Description

Hiking in the villages of Kumaon

The concept of “Village Walking” is unique as it gives an insight into the life and daily routine of the villagers of Kumaon. Nights spent in the village houses allow you to discover their warm and authentic hospitality. You stay in village houses during the hikes. The accommodation is rustic but clean and has all the basic amenities. The houses have been partially renovated and amenities have been added without spoiling the atmosphere.

After a day of walking, you can cool off with a hot bath. Food is prepared hygienically and mineral water is provided. The trek begins in the Almora region, the first British hill station (1815) in the Kumaon district of Uttarakhand. The Kumaon offers a natural environment where the forests and wildlife have not yet revealed all their mysteries. Local religious customs and ancient traditions are very much alive here. This region was a confluence where cultures mixed, leaving behind endless architectural wonders. Ancient temples, prehistoric paintings and charming villages set among green terraces.

The route covers both the cultural and natural aspects of the region. Before you start trekking, you spend one or two nights at a Hill Resort, which helps you adjust to the altitude and gives you a feel for the area with its abundance of flora and fauna. Each morning the walk starts from a village, crosses fields, streams and ends in a different village each afternoon.

Stay program

Day 1: Arrival in Delhi
On arrival at New Delhi airport, welcome by our representative and transfer to the hotel in the city center.

Day 2: Delhi Sightseeing
After a relaxing breakfast, start sightseeing of Old & New Delhi. Including Jam Masjid, Chadini Chowk, Red Fort (exterior only), Raj Ghat. After lunch, visit New Delhi with government buildings, Humayun's Tomb, Qutb Minar and Delhi Haat. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 3: Delhi – Train to Kathgodam (ETD 6:20 AM ETA 11:55 AM)
Board a train from Delhi to Kathgodam (the last station in the Kumaon region) and transfer to Almora. You will spend the next two nights in Almora. You can walk to Chittai. The bell temple of Chittai is dedicated to Golu Devta (the god of justice of Kumaon). The temple is adorned with petitions and bells of all shapes and sizes brought by grateful devotees. The trail leading to the Chittai temple passes through Chir (pine) forests and offers beautiful views of the valley and the Himalayan range .

Day 4: Almora
Today you will take a day trip to Binsar. From Binsar, you will walk to Zero Point through dense oak and rhododendron forests. Enjoy the view and walk down to the Shiva temple. From here the trek continues downhill and then follows the western ridge of Binsar towards Kangarchina. This hike is very scenic and offers beautiful views of the Himalayas on one side and the terraced valley on the other.

Day 5: Almora – Deora
Today you will begin a walk through picturesque villages, past terraced fields, past waterfalls, along a meandering stream and through Chir (pine) forests. This gentle walk through the valleys takes you to the village of Deora. Before arriving at Deora, you will visit the 1000-year-old Kali and Vishnu temples. Deora is a charming village with wonderfully carved doors and windows, overlooking the valley and ancient temples. Refresh yourself and enjoy a welcome drink while the villagers prepare the traditional and delicious Kumaoni dinner. During preparation, the owner goes back and forth to his fields to collect fresh vegetables and herbs for your meal. Guests are welcome to watch and help! Relax, chat with the locals and listen to stories of the past.

Day 6: Deora – Paliu
Today, walking on the old village trails, you will pass through several villages which will give you a fantastic impression of the local life of the Kumaoni, where ancient traditions and culture are still part of their daily life .You pass through villages where castes are strictly segregated, walk through terraced fields, then along traditional irrigation canals and finally climb up to the village of Paliu. Like everywhere in Kumaon, the locals are friendly, curious as children and more than happy to answer questions and be photographed. The walk passes old flour mills, where you can stop to see how they work.

Day 7: Paliu – Sokyatal
After crossing a pine forest, terraced fields and a few small scattered villages, the track climbs steadily to the village of Sokyatal, in the middle of oak and rhododendron forests. (If you travel between February and April, you will be rewarded with the magnificent views of rhododendrons in full bloom, a blaze of colors). From the top of this ridge, the panoramic view of the Himalayan valley is magnificent. You end the day watching the sun lie on the peaks of the Himalayas. Guests can relax with refreshments in the picturesque stone courtyard overlooking the Jageshwar Valley.

