Winter Getaways in the Himalayas
As winter approaches, Maggie from One Himalaya shares her favourite seasonal adventures – from tracking snow leopards and exploring ancient monasteries to luxury escapes, wellness retreats and a few exciting new travel plans for 2026.
Hello everyone,
As we head into winter, I wanted to share some of our most magical winter journeys in the Himalaya – adventures that are just perfect for this time of year.
Snow Leopard Expeditions
One of my favourite winter adventures is our Snow Leopard Expedition in the Hemis National Park in Ladakh. This eight-day wilderness expedition in one of the most remote regions of Ladakh is a breathtaking experience – and a highlight for any wildlife lover in India.
The best time to travel is from November to the end of February. Along with the thrill of sightings, many have also been delighted to spot ibex, blue sheep, Tibetan wolves and Himalayan foxes in this incredible environment.
No winter is complete without a stay in a luxury eco-lodge after a day of adventure. With big bold sky beds and open fires, these perfectly blend Asia’s finest luxury hotels, adding a touch of indulgence to this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Winter Treks
There are two main trekking seasons in the Himalaya – spring (early April to June) and autumn (late September to November) – but winter trekking is gaining more and more popularity with adventurous travellers.
December and January offer beautiful, crisp, blue-sky mornings that are perfect for walking, especially at lower altitudes. January is the Nepal trekking team’s favourite time of year – average day temperatures in the hills hover around 25°C, the skies are blue and the air is clear.
My top pick for a winter trek? The Annapurna base camp in January – fewer crowds, amazing views and a lovely warmth in the sun. Nepal in winter is also a wonderful time to explore the mountains.
Luxury Escapes in India
If you’ve never visited India, winter is a wonderful time to start – especially in Rajasthan, known as the Land of Kings. With vibrant colours and fine fortresses, stunning landscapes and beautiful art, Rajasthan truly has it all.
Here you can stay in exquisite heritage palace hotels – many run by royal families who open their homes to visitors. Imagine relaxing at the Taj Mahal, Jaipur, or Udaipur’s famous lake palace as the sun sets.
Winter Sun
For those who love warmth and golden sands, Goa is perfect – think tropical beaches, palm-fringed shores, and relaxing Ayurvedic retreats.
For a pre-Christmas escape, a New Year recharge or a wellness week in January, Ayurvedic coastal escapes in Goa and Kerala are among our most popular options for this time of year.
Shopping with Soul
Wherever we go, we love to recommend ethical travel and thoughtful shopping.
As part of the Christmas sparkle, many of our luxury trips include boutique shopping in Jaipur, Nepal, Bhutan or Delhi’s craft markets. Here you’ll find handmade textiles, hand-painted homeware, and high-quality gifts.
We love working alongside fair-trade organisations who create hand-woven, embroidered work and hand-sketched scarves – all crafted by artisans who create behind every piece.
Introducing Latitude 55 Escapes
I’m thrilled to share some exciting news! Over the past year, we’ve had so many requests to help tailor-make trips beyond the Himalaya – finally we can.
This winter, we’re launching our new brand, Latitude 55 Escapes, which offers wonderful travel experiences across Europe.
Our new luxury escapes include some fabulous wellness and wine retreats, luxury spa breaks and small-group adventures – all with that same attention to detail and love for discovery that our One Himalaya journeys bring.
The British Travel Awards
Finally, a bright note on our year ahead: we’re thrilled to have been nominated for two British Travel Awards for 2025!
Your support each and every year means the world – thank you for being part of these incredible journeys we create!
See you next month,
Maggie
📍 One Himalaya
🌐 www.one-himalaya.com
📧 hello@one-himalaya.com
📞 +44 (0)28 2076 6975
