Sikkim Day Walks

Sikkim Day Walks

There are a number of very beautiful day walks in Sikkim which are worth doing especially in the clear autumn and winter season when the Himalayas are visible in all their glory. Rabongla (2100 m) to Mainom Top (3200 m) The town of Rabongla is situated on the road to Pemayangste about a three hour drive from Gangtok. The three kilometre steep climb from the town brings the trekker to the hill top of Mainom, which towers above the town. The picturesque walk is thorough the Mainom Wildlife sanctuary;…
Kathmandu Valley Day Walks

Kathmandu Valley Day Walks

There are some good options from Kathmandu for day hikes around the rim of the Kathmandu valley with great views of the Himalayas to the north.  Nagarkot to Changu Narayan Nagarkot, 2125 metres,  is situated 32 km on a ridge above Kathmandu with  fascinating views of the high Himalaya. The long chain of peaks extends from the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges in the west to Everest in the far east. If you have only one day to spare you should leave your hotel in Kathmandu in the early morning say…
Pokhara Valley Day Walks

Pokhara Valley Day Walks

There are some very scenic day walks in and around the Pokhara valley in western Nepal.   Pokhara to Sarangkot Though it is possible to reach Sarangkot by road in forty minutes, a more rewarding day hike is to walk from the end of Pokhara lake upto Sarangkot in about 2.5 to 3 hours. Walk along Lakeside to the end of the lake and then enquire for the small path to Sarangkot. It is possible that the path is overgrown as many dont use it nowadays. Once you are on the path keeping climbing steadily…
Bhutan Day Walks

Bhutan Day Walks

For those of you who are not on a trekking tour to Bhutan these day walks are ideal to combine with visits to monasteries and other cultural centres. Tigers Nest Paro 3120 metres The walk from  the roadhead to the monastery of Tigers Nest perched high on a steep cliff is one of the most rewarding experiences in Bhutan. Even though there are ponies which take you up to the plateau below the monastery, it is far nicer to walk. The trail starts up from the roadhead 20 minutes from Paro town and climbs…
Ladakh Day Walks

Ladakh Day Walks

There are some short half day and full day hikes in and around Leh which are rewarding in themselves and also useful for acclimatisation if you are going on a longer trek. Leh Town to Leh Palace and Monastery This is a good half day acclimatisation walk which takes you up through the main market to the Leh Palace above and then following another walking track to the monastery on the hill top which is visible from Leh. You can descend the same way or take the steep short cut down which brings you…