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Holidays

In the Shadow of Nanda Devi

India
7 reviews
Available Departures: May, Oct, Nov, Dec

14 days from

US$2,455

without flights
Walk & Trek
Guided Group
MODERATE MODERATE

Trek through an unspoiled region of the Himalayas across pristine alpine meadows and mountain passes

Trip Code: NAN
Holiday Grades
          

Our Holiday Grades Explained

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

 1 - 3 LEISURELY
1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

View leisurely holidays
4 - 6 MODERATE
4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

View moderate holidays
7 - 9 CHALLENGING
7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

View challenging holidays
10 - 12 TOUGH
10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

View Tough holidays

In the Shadow of Nanda Devi

Highlights
  • Enjoy a stunning trek in a quiet corner of the Himalayas
  • Stay in scenic campsites set in incredibly beautiful locations
  • Take in spectacular views of Nanda Devi and Panch Chuli
  • Visit remote villages and shepherd communities along the way

At a Glance
  • Group Size 4 to 16
  • 9 days trekking
  • Max altitude - 3950 metres
  • Join In Delhi

Accommodation & Meals
  • All meals included
  • 9 nights Camping
  • 4 nights Hotel
Overview

Straddling the districts of Garhwal and Kumaon, close to the Nepalese border, Nanda Devi (7817m) is the geographical and spiritual high point of India. After sightseeing in Delhi, our trekking holiday in the area of this sacred mountain begins on the train to Kathgodam and continues by road to the village of Supi. Trekking from the valley of the Ram Ganga to finally reach the Gauri Ganga in the east, our route is rich in interest, passing through a delightfully scenic and unspoiled corner of the Indian Himalaya. Traversing alpine meadows and crossing high passes, we have panoramic views of the clustered peaks of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary and of the adjacent Panch Chuli group. This is a delightful trek through a beautiful and unspoilt corner of the Indian Himalaya with excellent green campsites. Visits to several villages and shepherds' camps provide a wealth of cultural interest and help to make this a wholly memorable trekking holiday in an area visited by few adventure travellers.

Is this holiday for you?

This is a very beautiful 9-day trek, in an area seldom visited by other trekkers. The average day's walk will be between 5 and 7 hours - although during the day's trek along the Sudam Khal Ridge we could be walking for 8 or 9 hours. Generally the route follows ancient trade routes and village connections that offer very good walking conditions, but there are some sections of looser ground. Ther …

This is a very beautiful 9-day trek, in an area seldom visited by other trekkers. The average day's walk will be between 5 and 7 hours - although during the day's trek along the Sudam Khal Ridge we could be walking for 8 or 9 hours. Generally the route follows ancient trade routes and village connections that offer very good walking conditions, but there are some sections of looser ground. There are several passes to cross during the trek which does make the trip quite challenging within its grade. Overall this is an excellent walking holiday, both for experienced trekkers who want to travel in a little-visited region and also for well-prepared novices looking for a short, but reasonably demanding trek.

Why KE?

This trek, taking in the splendour of the highest mountain wholly within India, is unique to KE. This is a true trekker's paradise to the foothills of Nanda Devi, a peak steeped in mystery, intrigue and failed CIA plots. Escape the trekking honeypots of the Himalayas with this trekking holiday through breathtaking Garhwal and Kumaon.

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Itinerary

Your holiday starts at the hotel in Delhi. Delhi Airport transfers are provided. After lunch at the centrally-located hotel there will be a city tour to include the busy bazaars of Chandni Chowk, and the Moghul Red Fort. We will also see New Delhi's imposing avenues and the Lutyen's designed Government Houses. Returning to the hotel, your guide will take dinner with you and will provide an informal briefing about the days ahead.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

L D

After an early breakfast, we go to the railway station and board the train for the 4 hour journey to Haldwani (Kathgodam). It is said that the journey is half the experience and certainly this is true here. Any journey on Indian Railways is a fascinating affair from the crowds and chaos of Delhi station platforms to the rustic scenes of life in the countryside as we pass through. Arriving in Haldwani before midday, we take a break for lunch before continuing our journey by road to Kausani. Located on a ridge top in the foothills of the Indian Himalaya Kausani (1890m) is a very picturesque hill station offering a sensational 300 kilometre wide panorama on the Himalaya including the ranges of Nanda Devi and the Panch Chulis. Overnight in a siimple but comfortable hotel

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D

After breakfast, we leave the Khali Estate Resort and make another scenic 3-hour drive via Bhageswar to the roadhead at the village of Munar. Here, our crew will be waiting with our lunch. After lunch, we set off on the first stage of our trek, alongside the Saryu River. Starting out at an altitude of 1500 metres, we trek for 2 hours, climbing some 500 metres through the village of Talai to the pretty settlement of Supi. This afternoon walk, partly on a jeep road, gets us into the swing of things, nicely. The altitude at our camp beside the school is approximately 1930 metres.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Time

2 hrs trekking

Passing through a mixture of rhododendron, oak and pine forest, the well made path zig-zags up the steep mountainside, before contouring high above the river, through several small farming hamlets. Even on our first full day of trekking, we gain a rare insight into the way of life of the inhabitants of the foothills of the Indian Himalayas - inquisitive children playing in the villages, farmers ploughing the fields and mule trains ferrying supplies between villages. The path hugs the 2000 metre contour for approximately 2 hours, before dropping to the river, to a bridge by the Badra Tunga Temple, where there are several chortens. Crossing the bridge, the path climbs steeply through a village. We stay on the main path on the south side of the valley, opposite the village of Mikila. Our camp lies in a clearing in the forest at an altitude of 2300 metres.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Time

