My recommendations
My top 10 all time favourite trips in the Himalaya
There are so many trips to choose from it is very difficult to pick out just 10 but here goes.
A Grand Traverse of the Indian Himalaya, India
This is a wonderful long remote trek that starts in Rumtse, Ladakh and treks over high passes south to Tso Moriri Lake and then crosses the glaciated Parang La over the Indian Himalaya and finishes in Spiti. The lakes of Tso Kar and Tso Moriri, the diverse scenery, the remoteness, the high passes and the sense of trekking across the Himalayan chain makes this trek special for me.
Women’s Eco Cafes and felted handicrafts in Ladakh
My favourite bike trip starts in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, and follows the road north across the Indian Himalaya finishing in Leh. A tough biking challenge, this trip has a huge variety of scenery from the lush green forests of Himachal Pradesh through to the barren high-altitude plateau of Ladakh. Slow winding ascents over high passes, magnificent scenery and wonderful long descents await those who are prepared.
Doplo, Nepal
Dolpo is a remote, high-altitude culturally Tibetan region in Western Nepal. The people of Dolpo are generally adherents of Bon, a religion whose origins predate Buddhism, and the area has preserved its Tibetan culture in relatively pure form. The 1999 Oscar-nominated film Himalaya was filmed in Dolpo and what makes it special is the spectacular azure blue lake of Phoksumdo, wonderful mountain passes and Tibetan style villages.
The High Passes of Everest, Nepal
There has to be one trek in the Everest region of Nepal, and I would choose a grand circular hike that takes in the Kongma La, the Cho La and the Renzo La passes and 5 wonderful high viewpoints. This trek covers most of the popular Everest region with views of all the famous high peaks of the Himalaya.
Concordia and K2 Base Camp, Pakistan
A trek for wonderful mountain scenery culminating in a spectacular camp at Concordia, the confluence of huge glaciers and the base for a day hike to K2 base camp with spectacular close-up views of this incredible peak. Hard walking on rocky glaciers and not much culture but some of the best mountain scenery ever.
Everest advanced base camp and the North Col of Everest, Tibet
This is classed as the highest trek on earth and is in Tibet. The trek takes you along the Mallory Highway, a magnificent stretch of huge ice seracs. Add on the optional climb to the North Col of Everest and you get to experience a real expedition.
Dzo Jongo Peak, Ladakh
A great peak at 6,146m in Ladakh and great for a first Himalayan summit. To get to it there is a great off the beaten track walk from Stok via four high passes to Nimaling and on to the base camp. This relatively unknown and technically easy 6000m+ peak is relatively unknown and therefore nice and quiet so you usually have the peak to yourself.
The Laya Trek, Bhutan
The list would not be complete without a classic circular trek in Bhutan. Very different to Nepal and the Indian Himalaya, Bhutan is heavily forested. The Laya trek is one of the most scenic in Bhutan, offering amazing views of some of the most pristine and unspoiled landscapes in Bhutan. The trek begins in Paro and takes you through gorgeous alpine meadows, high mountain passes and dense sub-tropical jungles. With awe-inspiring views of Mount Chomolhari and Jichudrake, the trek visits remote mountain villages inhabited by Layaps (people of Laya), a distinct segment of the Bhutanese society with unique culture, traditions and appearance. There are also some very hot springs at the end of the trek to rejuvenate you.
The Source of the Ganges, India
A cultural as well as a trekking trip taking in the pilgrimage town of Rishikesh on the banks of the Ganges as well as a trek from Gangotri to Tapovan and the source of the Ganges River. The setting of the campsite at Tapovan below Mount Shivaling is one of the most spectacular and to see a close up view of the Sharks Fin face of Mount Meru is a real treat.
Pahalgam to Heniskot, Kashmir, Zanskar and Ladakh
This was the first trek I ever did in 1984 and it remained a favourite for many years until the problems in Kashmir made it impossible to do anymore. It is such a diverse trek, starting in the lush alpine valleys of Kashmir, then you cross the Boktal Glacier into Zanskar and end up trekking over the Kanji La to exit through a spectacular gorge into the moonscape of Ladakh
