Our India Treks
Small - Friendly - Adventurous
An experience to savour. Indian trans-Himalaya (& Nepal) journeys are truly our passion and we run the best two week+ India treks and India trekking peaks there are. Unlike Nepal with Everest, there aren't big name drawcards however our treks are incredibly scenic, carefully timed with seasonal conditions, feature the best camping gear & meals and are more adventurous than you might expect. They are truly adventures of a lifetime.
Refresh yourself with our comfortable, summery Ladakh treks; here's some photo inspiration.
"I very much appreciated your loose "facilitator" style, (as opposed to "strong leader") which allows room for individual responsibility and decision making ... I can't imagine ever going on a heavily scripted and controlled, marching toe to heel, trip again."
- Bruce Utsey
Trantag, Zanskar
2023 Ladakh-Zanskar Adventures
This pandemic has reinforced the privilege of trekking in this most incredible place and so we are aiming for a season of the very best treks with small teams.
** All 2023 trips are confirmed to run. **
Ladakh Peaks & Passes
This is our unique take on the classic Markha trek finishing with our delightful wildlife and wilderness route. Bonus, a 6218m straightforward peak!
12 June-1 July, 20 days — caravan style — Jamie McGuinness — full
Markha & Dzo Jongo
With sound acclimatization, we experience the classic Markha Valley trek and climb a 6218m peak. A wonderfully balanced adventure!
12-26 June, 15 days — caravan style — Jamie McGuinness — full
30 Jun-14 July, 15 days — private trip available
Markha Tso High *private family
For sound acclimatization, we experience the classic Markha Valley trek then head remote and higher for real adventure.
10 July-17 Aug — caravan style
Ladakh Skypacking Plus
Trails less trekked. We backpack and camp out in the most amazing wilderness but our twist is luxury resupplies by Lobsang. Refuel on his Asian fusion cooking and swap dirty for clean, and head out again.
27 July-15 Aug, 20 days — backpacking — Jamie McGuinness
27 July-24 Aug, 29 days — backpacking + caravan
2023 Tso Zanskar
From high altitude (Lake) Tsomoriri to colourful Zanskar, we traverse that vast wilderness area we know and love. Wildlife, canyons, panoramic passes and big sky trekking with the comfort of our horse caravan.
22 Aug-15 Sept, 25 days — caravan style — Jamie McGuinness
2023 Zanskar Khi *exploratory
Sublime trekking (the Tso Zanskar above) with an exploratory mystery at the end, probing the valley system from Khi village and a neglected mountaineering pass that might be a new key to crossing the Great Himalayan Range.
22 Aug-25 Sept/2 Oct, 35/42 days — Jamie McGuinness
2024 Zanskar Adventures
Our treks are more adventurous and exploratory than you might imagine.
Markha & Dzo Jongo
With sound acclimatization, we experience the classic Markha Valley trek and climb a 6218m peak. A wonderfully balanced adventure!
mid June, 15 days — caravan style — Jamie McGuinness
Ladakh Peaks & Passes?
Private trip window - our awesome trek crew are free - where do you want to go?! Please get in touch to discuss.
July 15/20 days — caravan style — Kunga & Ram Lal
2024 Zanskar Skypacking
We backpack across Zanskar with stunning panoramas every day. Our twist is luxury resupplies by Lobsang. Refuel on his Asian fusion cooking and swap dirty for clean, and head out again. Itinerary on request.
mid July-Aug, 28/35 days — backpacking — Jamie McGuinness
2024 Zanskar GHT *exploratory
India GHT exploration; we traverse the Zanskar range then cross the Great Himalaya Range to Spiti and road-trip out to Shimla. Our unique route is a medley of striking landscapes, mesmerizing panoramas, remote villages and sublime big sky wilderness. Join us!
12 Aug-28 Sept, 48 days — caravan style — Jamie McGuinness
India travel basics Easy, there's an online e-visa system, ~USD50 for 90 days.
Ladakh-Zanskar is a huge, starkly beautiful high altitude mountainous desert on the Tibetan Plateau (but in India).
Trek basics trekking is walking, not climbing, and we only rarely walk in snow. You carry a day pack, the horses carry your duffel/kitbag. (Alternatively, there are busy, short homestay treks but no lodges, unlike Nepal.)
Trails are rough, unmarked/unformed and with few bridges, and sometimes exposed. Trekking alone is only for experts.
A typical day on the trail is 4-6 hours walking, we start a little after 8am and arrive at camp 2-4pm. Distances are 8-27kms in the open terrain, sometimes with big ascents/descents and with spaced rest days.
Fitness reasonable fitness required, trekking is physical.
Season June through September, summer warmth but little/no rain/snow as we are behind the main Himalayan range. Day temperatures are up to 25C/77F, nights mostly above freezing point.
India prices are ex-Leh, i.e. you are responsible for getting to Leh (IXL airport code), see Delhi-Leh travel.
Dates are the date you must arrive in Leh and the date you are free to fly out of Leh.
Minimums For many trips the minimum number is three trekkers, although sometimes with a small group surcharge. All treks normally run. Private trips can be arranged for two or more.
Caring for our staff We have great staff, and we really care about them, as they care for us. Our guides and horsemen have worked many years with us. Our ponies-mules never have open sores and are never hit.
Caravan-style trekking means sleeping in tents. Our cook and helpers cater for us with 3 course meals and post-trek snacks, and ponies carry it all while you trek with a daypack. Luxury!
No trek single supplements!
All treks include
+ Leh airport transfers
+ Leh sightseeing
+ charming hotel in Leh
+ guesthouses as needed (double/twin share)
While trekking:
+ quality roomy single tent / 3 person tent for couples
+ all meals, afternoon tea and hot drinks
+ toilet tent and hot water for 'bird bath' washing
+ solar charging for phones
+ French press coffee, herbal infusions
+ compact Himalayan library + maps
+ camp chairs+table+sunshade for some meals outside
+ cosy dining tent with legless chairs
+ filtered water
... and more Project Himalaya unique services
Tipping allow approx 5% of the trip cost as a guideline. The western guides don't take tips.
Altitude acclimatization we take this seriously on every trip.
*Exploratory treks The golden age of exploration dead? Never! These are 'back of an envelope' treks that would warm Tilman's heart.
Contacting us
Email info@project-himalaya.com or use this handy form: