Taylor Treks
September 2026

India

“India, Always”

Mumbai, Srinagar, Gulmarg, Amritsar, Dharamsala/McLeod Ganj, Mumbai. September 7-22

— Matt
Heading over to the houseboat on Lake Nigeen
This was where we docked on the houseboat side of Lake Nigeen
Majid arriving at the houseboat
Majid arriving at the houseboat
Crossing the Nigeen Lake early in the morning
Crossing the Nigeen Lake early in the morning
Inside of the houseboat on lake Nigeen in Srinagar
Inside of the houseboat on lake Nigeen in Srinagar
The beauty of Lake Nigeen and this setting was amazing
This was at the park/garden called Badam Waari. There were so many school children here
At the Jamia Masjid mosque in Srinagar Kashmir
This was a garden at a place called Badam Waari
This was a garden at a place called Badam Waari
This was a garden at a place called Badam Waari. It was very interesting and quite pretty.
This was a garden at a place called Badam Waari. It was very interesting and quite pretty.
This picture of a flower has a giant bumblebee on it. It was a very unique and exotic-looking bee, and that's why I took the picture. Badam Waari is the location
This picture of a flower has a giant bumblebee on it. It was a very unique and exotic-looking bee, and that's why I took the picture. Badam Waari is the location
This was Majid's son who was taking me across the lake. He used a small motor, but Majid only rowed. Lake Nigeen
This was Majid's son who was taking me across the lake. He used a small motor, but Majid only rowed. Lake Nigeen
In Srinagar on Lake Nigeen. This is looking north from my houseboat.
In Srinagar on Lake Nigeen. This is looking north from my houseboat.
This was during my time in Srinagar. My view looking south from my houseboat on lake Nigeen. This was such a beautiful place and so peaceful.
This was during my time in Srinagar. My view looking south from my houseboat on lake Nigeen. This was such a beautiful place and so peaceful.
This was in Srinagar on Lake Nigeen. This is where I would get picked up each morning from my houseboat and taken across the lake to the Ghats, where my driver would be waiting. The man in the flannel-looking outfit's name was Majid, and he was very kind and paid close attention to me and my safety.
This was in Srinagar on Lake Nigeen. This is where I would get picked up each morning from my houseboat and taken across the lake to the Ghats, where my driver would be waiting. The man in the flannel-looking outfit's name was Majid, and he was very kind and paid close attention to me and my safety.
On my way to Gulmarg
On my way to Gulmarg
On my way to Gulmarg
On my way to Gulmarg
This was outside the Army Museum, where they paid tribute to the ski troopers.
This was outside the Army Museum, where they paid tribute to the ski troopers.
Strawberry Valley in Gulmarg
Strawberry Valley in Gulmarg
This was the really nice resort where I ate dinner, called the Kyber Himalayan Resort & Spa. It was very good food in a very nice place.
Looking up at the ski resort
This was a ski patrolman from the Gulmarg ski resort named Kazzibilla. We talked about skiing and just generally about the ski resort when I was there.
This was a ski patrolman from the Gulmarg ski resort named Kazzibilla. We talked about skiing and just generally about the ski resort when I was there.
Coming down the lift from the ski resort
This was the hotel where I stayed in Gulmarg, called the Hotel Heevan Retreat. Really nice place
This was a Hindu temple in Gulmarg dedicated to Shiva and his family.
This was my hotel lobby in Amritsar. It was called Stay Shaandaar and it was very nice
This was my hotel lobby in Amritsar. It was called Stay Shaandaar and it was very nice
This was early morning as I was leaving the Nadis Hotel in Srinagar on my way to the airport and then flying into Amritsar.
This was early morning as I was leaving the Nadis Hotel in Srinagar on my way to the airport and then flying into Amritsar.
The streets of Amritsar
This is the walkway where you walk back to the Jallianwala Bagh. You can really feel a spirit as you enter into this holy area. I have visited this site every time I've ever been to Amritsar, and it touches me deeply every time.
This is the walkway where you walk back to the Jallianwala Bagh. You can really feel a spirit as you enter into this holy area. I have visited this site every time I've ever been to Amritsar, and it touches me deeply every time.
This is the area where you wash your hands. Then you go through a foot bath before you can enter the Golden Temple area.
This is the area where you wash your hands. Then you go through a foot bath before you can enter the Golden Temple area.
Golden Temple
Golden Temple
The Sikh religion, in my opinion, is a beautiful and holy religion.
The Sikh religion, in my opinion, is a beautiful and holy religion.
