Village stays in India’s Kumaon Hills

A beautiful trip to the state of Uttarakhand, in northern India, on the foothills of the Himalayas. From Delhi, you reach the wooded hills of Kumaon with the magnificent Nanda Devi & Trishuli massif as a backdrop. From Almora, you then set off for a few days of walking, from village to village, far from any tourist traffic, a total immersion, where others do not go, to live to the rhythm of local life and discover an authentic India far from the beaten track. The second part of this stay continues further south, to the banks of the Ganges with a visit to Corbett National Park and the sacred cities of Rishikesh and Haridwar. A unique experience made easier by the accompaniment of a local English-speaking guide!

• A visit to the mythical sites of Haridwar and Rishikesh, on the banks of the Ganges.
• Complete immersion with the locals during the hike. An accessible hike in the mid-mountains accompanied by a local English-speaking guide.
• The fauna of Corbett National Park.

Trip made with our local team, during a reconnaissance in the Kumaon mountain region in Uttarakhand. After the obligatory passage through Delhi, it is good to find yourself on the banks of the Ganges in the very special and mystical atmosphere of Rishikesh. The rest of the trip continues to Corbett National Park then by small mountain roads, joins the foothills of the Himalayas. Start of the trek in immersion with the locals, no Western tourists crossed in 5 days, a feeling of being privileged. The evening shared by the fireside with the villagers remains a highlight of this trip, the “Real India” as our local driver proudly tells me.
Terraced crops, colorful villages, rhododendron forests, panoramas of the Nanda Devi massif, the landscapes are authentic.
The organization on site without fault, the assistance of the guide brings a real cultural plus and reassurance.
Often brief but memorable encounters, smiles, a warm welcome in the villages, India still fascinates me as much!

Day 1: Arrival New Delhi

Upon arrival at New Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport, you are welcomed by our representative and transfer to hotel for rest of the night.
Check-in time is 14H00

Day 2: Delhi Sightseeing

After breakfast, we start with a guided tour of the New Delhi: India Gate, President’s House, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutab Minar (the largest stone-carved tower in India), Laxmi Narayan Temple. After lunch, we visit Old Delhi: Jama Masjid (one of the largest mosques in Asia, which can be visited from the outside), Red Fort, from which you can see the Jamuna River. This fort was built between 1638 and 1648 when Mughal culture was on the rise, Gandhi Memorial. Overnight at hotel New Delhi.

Day 3: Delhi – Kathgodam (5 hrs Train) – Almora (90 Km/ 3 hrs drive)

Morning transfer to New Delhi or Anand Vihar Railway Station board train to Kathgodam. Breakfast on board while watching the landscape pass by at first light. Upon arrival in Kathgodam, you take the road to Almora, passing through villages and towns nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas. Almora is located on a ridge overlooking the green valleys on each slope. This small town typical of the Himalayas with its traditional houses is the capital of the region. Check-in a beautiful guest house with a panoramic view of the Nanda Devi massif in the distance.
In the afternoon, walk to visit the temple of Kesar Devi, former residence of the famous Hindu master Swami Vivekananda.

Day 4: Almora – Deora Village (3-4 hrs walking + visit the villages)

Today you begin the first part of the trek from village to village. The trail descends to the bottom of the valley, crosses several farming villages, climbs to a small pass where there is a mini temple dedicated to Shiva. Another half hour of climbing through rice / wheat fields (depend on season), corn and wheat fields before arriving at the village of Deora, inhabited by about thirty families. The houses and courtyards built in a row all communicate with each other, promoting a communal life, exchanges and great mutual assistance between the villagers.

Positive elevation gain: 350 m. Negative elevation gain: 550 m.

Day 5: Full day visit Deora Village & another village (1500 m)

This day is dedicated to discovering the village of Deora. You can participate in the work in the fields, depending on the seasons, share moments with the villagers, visit the village temple, spend time with the children at school or take a walk in nature. These diverse and varied activities allow you to create links with the population and discover the life of Himalayan India.

Day 6: Deora Village – Palyun Village (4-5 hrs walking)

In the morning, after breakfast, cross the village of Deora then descend to the next village. On the way, visit the school, before crossing the eastern slope to head towards the village of Chirala then that of Chhani. Following the irrigation channels and terraced fields, many meetings with the population punctuate this day. Climb back to the village of Palyun, settling in with a family.