4 - 5 hrs trekking

Distance

6 KM

We are given a packed lunch for today’s excellent walk. The trail continues along the south side of the valley, climbing steeply through more forest and passing several small kharkas (meadows) which are used by the local Gujjar shepherds to graze their animals. Climbing through rhododendron forest we emerge onto open hillside and are treated to views of Nanda Devi, Nanda Devi East and Nanda Kot. After 3 to 4 hours we turn north on a high path just below a ridge crest at around 3300 metres. Finally, we drop down on a small trail which is loose in places, to reach the Madari Pass (3032m). The mules and our cook crew will have taken a more direct path to this point and anyone who does not wish to make the climb to the ridge can trek this lower path with the crew. We then descend steeply through more beautiful forest to an idyllic campsite in a forest clearing, known as Raj Kharka (2520m).

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Time

5 - 6 hrs trekking

Distance

7 KM

One of the features of this almost perfect campsite is that it faces east and is warmed by the early morning sun at around 6 am - breakfast alfresco, weather permitting. During the morning’s walk, there are splendid views of our route ahead over the next few days and of the high peaks of Kumaon, including Nanda Kot (6860m), the dominant peak at the head of the valley. Passing through the sprawling village of Gogina, we join a path which contours around the valley’s northern slopes, eventually dropping down to the banks of the Ram Ganga at an altitude of 1800 metres. We cross the river to its east bank on an old rickety bridge, taking a long lunch break in the sunshine, before beginning the steep climb to the Village of Namik (2250m). We camp just above Namik in yet another superb campsite overlooking the Ram Ganga.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Time

6 hrs trekking

Distance

10 KM

Leaving camp, we soon pick up a wonderful path, which will take us all the way to the Sudam Khal Pass. This is an ancient trail, certainly centuries old, and yet it remains in excellent condition. Constructed out of stone, the original engineers made use of drainage ditches to prevent the monsoon rains from washing it away and employed sections of steps to overcome any steep ground. The path is still used today, by shepherds taking their flocks to higher pastures during the summer months. The path is a joy to walk on, as it gently climbs through beautiful forest with several clearings offering superb views back toward Nanda Kot. Just before the Susungri Pass (3150m), which we reach after 3 to 4 hours, there is an obvious junction in the path. We follow the left fork, heading towards the west and descending slightly at first. We pass through meadow to the foot of a short but steep climb to a notch in the ridge marked by a large white stone. Immediately beyond the ridge is a basic hut where we have lunch and make camp at the place known as Thaltak (3400m).

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Time

5 hrs trekking

Distance

9 KM

A longish day today, but a truly spectacular walk, as we traverse the ridge, heading northwards. Leaving the relative luxury of the trekker’s hut just after dawn, we climb 700 metres in around 2 hours to reach the crest of the ridge at Ranthon. Here, the views of the Panch Chuli peaks are particularly stunning, with the magnificent, pointed summit of Panch Chuli II, dominating the group. To the west, we can see Nanda Devi, and Nanda Devi East rising above the interceding ridges of the Kumaon. The trail continues along the ridge, sometimes along the crest and sometimes contouring across its western slopes until we reach the Sudam Khal Pass (3950m) after 5 hours. A new mountain vista opens up as we look across to the Kaguri Bhel Pass (4800m). We return to our camp beside the hut by mid afternoon.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Time

7 - 8 hrs trekking

Distance

10 KM

After yesterday’s big day we have a relatively easy walk today. Following a leisurely breakfast, we descend in an hour to the trail junction at the Susungri Pass which we encountered 2 days ago. From here, we continue descending in half an hour to a small stream, then enjoy an undulating walk through a lovely forest, with a lunch stop in a clearing. Beyond the Jhangu River, we climb to the camping place known as Baicham (2650m).

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Time

5 hrs trekking

Distance

8 KM

We start the day with a long and steady ascent through forest and meadow to the Ruddhahkhan Pass (3450m). If the weather is clear, we will have more stunning views of the 5 peaks of Panch Chuli, and of the Gauri Ganga Valley. These are some of the finest views of the trip. Dropping down from the pass, we reach a shepherd’s hut in an open area, which affords more great mountain views, especially at sunset. This is a super campsite.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Time

5 hrs trekking

Distance

6 KM

The trail now descends, before contouring across the hillside in the direction of Munsiari. It is a very pleasant walk with ever-changing panoramas, as we descend through the forest and traverse open slopes. The view of Munsiari is saved for the very end as we turn a corner and suddenly we are above the small town. We take lunch here, with great views of the Panch Chuli peaks. It is a strange feeling to reach the road and civilisation, having seen no one for the last 10 days. We arrive at Munsiari in the early afternoon and set up our final camp of the holiday. In the afternoon, we can visit the local market.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Time

4 - 5 hrs trekking

Distance

7 KM

We say goodbye to our trek crew and begin the journey to Kathgodam. This is a long but spectacular road journey through the foothills to reach the Indian plain which we have staged over 2 days. Driving through the forested hills, there are brilliant views of Nanda Devi, Panch Chuli, Nanda Kot and the western Nepal peaks of Saipal and Api. We stay overnight at hotel in Binsar, just before Almora. 6 hours driving.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D

We continue our journey through the foothills of the Himalaya. The road climbs over passes with spectacular views of the distant mountains, down into river valleys, through forests and villages until the last hill is crested and we roll down onto the vast North Indian plains. We arrive in Haldwani (Kathgodam) after a 3-hour drive, in plenty of time to catch the mid afternoon train back to Delhi. We finally arrive at our Delhi hotel in the evening.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D

Your holiday ends after breakfast. Transfers to Delhi Airport are provided. To extend your holiday in India, why not pre-book a visit to Dharamsala (home of the Dalai Lama), to the Taj Mahal or a longer excursion taking in the whole of India's classic Golden Triangle. Contact our office for details.

