Himalayan walking tour: Shimla & Darjeeling

Planet

This walking journey is designed to experience the Himalayan landscapes of Shimla and Darjeeling on foot, with daily walks through mountain trails, forests, tea-growing areas and local communities.

Where practical, we use rail travel as part of the journey, including the historic Kalka-Shimla Railway and Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The itinerary also includes road transfers where required and an internal flight between the western and eastern Himalayan regions to connect the two walking areas.

Once in Shimla and Darjeeling, many of the planned activities can be undertaken on foot from the accommodation or trailhead, reducing the need for frequent local vehicle journeys.

We encourage guests to carry reusable water bottles, avoid unnecessary single-use plastics and take their waste with them when walking in the mountains. Travellers are also asked to follow local guidance and remain on appropriate trails in forest, tea-growing and other sensitive areas.

Where appropriate, we use locally operated accommodation, restaurants and other services in the destinations visited. Specific facilities and practices vary between properties, so details can be provided according to the accommodation selected for each itinerary.

The Himalayan environment is sensitive to litter, erosion and disturbance. We therefore encourage travellers to respect local communities, wildlife, vegetation and natural areas throughout the walking journey.

People

The walking routes provide opportunities to experience local communities, tea-growing areas, traditional crafts and locally owned businesses in Himachal Pradesh and West Bengal.

Along the way, guests can visit local tea gardens, small agricultural communities and independent cafés and restaurants. Where practical, we encourage travellers to use locally owned businesses and purchase locally made products.

In Darjeeling, the itinerary can include visits to local craft markets and Tibetan refugee handicraft centres. In Shimla, travellers can discover Himachali handicrafts and locally produced goods.

We work with local guides, drivers and other service providers for the walking programmed and its supporting logistics. Where practical, we use locally based people and businesses who understand the region and its walking routes.

The itinerary can be adapted to the group's walking pace, with alternative transport or shorter walking options available where required. This allows travellers with different levels of walking experience to participate in the journey.