Kumaoni Village Walk

Overview

Almora and Kumaon lies at the feet of some of the tallest mountains in India. Situated between Garhwal to the west and Nepal to the east Kumaon offers a natural environment where forests and wildlife have still to unfold their mysteries.

Local religious customs and ancient traditions are very much alive here. This area has been a confluence where cultures have blended together, leaving behind an infinity of architectural wonders eg. Ancient temples, prehistoric paintings and charming villages set amongst green terraces.    

The tour covers both the cultural and natural aspects of the region. The village walks lead through picturesque villages along terraced fields, waterfalls, along a winding stream and pine, cedar, oak and forests of rhododendrons. The walks vary from gentle to slightly steep and take you between 1450m to 2250m. Walking on the old village trails you pass through several villages where the houses have wonderfully carved doors and windows. This   gives you a realistic impression of Kumaoni local life, where the old traditions and culture are still part of their daily routine lives. You pass villages where the castes are strictly segregated, walk through terraced fields then along traditional irrigation channels.    

As everywhere in the Kumaon the people are friendly, curious in a childlike manner and more than happy to answer questions and be photographed.   The walks take you en route to ancient Kali, Vishnu and Shakti temples (1000 years old), past ancient flour mills, where you can stop and see how they work. The Himalaya and panoramic valley views along the ridges are magnificent.    

The trek starts in the region of Almora which is the first British hill station in 1815 in Kumaon Uttaranchal in the western Himalayas.

Each season has it’s own magic. Spring: Blue skies, fruit trees in blossom, the forests flaming red with rhododendron flowers. Autumn: Golden sunshine, the hills dotted with cosmos flowers and the wild cherry trees in bloom. Winter: Dec. to Feb. Crisp and clear, the sweet scent of the mimosa filling the air. Himalayan views normally througout Oct. to Apr., maybe a little hazy towards the end of Apr. but spectacular in the winter season.

Outlined Itinerary

Day 01 - Delhi

Arrive Delhi, meet and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day will at lesiure to explore on own.

Day 02 - Delhi

After breakfast, you will take a private guided tour of Old and New Delhi. Visit Qutub Minar – the 239ft sandstone tower. Drive past the India Gate; Parliament House [exterior] and the President’s Palace. Visit Raj Ghat where Mahatma Gandhi – The Father of Nation was cremated and visit to Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, Jama Mosque, Humayun Tomb and Qutab Minar. In the evening, at an appropriate time, you will be met and transferred to railway station for overnight train to Kathgodam 2240-0510+1.

Day 03 - Almora

Arrive Kathgodam 0510 hrs, meet and transfer to hotel [2.5 Hrs]. On arrival check in at the Resort. After breakfast, you will have time to unwind. Later, you will enjoy walk to Chittai bell temple. [Walking time to Chittai and back is approx. 5 Hrs. FULL BOARD

Day 04 - Almora

After breakfast, you will drive to Binsar [2 Hrs]. Walk up to Zero Point through dense oak and rhododendron forests. Enjoy the view and hike downhill to Shiva temple. From there trek initiallly further downhill and then follow the western Binsar ridge towards Kangarchina. A very scenic walk with good views of the Himalaya on one side and the terraced valley on the other side. On route, enjoy a packed lunch. Drive back to Resort. [Walking time 5 to 6hr]. FULL BOARD

Day 05 - Kumaoni Villages

After breakfast, you will start village trek with the guide from the resort to the first village house Deora. [ Average walking time - 5 to 7 hrs ] FULL BOARD

Day 06 - Kumaoni Villages

After breakfast, you will start village trek with the guide from Deora Village House to Palliu Village House [Average walking time - 5 to 7 hrs ] FULL BOARD

Day 07 - Kumaoni Villages

After breakfast, you will start village trek with the guide from Palliu Village House to Sokhyathal Village House [Average walking time - 5 to 7 hrs ] FULL BOARD

Day 08 - Almora

After breakfast you will be drive (1.5 Hrs) to Kalmatia Sangam Himalayan Resort for the last night in Kumaon. Enroute visit to prehistoric rock art at Lakhudiar. Arrive and check in at the Resort. Rest of the day will be to relax, unwind, share memories and enjoy delectable meals. FULL BOARD

Day 09 - Almora

After breakfast you will have morning to relax, unwind, sunbathe, stroll around and late afternoon, you will be transferred to Kathgodam railway station. [2.5 Hrs] for overnight train to Delhi 2240-0400+1.

Day 10 - Delhi

Arrive Delhi this early morning 0400 hrs, meet and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day will at lesiure to explore on own.

Day 11 - Delhi

Breakfast is at the Hotel. Today at an appropriate time, you will be met and transferred to Delhi International airport to connect with your homebound or onwards flight... or travel to your next destination if you would like to add to this tour.

All our tours and holidays are tailor made so can be amended to suite your budget. Click on our from prices below to see what hotels you can expect based on the cheapest time to travel in High Season per person based on two people sharing a room. We can design this tour for you at a lower or higher price, basically to suite your budget, style and comfort. Contact a specialist to discuss your requirements. International flights are not included.