The Indian Subcontinent With some of the most varied scenery in the world, wonderful wildlife and a vibrant culture rich in religion and history, India is an incredibly rewarding destination. A land of extraordinary contrasts, from bustling urban Delhi to tranquil Keralan backwaters, from the deserts of Rajasthan to snow capped Himalayan peaks, India really does offer something for everyone. Classic Northern India makes a good starting point with brilliant festivals in Rajasthan, the cool colonial hill stations of Himachal Pradesh and some spectacular trekking in Garhwal. The Buddhist mountains of Sikkim offer beautiful spring and autumn walking, whilst there are breathtaking summer treks in Zanskar and Ladakh. Explore the laid back charms of Southern India and Sri Lanka or, for the adventurous, head off the beaten track into the little known mountain regions of tribal Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. telephone: 0845 330 8579 ( local call rate, UK only) international telephone: + 44 1453 844 400 www. mountainkingdoms. com The Karakoram Mountains, Pakistan Due to Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice we are sadly unable to offer our K2 and Karakoram treks in 2010. Our Kashgar to K2 Camel Trek however offers the chance to see K2 Base Camp from the Chinese side - more details on page 42. 35

36 Download holiday itineraries from www. mountainkingdoms. com e: info@ mountainkingdoms. com Northern India The Indian Subcontinent T his is a world of rugged desert landscapes, romantic warrior forts and impressive royal palaces. We'll explore the ' must see' highlights; the lakeside town of Udaipur and atmospheric Jodhpur. Our ' off the beaten track' trek in the Aravalli Hills visits local villages, with the chance to meet the Rajasthani people and experience their culture. Whilst trekking we might catch sight of sloth bear, wild boar or even leopard. We stay in fascinating heritage hotels, often former palaces or hunting lodges, sometimes exotic and sometimes quirky. Two departures also visit colourful desert festivals - in January we visit the Nagaur Fair, a huge gathering of tribal peoples coming together to celebrate and trade cattle and camels, while in November we visit Pushkar Fair, one of the most popular fairs of the Thar desert. D ramatic canyons, majestic mountains and cascading waterfalls, together with the holy waters of India's most sacred river, make this trip a feast for the soul and senses. We begin with an acclimatisation trek near Rudraprayag, which provides commanding views of the Garhwal Himalaya and takes us through lush terraced hills, pristine forests and villages. We then transfer to Gangotri, one of India's most sacred pilgrimage sites, where we witness the daily puja at the temple and Hindu devotees bathing at the water's edge. As we trek from Gangotri to Tapovan ( 4,463m/ 14,294ft), every twist in the trail reveals another stunning 6,000m Himalayan giant. Our campsite at Tapovan must rate as one of the most awe- inspiring in the world, as we gaze at Mt Shivling's elegant peak - rising like a great deity before us. Gentle Trekking Royal Rajasthan A wonderful trip that captures the very essence of Royal Rajasthan. The Source of the Ganges, Garhwal A spectacular trek with the perfect blend of cultural interest and physical challenge. Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 2 clients £ 1,675 £ 1,785 £ 2,225 £ 2,325 Land Only Land Only Flight Included Flight Included Thu 01 Apr - Sat 17 Apr Thu 07 Oct - Sat 23 Oct On Trek: 10 days Local Leader Accommodation: Hotels: 5 Lodges: 2 Camping: 8 Optional: Single Room £ 300 Single Tent £ 45 Insurance: £ 95 1- 3 Fly Delhi, train to Haridwar, drive Rishikesh 4- 8 Drive Gultir, acclimatisation trek 9- 14 Drive Gangotri, Source of the Ganges trek 15- 17 Drive Rishikesh, drive Delhi, fly London Trek | Duration: 17 Days Trek | Duration: 14/ 16 Days £ 2,325 £ 2,425 £ 2,195 £ 2,875 £ 2,975 £ 2,755 Land Only Land Only Land Only Flight Included Flight Included Flight Included Sat 09 Jan - Sun 24 Jan ? Fri 05 Nov - Sat 20 Nov ? Sun 21 Nov - Sat 04 Dec ? Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 3 clients Day Walks: 6 days Local Leader Accommodation: Hotels: 8/ 10 Camping: 2/ 4 Lodges/ Guesthouses: 2 Optional: Single Room £ 725 ? / £ 895 ? / £ 595 ? Insurance: £ 145 Typical Itinerary ( 09 Jan) 1- 2 Fly Delhi, at leisure 3- 4 Fly Udaipur, sightseeing, drive Kumbulgarh 5 Short walk, drive Ghanerao 6- 9 Trek in Aravalli Hills, drive Korta 10- 12 Sightseeing in Korta, drive Jodhpur, sightseeing 13- 15 Drive Nagaur, attend festival, train Delhi 16 Fly London Other departures vary slightly from the above Return to Gangotri, Source of the Ganges, J LeonardRajasthani tractor, Akshay Kumar Grade: Gentle Grade: Vigorous Festival 9 Jan & 5 Nov departures only Jodhpur Fort, Ann Sainsbury