Indian Himalayan Trek 2026

Spend four days trekking through the Indian Himalayas and home of the Dalai Lama – Dharamshala.

You will start your challenge by arriving in Delhi and jumping aboard the overnight train to Pathankot.

After a night on the train, you transfer to the stunning hill station of Dharamshala, home to the Tibetan Government in exile and the Dalai Lama, and surrounded by dense forest and in the shadow of the Dhauladhar mountain range.

From here, you will begin your journey into the Lesser Himalayan range of Northern India where, during four days of trekking, you will be awed by lush green forests, views of snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, gushing rivers and small villages with friendly and welcoming local people.

You will reach a maximum altitude of 2875m (at Triund) and will walk approximately 14km per day, taking around 6-8 hours.

The trek is graded moderate to challenging. You will trek over varying terrain for up to 8 hours a day, carrying a small daypack, which may weigh up to 6kg, and camping in basic campsites along the way. You will also be exposed to altitudes up to a maximum of 2875m (9429ft).

Days 1-2 (Saturday 3 October – Sunday 4 October 2026):

London – Delhi
Depart London for Delhi on an overnight flight.
Upon arrival the next day, transfer to a central hotel and depending on arrival times we may have a sightseeing tour of Delhi before transfering to the railway station for the overnight sleeper train to Pathankot (2nd class air-conditioned).
Overnight: Sleeper Train
Meals: Dinner

Day 3 (Monday 5 October 2026):

Pathankot – Dharamshala
The train arrives in Pathankot in the morning and from the station, you will transfer by road to Dharamshala (approximately 3 hours), where you will check in at the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure; and perhaps visit the Dalai Lama Palace and the Tibetan government-in-exile buildings, or simply enjoy the atmosphere and browse for souvenirs in the handicraft stalls before enjoying a Tibetan dinner this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight: Hotel

Day 4 (Tuesday 6 October 2026):

Dharamshala – Salli – Kareri Village
After breakfast we drive for approximately 1.5 hours to our starting point of our trek, Salli. A slow and gradual climb takes us to the top of the hill from where we enjoy fantastic views, before continuing towards Kareri stream. Following the stream this afternoon we arrive at Kareri village where we set up camp for the night in a beautiful and peaceful spot by the river.
Approx. 6km trekking / 5 hours.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight: Camping

Day 5 (Wednesday 7 October 2026):

Kareri Village – Bahl
After breakfast, we start today’s walk with a relatively steep ascent through several small villages, enjoying fine views of beautiful meadows and dense pine forests along the way. We descend to a mountain stream to stop for lunch before continuing with a sharp ascent to Bahl, and our second campsite.
Approx. 9km trekking / 6-7 hours.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight: Camping

Day 6 (Thursday 8 October 2026):

Bahl – Triund
Today is our toughest day of trekking to Triund, the highest point on the trek at 2843m. The day starts with a steep ascent through a mixed forest of oak, rhododendron and cedar trees, stopping at a local chai shop along the way. After lunch, our ascent continues along a winding path until we finally reach Triund, an alpine meadow situated on top of a ridge from where we have amazing views of the peaks of Dhauladhar on one side and the Kangra valley on the other. This is the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset and our final night in the mountains.
Approx. 12km trekking / 8 hrs.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight: Camping

Day 7 (Friday 9 October 2026):

Triund – Mcleodgunj – Pathankot
After rising early to witness the sun rising over the mighty Dhauladhar mountain range we set off for our final day of trekking. Initially, we have a gradual descent over a grassy ridge for a few kilometres, then a steep descent takes us down to Bhagsu waterfall where we stop to enjoy lunch. A further short walk brings us to Bhagsu village where we end our trek and return to Pathankot to take the overnight train back to Delhi.
Approx. 6km trekking / 4 hours.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight: Sleeper train

Day 8 – 9 (Saturday 10 – Sunday 11 October 2026):

Delhi – London
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to London. Your flight may arrive in London the next morning depending on schedules.
Meals: Breakfast

N.B. This itinerary may change due to unusual weather, the ability of the group and so on. We will do our best to keep to the itinerary, but we cannot be held responsible for changes that occur outside of our control. In all circumstances, your guide and tour leader will have the final say in the interest of the group’s health and safety.

Sponsorship:

£3990

This option is for those who wish to raise sponsorship to cover both the costs of the trip (flights, accommodation, food, guides etc.) and a donation to the charity. There is a minimum sponsorship amount that you are required to raise in order to participate.

• A registration fee is payable at the time of booking.
• A total of £3,192 (80%) must be paid to the charity by 11 July 2026
• The remaining £798 must be raised by the date of departure.

Flexi:

£2205 trip costs* and £1785 sponsorship for Helen & Douglas House

This option is for those who choose to pay the trip costs* (flights, accommodation, food, guides etc.) themselves while still raising some funds for the charity.

• A registration fee is payable at the time of booking.
• Trip cost* balance is payable to Different Travel no later than 24 July 2026.
• Any fundraising undertaken cannot be used for your trip costs.80% of your fundraising is due to the charity by 11 July 2026. The remaining 20% is due by the date of departure.

*Please note trip costs are based on the final group size and are subject to change. This is the most you will be required to pay.

Registration fee: £395

Use discount code JOINT50 for £50 off until 30 June 2025