Meals

B
Download Trip Notes
The Route
Point Point
Peaks Peaks
Direction Direction
Pass Pass
Trek
Transfer

Essential Information

We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.

  • A professional English speaking local leader
  • Delhi Airport transfers (on group arrival and departure days only)
  • All land transport involved in the itinerary
  • All accommodation as described in the trip dossier
  • All meals
  • Guided sightseeing tour of Delhi
  • Full trekking service including food and all equipment (excluding personal equipment)

  • Travel insurance
  • Indian Visa
  • Tips for trek staff
  • Miscellaneous expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc.

The group will meet at the hotel in Delhi.

Transfers are provided from/to Delhi Airport for all clients arriving on Day 1 of the Land Only itinerary and departing on the last day of the Land Only itinerary.

Hotel contact details and an emergency number will be provided with your booking confirmation.

All meals are included in the holiday price from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 14 of the Land Only itinerary.

It is not recommended to drink untreated water from the taps. If you are on a trekking or cycling holiday, water is supplied to fill up your individual bottles. This will be boiled, filtered or provided in large jerry cans or 5 litre bottles. Additionally you should take purification tablets or a filter bottle (such as a Water-To-Go bottle) to treat your water when in towns or where water is not supplied. We do not encourage the purchasing of single use plastic bottles.

The food served during the trek is a mixture of local and Western, mostly purchased locally and cooked for us by highly trained trek cooks. The emphasis is on providing a high-carbohydrate and largely vegetarian diet, which we have found to be easily digestible at high altitude. In Delhi, we take our meals in the group hotel or in nearby restaurants. All meals while on trek and while staying in hotels are included in the trip price.

There are 2 nights in Delhi hotels - the first night at a central hotel and the last night at a hotel near the airport. We will also have one night at a simple hotel in Kausani and one night in a guesthouse near Almora on the return drive to Kathgodam. On trek, there will be a total of 9 nights camping. All accommodation is allocated on a twin-sharing basis. If you are travelling by yourself, you will be paired up with another single client of the same sex. It is possible to hire a single tent while on trek. Depending upon availability it may be possible to arrange single rooms in hotels. For additional hotel prices and single supplement costs please refer to the dates and prices page of the trip on our website.

The holiday will be led by an experienced English-speaking trek leader, assisted on trek by a team of local guides and camp staff plus baggage animals and their handlers.

This holiday involves going to high altitude. During the course of your trip you will reach altitudes in excess of 3500 metres. This is not something that you should worry about; the human body is quite capable of adapting to a very wide range of altitudes, but it is important that we follow some simple rules in order to acclimatise successfully. Before coming on this holiday you should read the advice on trekking at high altitude. You can also talk to one of our trekking experts if you have any concerns about altitude.

Approximately £150 (or equivalent in Euros, US dollars etc.) changed into local currency, should be allowed for miscellaneous expenses, including tips for local staff and soft drinks, etc. There are several opportunities to buy souvenirs during the holiday. It is not necessary to purchase local currency (Indian Rupees) before you travel. Sterling, US dollars and Euros are readily exchanged in Delhi. Since you will be changing the majority of your spending money into local currency on the day of arrival, we recommend taking this in cash. Credit and debit cards can be used to purchase many goods in Delhi and are particularly useful for more expensive souvenirs. It is also possible to withdraw cash (rupees only) from cash machines in Delhi using credit and debit cards.

Tips are the accepted way of saying ‘thank you’ to your local guides and porters. They do not form part of their wages. KE always pays local crews the best rates of pay, no matter what country they are in and any tips they receive are seen as a personal thank you from group members. For our part, we advise local teams that tips are not a duty or a prerequisite but are a bonus and entirely dependent on the service that was given. Most people will want to tip the people who work so hard to make the trip a success and we suggest that any tips are given at the end of your trip and by the group as a whole rather than from individuals. Although the level of tip is at your discretion, we understand that you will want some guidance on this. As a rough guide we suggest a contribution from each group member of approximately £60 (or equivalent in Euros / US dollars etc.) changed into Indian rupees, should provide good tips when distributed among the crew.

For this holiday you should take one piece of luggage, which should be a soft and sturdy duffel bag, and one day pack.  Your baggage on trek will be carried by pack animals.  The packed weight of your bag whilst trekking should be no more than 15 kgs.  It is possible to leave clothes or other items not required on trek with our team in Delhi, who will ensure your luggage is waiting for you at the final hotel.

For each holiday there is a minimum number of participants required to enable it to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to run'. You can check the trip status for each departure in ‘Dates and Prices’ table. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will not cancel a trip once it has achieved this guaranteed to run status and so you are free to proceed with your international flight booking and other travel arrangements.

The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required, and you should have at least 2 blank pages for each country that you visit.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Please ensure that you check for the latest advice before travel. For the most up to date information on entry requirements, please visit the UK Government website.