Waiting in line to go into the Golden Temple
Waiting in line to go into the Golden Temple
Waiting in line to go through the Golden Temple
Waiting in line to go through the Golden Temple
Golden Temple
Golden Temple
At the Golden Temple at 6:15 pm
Golden Temple
Golden Temple
India, photo 26
Taken at the Golden Temple
Taken at the Golden Temple
This is what they give you at the Golden Temple when you drop your shoes off. It helps them find your shoes when you come back to claim them.
This is what they give you at the Golden Temple when you drop your shoes off. It helps them find your shoes when you come back to claim them.
Durgiana Temple in Amritsar
Durgiana Temple in Amritsar
Durgiana Temple in Amritsar
Durgiana Temple in Amritsar
Durgiana Temple in Amritsar. Ringing the bell
Durgiana Temple in Amritsar. Ringing the bell
Durgiana Temple in Amritsar
Durgiana Temple in Amritsar
Durgiana Temple in Amritsar
Durgiana Temple in Amritsar
Durgiana Temple in Amritsar
Durgiana Temple in Amritsar
Durgiana Temple in Amritsar
Durgiana Temple in Amritsar
Durgiana Temple in Amritsar. It's a Hindu temple, as opposed to the Sikh Golden Temple that's more well known.
Durgiana Temple in Amritsar. It's a Hindu temple, as opposed to the Sikh Golden Temple that's more well known.
At the Durgiana Temple in Amritsar. It's a Hindu temple designed and styled to look like the Golden Temple.
At the Durgiana Temple in Amritsar. It's a Hindu temple designed and styled to look like the Golden Temple.
Khalsa College. I wanted to visit this college because it's quite well known. This exterior shot has been used in at least two movies that I've seen. One of our favorite movies is called Rob Ne Bana Di Jodi, and it was featured in that movie.
Khalsa College. I wanted to visit this college because it's quite well known. This exterior shot has been used in at least two movies that I've seen. One of our favorite movies is called Rob Ne Bana Di Jodi, and it was featured in that movie.
India, photo 39
Mamta Mahendru the English Professor who showed me around at Khalsa College. Such an incredibly kind person. She took time away from her work to show me around. I'll always remember this visit.
Mamta Mahendru the English Professor who showed me around at Khalsa College. Such an incredibly kind person. She took time away from her work to show me around. I'll always remember this visit.
Khalsa College
Khalsa College
Khalsa College
Khalsa College
Khalsa College
Khalsa College
Khalsa College
Khalsa College
Super crowded road
Super crowded road
The streets of Amritsar are very crowded!
Young boy carrying tea
Young boy carrying tea
Amritsar. This is one of my favorite photos
Amritsar. This is one of my favorite photos
Amritsar
Amritsar
Amritsar
Amritsar
Khalsa College! What a beautiful place to study!
This is a nighttime photo of Khalsa College. This photo was supplied to me by Mamta Mahendru who was an English professor at the college. She took her time and spent about an hour and a half with me, showing me around.
This is a nighttime photo of Khalsa College. This photo was supplied to me by Mamta Mahendru who was an English professor at the college. She took her time and spent about an hour and a half with me, showing me around.
I wish I knew what all these said, but that is amazing.
I wish I knew what all these said, but that is amazing.
This was outside the walkway going back to the Jallianwala Bagh. Hundreds, if not thousands, of people were shot there in 1919, and it's become a very holy and sacred place. The entrance is that alley straight back and to the right.
This was outside the walkway going back to the Jallianwala Bagh. Hundreds, if not thousands, of people were shot there in 1919, and it's become a very holy and sacred place. The entrance is that alley straight back and to the right.
This was on an upper floor at the Langar area of the Golden Temple. This was in the food preparation area, which I think is the largest free kitchen in the world.
This was on an upper floor at the Langar area of the Golden Temple. This was in the food preparation area, which I think is the largest free kitchen in the world.
The Golden Temple.
The Golden Temple.
This man was sleeping in his shop, and I thought it was a cool picture.
This man was sleeping in his shop, and I thought it was a cool picture.
An older gentleman with one of his grandchildren. He was very proud.
An older gentleman with one of his grandchildren. He was very proud.
Women walking towards the Golden Temple
Women walking towards the Golden Temple
I just thought this was amazing, and I'm glad I got a picture of it.
I just thought this was amazing, and I'm glad I got a picture of it.
I think those were air filters that were attached to the wall from cars.
I think those were air filters that were attached to the wall from cars.
This was after I left the Partition Museum in the town hall. This was while walking back towards the Golden Temple.
This was after I left the Partition Museum in the town hall. This was while walking back towards the Golden Temple.
These were the exact spots where we would each stand to greet people as they came up the ramp. My goal was to give everyone a smile as well as their plate.
