Himalaya » Central Himalaya

The Garwhal and Kumaon Himalaya soar majestically above the Indian plains north­east of New Delhi and west of the Nepal border. Heavy monsoon rains have sculpted a rugged landscape of deep, lush gorges and craggy summits. The Garwhal is also the source of the sacred Ganges and Yamuna rivers and this mountain region contains hundreds of Hindu shrines visited annually by thousands of pilgrims who travel along holy yatra (pilgrim) trails through some of the best mountain scenery in the entire Himalayan chain. Trekking support is best arranged from New Delhi, although there are local outfitters based in Mussourie and Dehra Dun.

Kumaon is far less well-known to for­eign trekkers than the Garwhal, primarily because, until recently, much of it was re­stricted to foreigners. A trek to the foot of the Milam glacier (4300m) is highly rec­ommended. This 12-day up-and-back route follows the deep gorge of the Gori river, flanked by high peaks on either side. Local out fitters in Almora can provide sup­port for this trip, as can the larger trekking companies in New Delhi.