Visa India

Most nationalities, including travellers from the UK, the USA and many European countries can apply for their Indian Visa online through the E-Visa Application process. You must make your application at least four days prior to departure. Please download the detailed information document for details of how to apply for your visa: Visa India PDF

If you have a severe allergy please inform the KE office before you travel. We will do all we can to help, but we cannot guarantee an allergy free environment on KE trips. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as 'adrenaline auto-injectors' are not carried as standard by KE leaders and staff. You should inform your leader on arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Zika virus has been confirmed as active in this country. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. The mosquitoes that transmit ZIKV are unlikely to be found above 2,000m altitude. For more information, visit the website of the National Travel Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) at https://travelhealthpro.org.uk

 

Vaccinations

You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you require any specific vaccinations or other preventive measures. You should be up to date with routine courses and boosters as recommended in the UK e.g. diphtheria-tetanus-polio and measles-mumps-rubella, along with hepatitis A and typhoid.

Malarial prophylaxis is not usually required for trips in the mountains, however if you are visiting rural and remote low lying areas then they might be necessary.

On holidays to more remote areas you should also have a dentist check up. A good online resource is Travel Health Pro.

The currency of India is the Indian Rupee.

It makes a lot of sense to spend some time before coming on a trekking holiday, getting some additional exercise. The fitter you are, after all, the more enjoyable you will find the experience. For this trip you need to be aerobically fit and also comfortable with walking up to 7 hours each day. We would suggest that you adopt a weekly exercise regime leading up to your trip. Regular hiking in hill country is the best training but jogging, squash and swimming are also good for developing cardio vascular fitness and stamina. Before departure, we suggest that you try to fit in a number of long walks in hilly country.

The best time to trek in the Indian Himalaya is either before or after the monsoon which lasts from June to September. The weather conditions should be broadly similar in the pre and post monsoon seasons, with daytime maximum temperatures around 25°C - 30°C at the start of the trek, becoming progressively cooler as we gain height. Night-time temperatures will generally be above freezing throughout the trip except for the high camp on the ridge where night time temperatures may be as low as minus 5°C. During the Spring trip in particular, there is the possibility of encountering winter snow high on the ridge. In this part of the world, most of the rainfall occurs during the monsoon but this is a mountainous area and short-lived storms bringing rain or snow cannot be ruled out at any time of the year.

As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ‘Travel Aware campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that prior to travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCDO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.

KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe.  Should the FCDO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation.  We receive regular updates direct from the FCDO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground.  If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.

KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use.

  • Garhwal & Kumaon Trekkers’ Guide. K. P. Sharma (Cicerone)

  • Trekking in the Indian Himalaya. Lonely Planet

  • India. A Travel Survival Kit. Lonely Planet

  • Exploring the Hidden Himalaya. Kapadia and Mehta

Indian Himalaya Map 8: Garhwal - Kumaon Leomann Maps. 1:200,000

Leomann maps are designed specifically for the trekker. They show the topography by line drawings of mountain ridges, with the main peaks and passes shown along with altitudes. The maps also show rivers and settlements and clearly indicate trekking routes. On the reverse are descriptions of suggested routes and other information about the area.

It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation.  When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct.  Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.

The following checklist should help you with your packing. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum.  The packed weight of your bag whilst trekking should be no more than 15 kgs.

You must bring the following items

  • Hiking boots

  • Trainers or sandals for camp use

  • Walking socks (2 or 3 pairs)

  • Spare laces

  • Trekking trousers

  • Lightweight waterproof overtrousers

  • Baselayer shirts (2 short sleeve, 2 long sleeve)

  • Shirts or T-shirts

  • Fleece jacket or warm jumper

  • Waterproof jacket

  • Warm jacket (down)

  • Sunhat

  • Warm hat

  • Sunglasses

  • Gloves or mittens

  • Daypack 30 litres

  • Headtorch and spare batteries

  • Water bottles 1 litre (x2) (we encourage re-filling water bottles rather than single use plastic)

  • Water purification tablets
  • Washbag and toiletries

  • Small towel

  • Antibacterial handwash

  • Sleeping bag (comfort rated -10°C)*

  • Sun protection (including total bloc for lips, nose etc.)

  • Basic First Aid Kit including: antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium), painkillers, altitude (Diamox), plasters blister treatment, and re-hydration salts (Dioralite).

The following items are optional:

  • Thermarest (note that foam mattresses are provided)

  • Trekking poles (recommended)

  • Insect repellant

  • Scarf or buff

  • Thermal baselayer - leggings

  • Sleeping bag liner

  • Travel clothes

  • Pen-knife (note: always pack sharp objects in hold baggage)

  • Repair kit – (eg. needle, thread, duct tape)

  • Camera

  • Reusable cloth bag for shopping (to avoid plastic bags)

Equipment hire / rental

Items marked * can be hired / rented through KE Adventure Travel. Please make requests at least 6 weeks prior to the trip departure.
Note all hire / rental equipment will be issued in Delhi.

Cotswold Outdoor Red PantonMany of the Equipment items listed above are available from Cotswold Outdoor - our 'Official Recommended Outdoor Retailer'. When you book a holiday with KE you will receive 12.5% discount voucher from Cotswold Outdoor and other retailers.
>> Find out more

Extensions

Extension Details

Agra and Jaipur four day extension

4 Days

The Golden Triangle needs little introduction and is rightly considered a classic trip in its own right. Easily accessible from Delhi, this excursion takes in the wonders of the magestic Agra Fort, the incomparable Taj Mahal, the abandoned ghost-city of Fatehpur Sikri and the architectural jewels of Jaipur and Amber. This four day trip ensures you get the most out of these stunning attractions at a relaxed and unhurried pace.