These were the exact spots where we would each stand to greet people as they came up the ramp. My goal was to give everyone a smile as well as their plate.
I really wish I could remember his name. What a great guy he was.
I really wish I could remember his name. What a great guy he was.
This is the walkway that people would come up to receive their plate and then move forward to the Langer Hall for food. Such a special experience for me, and I'll never forget it.
This is the walkway that people would come up to receive their plate and then move forward to the Langer Hall for food. Such a special experience for me, and I'll never forget it.
Tea time
Tea time
Again, this shows where the two men would stand to hand trays out: the man on the far side in the blue striped shirt and the one on the near side with the green shirt. The man on the far side was the one that I interacted with most, and he was a very kind person and really helped me.
Again, this shows where the two men would stand to hand trays out: the man on the far side in the blue striped shirt and the one on the near side with the green shirt. The man on the far side was the one that I interacted with most, and he was a very kind person and really helped me.
This is the job I did...handing out plates at the top of the ramp
This was during my time volunteering at the Golden Temple. This is where I was sitting, taking a break. The man in the green shirt was where I would stand, or I would stand opposite that, on the other side of the walkway.
This was during my time volunteering at the Golden Temple. This is where I was sitting, taking a break. The man in the green shirt was where I would stand, or I would stand opposite that, on the other side of the walkway.
Golden Temple
Golden Temple
Golden Temple
Golden Temple
Golden Temple
Golden Temple
These are donation barrels at the Golden Temple. Called the Golak
These are donation barrels at the Golden Temple. Called the Golak
Golden Temple
Golden Temple
Golden Temple
Golden Temple
These pictures on the wall keep people from urinating against the wall.
These pictures on the wall keep people from urinating against the wall.
Popular drink in India. Tastes like Coke and is owned by Coke
Popular drink in India. Tastes like Coke and is owned by Coke
From my hotel
From my hotel
Looking down at McLeod Ganj from breakfast
Looking down at McLeod Ganj from breakfast
Taking a breakfast. I do look a little tired.
Taking a breakfast. I do look a little tired.
Breakfast. This was the amazing lemon ginger tea that was so good.
Breakfast. This was the amazing lemon ginger tea that was so good.
This was a dance that I just stumbled upon in McLeod Ganj in the Tibetan area.
Looking down at Dharamsala
Looking down at Dharamsala
Namgyal Monastery
Namgyal Monastery
Namgyal Monastery
Namgyal Monastery
Namgyal Monastery
Namgyal Monastery
McLeod Ganj. More political street murals
McLeod Ganj. More political street murals
McLeod Ganj. This was taken at the town square, and the road on the right led to the waterfall. The road on the left led to Dharamkot.
McLeod Ganj. This was taken at the town square, and the road on the right led to the waterfall. The road on the left led to Dharamkot.
McLeod Ganj. Street murals
McLeod Ganj. Street murals
McLeod Ganj. Street murals
McLeod Ganj. Street murals
McLeod Ganj. Street murals
McLeod Ganj. Street murals
McLeod Ganj. More street murals
McLeod Ganj. More street murals
McLeod Ganj. Looking out and over to where the Triund hike will be
McLeod Ganj. Looking out and over to where the Triund hike will be
McLeod Ganj. This was a government co-op where people did different crafts and produced different goods that were sold through a government store. There's no bargaining in these stores. These provide a living wage for locals with skills.
McLeod Ganj. This was a government co-op where people did different crafts and produced different goods that were sold through a government store. There's no bargaining in these stores. These provide a living wage for locals with skills.
McLeod Ganj. There were so many Free Tibet paintings on different doors. Different murals and street art dominated in that city
McLeod Ganj. There were so many Free Tibet paintings on different doors. Different murals and street art dominated in that city
McLeod Ganj. I took this because I just liked all the colorful clothing on the ladies.
McLeod Ganj. I took this because I just liked all the colorful clothing on the ladies.
McLeod Ganj. I like this because there's a path on the left going up and a path on the right going down. I just thought it was kind of an interesting spot.
McLeod Ganj. I like this because there's a path on the left going up and a path on the right going down. I just thought it was kind of an interesting spot.
I just really liked this wall painting. It was on the way to the waterfall, just on the side of the road.
I just really liked this wall painting. It was on the way to the waterfall, just on the side of the road.
At the bottom of the waterfall
At the bottom of the waterfall
There were several of these on the hike, and those letters are filled with trash. It was really to encourage people to throw away their trash and not just throw it on the ground.
There were several of these on the hike, and those letters are filled with trash. It was really to encourage people to throw away their trash and not just throw it on the ground.
