistan; in the east, Namche Barwa stands sentinel, while the west is guarded by the awesome Nanga Parbat.
The term Himalaya means 'Abode of Snow' and its icy peaks and ridges have long since inspired the poets. From its heavenly ...
The Himalayas is the world's mightiest mountain range.
No other chain can boast summits of over 8,000 metres - there are 14 such peaks in the Greater Himalaya - and hundreds over 7,000 metres. It stretches 2,700km across the subcontinent from Assam to Pakistan; in the east, Namche Barwa stands sentinel, while the west is guarded by the awesome Nanga Parbat.
The term Himalaya means 'Abode of Snow' and its icy peaks and ridges have long since inspired the poets. From its heavenly summits flow many of the subcontinents great rivers - the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Indus - and in its valleys and across its foothills lie some of the most magical lands on earth, offering the modern traveller a plethora of holiday opportunities.
Kashmir, that long-forgotten tourist idyll - first enjoyed by Emperor Akbar in the 17th Century - with its clean, clear air, beautiful mountains and exotic houseboats is open for business once more, with Wild Frontiers leading the way. The mountain deserts of Ladakh offer fabulous trekking as well as fascinating Buddhish culture, exemplified by the Ladakh Festival in September, and now with Shakti opening its Ladakh Village Walk Experience there is even a luxurious way to experience this amazing mountain region. The forested foothills of Uttaranchal, Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim, provide history, architecture, epic views and any number of great village walks.
Wild Frontiers offer many group tours to the Indian Himalayas, some with short treks and some without, and we also organise tailor-made holidays to suit your particular needs.
Best experiences
Explore the hill town of Darjeeling
Start early and view the sunrise with a backdrop of Mount Kanchenjunga. Wander through the Himalayan Mountain Institute, enjoy a ride on the Darjeeling Hill train, and sample a cup of Darjeeling tea, before spending some time on one of the local tea estates and learning about traditional methods.
Indulge in some tea and cake
Stroll through the mall and along to Chowrasta 'four roads' to people watch, browse in the local shops, sample some local delicacies, and then take a break and try some of the famous Darjeeling brew and maybe a cake at Glenary's tea shop.
Ride the Toy Train
Take a nostalgic train journey on the infamous Toy Train from Darjeeling. Wind your way along green hillsides, through quaint hilltop towns, accompanied by the plumes of steam as you whistle through the mountains.
Go bird watching in Binsar Sanctuary
Stroll through the oak forests at dawn or dusk and spot a myriad of birds with a local naturalist guide. The beauty and serenity of this sanctuary is best appreciated on foot and not by jeep - a true bird watchers paradise!
Enjoy a village walk
Get off the beaten track and explore Kumaoni villages, absorbing the stunning scenery of the Himalayas. Chat to the locals outside their elegantly converted village homes, enjoy some refreshments en route and learn more about life in this rural untouched area.
Explore the temples around Almora
Rejuvenate your spirit in the calm and tranquillity of the Jageshwar and Katarmal temple sites. Dedicated to the Sun God, these beautifully constructed temples and shrines are set amongst a woodland of Deodar trees in a wonderfully natural environment.
Go birding in Sitabani
Rise early to capitalise on this wonderful birding opportunity with a local naturalist. Encompassing diverse ecosystems of native Sal and mixed forests, grasslands and rivers beds set against a green canopy, this forest reserve is a bird watching paradise.
Take a walk around Chotti Haldwani
Catch a glimpse of local community life in a typical Bhabhar village. The development of Chotti Haldwani was encouraged by Jim Corbett, and here you can meet with locals whilst visiting local houses, the surrounding fields and a local restaurant and Corbett museum.
Encounter wildlife on a jeep safari
Head out into the jungle in search of tigers, elephants, leopards and the critically endangered Gharial, as well as a diverse species of birds. End your afternoon safari as the sun slowly sets, a wonderful time of day to spot numerous species of wildlife.
Walk the historic streets of Leh
Step back in time as you meander through the streets of the old town of Leh. Stumble upon ancient homes, colourful local markets, temples and mosques constructed of mud and wood, and admire the striking Leh Palace, situated on a rocky outcrop above the city and dominating the city skyline.
Consult an Oracle
Tap into your spirituality and contemplate your future with the assistance of a local village oracle. There is an opportunity to visit one of these revered oracles resident in one of the villages close to Leh and observe this tradition phenomena in person.
Explore the Indus Monasteries
Head out of town to the tranquil and stunning monasteries of Hemis, Thiksey and Matho. Swathed in the eye-catching Buddhist imagery and other-worldly gods and idols, the monasteries give you an opportunity to peruse some amazing rituals and beliefs.