Extension Code: IAJ4

Extension Itinerary

KE extension package services begin with a pick-up at the hotel at 0930 hrs. Your private vehicle will transfer you to Agra. Upon arrival you will have an opportunity to check in to your hotel and settle in. In the afternoon, you will have a guided tour of the magnificent Agra Fort. This red sandstone and white marble fort houses a number of palaces, steeped in lore and history. See the cell where Emperor Shah Jahan was interred, with its desperately sad view towards the Taj Mahal, resting place of his beloved wife. Note: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) are responsible for the conservation of many monuments in India (including the Taj Mahal). This organisation will occasionally undertake work to restore the various monuments, but often without notice, so it is difficult to forewarn our customers of this work. It is possible that, at any time, monuments on this trip could be having work done on them.

Meals

B

You will be taken before the break of dawn to the Taj Mahal. Seeing the first rays of sunlight hit the ethereally sublimeTaj Mahal is an experierence that will stay with you for ever. You will have time to wander through the beautiful gardens and buildings that surround the mausoleum complex. After our guided tour we carry on explore the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri, former seat of the Mughal Empire, before continuing to Jaipur, the capital of Rajisthan.

Meals

B

Today you will have a full day of sight-seeing. You will visit the Hawa Mahal, otherwise known as the Palace of the Wind and the City Palace, full of incredible artifacts. Later you will drive out of Jaipur to visit the Amber Fort, perched high in the hills. The palace here is full of stunning rooms, including the Hall of Mirrors. After taking in the incredible views across the hills, you return to Jaipur.

Meals

B

After breakfast you will be set off in your private vehicle to Delhi, and delivered to either your hotel or the airport for your departure.

Meals

B
Whats Included
  • Hotels in Agra and Jaipur
  • Breakfast on each day
  • Monument entrance fees
  • English speaking guide at each monument
  • Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
  • All taxes
What's Not Included
  • Lunches
  • dinners and drinks
  • Tips for your guide and driver
Extension Details

One day tour of Agra and the Taj Mahal

1 Day

The Taj Mahal needs little introduction. Built by the Moghul emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz, it is widely considered to be the most beautiful building in the world. Nearby is the oft overlooked Agra Fort, itself an awe-inspiring and magnificent complex of palaces and ancient forts. Traveling from Delhi on the express train and returning by private vehicle, our one-day extension to Agra is perfect for those with limited time who wish to complete their India experience with exploring one of the most admired and loved buildings on the planet.

 

Extension Code: IAT1

Extension Itinerary

KE extension package services begin with a pick up at the hotel. You will then depart from Delhi on the early morning express train to Agra. Upon arrival, you will have a guided tour of the magnificent Agra Fort. This red sandstone and white marble fort houses a number of palaces, steeped in lore and history. You can visit the ornate cell where Emperor Shah Jahan was interred, with its desperately sad view towards the Taj Mahal; resting place of his beloved wife. Afterwards, you will visit the ethereally sublime Taj Mahal, an experience that will stay with you forever. You will have time to wander through the beautiful gardens and buildings that surround the mausoleum complex. After this incredible tour you will then be transferred by a private vehicle back to Delhi, to either your hotel or directly to the airport where services end. Note: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) are responsible for the conservation of many monuments in India (including the Taj Mahal). This organisation will occasionally undertake work to restore the various monuments, but often without notice, so it is difficult to forewarn our customers of this work. It is possible that, at any time, monuments on this trip could be having work done on them.

Whats Included
  • Professional local guide at the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort
  • Monument entrance fees to Taj Mahal and Agra Fort
  • Express train from Delhi to Agra
  • Private vehicle transport in Agra
  • Private vehicle transfer from Agra to Delhi
  • Transfers from Delhi hotel to railway station
What's Not Included
  • Indian visa if joining from another country
  • Any additional transfers
  • Tips for your guides and drivers
  • Accommodation in Delhi
  • Miscellaneous expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc.
Extension Details

Dharamsala and the Dalai Lama

4 Days
Dharamsala is a former British Raj hill-station in the Dhaula Dhar mountain range and currently home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in exile. On this four day extension, you will be able to sample a flavour of life in Tibet and enjoy visits to the Dalai Lama’s temple complex; the Norbulingka Institute; the Tibetan children’s village and visit a local Gaddi Tribal village to experience the life of the people who traditionally inhabit the lower reaches of the Dhaula Dhar.
Extension Code: IDS4

Extension Itinerary

Fly to Dharamsala Airport and transfer (14 kms - 20 minutes) to Dharamsala, an early nineteenth century British Raj hill station, now famous for being the home of the Tibetan Government in exile and home to the Dalai Lama. We check in at our hotel in upper Dharamsala, the village known as McLeodganj which exhibits a strong Tibetan influence with monasteries, Tibetan restaurants and shops. Free time.

Meals

L D

Today we visit the Dalai Lama's temple to see some of the Tibetan monks performing a puja. After lunch we will visit the nearby Tibetan Children's Village which houses orphans and ensures they are provided with an education, clothes, food and healthcare. Later we will visit the Norbulingka Institute, a registered trust chaired by the Dalai Lama dedicated to the preservation of Tibetan culture.

Meals

B L D

Transfer to the Gaddi village of Naddi (1900m) offering views of the Dhauladhar mountain range. Visit a local house and walk to the Buddhist stupa and Tibetan monks meditation huts. Take lunch on low Tibetan tables with sensational mountain views. Short walk to Bagsu Nag village for chai in a local restaurant before returning to our hotel.

