Liberate yourself in the outdoor world as you rediscover its healing powers, the mysteries of Creation and the unbridled splendour of the beauty and bounty of one’s natural heritage. Plumb the depths of derring-do as encounters with adventure sports buffs recapture those nerve-tingling, adrenalin pumping experiences from river rafting to mountain climbing, sometimes take on a spiritual reawakening turn.
INDIA
Rann Utsav: You are going to be blown away by the cultural explorations in the unique moonscape expanses of the white desert or salt pans of the Rann of Kutch. From moonlight walks to horse riding, camel rides to, bird watching, paramotoring and— dance and music performances and gorging on traditional food and shopping for ethnic crafts —you have it all…
Where: Great Rann of Kutch salt desert, Dhordo, Gujarat |
When: 11th November, 2024 - 15th March, 2025
Hemis Festival: Sync into the charms of this truly soul-stirring experience celebrating Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, with a rich pageantry of masked dances, music and song— and the unveiling of the world’s largest thangka.
Where: Leh, Ladakh | When: July 2025
NEPAL
Trekking & Adventure Events in Annapurna Circuit: Get your highs from an adrenaline-pumping celebration of trekking of the highest order spotlighted by special events and community festivals in the surreal Annapurna region.
Where: Annapurna region |
When: All year round
Mustang Trail Race: A rare opportunity for adventure enthusiasts to follow this fantastic high-altitude trail, spread over 8 stages through the culturally enriching Tibetan, trans-Himalayan region of Nepal.
Where: Mustang Trail |
When: 29 March-10 April 2025
BHUTAN
Jomolhari Mountain Festival: This is an amazing showcase of Bhutan’s stunning landscapes and wildlife with the limelight shining on trekking, cultural performances, and local handicrafts of the Jomolhari region.
Where: Jangkothang |
When: 14th and 15th October, 2025
Royal Highland Festival: Another unique festival, spearheaded by the Bhutanese king it offers a wonderful opportunity for visitors to enjoy the astonishing cultural splendours of Bhutan’s highlands. Visitors get to witness exceptional performances by the highlanders demonstrating their unique identity from the rest of Bhutan.
Where: Laya, Gasa District |
When: 23rd and 24th October, 2025
Black-Necked Crane Festival: Visitors get to witness the beautiful celebrations of the much venerated black-necked cranes who migrate in winter to Gangtey Valley from the Tibetan plateau. The festival coincides with the birth anniversary of the present-day Bhutanese king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck.
Where: Phobjikha Valley |
When: 11th November, 2025
Rhododendron Festival: The festivities serve as a beautiful showcase of Bhutanese music and dance, arts and craft and culinary expositions; the guided walk in the gardens to see the rhododendrons in bloom is an amazing part of the festivities.
Where: Lamperi Botanical Garden, Dochula, Thimphu |
When: 22nd to the 24th April, 2025
Tour of the Dragon: For bike racing buffs this is a fabulous opportunity to witness Bhutan’s legendary bike racing ultra-marathon. The adventure driven race covers a length of 255 km with serious challenges along the route as it passes it through four high passes in the country.
Where: Bumthang to Thimphu Trail |
When: 6th September, 2025
The Snowman Run: Following the trail of the month-long snowman trek the Gruesome Snowman Run is Bhutan’s most challenging sporting feat— and ultra-marathon which also raises awareness about the effects of climate change.
Where: Laya-Gasa-Chamkhar Town (Bumthang) Trail |
When: October 2025
The Bhutan International Marathon: Embedded in Bhutan’s sports calendar for over 10 years now it draws marathon buffs along a 42km route which passes through breathtaking landscapes and stunning Himalayan vistas. If you can’t do the full course join in for the 21-km stretch which is the second half of the run.
Where: Gasa Dzong-Punakha Dzong Trail |
When: 1st March, 2025
SRI LANKA
Sinharaja Rainforest Trekking Festival: Trekking enthusiasts and nature lovers gather in great numbers to celebrate one of the world’s most beautiful and pristine rainforests for trekking/walking experiences of the highest order in Sri Lanka’s UNESCO-acclaimed Sinharaja Rainforest. Join the revellers as they plunge into the joyful offerings of this festive eco-tourism jamboree.
Where: Sinharaja Rainforest |
When: July 2025
Minneriya National Park Elephant Gathering: Come marvel at the spontaneous gathering of thousands of elephants each year in the stunning environs of Minneriya Lake. For decades on end this unique natural phenomenon has intrigued wildlife buffs and provided fabulous opportunities for photographers from around the world.
Where: Minneriya Lake |
When: August 2025