Offbeat Himachal

The green Himalayas are much more ‘Alpine’ compared to the two other proposed regions : Ladakh and Spiti. Fauna, flora, climate and landscapes remind the European ranges, except that everything is at the Himalayan scale: gigantic.

Summits are over 6000 metres, the rivers are incredible and powerful, glaciers impressive, and the approaches take several days of walking.

The green Himalayas also differ from the Alps with regard to facilities and infrastructure. The road network and housing facilities are fairly well developed compared to other Himalayan regions, but it is difficult, even impossible, to trek without a guide and other local assistants. Hiking maps do not exist, trails are poorly maintained, there is virtually no shelter, and no aerial lifts in case of emergency.
But this is probably what gives the region an extra bonus: when you’re in nature, it is the true nature!

The green Himalayas are therefore an ideal region for fans of trekking and hiking in nature amongst medium to high mountains.
But also for those who wish to get refreshed by the cool climate, the scenic views and the local culture and cuisine.
We also proposed mountain biking on some selected roads that are very suitable for this activity

The most interesting place for hiking is probably the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP). The park was inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2014. Despite its exceptional beauty, it is not well known. It is therefore a very different experience compared to over-frequented trekking routes in other Himalayan ranges. You enter a true Himalayan natural universe of outstanding beauty without being disturbed by any human artifacts.
Himalayan Ecotourism knows GHNP very well. Himalayan Ecotourism office is located right at the starting point of the trail in Gushaini leading to the sources of the Tirthan, one of three main rivers in the Park.

The green Himalayas are not only a trekking and hiking destination but also the cradle of Hindu Mythology, refuge for multiple communities in times of war, and passage between the Indian subcontinent and North Asia. Its cultural and ethnic richness is striking.

We can take to any famous destination of Himachal : Shimla, former summer capital of India at the time of English colonization, the valley of the gods with wooden carved temples, sacred hot water sources, and Dharamsala, the charming little town perched above the plains of the Punjab which hosts the Dalai Lama and the community of Tibetan refugees.