Meals

B L D

After breakfast, you will be taken back to Dharamsala Airport to catch your return flight to Delhi. Services end on arrival in Delhi.

Meals

B
Whats Included
  • Transfer to Delhi Airport on Day 1
  • Internal flights Delhi to Dharamsala return
  • Dharamsala Airport transfers
  • 3 nights accommodation in Dharamsala
  • Guided sightseeing on Days 2 and 3
  • Entrance fees at temples etc
  • All meals from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 4
What's Not Included
  • Miscellaneous personal expenses such as souvenirs and soft drinks
  • Tips for local staff
  • FAMILY / GROUP PRICES: Please contact KE for prices
Extension Details

Agra & the Taj Mahal two day tour

2 Days

Our two-day extension is for those who wish to explore  Agra and the surrounding area at a relaxed pace. We start by exploring the oft overlooked Agra Fort, itself an awe-inspiring and magnificent complex of palaces and ancient forts, before waking before the next day to see the sunrise break over the Taj Mahal. Needing little introduction, the Taj Mahal was built by the Moghul emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz. It is widely considered to be the most beautiful building in the world. This tour also gives us an opportunity to explore the fascinating abandoned ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri.

Extension Code: IAT2

Extension Itinerary

KE extension package services begin with a pick up at the hotel. We then depart from Delhi on the early morning express train to Agra. Upon arrival you will have an opportunity to check in to your hotel and settle in. In the afternoon, you will have a guided tour of the magnificent Agra Fort. This red sandstone and white marble fort houses a number of palaces, steeped in lore and history. See the cell where Emperor Shah Jahan was interred, with its desperately sad view towards the Taj Mahal; resting place of his beloved wife.

You will be taken, before the break of dawn, to the Taj Mahal. Seeing the first rays of sunlight hit the ethereally sublime Taj Mahal is an experience that will stay with you forever. You will have time to wander through the beautiful gardens and buildings that surround the mausoleum complex. After our guided tour, we carry on explore the abandoned ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri, before driving back to Delhi to either your hotel or directly to the airport where services end. Note: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) are responsible for the conservation of many monuments in India (including the Taj Mahal). This organisation will occasionally undertake work to restore the various monuments, but often without notice, so it is difficult to forewarn our customers of this work. It is possible that, at any time, monuments on this trip could be having work done on them.

Meals

B
Whats Included
  • Professional local guide in Agra
  • Monument entrance fees
  • 1 night at Agra hotel on bed and breakfast basis
  • Express train from Delhi to Agra
  • Private vehicle transfer from Agra to Delhi
  • Transfers from Delhi hotel to railway station
  • Transfers once at the Taj Mahal and Agra.
What's Not Included
  • Indian visa if joining from another country
  • Any additional transfers
  • Tips for your guides and drivers
  • Accommodation in Delhi
  • Meals other than breakfast
  • Miscellaneous expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc
  • NOTE: THE TAJ MAHAL IS CLOSED ON FRIDAYS

Reviews

5 out of 5 from 7 reviews

A stunning remote trek on the Indian side of the Himalayas ★★★★★

If you like quiet trekking, not seeing many other people except perhaps local shepherds tending their goats, stunning scenery and star filled skies at night, then this is the trek for you. It was spectacular, beautiful and remote. Our guide Anup was a quiet presence moving amongst us, quickly spotting any problems. We were completely spoilt with his wonderful team, from the muleteers and their mules to the chaps in the kitchen – everything ran like clockwork and the food, service and help was outstanding. We wanted for nothing. The weather threw everything at us – hail, snow, rain, thunder, lightening – and some sun! I was fearful of being cold and would recommend taking a Thermarest mat plus lots of the obvious ….. hat, scarf, gloves, thermals, and the warmest down jacket and sleeping bag you can find. I slept for 3 nights in all my clothes, with my old metal water bottle doubling up as a hottie at night – it worked for me. But the beauty of that whole area made up for everything and the fairly ghastly 2 days of travel in and out again at the end are necessary for us to be able to trek in such a remote and unspoilt part of India. Day 13 is a long travelling day, you eat on the train which was very busy, and for us at any rate it was 11pm before we got into our rooms at the Delhi hotel near the airport. And then the next morning half the group had already left. So I suggest you treat Day 12 as your last night as a group. The hotel on this night (somewhere near Almora) was simply beautiful and the first shower for 9 days felt totally amazing. Although Anup did accompany us back into Delhi, we gave him his tip that night along with our grateful thanks, and it was lovely to be all sitting around the table having dinner together for the last time. This is a tough trek because it is so steep both up and down, and often on unmarked trails. But it was worth it! We did have a discussion about the grading of the trek – the consensus being that it is probably more than a 5.5.
By Diana from Chipping Norton | 12 December 2023

