Ladakh is high, remote and is the least populated region of India. It is also wedged between two massive mountain ranges: the Karakoram and the mighty Himalayas. Often referred to a 'Little Tibet', it gives reference to its desert like terrain, albeit a mountain one.

Shut off by snow for 8 months of the year, the trekking window is quite small but still, there are few people to spoil your view. Accessed via New Delhi, the airport of Leh is one of the highest commercial airports in the world (3500m) and therefore you should always work on staying in Leh for a few days to acclimatize.

The options for trekking here are enormous, only bounded by the time you have available.

Markha Valley (with option of summiting Stok Kangri)

The Markha Valley runs North - South and parallel to the Indus river with a big ridge separating them. This trek crosses that ridge twice and has the mouth watering prospect of the option to summit the 6153m peak of Stok Kangri close to the end.

The combination of very high altitude Passes and a relatively low valley walk following a glacial river in remote conditions make this trek very special indeed. The flora and fauna are also in abundance and in Aug 2007 we came very close to spotting the elusive snow leopard who genuinely roam in these parts.

After driving to Hemis, the trek begins gently into the mountain range and by day 2 you are already going over the Konmaru La (5200m). To cross this altitude so early in the trek can bring on the symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (please see box on the right) so you need to be aware of it. Once across the Pass, a new vista of the greener Markha valley opens up and it's a relative gallop down the valley for 3 days, fording the glacial river numerous times (great fun, see picture above). It's then time to regain the lost altitude, up and over the Ganda La followed by Stok La (both approx 4850m) before settling in to Mankarmo, the base for a possible ascent to Stok Kangri.

For the optional ascent, it is a move up to the Advanced Base Camp prior to commencing the actual ascent early the following morning. It is the intention to be on the summit for the sunrise, which is just fantastic. It is then a descent from the summit and slow extraction from the range, which takes a maximum of 2 days.

Snow and ice has not been a problem with the ascent of Stok Kangri for some time now (approx 5 years according to local guides) so although crampons and ice axes may not be needed, it is worth having them with you. They can be hired locally.

Leh awaits you for a very well earned rest.

On your return to Delhi, you will be whisked away to Agra for a night to see the famous Taj Mahal and the equally if not more impressive Red Fort (some of which is still occupied by the Indian Army). Back to Delhi where you can sightsee at your leisure for a complete day before heading for your flight home.

This is a cracking trip (and good value too); virtually all food included, internal flight too and the whole thing from Kolkata, the flight to Bagdogra (with excellent views), up to Darjeeling and then the trek itself is an all encompassing adventure! Why not combine this with a trek in Nepal; just fly from Bagdogra to Kathmandu instead of returning to Kolkata. I can arrange all of this for.

Darjeeling is best known for its tea plantations and as a mountain retreat for the British Forces during their occupation of India. Sitting at an altitude of 2076m, it's cool air is a welcome feeling when compared to the much lower and humid plains just a few hours driving to the south.

This trip is a wondeful journey from KolKata (formerly Calcutta) to Bagdogra (internal flight), a 4x4 road journey up to Darjeeling, a trek along the high Singalila Ridge (which borders Nepal) and return. You will be met in Kolkata and escorted throughout your journey.

The journey begins with the internal flight, which weather permitting will give you panoramic views of Manaslu, Everest, Lohtse, Makalu and the massive bulk of Kangchenjunga (top middle picture). The drive from Bagdogra to Darjeeling will go though the lower rice fields and coconut palms before they give way to the extensive tea plantations of the upper slopes.

Darjeeling has plenty of character; built on a hill side there is quite a lot to see here but walk slowly, even though the altitude is not hugely significant, it can catch you out! Your stay here will be in the very comfortable New Elgin or Mayfair hotel, both famed for their elegance, ambience and charm.

Soon into the trek, there is some steep climbing to be done early on in order to get up onto the Singalila Ridge, which is then followed northwards towards Sikkim. On the 3rd night, you will stay at Sandakphu (3636m), which has commanding views over the surrounding area and from where you can see Everest, Makalu, Lohtse, Nuptse and of course the imposing Kangchenjunga Massif right in front of you. Jomolhari in Bhutan can also be seen.

The 4th trekking day is a beautiful long ridge walk (picture top left) with superb views all day long, ending at Phalut. From here, you must turn east to avoid crossing into Sikkim and in doing so descend down through the thick rhododendron and magnolia forests. The final day takes you to Rimbick where you will sleep overnight in a Sherpa Lodge before the drive back to Darjeeling.

It's time to rest and relax in the beautiful surroundings of your hotel prior to the road/air journey back to Kolkata the following day. This trip works on the assumption that you will fly out of Kolkata (international flight) the same day as you arrive back from Bagdogra but you are welcome to extend your stay in Kolkata for a few days and this can be arranged for you if you wish (hotels and transfers).

Sikkim is steeped in political history, which gives it a wonderful mix of Nepali, Indian and Tibetan culture. This route is one of the very few open in the Kangchenjunga National Park and to get to it is a journey in itself.

On arrival in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), you will be met and taken into the City and if you have time, taken on a city tour. The next day, you will be transferred to the domestic airport for your short flight to Bagdogra and subsequent drive up to the capital of the tea plantations; Darjeeling.

Accommodated in good standard hotels, you have the evening and a full day to explore this historic place, which already sits at 6000'. You then travel to Yuksum to position you for the start of the trek the next day.

The trek takes 7 days to reach Goecha La, which at 4900m has to be respected. But it will be worth it; there are few (if any) better views of the Kangchenjunga Massif, the 3rd highest mountain on the planet behind Everest and K2.

During your trek, you will come to see just how beautiful this remote area is. The wooded hills are abundant with oak, spruce, chestnut, fir, pines and magnolia not to mention the vibrant rhododendrons when in bloom (May). Accompanying them are brown bears, black bears, barking deer, marble cats, blue sheep, wild goats, Himalayan antelope, red pandas and much more. All in all, so much of nature.

Once you have returned to Yoksum, you will spend 1 night there prior to your drive back to Darjeeling, a further night there prior to your drive/flight back to Kolkata.

An overnight stay in Kolkata brings you to the end of your trip, although you are welcome to extend your stay in this city (which can be arranged for you) if you wish. You will be transferred to the international airport for your flight home.