India, photo 97
Looking down from the waterfall
Looking down from the waterfall
India, photo 99
Up at the Bhagsunag waterfall
Up at the Bhagsunag waterfall
India, photo 101
India, photo 102
At the Bhagsunag waterfall with a couple of guys I met. They were Christian missionaries from some evangelical faith.
At the Bhagsunag waterfall with a couple of guys I met. They were Christian missionaries from some evangelical faith.
Coming back from Bhagsunag waterfall
Coming back from Bhagsunag waterfall
Working on her painting
Working on her painting
This photo shows my hotel, which was called Chonor House in McLeod Ganj. I really enjoyed that hotel.
This photo shows my hotel, which was called Chonor House in McLeod Ganj. I really enjoyed that hotel.
Namgyal Monastery where the Dalai Lama resides
Namgyal Monastery where the Dalai Lama resides
Rocky trail
Rocky trail
This is looking down on Dharamkot
This is looking down on Dharamkot
On the Triund hike
On the Triund hike
This is how rocky the trail was. It was a very hard hike, not because of the distance, but just because of the trail conditions.
This is how rocky the trail was. It was a very hard hike, not because of the distance, but just because of the trail conditions.
Triund guide
Triund guide
My guide for the hike
My guide for the hike
India, photo 114
India, photo 115
I love this picture because it shows you the peaks behind us and the height of those peaks.
I love this picture because it shows you the peaks behind us and the height of those peaks.
This guy asked me how old I was. He was 61
This guy asked me how old I was. He was 61
At the top of the triad. This is obviously a Hindu shrine
At the top of the triad. This is obviously a Hindu shrine
At the top of the Triund hike
At the top of the Triund hike
Triund
Triund
At the top of Triund
Top of Triund. One of the Israeli's that I met on the hike
Top of Triund. One of the Israeli's that I met on the hike
Hiking the Triund Trail. There are a lot of shops and restaurants on the trail, and so there had to be a lot of food and supplies brought up.
Hiking the Triund Trail. There are a lot of shops and restaurants on the trail, and so there had to be a lot of food and supplies brought up.
Dharamsala
Dharamsala
Hiking the Triund Trail in Dharamsala. We left for the hike from the Gallu Devi Temple.
Hiking the Triund Trail in Dharamsala. We left for the hike from the Gallu Devi Temple.
This is, without a doubt, the bumpiest road I've ever driven on.
Church in Mumbai
Church in Mumbai
Church in Mumbai. The branch president and council are up on the stand, and the little girl in front was the one who led the music. Most of the people were Indian, but there were four of us at the meeting that were Westerners.
Church in Mumbai. The branch president and council are up on the stand, and the little girl in front was the one who led the music. Most of the people were Indian, but there were four of us at the meeting that were Westerners.
The exterior of the church building. Church was on the 4th or 5th floor, and even though there was no sign, I could tell I was getting close because I heard faint church music.
The exterior of the church building. Church was on the 4th or 5th floor, and even though there was no sign, I could tell I was getting close because I heard faint church music.
Waiting to cross the inlet to go on the boat to Dhamma Pattana Vipassana Centre
Waiting to cross the inlet to go on the boat to Dhamma Pattana Vipassana Centre
On the way to Dhamma Pattana Vipassana Centre
On the way to Dhamma Pattana Vipassana Centre
Dhamma Pattana Vipassana Centre
Dhamma Pattana Vipassana Centre
Dhamma Pattana Vipassana Centre
Dhamma Pattana Vipassana Centre
Dhamma Pattana Vipassana Centre
Dhamma Pattana Vipassana Centre
On the way to Dhamma Pattana Vipassana Centre
On the way to Dhamma Pattana Vipassana Centre
Shree Siddhivinayak Temple
Shree Siddhivinayak Temple
Shree Siddhivinayak Temple
Shree Siddhivinayak Temple
Shree Siddhivinayak Temple
Shree Siddhivinayak Temple
Shree Siddhivinayak Temple
Shree Siddhivinayak Temple
Outside the Shree Siddhivinayak Temple
Outside the Shree Siddhivinayak Temple
Shree Siddhivinayak Temple. An absolutely incredible experience
Shree Siddhivinayak Temple. An absolutely incredible experience
Looking out over the bay next to Marine Drive in Mumbai
Looking out over the bay next to Marine Drive in Mumbai
Outside of the restaurant after lunch with India someday. Samrat was the restaurant and we had a Gujarati thali
Outside of the restaurant after lunch with India someday. Samrat was the restaurant and we had a Gujarati thali
Lunch with the India Someday team in Mumbai at Samrat
Lunch with the India Someday team in Mumbai at Samrat