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. Northwest India makes a good starting point with dazzling festivals in Rajasthan, cool colonial hill stations in Himachal Pradesh and some spectacular trekking in Garhwal. In the far north there are breathtaking summer treks in Zanskar and Ladakh, and in northeast India the Buddhist mountains of Sikkim offer beautiful spring and autumn walking. For the truly adventurous there is the little known mountain region of tribal Nagaland to explore, whilst for those wanting a more relaxing experience, there are the laid back charms of Southern India and Sri Lanka. The Karakoram Mountains, PakistanDue to Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice we are sadly unable to offer our K2 and Karakoram treks in 2011. Our Kashgar to K2 Base Camp Trek however offers the chance to see K2 Base Camp from the Chinese side - more details on page 47Family Adventure Indian HimalayaPlease see page 73 for details of our two-week summer holiday adventure in Ladakh 39telephone: 0845 330 8579 (local call rate, UK only)international telephone: +44 1453 844 400www.mountainkingdoms.com

40Download holiday itineraries fromwww.mountainkingdoms.come: info@mountainkingdoms.comT his fabulous trip takes us first to the archetypal hill station of Darjeeling. Here we will visit some of its most famous tea gardens, ride the iconic 'toy train', visit Observatory Hill with its fantastic back drop of Mount Kangchenjunga and wander the bustling mall with its echoes of the Raj. Moving on we will visit the only tea estate in Sikkim and stay in a heritage farm house on a working farm in idyllic country. Sikkim is a country as famed for its rich flora and many exotic orchids as it is for its Buddhist culture. We will visit Sikkim's ancient capital and many of its ornate Buddhist monasteries as well as visiting the modern day capital, Gangtok. As a fitting finale to this trip we will travel to enchanting Kalimpong, a veritable melting pot of Himalayan cultures, where we will stay in a quirky hotel with many historical echoes. T his exciting new itinerary in the eastern Himalaya offers many delights. In Darjeeling, a typical Indian hill station, we will enjoy great views of Mount Kangchenjunga and have the opportunity to ride the 'toy train'. We then continue to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, an important centre of Buddhism, and equally renowned for its orchids as for its architectural heritage with many fine and interesting monasteries. We then drive through tea plantations to cross the border into Bhutan, a beautiful and unspoiled country with a vibrant tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Here we will marvel at the magnificent fortified dzongs and will visit the most important monasteries in Paro, Thimphu and Punakha, as well as some more intimate, smaller temples. We will also enjoy some lovely gentle walks in both Darjeeling and Bhutan, such as the hike up to the dramatically situated Tiger's Nest Monastery. The spring departure also attends the vibrant Paro festival in Bhutan.Tea Gardens of Sikkim & DarjeelingA delightfully relaxed trip visiting the Himalayan home of the 'champagne of teas'. Travels in Sikkim & BhutanVisit lively Darjeeling and dip a toe into the fascinating Buddhist cultures of Sikkim and Bhutan.Sanga Choeling Monastery, Tea Gardens of Sikkim & Darjeeling, Ann SainsburyGuaranteed to run for a minimum of 2 clients£2,140£2,195£2,595£2,935Land OnlyLand OnlyFlight IncludedFlight IncludedSat 16 Apr - Sat 30 Apr 11Sat 15 Oct - Sat 29 Oct 11Sat 17 Dec - Sat 31 DecDay Walks: 7 Local Leader Accommodation (nts): Hotels: 5 Train: 1Lodges/Guesthouses: 7Optional: Single Room £650Insurance: £95 Trek | Duration: 15 DaysGrade: GentleFor detailed itineraries see www.mountainkingdoms.comDay Walks: 3 Local LeaderAccommodation (nts): Hotels: 13Optional: Single Room £545Insurance: £95 Trek | Duration: 15 Days£2,375£2,825Land OnlyFlight IncludedFri 11 Mar - Fri 25 Mar 11Sat 15 Oct - Sat 29 Oct 11FestivalMar departure onlyGrade: GentleGuaranteed to run for a minimum of 2 clientsFor detailed itineraries see www.mountainkingdoms.comOther Christmas trips - see pages 12, 14, 26, 30, 32, 36, 45, 50, 51, 52 & 73Northeast India The Indian Subcontinent