India in all its intensity ★★★★★

This was a wonderful trip which combined trekking in a really remote area with opportunities to see Indian rural life. The start in Delhi was overwhelming, the noise, the crowds, the dirt and the guide packed a huge amount into a day from the wide avenues of New Delhi to the tiny alleys of the spice market. The sleeper train was the only downside, ignore the romantic description in the trip notes, treat it as an adventure and accept you won’t get any sleep. The trekking is in a beautiful, very remote area and while the distances covered are fairly short and it’s not high altitude, it’s a tough trek because the ascents and descents are so steep. You will be doing 800m of relentless down and uphill on unmarked trails so you need to be fit and have strong knees. And you’ll still be overtaken by villagers in flip flops. While we had some rain every day and even some snow, the clouds did clear enough to get views of the high mountains which were wonderful and spectacular. The practicalities of the trek were extremely well organised, we were very well fed and the guide was very good at keeping us safe as we picked our way down sheer mountainsides and across raging streams. The campsites usually provided lots of interest from a flock of 500 sheep and goats passing through, to cows trying to eat your trainers and our own horses who liked to gallop round the tents at 3am. In some ways the toughest part of the holiday was the travelling at the end, a nine hour drive on really bad roads with constant traffic jams, followed by another overcrowded train, all interesting but hard work. India is not for the faint hearted, the noise, the litter, the bureaucracy are all challenging but I crammed a huge number of amazing experiences into these two weeks which made it truly memorable holiday.
By Fiona from Barnet | 26 October 2022

Fantastic trek ★★★★★

This was a brilliant trek through beautiful forest, by rocky, turquoise streams and with magnificent views of snowy peaks. The high spot (literally) is walking up the ridge to the Sudam Khal pass with panoramic views. Nanda Devi is a slight disappointment as, despite its height, it is almost hidden behind other summits, but the magnificent Panch Chuli range more than made up for it. KE are quite right to claim that it is an area little frequented by Western tourists as we saw no other trekkers d uring the entire nine days. It is relatively sparsely populated but we went through a number of villages, where we were obviously something of a novelty, though given a friendly welcome, and one evening ended up playing volley ball with the local children who had followed us to our camp. Our guide and leader Thinles was fantastic. Super organised and efficient, and unfailingly cheerful, he made sure that he had happy trekkers and a happy crew, that magic combination. Service was five star: we couldn’t even fill our water bottles without someone there to help us! And it is a mystery to us how the cook team managed to produce so much tasty food. It was a great experience to take the train to and from Kathgodan. The road journey into the mountains was also quite an experience. Hairpin after hairpin, precipitous drops, constant overtaking, but our skilful drivers got us back safely.
By Sarah from STOURBRIDGE | 14 November 2019

Well-organised, well-led and well-paced ★★★★★

I would simply like to praise Thinles as a superlative leader and a guide. He constantly went the extra mile to ensure that things ran smoothly and that we took every opportunity to enjoy our holiday. He ran a 'tight ship' within the support team, but led from the front and was clearly held in great respect by everyone.

By David from London | 10 November 2017

An 11 out of 10 experience ★★★★★

Exceeded my expectations Your local contacts were superb; Our guide and his trekking staff ensured a truly memorable experience ; Our cook on our camping trek was better than any hotel; When a member of our group became ill , our guide ensured that timely care was obtained - very confidence inspiring . I was given your contact details by an experienced traveler to India - you earned the recommendation. I feel I speak for all of our group of twelve on the Nanda Devi trip May you continue to flour ish:) John Duignan
By John from DUBLIN | 16 October 2017

Traveller Reviews
5 out of 5 from 8 reviews

A stunning remote trek on the Indian side of the Himalayas
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
If you like quiet trekking, not seeing many other people except perhaps local shepherds tending their goats, stunning scenery and star filled skies at night, then this is the trek for you. It was spectacular, beautiful and remote. Our guide Anup was a quiet presence moving amongst us, quickly spotting any problems. We were completely spoilt with his wonderful team, from the muleteers and their mules to the chaps in the kitchen – everything ran like clockwork and the food, service and help was outstanding. We wanted for nothing. The weather threw everything at us – hail, snow, rain, thunder, lightening – and some sun! I was fearful of being cold and would recommend taking a Thermarest mat plus lots of the obvious ….. hat, scarf, gloves, thermals, and the warmest down jacket and sleeping bag you can find. I slept for 3 nights in all my clothes, with my old metal water bottle doubling up as a hottie at night – it worked for me. But the beauty of that whole area made up for everything and the fairly ghastly 2 days of travel in and out again at the end are necessary for us to be able to trek in such a remote and unspoilt part of India. Day 13 is a long travelling day, you eat on the train which was very busy, and for us at any rate it was 11pm before we got into our rooms at the Delhi hotel near the airport. And then the next morning half the group had already left. So I suggest you treat Day 12 as your last night as a group. The hotel on this night (somewhere near Almora) was simply beautiful and the first shower for 9 days felt totally amazing. Although Anup did accompany us back into Delhi, we gave him his tip that night along with our grateful thanks, and it was lovely to be all sitting around the table having dinner together for the last time. This is a tough trek because it is so steep both up and down, and often on unmarked trails. But it was worth it! We did have a discussion about the grading of the trek – the consensus being that it is probably more than a 5.5.
By Diana from Chipping Norton | 12 December 2023

