Cultural Tour of India - Non Hiking Journey
“Thanks to Gordon and Yatish and the Alpine Ascents team for putting together an epic cultural and educational adventure through a fascinating slice of India. Can’t say enough about the curation, logistics and attention to detail…not to mention their combined deep knowledge of the region. We visited beautiful and hard-to-get-to cities and villages in Rajasthan and along the sacred Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh, stayed in great hotels, learned a ton, ate fabulous food and sipped plenty of chai. Great group and look forward to a return visit with Alpine Ascents!” 2022 traveler
It was truly a once in a lifetime trip, organized and led it with grace, and intelligence and humor.
One thing I do know is that I saw more than I can tell. Words aren’t adequate. 2022 traveler
From trekking to tribal village tours Alpine Ascents Director Gordon Janow has led small unique tours in India for 25 years. These labor of love journeys have spanned most of India, and Gord’s latest India tour is truly a reflection of his favorite places and what he feels is a true representation of India and it’s majestic history. With a couple of long drives, we can experience India at its most fantastical – desert castles, Buddhist caves and palace hotels narrated and thrust upon you in the personal styles of Gordon Janow and co-guide Yatish Bahuguna. Yatish’s encyclopedic knowledge of India is near uncanny, his depth of expertise coupled with his charm and warmth. Most tours are confined to states or places. This tour is about sharing Gordon’s most cherished places from India’s enormous palette.
See the day to day itinerary here.
From beginning to end it was a dream come true. Absolutely fantastic and far from your typical guided tour. The sights, sounds, people, food, and majestic landscape were truly an incredible experience. Well supported and well narrated by Gordon. Thank you Alpine Ascents !!

We are so pleased with the tour. You have opened a new world for us, a culture and place so beautiful, so complex, and so rich. As usual in traveling we come home with another perspective on which to view our own world. The trip was a wonderful overview. I cannot wait for the opportunity to return with you and to explore more profoundly the richness of the culture. Thank you for everything that you have done. Doug S.
Reading List
This is a highly recommended shortlist and we would be happy to pass on a longer reading list for those interested. These links will bounce to Amazon.com with reviews.
A River Sutra
by Gita Mehta
India: A History
by John Keay
The Last Mughal
by William Dalrymple
We got engaged on Kala Patthar and to have our team there with us during that experience is one that I will never forget!