Kashmir & the Himalayas
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.
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What to do in Kashmir & the Himalayas
Ride Himalaya Queen to Shimla
Shimla
The Kalka-Shimla railway is now on the UNESCO World Heritage list and for very good reason. The narrow gauge mountain rail system is an engineering marvel in itself, rattling through 103 tunnels and over remarkable stone viaducts, past astounding mountain gorges and panoramic wonders. On the famous Himalayan Queen you can sit back and enjoy the spectacle as you race towards Shimla, at 7,118 feet above sea level, the great British summer capital and seat of military government during the headiest days of the Raj.
Stay on a Houseboat
Srinagar
The famous houseboats of Kashmir's fabled lakes are an enchanting travel experience in their own right. Carved out of local pine, occasionally painted and styled in gorgeous colours and designs, they are an immensely comfortable throwback to a very different time. First created by the British as summer residences to guard against the stifling heat of the distant plains, they now surround both Dal and Nagin lakes and offer the modern traveller a comfortable and nostalgic place to stay. Relaxing on one, or boating passed drowsing Chinar trees, through cultivated water gardens of blossoming lilies in the Kasmiri sunlight, is to drink in a unique waterbound culture, that has defined a truly unique region.
Stay with Families in Ladakh
Leh
It is no wonder that rare, remote Ladakh, literally 'the land of high passes', is one of the mooted homes of fabled Shangri-La. There are Hindu traditions here, for Ladakh rises above Kashmir and has long been fought over, but its greatest influences are the tolerant, spiritual traditions of Bhuddist Tibet. To stay with a family in 'little Tibet', in one of their remarkable south facing house - immaculately converted into comfortable homestays - and to walk among the valleys and hills is to experience a centuries old way of life, with hardy but hospitable people.
Walk Among The Mountains
Srinagar
The mighty mountain massive that divides the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan plateau, the astonishing Himalayas, are a wild frontier that explode with record breaking superlatives. The world's two giants, Everest and K2 are here, of course, towering above a truly monumental landscape, and to begin to experience their majesty and terror you have to get among them on foot. If you like your walking gentle, among the foothills, passing through quiet villages, or up above the treeline, into the land of the mountain gods, we will have a walking trip for you.
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Where to stay in Kashmir & the Himalayas
Lalit Grand Palace Srinagar
Srinagar
Located just a few minutes from the key attractions of Srinagar and overlooking the famed Dal Lake this is a premiere...
Royal Houseboats
Srinagar
Although the British loved Kashmir for its healthy climate and hunting, they were never allowed to buy land and build...
Cecil Hotel Oberoi
Shimla
Built in 1884 as a Himalayan hill station, the five star deluxe Oberoi Cecil is a perfect base from which to explore...
Highlands Park Hotel
Gulmarg
Hotel Highlands Park is well-placed at the centre of all the attractions in Gulmarg - one of Kashmir's premier tourist...
Wildflower Hall
Shimla
Situated at 8,250 feet in the magnificent Himalayas, Wildflower Hall is a fairytale, five star deluxe resort set in 22...
Eagles' Nest Hotel
Dharamsala- Mcleod Ganj
A true Himalayan retreat set in fragrant gardens, the Eagle's Nest is not only where the Dalai Lama stayed during his...
The Grand Dragon Ladakh
Leh
The Grand Dragon Ladakh is the best hotel in Leh. The hotel has been constructed using local methods and materials and...
Village Homes Ladakh
Leh
This is simply one of our favourite products on the subcontinent.Though Ladakh has long been on the map for...
The Taj Dal View
Srinagar
The Dal View is the new Taj hotel that adds a luxurious angle to a stay in this iconic travel destination. Perched on...
