Lower Himalayas – October – Jo Cresswell

Lower Himalayas – October

Walking the Lower Himalayas in October

With daily yoga options from teacher Louise Baker

October 2026 Walking and Yoga Trip

The October Walking and Yoga Trip offers a nourishing blend of walking, dynamic yoga, and cultural exploration. The walking is hilly though not steep, and can vary between walks of 1-4 hours depending on your fitness.  The yoga is suitable for all levels, including those who prefer slower or chair-based practices. Each day includes time for movement, breath, rest and peaceful connection with the mountains.

JO’S FAMILY STORY

We begin with a memorable journey on the Darjeeling Himalaya Railway. My grandfather served as its Engineer and General Manager, and meeting people whose families have worked on the railway brings a warm and personal insight into the region’s history. It is a beautiful way to begin the trip before travelling deeper into the mountains.

WHAT MAKES THIS TRIP SPECIAL

• Walks curated specially for the group
• Daily mat and chair yoga suited to all levels
• Breathwork, meditation and restorative sessions
• Beautiful village and mountain locations
• A balance of wellbeing, culture and nature
• A nurturing, inclusive group environment
• Fourteen days to fully immerse in a carefully curated journey

THE CURATION AND FEEL OF THIS JOURNEY

This trip is shaped by long-standing relationships within the community. It is not a rushed or crowded itinerary. Instead, the days move at a calm, steady pace, guided by Jo and Bhusan who know the region deeply. You stay in small, welcoming places and visit locations chosen for their beauty, tranquillity and sense of place. Many guests say the moments they remember most are the simple ones, such as a quiet walk through a forest, a peaceful yoga session overlooking the hills or a warm conversation shared in a village home. This thoughtful curation is what gives the October trip its special character.

Louise Baker, Yoga Teacher
Louise’s yoga brings people together in a joyful, grounded way to explore movement and connection between breath, body and mind. Her classes range from flowing, energising sequences to slow, nurturing sessions that restore balance and harmony.

Louise has completed 500 hours of Registered Teacher Training, with additional accreditation in Chair Yoga and Trauma Aware Yoga, and is completing Restorative Yoga Teacher Training. For 10 years she was an Aikido martial arts instructor, where her passion for energy, breath and movement first began.

Non-yoga partners are very welcome! We can give you guided walk alternatives.

THE JOURNEY

After time on the railway and in Kurseong, we travel through the forests and villages of Sikkim. Walks take us to monasteries, viewpoints and quiet natural spaces. Yoga sessions take place in peaceful village locations and mountain lodges, creating a meaningful blend of movement and landscape.

WHO THIS TRIP SUITS

• People seeking a wellbeing-focused holiday
• Individuals or couples
• Walkers who enjoy new vistas deep in nature
• Those who enjoy yoga, nature and adventure
• Anyone wanting a calm and restorative experience

PRICE AND DETAILS

• $5,000 per person sharing
• Optional single room supplement available
• Includes accommodation, guiding, yoga sessions, transfers, railway tickets, breakfasts and most meals
• Small group size for a relaxed, personal experience


Now taking bookings, secure early to avoid disappointment.

A variety of Himalayan journeys run each year in both autumn and spring. If you’d like to hear about future trips, join the mailing list here.

YOUR GUIDES

Jo Cresswell
I’ve been leading walking, skiing and cycling tours since the 1980s across Europe and Australia, and am delighted to now offer these Himalayan journeys. I’m a musician on concertina and piano, a meditator and yogi, a qualified cross-country ski instructor, and have spent many years managing folk festivals and concert tours.

Bhusan Chettri
Bhusan has over 25 years of experience as a high-altitude trekking and tour guide throughout Nepal, Northern India and Sikkim. He brings vast knowledge, calm leadership, and a wonderful sense of humour to our trips.

(And yes, he’s funny, intelligent, and a total pain in the arse, but we wouldn’t have it any other way!)

For details, itineraries and registration:
Visit www.jocresswell.com
Email: jo@jocresswell.com
Phone: 0420 769 449

Feel free to get in touch, I’m always happy to answer questions or talk you through the details.

Join us in the Himalayas, for music, friendship, walking, and the beauty of the mountains.

Visit www.jocresswell.com
Email: jo@jocresswell.com
Phone: 0420 769 449