Himalayas Expedition
Trip Summary
Soaring Himalayan peaks above 16,000 feet. World-class whitewater. Unbelievably beautiful landscapes as far as the eye can see. You'll experience all of this and much more on our expedition to the Himalayas! Arrive into the bustling world of Delhi and spend the first few days making your way west toward the incomparable Indian Himalayas, stopping for day hikes and cultural sites along the way. Embark on the epic Pin Bhaba Pass trek for six days, traversing high-altitude valleys and rivers with the most jaw-dropping scenery you've ever laid eyes on. After that, we'll transfer to the safe, welcoming, and friendly state of Kerala in southern India, where we'll spend three days in a professional whitewater kayaking course on the Iruvanjhipuza and Chalipuzha rivers.
Expert tip: To sound like a local, pronounce it "Him-ALL-ee-yas," not "Him-a-LAY-as")
Itinerary
Day hike in various locations
It's important to take enough time to acclimatize as you gain altitude heading toward the Himalayas. On the way to Pin Bhaba, we'll hike in the hills around Shimla —known as "Queen of the Hills" and home to tons of outdoor recreation and panoramic views.
We'll also visit Chandra Taal (aka Moon Lake), nestled in the Spiti Valley at over 14,000 feet in elevation. The lake is a protected site, so the water and its surrounding landscape is pristine. Marvel at this crescent-shaped lake with its blue-green waters and snowy peaks above!
Trek through the Pin Bhaba Pass
We promise you this: You will not have seen scenery like this before in your life. We'll start our trek in the Bhaba Valley in the Kinnaur district, where fir trees create a dense canopy, boulders are draped in vibrant green moss, and turquoise rivers carve paths through the forest floor. You'll feel like you're in a fairy tale. We'll transition out of the forest and into open meadows whose views rival rival those of the famous Kashmir region. The next few days, we'll trek through the river deltas of Phutsirang, camping right on the banks at night. The most dramatic view of your life comes as you summit the pass (above 16,000 feet in elevation) and look down into the arid Pin Valley below, where the lands are hued in pinks, reds, oranges, and yellows, nestled between snow-capped peaks above. Plus, July through August is when the most colorful wildflowers peak!
If you're seeking the most epic hiking trip of your life, you've come to the right place.
Whitewater kayak in Kerala
Located at the southern tip of India, Kerala (aka "God's Own Country") is known for lush rainforests; connected maze of lagoons, lakes, and rivers; wildlife like the Asian elephant, Bengal tiger, leopard, and Sambar deer; colorful and lively festivals; and mouth-watering cuisine. We'll spend several days here learning how to whitewater kayak on the Iruvanjhipuza and Chalipuzha rivers with professional and experienced guides. We'll start with the basics of paddle strokes, self-rescue, and river safety on calm waters, and then progress through more technical skills and river-reading as we up the ante on more exciting rapids each day. We'll even learn how to roll and ferry in and out of eddies!
Cultural activities and sites
After our Pin Bhaba Trek, we'll stop at Key Gompa, a stunning Buddhist monastery perched atop a hill above 13,000 feet in the Spiti Valley. A training center for lamas, about monks call this monastery home, which houses many sacred wall hangings and historical artifacts. Fun fact: Spiti Valley is home to the world's highest post office!
And you can't visit India without learning how to make some of its most delicious cuisine. And where better to take a cooking class than on our acclimatization day during our trek, surrounded by the best views you've ever seen in your life?!
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