Northern Himalaya
Himalayas & Ladakh
The roof of the world: ancient Buddhist monasteries clinging to cliffsides, turquoise lakes at 4,000 metres, and the most dramatic mountain landscapes on the planet.
Where the mountains meet the sky and time slows down
Ladakh is unlike anywhere else in India — or anywhere else on earth. A high-altitude desert ringed by the Himalayas and the Karakoram, it was closed to outsiders until 1974 and retains a quality of remoteness that is increasingly rare. The landscape is lunar and vast; the culture is Tibetan Buddhist; the air is thin and clear and intoxicating.
The monasteries of Ladakh — Thiksey, Hemis, Diskit, Lamayuru — are among the most atmospheric in the Buddhist world. Perched on ridges above river valleys, they have been centres of learning and practice for centuries. The monks who live in them are not performers for tourists; they are scholars and practitioners, and the chance to spend time in their company is one of the great privileges of travel in this region.
Beyond Ladakh, the Himalayan foothills offer their own rewards: the hill stations of Shimla and Manali, the tea gardens of Darjeeling, the trekking routes of Spiti Valley. We tailor every Himalayan itinerary to the season and the traveller's interests and fitness level.
At a glance
Best time
June to September for Ladakh (the only months the Manali–Leh highway is open). April–June and Sep–Nov for Darjeeling and Shimla.
Temperature
Ladakh summer: 10–30°C days, 0–5°C nights. Darjeeling: 8–20°C year-round. Winters in Ladakh are extreme (-20°C).
Getting there
Fly into Leh (IXL) — the most dramatic landing in India, surrounded by mountains. Or drive the Manali–Leh highway (2 days, spectacular). Darjeeling via Bagdogra (IXB).
Highlights
What makes this region extraordinary
Thiksey Monastery at dawn
Arrive before the morning puja and watch the monks assemble in the prayer hall as the sun rises over the Indus Valley. The monastery's position — twelve storeys on a hilltop — is extraordinary.
Pangong Tso lake
At 4,350 metres, Pangong Tso stretches 134 kilometres into Tibet. The colour of the water shifts from turquoise to cobalt to deep blue as the light changes. Camping on the shore overnight is unforgettable.
Spiti Valley
One of the most remote inhabited valleys in the world, Spiti is a high-altitude desert of extraordinary beauty. The Key Monastery, the fossil beds of Langza, the ancient murals of Tabo — each is remarkable.
Darjeeling tea country
The hill station of Darjeeling sits at 2,000 metres above the plains of Bengal, surrounded by tea gardens that produce some of the world's finest teas. The view of Kangchenjunga at dawn is one of the great Himalayan panoramas.
Photography
Through the lens
Ladakh monastery, Himalaya
Himalaya trekking trail
Leh valley, Ladakh
Pangong Lake, Ladakh
Spiti Valley monastery
Buddhist prayer flags, mountain pass
Practical information
Everything you need to know
Getting around
Private 4WD essential in Ladakh — roads are rough and high-altitude. Acclimatise for 2 days in Leh before travelling to higher elevations.
Language
Ladakhi and Tibetan in Ladakh; Hindi and Nepali in Darjeeling. English spoken in hotels and tourist areas.
Currency
Indian Rupee (INR). ATMs in Leh but unreliable — carry sufficient cash. Cards not accepted in remote areas.
Best time
June to September for Ladakh (the only months the Manali–Leh highway is open). April–June and Sep–Nov for Darjeeling and Shimla.
Insider tips
- 1
Acclimatise properly in Leh before travelling to Pangong or Nubra Valley. Altitude sickness is serious — rest for 48 hours on arrival, drink water, and avoid alcohol.
- 2
The Hemis Festival (June/July) is the most spectacular monastery festival in Ladakh — masked dances, music, and thousands of pilgrims. Book accommodation months in advance.
- 3
Carry warm layers even in summer — temperatures drop sharply after sunset at altitude and mountain weather changes quickly.
- 4
Spiti Valley requires a permit for foreign nationals — your guide will arrange this, but allow extra time in the itinerary for the paperwork.
Ready to explore Himalayas & Ladakh?
Our Himalaya & Ladakh tour is designed for travellers who want to experience this region properly — with a local guide, private transport, and no compromises.