Day 8: Sokyatal – Jageshwar Temples – Almora
Today you will trek from Jawalbanj to Jageshwar passing through terraced fields, villages and beautiful cedar forests. At Jageshwar, you can visit the ancient temple complex built by the Chand and Katyuri rulers between the 8th and 12th centuries AD. From there, you will return to Almora. Along the way, you can see prehistoric rock art at Lakhudiar. Overnight in Almora.

Day 9: Almora – Nainital
After breakfast, drive to Nainital, check in at the hotel, then visit the lake town. Night in Nainital.

Day 10: Nainital – Kathgodam – Delhi (Train ETD 3:20 p.m. ETA 8:55 p.m.)
You will be taken to Kathgodam station where you will take the train to Delhi. On arrival, meet with our representative and transfer to the hotel.

Day 11: Delhi & Disembarkation
Free day for individual activities, transfer to the next destination on time.

Accommodation

• Delhi – Florence Inn 3*
• Almota: Kasar Jungle Resort 3*
• Village: Homestay (Authentic Neat and Clean Homestay)
• Nainital: Balrampur House (Heritage)

Price

• 1,208 eur / person* – price per person of this itinerary in a single room
• 1,373 eur / person* – price per person for this itinerary in a double/twin room

*(Euro exchange rates used in this program are estimates and are subject to fluctuations. We reserve the right to revise these rates upwards based on currency market movements).

Terms and conditions

Payment :

• 50% at the time of booking,
• The rest can be paid on arrival in Delhi.

Cancelation :

• Cancellation is free up to 35 days before departure
• Then a 100% cancellation fee will be applied

Included/not included

Included :

• Accommodation based on a twin room
• 10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 7 dinners
• Arrival and departure transfers with our representative
• All transportation planned by the itinerary
• A guide for walks according to the route
• Train tickets for Delhi – Kathgodam – Delhi in air-conditioned chair class
• All applicable taxes
• Bottle of mineral water (500 ml) per day and per person.

Not included :

• Personal expenses such as tips, laundry, phone calls, drinks, etc.
• Any meals other than those mentioned above
• International plane tickets
• Any insurance coverage
• Camera fees at monuments
• Any additional expenses incurred due to reasons beyond our control, such as emergency evacuation, natural calamity, etc.

Further information

• Hotel address : 15 A/6, Ajmal Khan Rd, opposite Puja Park, WEA, Karol Bagh, New Delhi, Delhi 110005, India
• Duration : 11 days
• Contact details : contact@yourlocaleye.com

Travel Notes:
The best time to trek in this region is between January and mid-April and between mid-September and December. The months of January/February/March/Dec. are cold but the mountain views are the most beautiful. In April, the weather is cool, the view of the mountains is a little hazy, but the rhododendrons are in full bloom. In September/October/November, the weather is cool and the view of the mountains is good. Average temperatures vary between 25°C and 2°C. There is a possibility of snow at the end of December and the beginning of January. Regarding the rains, although the rainy season is from May to June, July and August, it is always possible that there will be thunderstorms and unseasonal downpours at any time of the year.

You do not need to be very fit to participate in this program. You can choose your own pace and make the walk “easy” or “moderate”. However, you must be healthy and comfortable walking on hilly terrain.

The path will be uneven at times, so we advise you to wear sturdy shoes or boots with excellent soles.

Your luggage will be transported in the support vehicle or carried by the porters. You will only need a lightweight backpack for your essentials.

Children aged 5 and over can do this walk. You can also rent ponies for children, for an additional fee.

Essentials in your bag – Strong sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm, insect repellent, personal medications and a hat to protect against the day's UV rays. If you suffer from altitude sickness, take appropriate medication.

Agency

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