Ryder Walker’s hiking tours in Asia are based in the legendary Himalaya mountains. Our Himalayan hiking treks take you through culturally diverse and geographically stunning countries. We offer carefully crafted trip itineraries in Bhutan, India, and Nepal. Our Asia treks all have unique characteristics that set them apart from Ryder-Walker’s other tours. Moreover, each is one of our more physically demanding tours. The treks take place over two-week periods because the locations are so special and remote. They all mix our in-house guides with the services of talented local guides and porters. World-class base-camping and food are provided for our nights away from the major cities and villages.
Asia Hiking Tours
Bhutan
Bhutan is a Himalayan country bordered by Tibet, India, and China. The country’s national identity is centered around Buddhism. The first government was a Buddhist theocracy. Buddhism is still widely practiced in Bhutan. As a result, ornate Buddhist temples are scattered throughout the cliff sides and valleys of the Himalayan wilderness.
Thimpu, Linshi, and Laya Trek
Our Thimpu, Linshi, and Laya Trek explores the religious sites, secluded villages, and stunning mountain passes above the Paro Valley. The heart of this Bhutan trek is the imposing Chomolhari. The Chomolhari peak is sacred in Buddhist mythology as the home to the Tsheringma sisters. They are goddesses who are bound to protect the people of Bhutan. At the start of the trek, we will spend a day in Paro and begin to adjust to the altitude. Additionally, we will enjoy a tour of the world-famous Tiger’s Nest Temple. We will participate in a prayer ceremony to bless the exciting journey ahead. From Paro we head into the heart of the Himalaya visiting one-of-a-kind locations such as the remote village of Laya, home to the Layap people. interestingly, it is only accessible by foot through an ancient gateway.
India
Our Markha Valley trek is one of our hiking tours in Asia is set in the Ladakh region of India. It is considered the great frontier of the Himalaya. Ladakh is an incredibly mountainous region, above all known as the “land of the high passes.” India is a culturally and politically diverse country, although the Ladakh region is largely inhabited by people of Tibetan descent.
Markha Valley Trek
The Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang Trek begins with two acclimatization days in Kathmandu, where you will be able to visit the cities exotic markets, cultural sites, monasteries, and museums. On this journey, we will be hiking under the shadows of Annapurna giants, a collection of some of the highest peaks in the world, as well as along the edge of the world’s deepest valley. Highlights of this trip include hiking from the rugged mountains into Tangye, where we will see the terraced agriculture of the civilization far below, as well as a series of ancient cave paintings in Yara depicting a battle with the great demon of Mustang, and a day in the walled village of Lo Manthang, a location which is entirely isolated and still holds onto its medieval traditions and architecture.
Nepal
Ryder Walker’s Nepal trek takes place in the Mustang region of Nepal. Mustang for centuries has been an isolated monarchy, with the last king of Mustang recently passed away. Today the Mustang region is beginning to turn towards the modern world with the construction of a highway along what was once an ancient spice trade route. This construction is a first for the region and many are unsure of what changes this will bring to Mustang and its people. It is for that reason that today is the perfect time to visit this kingdom lost in time.
The Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang Trek
The Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang Trek begins with two acclimatization days in Kathmandu. Here we will visit the cities exotic markets, cultural sites, monasteries, and museums. On this journey we will be hiking under the shadows of Annapurna giants, a collection of some of the highest peaks in the world, as well as along the edge of the world’s deepest valley. Most noteworthy highlights include hiking from the rugged mountains into Tangye, where we will see the terraced agriculture of the civilization far below, as well as a series of ancient cave paintings in Yara depicting a battle with the great demon of Mustang. Additionally, we will spend a day in the walled village of Lo Manthang. The location is entirely isolated. This hiking tour in Asia still holds onto its medieval traditions and architecture.
Ryder Walker’s hiking tours in Asia are some of the greatest adventures you can embark on. The power of the Himalaya is impossible to overstate and witnessing the sheer majesty of their size and beauty should be on everyone’s bucket list. Whether in India, Bhutan, or Nepal, you will find that the locals are friendly and excited to share their traditions and stories. While all of these trips are challenging, taking place at high altitude (up to 15,000 feet), the experience of exploring the Himalaya is a truly meaningful one.
Bhutan: Thimpu, Linshi, and Laya
Have a truly authentic experience in the high alpine landscape of the Himalaya in Bhutan. Follow pristine valleys where forests of rhododendron support exotic animal species like snow leopards and Himalayan Blue Sheep.
India: Markha Valley
Explore the “last frontier of the Himalaya” in four majestic mountain ranges: the Great Himalaya, Zanskar, Ladakh, and the Karakoram. Enjoy impressive views of snow-capped mountains and the largest glaciers in the world outside of the polar region on this Asian hiking tour.
Nepal: The Forbidden Kingdom Of Mustang
The Kingdom of Mustang in Nepal will enchant you with its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning views of the Himalaya. Follow ancient trade routes through small herding villages to remote Buddhist monasteries and cave temples on this hiking tour in Asia.
