Himalayan Expeditions
A major interest among most mountaineers and trekkers around the world is the Himalayan expeditions. The Northern States of Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Jammu and Kashmir and West Bengal that are located in the foothills of the Himalayas offer a whole array of opportunities for trekking, rafting and mountaineering expedition.

The options for Himalayan expeditions in the Uttaranchal are Garhwal and Kumaon regions in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Kedarnath, Gangotri, Bhagirathi and Nanda Devi are the various well known trekking options.

The states of Sikkim and West Bengal in India offer mountaineering and trekking expeditions in Himalayas in the eastern part of India. One of the most commonly undertaken treks in eastern India is the one through high altitude areas across the Singalila range in Darjeeling. The trek commences at Maneybhanjang (2134 m), goes via Meghma (2900 m), Toughu (3070 m), Gairibas (2621 m), Sandakphu (3636 m), and Phalut (3600m). The fourth and last day comprises the return trek to Darjeeling which can be accessed along the same route or through Ramman, Rimbick and Bijanbari.

Another interesting high altitude trek is in the Kalimpong region from Relli, Pankhasari, and Neora to the highest peak in the areas, Rochella (3,400 m). From here you will be able to undertake a steady descent to Tangta, Jhalang along the foothills to Samsing. On the way down, the exotic varieties of Himalayan flora, bird, and wildlife will charm you.

Nepal caters a huge array of adventure sports and scope for Himalayan expeditions. Best visited during the months of September to December and March to April, the major treks here include Annapurna Region, Everest Region, Langtang & Helambu Trek, Kanchenjunga Trek, Dolpo Trek, Nepal Mustang Trek, Manaslu Trek, Makalu Trek, Rara Jumla Trek and Dhaulagiri Trek.

Bhutan offers a huge range of trekking options as part of Himalayan expeditions, including Laya Trek, Druk Path, Chomalhari Trek and Bumthang Cultural Trek.

The various Himalayan expeditions can be broadly classified as follows:

Everest Expedition
Mount Cho Oyu Ascent
Mount Pumori Expedition
Mount Taboche
Expedition to Manaslu
Island Peak (Imja Tse) Expedition
Mera Peak
Amu Laptsa Pass

Whichever peak you head towards for any of your Himalayan expeditions, you need to make sure about certain basic necessities like a pre journey medical examination, sufficient and relevant equipment for trekking, arrangement for insurance cover and wireless sets.