The Indian Himalaya
All our staff are old hands in the Himalayas with many years experience of living and instructing clients within the region. All our expeditions are led by fully qualified European staff, meeting you at Delhi airport in person and being present throughout to ensure you have an outstanding experience in the wildest of terrain. The photographic possibilities in the Himalaya are phenomenal and our staff have skills both with a camera and also in expedition management with a warmth of character to make your trip rewarding in both print and memory.
An extensive network of in country support also backs up Wolf Expeditions teams, usually locals of the specific region. They have a wealth of knowledge and provide services such as cooking, driving, pony herdsmen etc. Wolf Expeditions does not use any middle men in Delhi or London, enabling considerable finance go back into the local area, all of them working incredibly hard to provide you with a wonderful trip. Further finance is invested into environmental projects, removing litter left by other commercial companies, educating the locals in sustainable environmental care and promoting reform and modernisation within the country’s mountaineering community.
I have enormous passion for the North West Himalaya. It is the most contrasted and varied of environments, from the lush forested alpine terrain of Kullu to the barren and enchanting moon landscapes of remote Ladakh, interspersed with innumerous colourful and distinct cultures inhabiting the high desert plateaux and deep valleys. It is the world I love.
When in country we place our customers in the best hotels possible, while also making sure you are not insulated from the local community. This takes skill and practice to achieve, yet I am confident Wolf Expeditions will provide you maximum comfort without compromising genuine local experience.
Our food on trek is also of the very highest standard possible, with variation between local and continental dishes. Our cooks and local contacts will provide you with the opportunity to learn how to cook a variety of simple local dishes and experience local made beers and wines and often, lifetime friendships are made between locals and clients.
I am proud of Wolf Expeditions and passionately believe that what it offers is distinctly unique and of the highest quality of adventure. I hope this inspires and encourages you to see the deeper inspiration of the country itself. To find out more contact Adrian Macartney at info@wolfexpeditions.com
Due to the small and personal nature of Wolf Expeditions sometimes all our staff can be away in the European Alps or Himalaya, and because of this there can sometimes be a delayed response to enquiries, any inconvenience is sincerely regretted as all custom is really appreciated.
The costs for these expeditions depends very much on group size, fitness, time of year and the individual demands and aspirations of the group, please get in touch and let us know what you would like to do to receive a quote.
Treks we run include -
Dharamshala to Chamba Over the Indraha pass
‘Capital’ of the Tibetan people in exile, Dharamshala, or Mcleod Ganj, as the upper part is called, is a bustling town of colour, sound and religion, very unique in its identity. It is situated in the lower foothills of the Dhauladhar Himalayan range, nestled between mountains and flat plains. From here we ascend a ridge to the beautiful Indraha pass with fantastic views of the Dhauladhar and beyond, to the greater Himalaya range. Looking South the vast plains of the Punjab desert stretch out as far as one can see, disappearing into the haze of an Indian horizon. From this vantage point we descend into the little visited valleys and forests of the Chamba valley, passing through traditional wooden villages, following a small mountain hugging trail. This is the shortest and easiest of our treks, loaded with distinct cultures of the Tibetan and Gaddi hill tribes, backed by fantastic scenery, it is truly a superb expedition. 5 day trek.
Ladakh The Nobra and Shyok Valleys
Ladakh. Arguably the most beautiful landscape on earth. High altitude desert plains wedged between the Karakoram mountain range to the North and Stok Kangri range to the South, Ladakh has ‘Little Tibet’ as its well deserved title with a distinctly Buddhist culture and immensely friendly locals, many being refugee’s from Tibet. I cannot praise Ladakh enough; from the first moment it captivates the heart and imagination and inspires in a way that stays with you. It is the sheer space, barren emptiness and raw beauty that make this region so special. For this expedition we go to Leh, the region’s capital, either by Jeep or light aircraft, depending on choice and circumstance, before trekking over the Digar La pass into the remote Nobra and Shyok valleys within the Tibetan Inner Line. This needs permits to enter so has not seen the development and strain of tourism like other regions. In fact many villages we pass still lack any electricity, communications or road access and much is still unexplored by the Western world. Once in Nobra we will either raft the pretty Shyok river or 4 by 4 to Lake Tso Moriri, again depending on both choice and circumstance at the time, after which we shall return to Leh. Crossing over the exceptionally beautiful Lasermo La pass, with fantastic views of the Karakoram to the North.
This is an exciting and very remote expedition for which I have much enthusiasm. Although not the easiest of our treks it is still a moderately easy affair, needing only a basic level of fitness. We have short walking days due to an altitude varying from 3500m to 5500m. A highly recommended expedition which is very rarely done. 8 day trek.
Hampta Pass to the Baralarcha La Via Chander Tal Lake
Beginning in the lush green valley of Kullu we ascend over the Hampta pass, debatably the most beautiful of passes on any trek we run. From here with Lahaul and Zanskar awaiting with their snow capped summits, we descend to the beautiful Chander Tal lake, so often seen on postcards. Finally a long gentle climb up valley sees us upon the summit of the mighty Baralarcha La.
From the chaos of Delhi to the relaxed tranquility of the wonderful Banon Lodge in Manali, from busy, colourful markets to mountain shepherds and high peaks. This expedition offers a superb all round perspective of the Himalayas. 14 day trek.
Zanskar The Shingo La and Phirtse La trek
Situated South of Ladakh and North of Kullu and Lahaul, Zanskar encompasses the central Great Himalayan Range, possessing some of the highest and most beautiful mountains in the North West Himalayas.
This expedition follows a circular route around one particular massif. Crossing many high passes, vast plateaux and strong rivers. The trek will be an inspiration for any mountaineers with most of the spectacular peaks on show unclimbed 5-7000’ers. Combine this with an immense wealth of wildflower, animals, birds and geology and you have an appealing expedition for all. 14 day trek.
A phenomenal trek that we ran for the first time in 2007. Due to the monsoon and winter conditions the only time this fantastic trek can be run is in May or early June. The scenery was truly breathtaking and seemed to just keep getting better as the trek progressed. Halfway through trek we stopped at the tiny village of Bara Bhangal which is cut off in this huge massif and only has contact with the outside world for 3 months of each year. The village was a highly rewarding experience and was proceeded by the amazing Thampser pass complete with its high altitude frozen lakes and huge cliff faces. A physically demanding trek but so worth it! 14 day trek.
