Views from Lodge, Shakti 360 Leti, Kumaon, India

Himalayan Foothills

See a different side to India that has captured the hearts and minds of travellers for centuries.

The mighty Himalayas spanning Northern India acts as a natural border between neighbours China, Nepal, Tibet, Pakistan and Bhutan. A holiday to India including time in the Himalayan foothills offers some of the most wonderful scenery in the world.

The unique hill culture of the various regions has been fostered and protected for generations. Little-known trekking and walking routes offer a fascinating insight into the more remote regions, surrounded by panoramic views of the vast mountain range.

Experiences

It’s all here. Things to see and do, places to explore and moments to discover.

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  • Amritsar
  • Dharamshala
  • Rishikesh
Buddhist Monastery, Spiti Valley, Kaza, Himachal Pradesh, India
Manali, India

A little more about Trekking in the Himalayas

Two weeks can happily be spent exploring Shimla, the British summer capital, followed by a drive to Dharamshala to visit the Dalai Lama and learn about the Tibetan settlements. A night in Mandi en route to Nagaur and Manali for some trekking is a wonderfully varied and fulfilling journey. Other places of interest in this region are the holy city of Rishikesh and Uttaranchal, which offer some remote and unspoilt hill villages and excellent walking.

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Oberoi Wildflower Hall £££££

  • India

Oberoi Wildflower Hall offers a tranquil sanctuary in the mountains. The site of the former residence of Lord Kitchener, Wildflower Hall near Shimla offers its guests the grand style of the colonial era with retreat-like bedrooms with teak wood floors, hand-knotted rugs and rich furnishings complemented by spectacular views.

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Shakti 360 Leti £££££

  • India

Shakti 360 Leti is found in a little known and compellingly beautiful corner of India. It is found high in the Himalayas at over 7000 ft, about one hour’s walk from the nearest road. There are just four stone cottages designed by a local architect and the main lodge is eco-friendly with contemporary touches. Indoors, there’s gourmet cooking, fine wine and a cosy fireplace, as well as beds adorned with pashmina blankets and fluffy duvets. Outdoors, there are mountain walks, treks, and camping experiences. Laze in planter’s chairs and enjoy the views and sunshine or maybe pack fishing gear and a picnic lunch and hike down to the river.

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Ananda Spa £££££

  • India
  • Wellness and Spa

Ananda Spa Resort is a luxury destination spa resort in the Himalayan foothills in Northern India, near Rishikesh. This award-winning spa is probably the most luxurious place in India to go to for treatments and therapies. The therapy rooms face the holy River Ganges and the Himalayas. Ananda Spa Resort also houses the only ‘Aveda’ Beauty Institute in India, an international brand of natural beauty products owned by Estee Lauder.

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Charlotte Lawton

Charlotte is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for India, Bhutan and Sri Lanka.

Growing up in Hong Kong and Nepal gave me an early connection to Asia, which deepened after university when I spent two years managing a safari camp in Central India and travelling widely across the subcontinent. Drawing on this first-hand knowledge and trusted local contacts, I create journeys that connect you deeply with the people and places you visit.

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  • 01285 880 980

Kate Hitchen

After more than 20 years in travel, I still find joy in creating journeys that can’t be replicated. My clients return time and time again for trips that are original, imaginative and deeply personal, shaped by my first-hand knowledge and the close partnerships I’ve built around the world. I understand that each holiday is special to them and feel privileged to help create something that will stay in their memories forever.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

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