Kathmandu Valley

Where India climbs towards the roof of the world, the journeys turn extraordinary. So Ladakh’s lunar valleys hide whitewashed monasteries, while Kumaon’s foothills offer village-to-village walks beneath the snows. Colonial Shimla and the lakes of Kashmir add Raj-era romance. The luxury here is remoteness with comfort waiting each night. Every one of our tailor-made holidays is private and built around you. As a result, the western Himalaya delivers India’s grandest adventures.

Why Travel the Western Himalaya

The mountains answer a different call. So crowds vanish, air sharpens and each day earns its views. Meanwhile, exclusive village houses and luxury camps remove the hardships. Summer here is high season, the reverse of the plains. As a result, the Himalaya completes the Indian map beautifully.

Ladakh: Little Tibet

High beyond the monsoon, Ladakh feels like another planet. So monastery days climb to Thiksey and Hemis as horns sound over the Indus. The high passes of Ladakh open onto turquoise lakes and prayer-flagged ridgelines. Village walks, rafting and cycling vary the pace. You stay at the luxurious Chamba Camp Thiksey or with Shakti Ladakh’s village houses.

Kumaon: The Gentle Foothills

East of Delhi, the Kumaon hills roll towards Nepal. So the Shakti village walks wander terraced farms between exclusive village houses. The trails of Kumaon see almost no other travellers. At journey’s end waits the legendary 360 Leti, four glass-and-stone lodges beneath the snow peaks, with days at Leti entirely yours. Our Remote and Heavenly Himalayas journey strings it all together.

Shimla and the Raj Hills

The British built their summer capital at Shimla, and its theatre survives. So a colonial walking tour strolls the Mall past Gothic spires and the Viceregal Lodge. The cedar ridges of Shimla still ring with monkey chatter and church bells. You stay grandly at the Wildflower Hall, high in its own forest. As a result, the Raj-era hills add period charm to the mountains.

Kashmir: Lakes and Houseboats

Srinagar remains the Himalaya’s most romantic address. So a private shikara cruise on Dal Lake drifts past floating gardens and carved houseboats. The saffron fields and Mughal gardens of Srinagar frame the water. Autumn turns the chinar trees to fire. As a result, Kashmir rewards those who time it well, and we advise candidly on when that is.

Foothill Hideaways

Gentler escapes dot the lower hills. So colonial-era estates around Binsar and Mukteshwar trade in birdsong, orchards and long views. Riverside Chambal Safari Lodge adds gharial-spotting en route from Agra to the hills. Meanwhile, our Shakti Ladakh journey shows how far comfort now reaches at altitude. As a result, the mountains suit every appetite for adventure.

When to Travel

The seasons here run opposite to the plains. So Ladakh opens from June to September, when the passes clear. Kumaon and Shimla shine in spring and autumn, while Kashmir peaks from April to October. So we tailor the route to the calendar. Either way, we advise on the ideal window for your dates.

Plan Your Trip

The mountains pair beautifully with Delhi and the Taj, or follow a winter circuit of Rajasthan in summer. So the Himalaya extends India’s season year-round. When you are ready, simply get in touch with our specialists. We will then craft a private itinerary around your interests. As ever, every detail is arranged for you.

A Spiritual Mountain World

Faith shapes every valley here. So Ladakh’s gompas echo with dawn prayers while juniper smoke drifts over the rooftops. Kumaon’s ridge-top temples, like ancient Jageshwar in its deodar grove, mark pilgrimage routes older than memory. Meanwhile, prayer flags carry intentions from every pass. As a result, the mountains feed the spirit as much as the eyes.

Travelling with Millis Potter

Everything we arrange in the high country is private and hand-built. So permits, acclimatisation and the right season are all handled before you fly. We know the camps, the village houses and the passes personally. Meanwhile, our partners on the ground are on call throughout. As a result, the wildest journeys feel reassuringly looked after.

Mountains That Stay With You

In the end, the Himalaya claims a permanent place in the memory. So the silence at Leti and the horns of Thiksey return for years afterwards. Many travellers call these their greatest journeys anywhere. Meanwhile, the ranges hold valleys for every future visit. As a result, one trip is never enough.

Summer’s Great Escape

When the plains swelter, the mountains come into their own. So June to September belongs to Ladakh’s festivals and Kumaon’s clear mornings. The Hemis festival fills Thiksey’s neighbour with masked dance each summer. Meanwhile, the air stays crisp while Delhi bakes. As a result, the Himalaya makes India a year-round destination.

Comfort at Altitude

Luxury has quietly conquered the heights. So tented suites at Thiksey come with butlers and hot showers at 3,500 metres. The village houses serve dinners worthy of the views. Meanwhile, picnic hampers appear on every trail. As a result, adventure here never means roughing it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is altitude a problem in Ladakh?

Leh sits at 3,500 metres, so we build in gentle acclimatisation days. Most travellers adjust comfortably with our pacing.

How fit must I be for the walks?

The village walks are gentle to moderate, at your own pace. So reasonable fitness is plenty. Tougher treks exist for those who want them.

Can it be tailored?

Entirely. Every itinerary is private and shaped around you. Simply share your dates and interests, and we will craft the rest.

