Primary Himalayan forests unlimited! From foothill to 3200 meter. Combine it with the inner valleys and a snow-covered pass at 4200 meter and the low terai where the highlands meet the plains. Best birding road of the world?
As professional photographers our needs are many and specific, but your office staff, guides and drivers worked in concert to meet our constant demands.We appreciate your expertise and friendly customer service for making our trips to India so successful. Jami Tarris & Theo Allofs, Canada - 2007
On account of its great geographical diversity and altitudinal variation, India offers several trekking options through its scenic valleys, rugged mountains, lush forests and meadows. However, it is the snowy domain of the Himalayas - the youngest and the highest mountain range in the world - that has been the Holy Grail for trekkers and climbers from across the globe. Wrapped in folklore, literature and mythology, it has been the scenic setting for epic feats of exploration for centuries. Trekking in the Himalayas is replete with stunning views of some of the highest peaks in the world, lofty meadows and lakes, stunning flora and fauna and the eternal quest of self-realization. The 2400 km range runs through six countries in a wide arc with over 100 separate mountains that exceed 7,200 m. In India, it forms the country's northern boundary, separating the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan Plateau. The Trans Himalayan region of Ladakh, the Western Himalayas stretching through Himachal & Uttaranchal and the Eastern Himalayas in the North-East offers trekkers some of the finest opportunities.
In the North East explore Namdapha on foot, walk along the Rhododendron Trail in Arunachal, trek along the Singalila range, chase butterflies in Sikkim, discover nearly 4000 flowering species of the Eastern Himalayas and see exotic animals like Hoolock Gibbon, Red Panda and Malayan Giant Squirrel. In Himachal, the Great Himalayan National Park reveals endemics like Western Tragopan and Himalayan Brown Bear while in the Kumaon and Garhwal region, witness an explosion of colours at the World Heritage Valley of Flowers. Uttaranchal's other attractions include flamboyant pheasants and other high altitude species of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, home-stays in Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary and glacial treks through Gangotri National Park to the source of India's most sacred river. The foothill Himalayas offer moderate treks like Nainital to Corbett hike along the century old district board road and the Maneater of Mohan Trail, the historic route Jim Corbett took to hunt down a dreaded maneating tiger. Ladakh with its cold desert, sparse vegetation and glacial treks offers the adventure of the elusive Snow Leopard, a trek through Hemis High Altitude National Park, a visit to Hemis Gompa and other monasteries for a brush with Buddhism and a chance to see high-altitude species like Kiang (Tibetan Wild Ass), Lammergeier and Tibetan & Himalayan Snowcock.
While the icy Himalayas dominate the north, trekking in the South takes you to the global hotspot of diversity - the Western Ghats. A swathe of land running parallel to India's west coast, this region is dominated by lush rainforests, gently undulating hills and moderate weather, which makes it ideal for walkers. Choose from organic farm-stays and rainforest treks in Coorg, walk through the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, visit elephant training camps and spot endemics like Nilgiri Tahr, Wayanad Laughing Thrush and Malabar Flying Squirrel.
