Route notes: seasons & permits.
How to reach each region, when to go and what paperwork you'll need — the practical side of planning a Himalayan journey.
Ways into the mountains
How you arrive shapes how you acclimatise. We'll recommend the right route for your journey and season.
Leh, Ladakh
Year-round flights from Delhi and other Indian cities. You land at 3,500 m, so the first two days are always for rest.
Manali to Leh
A spectacular two-day drive over several high passes with a night on the way — long hours, but natural acclimatisation.
Srinagar to Leh via Kargil
The gentler climb over Zoji La, and the natural gateway to the Suru valley and Zanskar.
Shimla to Spiti via Kinnaur
The lower, all-season approach along the Sutlej — ideal for winter Spiti and a gradual climb.
Manali to Spiti via Kunzum La
The shorter summer road through the Atal Tunnel and over Kunzum La. Best used as the way out rather than in.
Paro, Bhutan
Fly into Paro, or cross by road at Phuentsholing. Your Bhutanese guide meets you at the airport or border.
Acclimatise the easy way
Four simple rules we build into every itinerary.
Arrive and rest
Spend your first day doing almost nothing. Drink water, stay warm and avoid alcohol.
Go gently
Short, slow walks on day two. Altitude rewards patience, not fitness.
Sleep low, climb high
Cross high passes by day and sleep lower on the other side.
Know the signs
Headache, nausea or breathlessness at rest mean stop, tell your guide and never go higher.
When to go where
A month-by-month guide. Conditions vary every year, so we confirm before each trip.
| Region | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ladakh | J: Possible, with limits | F: Possible, with limits | M: Possible, with limits | A: Possible, with limits | M: Best | J: Best | J: Best | A: Best | S: Best | O: Best | N: Possible, with limits | D: Possible, with limits |
| Zanskar | J: Possible, with limits | F: Possible, with limits | M: Closed or not recommended | A: Closed or not recommended | M: Closed or not recommended | J: Possible, with limits | J: Best | A: Best | S: Best | O: Possible, with limits | N: Closed or not recommended | D: Closed or not recommended |
| Spiti | J: Possible, with limits | F: Possible, with limits | M: Possible, with limits | A: Possible, with limits | M: Possible, with limits | J: Best | J: Best | A: Best | S: Best | O: Best | N: Possible, with limits | D: Possible, with limits |
| Himachal (Kangra, Kinnaur) | J: Possible, with limits | F: Possible, with limits | M: Best | A: Best | M: Best | J: Best | J: Possible, with limits | A: Possible, with limits | S: Best | O: Best | N: Best | D: Best |
| Bhutan | J: Best | F: Best | M: Best | A: Best | M: Best | J: Possible, with limits | J: Possible, with limits | A: Possible, with limits | S: Best | O: Best | N: Best | D: Best |
Paperwork, simplified
We arrange every permit you need once we have a copy of your ID. Rules change — we always check the current position.
| Region | Indian citizens | Foreign nationals |
|---|---|---|
| Ladakh | Protected-area permit for Nubra, Pangong, Tso Moriri, Hanle and other border areas, issued online | Protected-area permit through a registered operator; some extra restrictions near the border |
| Zanskar | Usually none for the main valley; the Chadar trek has its own fees and checks | Usually none for the main valley; the Chadar trek has its own fees and checks |
| Spiti & Kinnaur | Not required | Inner-line permit for the border stretch around Nako and Sumdo |
| Bhutan | Passport or voter ID; permit issued through your operator | Visa arranged in advance through a licensed operator |
What to bring
We send a detailed list after booking. These are the essentials.
Summer · June – September
- Layers: thermals, fleece and a light down jacket
- Sun hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Reusable water bottle
- Scarf or buff against dust
Winter · December – March
- Down jacket rated for –20 °C or colder
- Insulated, waterproof boots and warm socks
- Hat, neck gaiter, liner gloves and mittens
- Thermal base layers for day and night
- Insulated flask and lip balm
Always
- Original photo ID or passport, plus copies
- Personal medicines and a small first-aid kit
- Travel insurance covering high altitude
- Cash — ATMs are scarce outside towns
- A head torch and a power bank
Have a route in mind?
Tell us how and when you'd like to travel, and we'll plan the gateways, acclimatisation and permits around you.