The Kumaon Village Trek

Arrive at Delhi’s international airport, a representative will be waiting for you outside the EXIT gate of arrival terminal, holding a placard. Met upon arrival and transfer to your hotel for overnight stay.

India’s capital city, Delhi, is a unique and fascinating blend of two very different cities, each with its own distinctive flavour and character. No visit to India is complete without visiting these two complementary halves of its capital city – Delhi, both Old and New

Breakfast at hotel. After breakfast proceed to visit Old Delhi which include the photography of magnificent Red Fort, built on the banks of the River Yamuna by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan, as well as Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, and the Jama Masjid, the country’s largest mosque. A visit to the crowded lanes of Chandni Chowk, the busiest commercial area of the city, brings to life all the atmosphere of an oriental bazaar.

Afternoon: Scattered throughout modern New Delhi are many historic monuments such as the 12th century Qutab Minar, famous for the Ashokan iron pillar, which has never rusted in 1500 years. Humayuns’ Tomb is a forerunner of the Mughal style of architecture, and in contrast, visits the modern Lakshmi Narayan Temple. Drive past India Gate, the city’s World War I war memorial, the President’s residence, Parliament House and the Secretariat buildings, all designed by Lutyens

Overnight stay.

Take the morning Shatabdi Express departing ANVT at 06.15 hrs to Kathgodam Railway Station arriving 11.05am. Our dedicated driver will be at the station to meet you bearing a signboard with your name. Transfer will be a spacious and comfortable Innova.

Overnight at Kalmatia Sangam Resort

After breakfast, find your feet and enjoy continuous Himalayan views with an easy walk to the village of Chitai. The Chitai bell temple is dedicated to Golu Devta, the god of justice and is unique to Kumaon. The temple is covered with hundreds of bells of all shapes and sizes brought by grateful devotees. During marriage season, the temple complex is thronged by families for marriages. The trekking route starts from the resort and leads through Chir pine and cedar forests with wonderful views into the valley and Himalayan range. After temple visit, walk back through the forest stopping for a scenic picnic lunch on the way.

After breakfast drive to Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. Walk up to Zero Point through dense oak and rhododendron forests. At an altitude of 2400m, enjoy the extensive view and hike downhill towards the 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. Enjoy a packed lunch on route.
Drive back to resort.

After breakfast start the village walk from the resort itself which leads you through picturesque villages along terraced fields, waterfalls, along a winding stream and Chir (pine) forests. This gentle walk through valleys then takes you up to the village of Deora. Before reaching Deora you visit the 1000 year old temples of Kali and Vishnu.
Overnight at Deora. A lovely village with wonderfully carved doors and windows overlooking the valley with the the ancient temples. Freshen up and enjoy a welcome drink while a traditional and delicious Kumaoni dinner is cooked by the host. Guests are welcome to watch! Relax, chat with the locals and listen to tales from the past.

Today walking along the old village trails you pass through several villages which gives you a fantastic impression of Kumaoni local life, where old traditions and culture are still part of their daily routine lives. The walk takes you past ancient riverstream run flour mills where you can stop to see how they work. You pass villages, through terraced fields then along traditional irrigation channels and finally climb up to Paliu village. As everywhere in the Kumaon the people are friendly and more than happy to chat and be photographed.

Walking through chir pine forest, along terraced fields, and past a few scattered small villages the path now climbs steadily up to Sokyatal, amidst forests of oak and rhododendron. (If you can make it between mid Feb. and Apr. you will be rewarded with the lovely sight of the rhododendron

flowers in bloom, a blaze of colour). The Himalayan and panaromic valley views from the top of this ridge are magnificent. The grand finale is the setting sun covering the Himalayan peaks with fire. Stretch out with refreshment in the quaint, stone courtyard looking down into the Jageshwar valley.

Walk from Sokyatal down to Jageshwar through terraced fields, villages and magnificent cedar forests. At Jageshwar you visit the ancient temple complex built by the Chand and Katyuri rulers between 8th. and 12th. Century A.D. A cluster of 124 Shivalingas, this is also home to one of the Jyotirlingas from the Hindu religion. Just 2 km further down the road along a narrow hill stream through dense cedar forest are also two ltemples known as Dandeshwar. On the 1 hr. drive back to the resort you can also stop to see the prehistoric rock painting at Lakhudiar.

After breakfast drive to Corbett.

Overnight at resort.

Morning and evening Jeep Safari to National park.
The Corbett National Park is regarded as the heaven for Tigers as well as its prey including varieties of Deers, wild boars and other lesser known animals. If you want to track leopards then you can locate them in the hilly part of the Park. Elephants are one of the main attractions of the Corbett Park. In the southern part of the Park you can spot the Dole or Wild Dogs and Jackals. The Langurs can be spotted all over the Park.

Overnight at resort.

Breakfast at hotel.

On time transfer to Railway station to board Ramnagar Delhi Link Express departing Ramnagar.

Arrive delhi and transfer from Railway station to hotel.

Overnight at hotel.

On time transfer to Airport to board flight for onward destination.