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Suggested Itineraries
How to book a trip
Kashmir & the Himalayas Travel Guide
Amritsar
Amritsar, literally a Pool of Nectar, derives its name from Amrit Sarovar, the holy tank that surrounds the fabulous Golden Temple. First time visitors to Amritsar could be forgiven for the impression that Amritsar is like any other small town in northern India. But Amritsar stands head and shoulders above any other city, its status elevated and sanctified by the presence of the venerable Golden Temple. Located in the heart of Amritsar, the temple complex is surrounded by a maze of narrow lanes, or katras, that house one of the busiest markets in India. But the Golden Temple is a serene presence, radiating a calm that makes people bow their heads in reverence. The gurudwara, as Sikh temples are called, is the holiest of Sikh shrines. It is not just Sikhs who travel to the Golden Temple to pay homage; Hindus and people of other faiths make the pilgrimage to offer prayers at Harmandir Sahib, equally revering the sacred shrine. Another major attraction these days is the Indo-Pakistan border crossing at Wagah, just a short distance from Amritsar, with its elaborate change-of-guards drill with a lot of strutting and showing off by both sides.
Gulmarg
An hour and a half from Srinagar, up into the mountains to the west surrounded by pine forests lies the pretty village of Gulmarg. Once the summer home of British officers and their wives – many of the cottages they built are still there – it is now a popular haven for the summer domestic tourist trade and a winter ski resort for the world’s more imaginative skiers. Gulmarg boasts the highest gondola lift in the world, which in the summer can take you for a wonderful 4,000m high jaunt or in winter for some very radical skiing. From the top, the views of some of the Greater Himalaya’s magnificent peaks are breathtaking. As well as visiting in the summer, WILD FRONTIERS is the only British tour operator offering ski packages to Gulmarg. back to Kashmir.
Kalmatia
Up amongst the pine forests and a morning's drive from Kathgodam from where you will alight from the train, Kalmatia is set amongst beautiful scenery with stunning views over the Himalaya. Depending on the season, migratory birds can be seen with some 250 species having been sighted in the area. In addition, there are several interesting temples nearby including the famous the Chittai bell temple dedicated to Golu Devta (God of Justice) to which we can take a leisurely walk.
Leh
Situated just to the north of the Indus Valley, high in the arid heart of the great Karakoram Mountain range, Leh sits at the crossroads of High Asia. For centuries it looked to the north, towards Tibet and Central Asia, for its influences and from the town's main bazaar, yak trains would set out over the Karakoram La to Yarkand and Kashgar. In recent years, as a part of India, its focus has shifted from that of trade to a military nature, sitting as it now does close to the borders of Pakistan and China. The town itself is dominated by the nine-storey Leh Palace, ancient home to the Ladakhi royal family, beneath which twist and turn a labyrinth of narrow alleyways. Beyond that to the south lies modern Leh. From the Padma Guesthouse - a lovely family run hotel at which all WF tours stay - there are many lovely walks to nearby stupas and palaces, curiosity shops or to watch a game of polo.
Manali
Surrounded by pine forests at the top end of the Kullu Valley, in the 1960s Manali was regarded by many as a Shangri La. The quiet old town with its quaint stone cottages and peaceful alpine scenery – not to mention the large amounts of marijuana produced in the region – all contrived to make it the perfect sleepy backwater on the hippie trail. Today the new town has exploded with many of the lovely views vanishing behind the mass of modern buildings. However, it is still a fascinating place to spend a day; browsing for handicrafts among the Tibetan stalls; wandering up through the forests to the beautiful wooden Hadimba temple or through the old town; or hiking up onto the far side of the valley, through the village of Vashisht, to take a swim in the clear pool beneath the water fall.
Nubra Valley
Only recently opened up to tourists the Nubra Valley, lying high on the Tibetan Plateau, is like stepping back in time. The highest road in the world runs over the Khardung La (5600m) before descending into the valley and offers a unique entrance into this stunning location. The valley is dotted with Nubra villages, ancient gompas and ruined palaces which make the area ideal for walking and riding tours. The Nubra is is a fairytale mix of stark high altitude desert planes and lush green valleys enclosed by the snow capped Himalayas. The Nubra dunes give the opportunity to see the local Bactrian camels.
