himalayan-trek.com

Fully supported trekking and special interest tours for the discerning traveller
Director Bijoy Rai

Himalayan Trek is an independent company based in Darjeeling. It was borne out of a desire to offer high quality service to the increasing number of independent travellers who seek a little more than the ordinary from their holidays.

The Region

This region is a paradise for trekkers and naturalists. Add the magnificent scenery, cultural riches and a rural way of life that has changed little for generations, and you have the recipe for a fascinating holiday destination. The gradual climb from the airport at Bagdogra up to the old hill station of Darjeeling serves as a fine introduction to the charms of the region. From the hill top, the vision of Kanchenjunga rising 45 miles away above the valley mists at dawn is unforgettable, and travellers who venture further afield around Darjeeling and into Sikkim will discover many more attractions.

Tailor Made Holidays

To help travellers make the most of their visit, we offer a variety of tailor-made special interest holidays, including bird watching, plant hunting, cultural tours and home-stays, as well as adventure treks. With our beautiful but fragile environment in mind, we have adopted a policy of low-impact tourism. In addition we do our utmost to respect our precious cultural heritage.

Travel

In transit, you can relax and enjoy the incredible views because we use good quality private vehicles and skilled, considerate drivers. You will not find any five star hotels here, but you will be accommodated in clean and friendly establishments typical of the best in the area, or when trekking, we may use our own sturdy tents. In common with all high mountain areas, holidays here are best approached with a spirit of adventure and a willingness to be flexible. Indeed, the unexpected occurrence may well contribute substantially to the overall enjoyment of a trip. Our knowledgeable English speaking guides will be able help with a wide variety of questions.

Local Knowledge

With years of experience in the field, we have an in depth knowledge of the local area, but can also arrange trips to other parts of the Himalayas, as well as giving advice on general travel matters within India. We are familiar with the current situation regarding local permits, and can suggest the best location and most favourable time of year to view certain flowers or birds. Some of our clients seem to believe that we can even control the weather, but of course this is not true! However, we leave as little as possible to chance. Much depends on being in the right place at the right time. So, with your help, we will be able to put together a package suited to your own interests and timetable.

Prices

We pride ourselves on personal service and attention to detail, and are able to offer very competitive prices without compromising the level of service provided. Our prices are fully inclusive from point of arrival (see separate section) but of course do not include personal expenditure or alcoholic drinks, nor does the price include tips for our own staff, (see footnote). Since our holidays are tailor made to your requirements, an individual quote will be supplied upon enquiry. Payment is normally made in US dollars on arrival. Clients are urged to cover themselves for emergency expenditure with appropriate travel insurance. Whilst we would of course do everything in our power to assist in case of illness, or unavoidable delays, we have no financial liability in such situations.

Packages

Although our holidays are tailor made, we offer an outline of some of our most popular itineraries and their duration, to give you an idea of the possibilities. We indicate those trips designed primarily for a particular interest group, but some of these can be added together or adapted. For example, our plant hunting groups invariably seem to enjoy visiting a Buddhist monastery, and often make some of their best finds en route. We also arrange extensions in other Himalayan regions at very favourable prices. Finally, before contacting us, you may be interested to read some of the reports we have received from previous clients.