Grand Traverse Of The Indian Himalaya Trekking Holiday

Our Clients’ Reviews

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Average Review Rating: from 7 reviews.

Emma Riddle

GRAND TRAVERSE OF THE INDIAN HIMALAYA

Written August 2012
A really great trip: hard but not ridiculously so. Very different mountain scenery to Nepal and warmer! Go for it!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The views from the tops of the passes on the first half of the trip are pretty outstanding. We also had some great sunrises over the lakes. Unfortunately we had very poor visibility on the Parang La but it was still great to get to the top of the pass. Lots of great, desolate views.
What did you think of your group leader?
This was my third trip with Valerie as the group leader and she was excellent as always, looking after each member of the group and dealing with both emergencies and everyday problems brilliantly. Sukman, the Nepalese leader, was also really good, cheery and helpful.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Bear in mind the huge range of temperatures on this trip: the trip notes focus on cold-weather gear but at times it is scorchingly hot: if you find heat difficult, bear this in mind. Make sure you bring some long-sleeved cool tops as well. Also, a 1 litre bottle would be nowhere near enough: I would recommend a 2-3 litre bladder plus at least 1 waterbottle.
You really do need robust shoes for the river crossings.
I took microspikes for the Parang La and found them useful: not essential but if you are prone to a tumble, they make you a lot more secure.
john cross

GRAND TRAVERSE OF THE INDIAN HIMALAYA

Written August 2012
This was a very tough trip made even more difficult by the very high temperatures we experienced on the desert part of the trek. One member of our group had to leave the trek due to medical problems and two others declined to finish the second half of the trek.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Crossing the Parang La,via the glacier. Driving over the Kunzum la and the 100km long valley full of Eiger sized peaks. The air conditioned, luxury, train journey from Chandigarh to Delhi and the meals they provided all for less than £6.00!
What did you think of your group leader?
The reason I chose this trip is because it was led by Valerie Parkinson. Her knowledge of the Himalayas and Tibetan Buddhism makes any trip led by her much greater than the sum of its parts.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Beware of the trip notes! They give good advice for equiping yourself for the cold weather (fleece, thermals, 4 season sleeping bag ETC.) but very little for the 35+ degrees we experienced. You will need a broad brimmed hat, long sleeved shirt/blouse with a high collar and a good SPF. You will also need a large water bottle/Platypus (2-3 litres) as there are few opportunities to fill up on route and if you do you will need an empty bottle and will have to wait while your water treatment becomes effective. An electrolyte powder or tablets might prove useful as you will be losing many vital trace elements during the day and these need to be replenished.
Chris David

GRAND TRAVERSE OF THE INDIAN HIMALAYA

Written August 2012
An enjoyable trip over a relatively peaceful and unspoit part of the India Himalaya. Spectacular high dry arid desert. Fantastic food courtesy of our cook Chandra.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Seeing a snow leopard courtesy of the sharp eyes of our walking guide Sagar
What did you think of your group leader?
Very friendly and competent
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Come prepared for everything: sun, snow and rain.
Gavin Bishop

GRAND TRAVERSE OF THE INDIAN HIMALAYA

Written August 2012
This was an excellent trip to the middle of nowhere in India. Walking South across the spine of the himalayan ranges made the terrain very variable from rounded hills to flat salt pans to jagged ice-bound peaks. Continuing South to Delhi via bus and train was equally good with more and more green towards the plains. The terrain was wonderful to walk through and generally good underfoot - there are far worse places in Snowdonia. The days either end of the trip in Leh, Delhi and Mussoorie gave some interesting opportunities to see a variety of cultures. Simply put - the best holiday I've had so far.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The highlight for me was crossing the Parang La in snow. It was just a shame that the views were hidden by thick fog. I think this is mostly a highlight from the couple of days beforehand walking up the long river valley towards the watershed.
Otherwise, the 2 1/2 day minibus trip back from the middle of nowhere to the plains was really good as it gave a large variation in scenery. It could have been grim to be cooped up in a bus that long but it was a really good end to the trip.
What did you think of your group leader?
Val, our group leader was very good and made sure that we were all in good health.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The trip is at fairly high altitude so the first week or so needs to be taken slowly. Following a few headaches in the first week I soon improved and fitness improved throughout the trek. Even at over 18,000ft on the Parang La I felt not too different to sea level. Although the trip notes state previous experience at altitude necessary I wouldn't agree - but a high standard of fitness and stamina to carry on walking day after day for two weeks is required.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
It would have been great to climb up some of the snowy peaks alongside the Pare Chu valley where there are some still-unclimbed 20,000fters
William Bain