Shimla
As the summer capital of the British Raj, Shimla – or Simla as it used to be known – was once the seat of power for more than one fifth of the world’s population. For almost a hundred years (from 1864 to 1939) the entire colonial administration debunked en masse, first from Calcutta and then Delhi, into the hills to avoid the stifling heat of the Indian plains. Often described as Epsom in the hills, the quaint hill station is today a surreal place, with a mall lined by mock Tudor cottages, the Viceroys’ neo-Gothic palace at one end and Christ Church at the other. And halfway along is the Gaiety Theatre, a charming miniature Drury Lane. But today Shimla, like Darjeeling, is a schizophrenic town, on the one hand buzzing with modern Indian life while on the other echoing that of its colonial past.
Srinagar
Old Srinagar puts one in mind of London before the fire. Founded in the sixth century by Raja Pravarasen and beautifully located around a number of lakes, Srinagar, ‘the beautiful city’, is divided in two by the river Jhelum that is crossed by a number of bridges. The old town is a wonderful maze of narrow streets and alleyways, is home to a number of famous mosques, temples and tombs including Jesus’s if you believe the legend and though the true beauty of Kashmir has probably never been reflected in its capital city, it still makes for an interesting place to wander.
Dharamsala- Mcleod Ganj
Mcleod Ganj or "Little Lasa" is a town situated in the Dhauladhar mountain Range and has become famous for being the headquarters of the exiled Tibetan government and home to the Dalai Lama. So saying the town has become an important pilgrimage and tourist attraction. Many people come to the area to learn about Tibetan culture and crafts and to admire and purchase the beautiful Tibetan handicrafts that can be found throughout the town. There are opportunities to attend the Dalai Lamas temple and see the monasteries and other religious attractions that have built up in the area. There are also good trekking paths in the mountains nearby.
Deora
Located at 1500m the village of Deora is dotted with beautiful homes and its inhabitants are beaming with infectious smiles. The traditional wood carvings around the door frames set a stunning contrast to the colourfully painted windows and doors. The village has a beautiful temple dedicated to Karna where villagers have nailed on coins wherever space has permitted in thanksgiving for their wishes having been fulfilled.
Kashmir
Famed for centuries for its infinite natural beauty - its spectacular mountains, fertile valleys and tranquil lakes - Kashmir has long been regarded as a paradise on earth. It was to Srinagar that the Moghuls and British rulers travelled to escape the summer heat; in the sixties it was the turn of the hippies, and in the seventies and eighties so followed tourist and travellers for just the same reason. Shangri La... until at the end of 1989 when the region exploded in a violent struggle for independence that has continued with various levels of hostility for the past 15 years, claiming 60,000 lives.
Then, in early 2004, after regional elections, the governments of India and Pakistan began to ease the tension with a series of talks that are continuing to this day. As nominal, yet crucial, changes began to take place - from international cricket matches to the opening of 'friendship' bus routes across the line of control - so the peace process gathered momentum. Though all sides are still a long way from a lasting solution, just as in Northern Ireland it seems the stomach for an impossible war has started to evaporate in all the crucial quarters. In fact, realising the importance of the tourist dollar to the region, Hebz-i-Mujahadeen, who represents the main militant groups in the Vale, even came out with a statement pronouncing that under no circumstances were tourist to be harmed. As such both domestic and international tourism has started to returned.
Ladakh
Sandwiched between the western Himalayas and the vast Tibetan Plateau, Ladakh or "land of the high passes" is the highest, least populated and most inaccessible region of India. It is also among the most fascinating and beautiful. The inhabitants are a mixture of Buddhists and Muslims. The majority of the tourist attractions are related to the Buddhist culture being near the Eastern border with China and with a strong Tibetan influence. Many of the traditions however have grown out of neighbouring Muslim lands including Kashmir and East Turkistan. The Ladakh Festival was started a few years ago by the J&K Department of Tourism in the hope of keeping the tourist season going a few weeks longer, it offers 14 days of cultural events, so can be a bit of lottery as to what one is going to get until a few days beforehand. If you are lucky, you will be treated to games of archery, polo and displays of traditional dancing. If you are not so fortunate you will get an evening concert of horn blowing! Still, with all the associated events and exhibitions taking place (jewellery, silk paintings, embroidery, shawls), whatever special proceedings are put on, a day at the Ladakh festival is a pleasant way to spend your last few hours in Leh.
