KumaonThe area of Kumaon, not far from Almora, isknown as the 'Abode of the Gods' due to itsexceptional scenery. The region offers emptypaths meandering through paddy fields andvillages, with rhododendron and Sal treeforests set against snow-capped Himalayanpeaks. Few people have heard of Kumaonoutside India and this has allowed the regionto escape the influx of visitors, which simplyadds to its charm and has allowed it tomaintain a deep-rooted culture.LadakhLadakh, situated in India's far north, hasperhaps the most spectacular mountainscenery of the Subcontinent. High altitudedesert is surrounded by rugged snow-cappedmountains and deep turquoise lakes. Theregion offers the chance to visit one of themost intact Tantric Buddhist societies inexistence. Due to the high altitude, travel toLadakh is only possible in the summer fromJune to September.SikkimThis northeastern Indian state offers exoticflora and fauna and a rich Buddhist culturedating back to the 8th century. AlthoughSikkim is well established on the tourist map,we will ensure that you escape the crowds,visiting unspoilt villages and serene monasterieswith the mighty Kanchenjunga mountainproviding a stunning backdrop to your trek.TYPICALVILLAGEHOUSEThe village houses are unique to these areasand although they are traditional, they havebeen painstakingly updated to provide youwith a comfortable stay. All offer simple butcosy rooms, with warm duvets to ensure youhave a restful night. All your meals are freshlyprepared by your cook, using local produce tointroduce you to the region's cuisine. Publicareas are designed to allow you to relax aftera day exploring the hills, whether this be acanopied roof terrace or courtyard with anopen fire.360° LETI, NEARALMORAFor those who want a luxurious stay afterexploring the villages of Kumaon, 360° Letioffers a unique mountain retreat. Sitting in the shadow of Pancha Chuli, the four exclusive luxury cottages each have their ownuninterrupted view of mountains or the valleybelow. They have been built very much withthe traditional local style in mind, with drystone walls on three sides and vast windowsopening up the panoramic views in front. The service here is unrivalled, made evenmore incredible by the remote location, andthe chef is capable of providing sumptuousmeals from around the world using fresh localproduce. For those who want to escape busymodern life and admire the mighty Himalaya,360° Leti promises an unforgettable stay.There is no better way to explore theHimalaya than on foot; taking in the crisp clean air, marvelling at the stunning views andmeeting locals who call this stunning backdrophome. We specialise in offering short walks orday treks in the Himalaya. However, for thosewho want a unique perspective, we are alsoable to offer a series of village walks in threevery different areas: Kumaon, Ladakh andSikkim. These allow you to escape the modernworld and have the Himalaya to yourself,walking between remote villages and staying intraditional village houses. The emphasis is onenjoyable walking rather than challengingtrekking, although moderate fitness is required.The distances between the villages are shortand the walks limited to around one to fivehours per day. You will be accompanied bylocal porters and expert guides who willintroduce you to the local community toenhance your understanding of Himalayan life.Trekking and village walks38The path to 360° Leti, AlmoraBuddhist monks, Sikkim

www.audleytravel.com/himalaya ?01993 838 345 ?Indian Himalaya39GLENBURN, NEARDARJEELINGSet amidst rolling tea plantations, with spectacularviews of the Himalayan mountain range, Glenburnhas eight beautifully decorated guestrooms splitbetween two bungalows. Located approximatelyone and a half hours' drive from Darjeeling, it is agood base from which to explore the former hillstation, as well as taking walks through the hills,having lunch by the Rangeet River, birdwatchingand fishing. The estate manager will happily teachyou the finer points of tea production on awalking tour of the estate and you can taste theresulting cup of Darjeeling while resting on theveranda and soaking in the mountain views.KalimpongA key link on the ancient Silk Route, Kalimpongwas an important trading town and still hasbustling markets, with traders coming from thelocal villages to sell their colourful produce. It isalso home to a number of monasteries fromdifferent branches of Buddhism. A walk throughthe surrounding hills offers the opportunity toescape the hustle and bustle of the town and totake lunch in a local village home. For thoseinterested in the natural landscape, the climate isideal for orchids, gladioli, dahlias, and the localnurseries make a fascinating visit.SikkimThe former Himalayan Kingdom of Sikkim isnestled deep in the foothills and overlooked bythe mighty Kanchenjunga, whose snow-cappedpeaks can be seen from Gangtok and Pelling.Sikkim is a goldmine for those interested inBuddhism, with the Rumtek Monastery inGangtok and the Pemayangste and Sangachoelingmonasteries, which can be visited during a stay inPelling. Gangtok is also home to the ResearchInstitute of Tibetology, which today houses alibrary of more than 30,000 books as well as acollection of Tibetan thangkas (religious paintings).The close link with Buddhism makes this areaculturally very different from other parts of India,with Tibetan monks wearing distinctive andcolourful dress.DarjeelingThe former hill station of Darjeeling has longbeen a getaway for those seeking respite fromthe summer heat of the plains. Its rolling hills,dotted with tea estates and framed by the snow-capped Himalaya, provide a welcomeretreat and an opportunity to experience theNepali, Bhutanese and Tibetan culture of itsinhabitants. Along with Buddhist monasteries and tea estates, an early visit to Tiger Hill forsunrise reveals magnificent views of the world'sthird highest peak, Kanchenjunga. The region can also be enjoyed at a sedate pace aboard the famous narrow gauge railway, built more than 100 years ago.Glenburn, near DarjeelingRumtek Monastery, GangtokGlenburn, near DarjeelingKalimpong marketTea plantation in DarjeelingTea picker, DarjeelingKanchenjunga peak