Indian Himalayan Trek 2026

London to Delhi
Depart London for Delhi on an overnight flight.

Upon arrival the next day, transfer to a central hotel and, depending on arrival times, we may have a sightseeing tour of Delhi before transferring to the railway station for the overnight sleeper train to Pathankot (2nd class air-conditioned).

Overnight: Sleeper Train
Meals: Dinner

Pathankot to Dharamshala

The train arrives in Pathankot in the morning. From the station you will transfer by road to Dharamshala (approximately 3 hours) where you will check in at the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Perhaps visit the Dalai Lama Palace and the Tibetan government-in-exile buildings, or simply enjoy the atmosphere and browse for souvenirs in the handicraft stalls before enjoying a Tibetan dinner this evening.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight: Hotel

Dharamshala – Salli – Kareri Village

After breakfast we drive for approximately 1.5 hours to our starting point of our trek, Salli. A slow and gradual climb takes us to the top of the hill from where we enjoy fantastic views, before continuing towards Kareri stream. Following the stream this afternoon we arrive at Kareri village where we set up camp for the night in a beautiful and peaceful spot by the river.

Approx. 6km trekking / 5 hours.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight: Camping

Kareri Village to Bahl

After breakfast, we start today’s walk with a relatively steep ascent through several small villages, enjoying fine views of beautiful meadows and dense pine forests along the way. We descend to a mountain stream to stop for lunch before continuing with a sharp ascent to Bahl, and our second campsite.

Approx. 9km trekking / 6-7 hours.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight: Camping

Bahl to Triund

Today is our toughest day of trekking to Triund, the highest point on the trek at 2,843m. The day starts with a steep ascent through a mixed forest of oak, rhododendron and cedar trees, stopping at a local chai shop along the way. After lunch, our ascent continues along a winding path until we finally reach Triund, an alpine meadow situated on top of a ridge from where we have amazing views of the peaks of Dhauladhar on one side and the Kangra valley on the other. This is the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset and our final night in the mountains.

Approx. 12km trekking / 8 hrs.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight: Camping

Triund – Mcleodgunj – Pathankot

After rising early to witness the sun rising over the mighty Dhauladhar mountain range we set off for our final day of trekking. Initially, we have a gradual descent over a grassy ridge for a few kilometres, then a steep descent takes us down to Bhagsu waterfall where we stop to enjoy lunch. A further short walk brings us to Bhagsu village where we end our trek and return to Pathankot to take the overnight train back to Delhi.

Approx. 6km trekking / 4 hours.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight: Sleeper train

Delhi to London

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to London. Your flight may arrive in London the next morning depending on schedules.
Meals: Breakfast

N.B. This itinerary may change due to unusual weather, the ability of the group and so on. We will do our best to keep to the itinerary, but we cannot be held responsible for changes that occur outside of our control. In all circumstances, your guide and tour leader will have the final say in the interest of the group’s health and safety.

India conjures images of lush green tea plantations, brightly coloured saris, jasmine-scented incense, ancient palaces and adorned maharajahs. India is the 7th largest country by landmass on earth and borders Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar. There are many highlights in this vast country including the stunning backwaters of Kerala, the mighty Himalayas, the inhospitable deserts, the bustling cities, the magnificent coastline and of course the delicious cuisine.

Delhi  is the capital city of India and a buzz of sights, sounds and smells. From busy highways where sacred cows cross the street to peaceful temples and lush gardens, Delhi is a contrast like no other. Spicy aromas and the sizzle of street food tantalise your senses and the beautiful ancient monuments will leave you breathless. Take a visit to the imposing India Gate or the Qutub Minar – the tallest stone tower in India at 72.5m high or just get lost in one of the bustling marketplaces where you can haggle for silks, spices, carvings and other gifts.

The trek is graded moderate to challenging. You will trek over varying terrain for up to 8 hours a day, carrying a small daypack which may weigh up to 6kg, and camping in basic campsites along the way. You will also be exposed to altitudes up to a maximum of 2875m (9429ft). While it is difficult to specifically prepare for trekking at higher altitudes, it helps to be physically prepared for the exertions of the trekking day by training in advance. It is advised that you arrive for the trek feeling comfortable trekking for periods of up to 7 or 8 hours for at least two days consecutively. Having a positive and determined attitude is also a key element to your success on the trek.

The terrain will vary throughout the trek but in general, will be undulating (uphill and downhill). There are very few flat sections so you should ensure your training includes plenty of hills. Underfoot there will be stony pathways, grass, rocks and perhaps a few small streams to cross too. Each day you will cover approximately 12 to 15km (7 to 9 miles) which, because of the variable terrain, can take up to 8 hours to cover.

At camp, you will stay in 3-man tents (2 people to a tent). You will be provided with sleeping mats, but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer. While in Delhi and Dharamshalayou will stay in hotels on a twin or triple-share basis. We will also travel to and from Pathankot on a sleeper train where you have your own privately screened bed, in a compartment containing up to 5 other beds.

