Journey to India & the Himalaya (19 Days)

The rolling plains of northern India rise steeply up towards the highest mountains in the world - the Himalaya. Here we find lands with rich histories, colourful traditions and cultural diversity. Here too is also the cradle of some of the world's great religions - Buddhism and Hinduism. The magnificence of northern India can be found in the wonderful palaces and mausoleums that are legacies of Mughal emperors and once-powerful maharajas, as epitomised by the exquisite Taj Mahal. The spiritual side of India is seen all over the holy city of Varanasi. Nepal is a former kingdom with medieval cities, majestic mountains and an abundance of unique and endangered wildlife. Standing by the lake in Pokhara and looking out to the Annapurnas and the famous 'fish-tailed' Machhapuchhare is an inspiring experience, but to get closer to the mountains is even better still. Bhutan has long hidden in self-imposed isolationism and its re-emergence into the modern world is being undertaken one small step at a time. Therein lays its mystique. Lush valley, holy mountains and seemingly impenetrable await those who venture into this beautiful land that has up till now seen few visitors.