Start your visit to the Himalayas and Ladakh in western Himachal Pradesh by visiting Shimla, the former summer capital of British-ruled India. Shimla is one of India’s most popular hill resorts, full of colonial heritage.
From Delhi, journey on the express train to Kalka, from where you’ll ride the World Heritage Mountain Railway to Shimla. This train has been operating since 1906 and takes a scenic five to six-hour trip, crossing 102 tunnels and 988 bridges on its winding 96km route.
From Shimla, proceed to Dharamshala, made famous as the home of the Tibetan government-in-exile and residence of the Dalai Lama at McLeod Ganj. The Dhauladhar ranges make for some excellent trekking and the valley lying between them is beautiful and culturally intriguing.
McLeodgunj attracts thousands of international visitors to learn Buddhism, meditation or yoga, trek in the Dhauladhar mountains, shop for Tibetan crafts, or just relax and enjoy the spiritual vibe and the many good cafes and restaurants.
Visit one of the finest tea estates in India, located in Palampur, a bustling little market town surrounded by tea plantations and rice fields at the foot of the Dhauladhar range. You can visit the factory and taste the green and black teas with experts.
As you drive up from Palampur to Ladakh via Manali, spectacular Himalayan vistas unfold before your eyes. Manali is set in a stunning location amongst the Himalayan foothills and old Manali has some beautiful old wooden houses and fruit orchards to explore.
From Manali to Leh you’ll drive through Alpine foothills peppered with juniper, cedar and deodar pines, and see waterfalls crashing beside the road.
Ladakh, the ‘Land of High Passes’ possesses a timeless, rugged beauty. The landscape of jagged, arid mountains is different from any other in India, with whitewashed monasteries and stupas decorating rocky outcrops, scores of colourful prayer flags fluttering in the mountain breeze, and lush green villages nestling photogenically in this mountainous desert.
Visit a selection of magnificent monasteries to discover the rich history and culture of this important stop on the famous Silk Route.
The Nubra Valley is reached via Khardung La, one of the highest motorable roads in the world, where the cold desert of Hundar with its Bacterian Camels, and the Diskit monastery await those who travel to this remote and beautiful spot. Meet the disarmingly friendly and pragmatic Tibetan people who’ve preserved their traditional lifestyle while adopting new technologies like solar energy.
All throughout, you’ll stay at some of best value properties in areas of natural beauty and wilderness, known for their hospitality and warmth.