One of our flagship tours--Ancient Cultures of the Indian Himalayas was created in 1997. Our beloved partner Sanjay explored this area before it was open to foreign travelers; before there were hotels or restaurants. He established comfortable camps and we brought a staff to cook our meals. Surrounded by beauty and silence, we ventured on foot into remote pristine villages that had no roads and therefore no vehicles. Here we met healthy happy people flourishing within tightly woven communities in which each assisted the other in building homes and tending sheep, goats and gardens.

I cherish the memories.. as you can assume, this tour is dear to my heart. I am happy to share it with those who seek an authentic experience that is not a rubber stamp itinerary from a guide book. You wont find much mentioned about these regions in the travel books, thankfully!

Times have changed very little, though there are now nice hotels with western facilities and decent restaurants. Happily we still visit villages that have only a foot path to enter. The walks are flat, short and easy.

Experience Buddhist cultures and unique ancient tribal cultures amidst the dramatic beauty of the arid, snowcapped Indian Himalaya on this small group tour. Visit traditional villages in the remote regions of Spiti valley and Kinnaur.

India contains 70% of the world’s Himalayan ranges, yet few people think about visiting them. Therefore, this region remains authentic, traditional and untouched by western visitors.

In this region of hill stations, fertile valleys, lunar landscapes and rarefied mountain air, local inhabitants have carved out a spartan existence in the pockets of habitable terrain.

For the solitude seeker there cannot be a better place than here to experience the sounds of silence, the pristine glory of nature as well as a window into ancient traditional cultures. This is surely the ultimate high.

On this remarkable journey you will walk on the most inspiring mountain trails, drive over some of highest roads and bridges, visit remote wildlife reserves, witness age old temples, exquisite villages, traditional architecture and tribal lifestyles. Adventuresome, but not difficult!

Go where few people have gone before!

“This is one journey that must be undertaken at least once in a lifetime by any discerning traveler” – words of many widely traveled people after having visited these awe – inspiring parts of the Indian Himalayas.

This tour is only offered once annually, due to the limited window we are able to go over the passes. The dates of 2026 & 2027 are on the brochure which you can download. To find the dates that you wish to book, click the button “See Availability,” a calendar appears. You will see dates in black ink. Click on the date to select it. If you want a future date, use the arrow to move forward on the calendar to view additional dates.

Trip pricing is contingent upon a minimum of four (4) participants and is subject to adjustment should this minimum not be met.

• Visit traditional remote villages

• Fabulous ancient monasteries still in use

• Explore the amazing Spiti Valley

• Chos Khor Monastery Tabo which houses more than 100 Lamas

• Ki Monastery, highest monastery that houses the oldest and largest collection of thankha paintings in the world

• Interact with the village people and monks

• A thrilling drive over the famous Kunzum Pass (14931 Ft)

• Attend puja with Grammy winning chanting monks in a reclusive setting

• Manali, picturesque “Valley of the Gods”

• Pre tour option to Ladakh & Kashmir

• Post tour option to Darjeeling & Sikkim

• Accommodations with breakfast

• Accompanying guide throughout

• Airport transfers on tour dates

• AC Transport van or minibus depending on group size

• Train ticket AC Executive Class Car Delhi to Chandigarh

• Meals: all breakfasts, 15 lunches, 15 dinners.

• Monuments, Temples and Monasteries entrance fees

• Porter tips at hotels, railway station and domestic airports. 

• Inner Line Permits

• India Gov Tax
  
  

• International airfare

• Visa Fee

• Flight ticket Amritsar – Delhi

• Tips to drivers and guides

• Camera and Video fees (if any)

• Meals other than those listed

• Trip cancellation/travel insurance

13 Days, $200 discount if booking both tours - Use code back2back at check out. LEARN MORE

Six days. From Amritsar fly to Bagdogra, drive to Darjeeling and tarvel overland ending in Gangtok. $1690 per person twin share, $590 single room. Plus flights.