Positive elevation gain: 350 m. Negative elevation gain: 200 m.

Day 7: Palyun Village – Shaukiyathal Village (4 -5 hrs walking)

Hike through the pine forest, crossed by many monkeys, terraced fields and villages scattered here and there. Then climb up to the ridge following a path in the rhododendron and oak forest. Upon reaching the ridge, the panoramic view of the great Himalayan range unfolds. Accommodation in a traditional stone house overlooking the valley.

Elevation gain: 300 m. Elevation loss: 150 m.

Day 8: Shaukiyathal Village – Jageshwar Temple (4 – 5 hrs walking) & Back.

By a wooded path on the hillside, you leave towards the old village of Jageshwar. Descend through the terraced crops to the temple of Jageshwar, composed of 124 small temples dating from the 7th to the 11th century.
Lunch in a local restaurant near the temple before going back up towards Shaukiyathal following a path in the forest.

Elevation gain: 250 m. Elevation loss: 250 m.

Day 9: Shaukiyathal Village – Kausani (1 hrs walking + 2 hrs drive)

After breafkast ascending trek to road head, where you will meet to our driver. Then drive to Kausani (1890 m) through the Someshwar Valley, en route visit Katarmal Surya Temple. On arrival at Kausani check in hotel.
Rest of the time free for taking photo, from Kausani you will see saveral peaks more than 7000m. as Trishuli, Panch Chuli, Neelkant, Nanda Devi East etc. Overnight at Kausani.

Day 10: Kausani

After breakfast explore Kausani Tea Plantation, Baijinath & Bageshwar Shiva Temples, belong 9th centuary. Lunch with a local family. Rest of the time visit local market. Overnight at Kausani

Day 11: Kausani – Dhikuli (Corbett National Park) Distance: 180 km.

Transfer to Dhikuli and Jim Corbett National Park, India’s first nature reserve that stretches over 500 square kilometers in the foothills of the Himalayas. The park was created in 1936 under the name of Hailey National Park. The protection of the tiger is its main objective. Later, it became Jim Corbett National Park in honor of the legendary hunter turned conservationist. The park is known for its dense forests, grasslands, rivers, more than 110 species of trees, more than 50 species of mammals, more than 580 species of birds and more than 25 species of reptiles. These two days are dedicated to wildlife observation. Installation in a lodge.

Day 12: Nature walk in Corbett Park

Early wake-up and departure for a Jeep safari with a driver and a park ranger. Without promising you to observe the tiger, unless you are lucky, this walk guarantees you to observe wildlife at first light: deer (small doe), monkeys, birds, nilgault antelopes, gharials of the Ganges. Sometimes a few herds of elephants are visible near the wetlands.

Overnight at Jim Corbett (Dhikuli)

Day 13: Dhakuli – Rishikesh, along the Ganges Distance: 195 km.

Long day of transfer to reach Rishikesh. Along the way, you stop at Haridwar which means “gateway of the gods”. This is where the famous Kumbha Mela takes place every twelve years, the largest religious gathering on the planet, with its twelve million pilgrims. Haridwar is one of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism. According to legend, drops of amrita (nectar of immortality) fell here from the pitcher carried by Garuda, the celestial bird of Vishnu. You finally reach Rishikesh, installation in a comfortable hotel in the center.

Day 14: Rishikesh, night ceremony of Aarti

Although it presents itself as the “yoga capital of the world” since the Beatles visited in the 60s, Rishikesh is a relatively calm and carefree city. Located on both banks of the Ganges, it is dotted with ashrams and yoga centers. Near the oldest temple, the Bharat Mandir, are the ghats. Attending the Aarti ceremony on the ghats at sunrise and sunset, when the faithful make offerings, is an exceptional experience.

Day 15: Haridwar – New Delhi (5 hrs train)

After breakfast, transfer to Haridwar railway station and train to New Delhi. Upon arrival, private transfer to your hotel located in the center.

Day 16: Departure transfer on onward destination

After breakfast visit Delhi Haat & Sarojini Nagar Market for last time shopping. As per your flight schedule one of our staff lead to till international airport, for board onward flight.