5-star hotel guide to The Himalayas
The majestic peaks of the Himalayas grace the northern borders of India with dramatic views, sparsely populated landscapes and some truly amazing experiences.
India meets the Himalayan mountain range in the north, where the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Utter Pradesh border Pakistan, China Tibet and Nepal.
Jammu and Kashmir is the most northerly state, where the Kunlun mountains meet the Great Himalayas. This is a harsh but beautiful landscape of deep valleys, rugged rock faces and snow-capped peaks surround the region's settlements. Ladakh is renown for its remote beauty and particular culture. The capital Leh balances its remote location with a traveller-friendly approach, and is a good place to acclimatise to the altitude before departing on a high altitude adventure. Dotted across the landscape and settlements you can find signs of the tradition Tibetan Buddhist culture that is very much still alive here, with monasteries at staggering heights and festivals that stay true to their origins 500 years into the past.
The extremes of the landscape lead to a inspirational experiences, especially if you have a passion for wildlife.
Here the wildlife remains wild. For those looking for a once-in-a-lifetime trip, be sure to join us for our Snow Leopard Expedition in 2024. Luxury Explorer has partnered with &Beyond to bring you an exclusive opportunity to venture into Snow Leopard territory with the aim of getting close to these elusive creatures. With only a few places left, make sure to contact our concierge team to register your interest.
Closer to Delhi, it's possible to see clear evidence of British rule in the foothills of the Himalayas, particularly in Shimla, known as the 'Queen of Hill Stations'. In this one-time summer capital of the Raj, you will find the Oberoi group's remarkable Wildflower Hall. Built in a style more reminiscent of the Alps than the Himalayas, its lofty position, surrounded by a forest of pines, and with views of some of the highest peaks results in some truly stunning views and a unique place to unwind and relax in the highest mountains in the world.
Also accessible from either New Delhi or Kolkata is the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan which we strongly recommend for an immersive Himalayan experience with a strong Bhuddhist flavour.