Alai
This village is rarely visited on its own. Isolated and hard to access, this little village provides a 'snap-shot' of rural life in India. Here we will have a chance to learn some of the culinary skills of the region as we watch the dinner being prepared. You can enjoy spending time chatting with the friendly locals.
Jawalbanj
Jwalabanj rarely appears on maps and is quite off the beaten track so to speak. Most of the surrounding mountains are over 7000m - the view from the nearby hill-top, which is a short trek up and you get stunning views the two prominent peaks of the Kumaon Himalayas Trishul and Nanda Devi, both of which are around 8000m.
Mukteshwar and Sitla Estate
Situated at 2286m and surrounded by fruit orchards and thick coniferous forest, Mukteshwar was developed by the British as research and education institute in 1893. It is the celebrated scenic spot overlooking long ranges of Himalaya and here you can enjoy the true Kumaoni mountain air. Mukteshwar was made famous by the legendary shikari, Jim Corbett, who killed a man-eating tigress in 1929 who had been held responsible for "hundreds" of killings. He truly loved this place. "There was no place more beautiful than this and no climate anymore salubrious", remarked Corbett about this little Himalayan village.
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Kashmir & the Himalayas Travel Information
Visa Information
UK Passport holders require a visa to visit India.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the end of your trip, and it must have at least one blank page for each visa required. Please ensure the passport details we hold for you are correct.
Please note it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa documentation when starting your trip. Country entry regulations can alter daily and it is always best to check with the relevant embassies for any changes.
The Indian visa can be obtained online either through VF Services (UK) LTD at http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk or through a visa service company such as:
Travcour (UK)
Tempo House
15 Falcon Road
Battersea
London SW11 2PJ
Tel: 020 7223 5295
Fax: 020 7738 2617
Email: info@travcour.com
Website: www.travcour.com
The visa application process is outsourced by the Embassy to VF Services, and it is strongly recommended that you complete the visa application online where you will have the option of sending your passport by post, or arranging an appointment. Please read the instructions on the homepage carefully before following the quick links on the right-hand side to the online visa application form.
Please record the reference number you are given. After completing your application you will be given the option to print the application form (if using Travcour) or pay online and print after.
You will also need:
• Your passport
• One printed application form
• Correct fee (or receipt)
• Two 50mm x 50mm sized photographs on white background
If you are travelling on a non-UK passport, please contact your nearest consulate/embassy for up to date visa information.
Insurance:
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours.
You should be aware that many standard insurance policies may not cover you adequately for all aspects of a Wild Frontiers trip and so we strongly recommend that you purchase a suitably designed insurance policy.
One such policy is the "Wild Frontiers" policy underwritten by Ace European Group Limited (ACE " firm reference 202803), which is available to EU residents (which excludes Norway & Switzerland) through our website or via the insurance company direct on 0845 345 3456. Under this policy there are two different levels of cover available.
Standard policy: a comprehensive travel insurance policy that provides cover for all Wild Frontiers activities, including trekking up to 6,000m. This policy does not provide cover for travel to areas where the FCO is advising against all or all but essential travel.
Elite policy: provides the same comprehensive level of cover as the standard policy. In addition the Elite policy also provides cover for travel to areas where the FCO is advising against all or all but essential travel. The policy will not provide cover for any claims arising from or relating to the reasons why the FCO is advising against travel.
If purchasing the Elite policy you also have the option to extend the cover provided by the policy to include cover for claims arising from a terrorist act in an area where the FCO is advising against travel. You can add this cover to your policy when purchasing online or over the telephone.
These policies are only available to those travelling on a Wild Frontiers holiday.
For more information and to purchase your policy online please visit the Insurance section of our website.
The cover is unde
Health and Vaccinations:
There are no mandatory immunisations for travellers to India though you should be up-to-date with Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and HepatitisA. Malaria is prevalent in parts of India and we recommend you seek advice from your local GP or travel centre as to the correct immunisations and preventative treatments.
We also recommend you look at www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk