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Kathmandu Valley Itineraries

This is just a selection of suggested itineraries that are there to help you with your ideas and to start the conversation with us about planning your tailor-made holiday. All our holidays are private for you and your party, and can depart on any day you like. We can adapt and change any element of these journeys, or design an itinerary from scratch around your travelling plans.

Cleansing Body and Soul in Nepal

Kathmandu - Annapurna Trek - Dhulikhel  

There are fewer better destinations than Nepal for cleansing both body and soul; and we promise you will return back glowing! Combine three nights in Kathmandu, a four-day trek and then a five-night spa break at Dwarika's Dhulikhel.

14 days from £3830 p. p.

Honeymoon to Nepal and Oman

Kathmandu - Pokhara - Dhulikhel - Muscat  

Nepal and Oman is a perfect honeymoon combination, blending an colourful dash of culture, adventure and beach. Head in the mountains of Nepal before kicking back on the beaches of the Arabian Sea.

14 days from £2700 p. p.

Nepal Overland

Kathmandu - Nuwakot - Bandipur - Annapurna Trek - Pokhara - Chitwan - Kurintar - Dhulikhel  

A journey by road allows you see so much more than flying from place to place. You will pass through remote villages and towns, seeing the way of life far away from the main tourist routes.

16 days from £2795 p. p.

Luxury Tour of Nepal and Bhutan

Kathmandu - Annapurna Trek - Punakha - Paro - Dhulikhel  

Snow-capped mountains, Buddhist Monasteries, trekking and historic cities await you on a luxury private tour of Nepal and Bhutan, a perfect combination that makes the most of your time in the mountains.

14 days from £4500 p. p.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Style

Kathmandu - Annapurna Base Camp Trek - Pokhara - Kathmandu  

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the best treks you can do in the Nepal. We use private porters, guides and superb lodges to ensure you have the best experience possible.

14 days from £2395 p. p.

Luxury Helicopter Tour of Nepal

Kathmandu - Everest - Mustang - Annapurna - Langtang - Dhulikhel  

If you are looking for the ultimate luxury adventure to Nepal, then it has to include helicopters! Delve into remote corners of the Himalayas that take weeks to reach on foot.

10 days from £Price on Request p. p.

High & Wild: A Family Adventure to Nepal

Kathmandu - Bandipur - Annapurna Trek - Pokhara - Seti River Rafting - Chitwan - Dhulikhel  

Nepal is quite simply one of the world’s best adventure playgrounds, one that makes for the ultimate family holiday combining so many amazing experiences that your children will love.

13 days from £3300 p. p.

Nepal’s Golden Triangle

Kathmandu - Pokhara - Chitwan National Park - Dhulikhel  

This classic itinerary combines Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan National Park, taking your time to sit back and enjoy the views, without needing to head off trekking in the mountains.

13 days from £3500 p. p.

Nepal Trekking Holiday

Kathmandu - Annapurna Trek - Pokhara - Dhulikhel  

This is the ultimate Nepal Trekking Holiday. The mountain scenery of Nepal is impossibly spectacular, combine Kathmandu with a five day trek in the Annapurna Range and some R&R in Pokhara.

11 days from £3000 p. p.

Kathmandu Valley Accommodation

This is just an overview of the hotels and lodges we feature, from characterful boutique lodges to luxury hotels. We do have a range of other hotels that we use, so if you don't see from our portfolio what you are looking for, we almost certainly know about it and can help plan an itinerary using it.
Hyatt Regency, Kathmandu, Nepal - Millis Potter Travel

Hyatt Regency Kathmandu

$ $ $ $ $ Kathmandu Valley  

The Hyatt Regency is a luxury hotel close to Nepal’s main international airport in Kathmandu. With 280 rooms, it offers a host of excellent facilities and rooms.

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Infinity Pool, Dwarika's Dhulikhel, Kathmandu, Nepal

Dwarika’s Dhulikhel

$ $ $ $ $ Kathmandu Valley  

Dwarika’s Dhulikhel is a luxury resort located on the top of the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal offering superb views, about an hour’s drive from the city.

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Traditional Homes Swotha

$ $ $ $ $ Kathmandu Valley  

Traditional Homes Swotha is a historic boutique hotel in the heart of Patan in Kathmandu, Nepal offering just eight delightful rooms.

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Inn at Patan, Kathmandu, Nepal - Millis Potter

The Inn at Patan

$ $ $ $ $ Kathmandu Valley  

The Inn at Patan is traditional former Newari town-house located close to Patan Durbar Square in Kathmandu, Nepal and is now a delightful boutique hotel.

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Dwarika's

Dwarika’s

$ $ $ $ $ Kathmandu Valley  

Dwarika’s is a delightful luxury hotel and is the most luxurious option in Kathmandu, beautifully echoing Nepal’s architectural heritage and local craftsmanship.

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Kathmandu Valley Experiences

This is a selection of experiences that allow you to see the destination in new and interesting ways. Almost all our experiences include a private guide, and can be then tailored to your particular interests. Indeed, many of the experiences we offer are created individually for our guests, so this list is by no means conclusive. In fact, we leave a couple of our best ideas up our sleeves for when you enquire with us.