India in all its intensity
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This was a wonderful trip which combined trekking in a really remote area with opportunities to see Indian rural life. The start in Delhi was overwhelming, the noise, the crowds, the dirt and the guide packed a huge amount into a day from the wide avenues of New Delhi to the tiny alleys of the spice market. The sleeper train was the only downside, ignore the romantic description in the trip notes, treat it as an adventure and accept you won’t get any sleep. The trekking is in a beautiful, very remote area and while the distances covered are fairly short and it’s not high altitude, it’s a tough trek because the ascents and descents are so steep. You will be doing 800m of relentless down and uphill on unmarked trails so you need to be fit and have strong knees. And you’ll still be overtaken by villagers in flip flops. While we had some rain every day and even some snow, the clouds did clear enough to get views of the high mountains which were wonderful and spectacular. The practicalities of the trek were extremely well organised, we were very well fed and the guide was very good at keeping us safe as we picked our way down sheer mountainsides and across raging streams. The campsites usually provided lots of interest from a flock of 500 sheep and goats passing through, to cows trying to eat your trainers and our own horses who liked to gallop round the tents at 3am. In some ways the toughest part of the holiday was the travelling at the end, a nine hour drive on really bad roads with constant traffic jams, followed by another overcrowded train, all interesting but hard work. India is not for the faint hearted, the noise, the litter, the bureaucracy are all challenging but I crammed a huge number of amazing experiences into these two weeks which made it truly memorable holiday.
By Fiona from Barnet | 26 October 2022

Fantastic trek
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This was a brilliant trek through beautiful forest, by rocky, turquoise streams and with magnificent views of snowy peaks. The high spot (literally) is walking up the ridge to the Sudam Khal pass with panoramic views. Nanda Devi is a slight disappointment as, despite its height, it is almost hidden behind other summits, but the magnificent Panch Chuli range more than made up for it. KE are quite right to claim that it is an area little frequented by Western tourists as we saw no other trekkers d uring the entire nine days. It is relatively sparsely populated but we went through a number of villages, where we were obviously something of a novelty, though given a friendly welcome, and one evening ended up playing volley ball with the local children who had followed us to our camp. Our guide and leader Thinles was fantastic. Super organised and efficient, and unfailingly cheerful, he made sure that he had happy trekkers and a happy crew, that magic combination. Service was five star: we couldn’t even fill our water bottles without someone there to help us! And it is a mystery to us how the cook team managed to produce so much tasty food. It was a great experience to take the train to and from Kathgodan. The road journey into the mountains was also quite an experience. Hairpin after hairpin, precipitous drops, constant overtaking, but our skilful drivers got us back safely.
By Sarah from STOURBRIDGE | 14 November 2019

Well-organised, well-led and well-paced
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I would simply like to praise Thinles as a superlative leader and a guide. He constantly went the extra mile to ensure that things ran smoothly and that we took every opportunity to enjoy our holiday. He ran a 'tight ship' within the support team, but led from the front and was clearly held in great respect by everyone.

By David from London | 10 November 2017

An 11 out of 10 experience
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Exceeded my expectations Your local contacts were superb; Our guide and his trekking staff ensured a truly memorable experience ; Our cook on our camping trek was better than any hotel; When a member of our group became ill , our guide ensured that timely care was obtained - very confidence inspiring . I was given your contact details by an experienced traveler to India - you earned the recommendation. I feel I speak for all of our group of twelve on the Nanda Devi trip May you continue to flour ish:) John Duignan
By John from DUBLIN | 16 October 2017

bucket list ticked
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A great trek in an amazing, scenic and unspoilt area of India. The trek crew were fantastic and we thoroughly enjoyed the trek food, we would have been happy with spicier and more Indian style food but understand the need to please different tastes. The day train was a more enjoyable journey than the night train. We thought time to wander and shop in central Delhi would be better than the City Coach Tour!! Tips...leave the thermarest at home, take your Down jacket and poles were definitely usefu l!
By Lesley from Wigton | 04 November 2016

Very well organised trek in beautiful and very quiet area of the Himalaya
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

We thoroughly emjoyed our first trek in the Himalaya. This trip has the interest of trekking through remote villages right off the tourist track and seeing wonderful views of both the Nanda Devi range and the Panch Chuli. The team looked after us wonderfully with great food and excellent organisation.

By John from NORWICH | 19 November 2015

NAN Gallery

By Elizabeth from UK | 25 September 2015

DATES & PRICES

Private Departure?

Gather a few friends, family or club and take over your own departure.

2024

Dates

Adults from

Deposit

Status

More Information

  • In the Shadow of Nanda Devi
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: NAN /03/24/
  • This trip begins on Sun 24 Nov and ends on Sat 7 Dec
  • This departure is available and departs within 47 days. Secure your place today with full payment
  • Single Supplement Price: US$515 - Includes all group hotel and lodge nights.
  • Single Tent Upgrade: US$135
  • Download Trip Notes

2025

Dates

Adults from

Deposit

Status

More Information

  • In the Shadow of Nanda Devi
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: NAN /01/25/
  • This trip begins on Sun 11 May and ends on Sat 24 May
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$425
  • Single Supplement Price: US$515 - Includes all group hotel and lodge nights.
  • Single Tent Upgrade: US$135
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • In the Shadow of Nanda Devi
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: NAN /02/25/
  • This trip begins on Sun 12 Oct and ends on Sat 25 Oct
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$425
  • Single Supplement Price: US$515 - Includes all group hotel and lodge nights.
  • Single Tent Upgrade: US$135
  • Download Trip Notes

Land Only Information

The LAND ONLY dates and prices are for the itinerary starting at the hotel in Delhi. Transfers are provided from/to Delhi Airport for all clients arriving on Day 1 of the Land Only itinerary and departing on the last day of the Land Only itinerary.

ZEN_HOLIDAY_DATES_PRICES_LAND_ONLY_USD_NOTICE

BOOK WITH KE CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee

The price of our holidays can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, KE have undertaken to guarantee the Land Only price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our 'No Surcharge Guarantee'.

KE Adventure is a fully bonded tour operator. We hold an ATOL license (No: 2808) and are bonded with ABTA (Membership No: W4341)


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