Dalhousie and the Dhaula Dhar
India, Trek & Walk, 15 days - from $1,645 (land only)
- A fantastic trekking holiday in the Indian Himalaya
- Remote and beautiful area, home to the Gujar and Gaddi people
- Views of the Pir Panjal peaks from the Indrahar Pass
- Explore the colourful `Tibetan` town of Mcleodganj
- Amritsar and the amazing Golden Temple
Within the mountainous Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, there is a wealth of excellent trekking opportunities amongst the southern foothill ranges of the Indian Himalaya. Starting out from the old colonial hill-station of Dalhousie, our route takes us along a discontinuous series of ridges which are together known as the Dhaula Dhar. Ten days of varied trekking, with lots of cultural interest provided by our encounters with the shepherding Gujar and Gaddi people, will take us to to Mcleodganj, home to the Tibetan Government in Exile and to the Dalai Lama. We will walk through picturesque upland meadows and lush forest, cross high and airy passes, spend time in remote villages that see few Western people and experience breath-taking views of lots of snow-capped peaks. Towards the end of the trek, there is the option to make the tough return trek to the Indrahar Pass (4380m), a viewpoint from which the Hindu holy peak of Mani Mahesh Kailash is prominent. This area is also home to some exciting wildlife, including leopard, bear and several very impressive raptors, such as the lammergeier or bearded vulture. This part of India is rarely visited by foreign travellers and we can expect to have our Dhaula Dhar camping places to ourselves.
Is this holiday for you?
Following trails most commonly used by Gaddi and Gujar shepherds, this trek will take us across the southern edge of the Dhaula Dhar, a range that dominates the northern plains of India. These trails vary from easy to rough and ill-defined and we will be trekking at an average elevation of around 3000 metres. There are a number of steep ascents and descents, notably on the optional hike up to the viewpoint at the Indrahar Pass on the penultimate day of trekking. We have graded this holiday at the upper end of our MODERATE grade. It is suitable for regular hillwalkers.
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