GRAND TRAVERSE OF THE INDIAN HIMALAYA

Written August 2011
A great trip. Physically demanding, particularly in the early stages with altitude adaptation still occurring, but rewarded with great views and a real feeling of achievement.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Crossing the Parang La, with fresh snow on the ground and spindrift in our faces as we waited for the path to be sufficiently cleared to coax the horses up and over.
What did you think of your group leader?
Valerie is a real expert on the region, and experienced enough to cope comfortably with all the problems that arose, from runaway horses to blocked passes. She also has extensive knowledge of all the cultural and societal nuances of the region. Excellent!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be fit before you go, and preferably have prior experience of altitude effects.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
As the brochure says, this is a trip for the connoisseur. Despite being an high altitude desert, where there is water from snowmelt and rivers there is greenery, but most of the landscape appears barren initially. It needs closer inspection to see the plant and animal life. The day / night temperature swing is very large, so you need equipment to cope with the range
Sandra Staples

GRAND TRAVERSE OF THE INDIAN HIMALAYA

Written September 2010
The memory of the hard work is fading now and the lasting impressions are of the scenery
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There's so much variety and so many great views it's hard to pick one thing.
You're not so much inspired as awed by the size and scale of the landscape.
Probably most inspired by the people of the region for managing to survive there.
What did you think of your group leader?
Valerie was great!
She took good care of each and every member of the group.
She had great knowledge of the area, covering history, culture, religion, flora and fauna - a mine of information.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be prepared for a very tough trek, the trip notes didn't reflect the actual altitude (promised to be updated) and just about all the trek was above 4500m, so even walking on the flat was hard work.
Take some snacks, even though the food was plentiful you don't always feel like eating big meals at altitude and the snacks help you through the long days.
Take wet wipes for that lazy wash at the end of the day when you can't be bothered to go and find the cold water (it's very dusty).
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Don't forget to stop and stare at the landscapes - it's truely amazing.
Andrew Smith

GRAND TRAVERSE OF THE INDIAN HIMALAYA

Written September 2010
For me the trip was a wonderful first experience of the Himalaya, well deserving of its Tough grading. The remote location, altitude, wild scenery and Tibetan culture combined to make it a fascinating and unforgettable holiday.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Going over the passes, particularly the Parang La via the Parang Glacier.
The brightness of the stars seen through the cold clear night-time air.
The power of water, both in the rivers we had to cross and in the effects of the recent floods on the landscape.
The good company and food in the mess tent.
The sense of achievement having completed the trek.
What did you think of your group leader?
Brilliant! In Valerie Parkinson we were indeed fortunate to have such an experienced and knowledgeable leader, who looked after us well. She encouraged us, made sure we drank plenty of tea, made sure no one got too far behind, and even added up our restaurant bills for us. She knew a tremendous amount about the region and was able to answer pretty well all our questions. It was also very interesting to hear about her nearly successful attempt on Everest!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Don't rush, even after you have acclimatised. "Plodding" works well. Watch where you are putting your feet; some of the trails are rough with loose steep scree. A down jacket is worthwhile; it gets very cold in the evenings. Take plenty of camera batteries and memory cards; you will want to take lots of pictures. River sandals are essential for the river crossings.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
It was an amazing experience, and has inspired me to visit the Himalaya again. Ladakh is just like Tibet, except that you don't have to go to China. If you go on this trip, I hope you have as good a time as I did. Don't expect it to be easy though. It is a challenge!