Hike remote trails with spectacular scenery
The forested foothills around Shimla offer some excellent opportunities for walking. Along with your expert guide, explore hidden trails through the pine forest, passing local villages and soaking up spectacular Himalayan mountain scenery.
Learn about Shimla's colonial history
Discover an impressive range of colonial architecture and a rich history with a walking tour of Shimla, including a stop at the grand Viceregal Lodge, the Mall, and the colourful local market.
Board the famous toy train
Ride on the Kalka-Shimla railway, now on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The narrow-gauge mountain rail system is an engineering marvel, rattling through 103 tunnels and over remarkable stone viaducts, past astounding mountain gorges and panoramic wonders.
Meet Kashmiri artisans
Wander along the hidden lanes of Srinagar to see the traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and see master artisans at work. You will gain an understanding of the processes, and meet the artisans who have created these works of art over the years.
Visit the mosques of Old Srinagar
Navigate your way around Old Srinagar to see the beauty of the old city's mosques. Here you can appreciate the mystical and esoteric elements of Islam with its beautifully designed prayer halls, stunning carved woodwork and beautiful calligraphy.
Visit Dal Lake floating market
Board your shikara early in the morning and catch a glimpse of a unique sunrise market held on Dal Lake, where locals haggle and barter for their daily supplies of fruit, vegetables and colourful flowers.OUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO STAY
Chamba Camp Thiksey, Leh
A new and innovative award winning addition to the growing number of luxury camps in India, The Ultimate Travelling Camp's originality resides in the fact that the camps are all mobile, being in…
Glenburn Tea Estate, Darjeeling
A fantastic boutique lodging situated just outside Darjeeling, this lovely little plantation retreat lies above the banks of the River Rungeet, deep in the Himalaya and is overlooked by the…
Indus River Camp, Leh
Along the banks of the river Indus, just nine kilometres from Leh, and set within forty two acres of a nature sanctuary is the Indus River Camp. With only monasteries perched on the surrounding…
Jim's Jungle Retreat, Corbett National Park
Jim's Jungle Retreat is a slightly alternative camp option in the area, about half an hour from the main park entrance. The hotel is based about 15km from the main entrance to the National Park but is…
Lalit Grand Palace Srinagar, Srinagar
Encircled by the Himalayan ranges and set before the waters of Dal Lake, this former Maharajah's palace has been meticulously restored to reflect something of its former glory. Built in 1910, the…
Mary Budden Estate, Almora
Tucked away high in the forest of Uttarakhand the Mary Budden Estate is a true haven of luxury set in one of the last pristine natural environments still to be encountered in India. A windy road leads…
Royal Houseboat, Srinagar
Situated on a quiet corner of Dal Lake, with wonderful views out over a lotus field, picturesque houseboats and the mountains beyond, besides Sukoon this is probably the most luxurious group of…
Sukoon Houseboat, Srinagar
Opened in April 2013, the former Neil Armstrong houseboat is easily the most luxurious on either lake. Owned and run by Altaf Chapri, a real visionary in the world of Indian boutique tourist…
Sunnymead Estate, Shimla
Sunnymead Estate is a charming family run heritage guest house, located in a tranquil spot in Shimla. Considered to be one of the oldest colonial cottages in Shimla, it has been lovingly restored by…
The Elgin - Darjeeling, Darjeeling
Darjeeling- from ' Dorji Ling' means the 'God of Thunder'. Small wonder then that in the quaint little hill station, the weather varies from the pleasant to very cold. As you enter The Elgin warmth…
The Ladakh Sarai, Leh
The Ladakh Sarai offers 14 traditional Yurts in a dramatic mountianside location about 8 kms from Leh. Spread amongst the poplar and apricot trees, each yurt is equipped with private ensuite bathroom…
The Oberoi Cecil, Shimla
Built in 1884 as a Himalayan hill station, the luxurious Oberoi Cecil is a perfect base from which to explore the spectacular mountain scenery, cedar forests and ancient monasteries of this world…
Village Homes Ladakh, Leh
This is simply one of our favourite products on the subcontinent. Though Ladakh has long been on the map for backpackers, mostly staying in and around Leh, it is has not yet come on the radar of the…
Wildflower Hall, Shimla
Situated at 8,250 feet in the magnificent Himalayas, Wildflower Hall is a fairytale, five star deluxe resort set in 22 acres of virgin woods of pine and cedar. The former residence of Lord Kitchener,…
Windamere Hotel, Darjeeling
Windamere is situated on historic Observatory Hill where Darjeeling began, and overlooks the Chowrasta, the town's exclusive promenade. From Observatory Hill, one can glimpse Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal…
The Kumaon, Almora
Located on a ridge above the historical city of Almora, the stunning Kumaon is a peaceful retreat in the heart of the Himalayan foothills. This high end lodge attracts artists and nature lovers,…