In Delhi , temperatures can reach 33°C during the day, dropping to 17°C at night. The temperature in Dharamshala and during the trek is cooler with temperatures of approx. 20-28°C during the day, dropping down to approx.0°C at night. Temperatures will depend on the weather which varies and can be bright and sunny, rainy, cloudy or humid. Please note that conditions in mountainous regions are unpredictable so you should be prepared for all climatic eventualities. Although the conditions mentioned are historically accurate, climate change can impact the seasons so you may experience uncharacteristic weather during the trip which is out of our control. The guides will assess the situation and make decisions to ensure the best enjoyment and ultimately the safety of the group.

During the trek, bathing facilities will be limited although you may be able to freshen up at rivers or streams along the way. You are recommended to bring eco-friendly toiletries. Each morning you will be provided with a bowl of hot water to freshen up, but baby wipes are strongly recommended for maintaining general personal hygiene.

Toilet facilities at camp will be a hole dug into the ground with a small privacy tent surrounding it. Toilet paper is not provided so you will need to bring your own; consider biodegradable toilet paper. To use the toilet during the trek day you will find a private area off the main trail; any toilet paper you use along the trail must be placed into a nappy sack and disposed of properly at camp. You should never leave toilet paper or other litter (including fruit peel, seeds, food wrappers etc.) on the trail. At the hotels, there will be flushing Western sit-down toilets.

Meals during the trek are cooked by your trek chef and will be eaten in a mess tent where a table, chairs, plates, mugs and cutlery are provided. Meals are delicious and plentiful and mainly Indian style (although there may be some Western-style meals). Meals in Delhi and Dharamshala will be at your accommodation and local restaurants. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated if we are advised in advance but please note that we cannot guarantee that food preparation will take place in a contamination-free environment.

The trek is accompanied by English-speaking local guides who have an excellent knowledge of the local culture and hiking in the region. You will also be supported by a team of cooks and porters and a UK Different Travel Company tour manager.

The trek can be undertaken by anyone with a good level of fitness, who is healthy and determined. Adequate preparation, planning and training is important because the fitter you are the more you will enjoy this experience. An ideal candidate would be a hillwalker, an open-minded person with a sense of adventure or someone who would like to take part in a life-changing fundraising experience in the beautiful landscape.

You must be at least 18 years old to participate in this trek unaccompanied. It may be possible for you to participate if you are 16 or 17 years old, but you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. There is no upper age limit.

The altitude you experience on this trek is up to 2875m which is slightly under the threshold that is considered high altitude (3000m). However, there is a possibility that some people may notice altitude-related symptoms. The local guides are very experienced in spotting signs of altitude sickness but it is important that you also research the effects so you can be aware of how your body is adjusting. A great source of information can be found on the NHS website Common mild symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, nausea, loss of appetite, disturbed sleep and fatigue. You must make your guides and tour manager aware of any symptoms immediately so you can be monitored.

Important information about altitude:

• If you begin to show symptoms of moderate altitude sickness, don't go higher.
• If symptoms increase, descend immediately. Your tour guide and tour manager’s decision for you to descend must be respected.
• People acclimatise at different rates. Keep aware of your symptoms.
• Stay hydrated. Drink lots of fluids to remain properly hydrated (water, soup, tea, juices etc.). Urine output should be copious and clear to pale yellow.
• Take it easy and don't overexert yourself. Acclimatisation is inhibited by overexertion, dehydration, and alcohol.

Avoid tobacco, alcohol and other depressant drugs including, barbiturates, tranquillisers, sleeping pills and opiates such as codeine. These decrease the respiratory drive during sleep resulting in a worsening of symptoms.

We require a medical form to be completed by everyone upon registering, and any pre-existing conditions, medications used, and other medical issues must be specified. All your medical details are treated in the strictest confidence.

The information will be securely screened by a qualified medical professional, and details provided to your tour manager and local guides, so our staff are adequately informed and prepared to support you during the trip. By completing this booking form, you are giving consent for us to contact you confidentially with any follow up questions regarding your health.

If you declare any medical conditions, you may be asked to provide more information, or we may request to contact your GP. We must be informed if any conditions or medication change, or if new conditions develop. If necessary, confirmation of fitness to travel from your GP or specialist may be required.

If your medical issues represent a concern for your safety and wellbeing, or the safety and wellbeing of others in the group, you may be recommended not to take part. If this happens your deposit will be refunded. Please note that we will never unreasonably deny participation on a trip nor contravene the Equality Act 2010.

Your health and safety is our top priority so rest assured that we are taking steps to ensure you not only have a memorable experience, but a safe one too.

We constantly monitor and follow the advice of the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) who provide recommendations and advice to British travellers about travel to a certain destination. Health and safety is our top priority so we will never operate a trip in an area where there is clear and present risk to our team members, whether that is due to a health outbreak, political instability, natural disasters or anything else. If travel restrictions either in the UK or India prevent safe travel we will look to either postpone or cancel your trip at no cost to you.

Please note that at the time of travel, there may be enhanced safety and security measures in airports, bag drop may take longer, and you may need to provide a certificate of health or proof of vaccination.

We will inform you about any information pertinent to your travel arrangements. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact info@different-travel.com.

This trip is operated by The Different Travel Company (ATOL 6706) for Children’s Hospice South West (Registered Charity No. 1003314).

All the international flights in this brochure are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it.

Please see our booking conditions for further information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to www.caa.co.uk.