About the Package :
The concept of the “ Village Trek“ is unique as it provides an insight into the lives and daily routine of the Kumaoni villager.
Overnight stays in the village houses gives you a chance to experience their warm and genuine hospitality. The accommodation is rustic but clean and comfortable with all the basic amenities.
The walks end at a different village each afternoon.
The village houses have been partially renovated and toilets and bathrooms added without spoiling the ambience. After a day’s walk you can freshen up with a hot bucket bath. Food is cooked hygienically and mineral water is provided.
The trek starts in the region of Almora which is the first British hill station (1815) in Kumaon Uttaranchal in the western Himalaya. 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 itinerary covers both the cultural and natural aspects of the region.
Before begining the trek you spend two nights near Almora which helps to adjust to the altitude and will give you a“feel“ of the area with it’s abundance of flora and fauna. The last night is also at the base near Almora to relax, unwind, share memories and enjoy delectable meals.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive at Almora/Binsar
From Delhi drive approx 8 to 9 hrs (380km). Alternative: Overnight train “Ranikhet Express“ to Kathgodam. From there 2 ½ hrs drive to the resort.
For those arriving by car - late afternoon at leisure.
Overnight: Base at Almora/Binsar
Almora/Binsar to Chittai Temple
Arrival by train - After breakfast start an easy walk to Chittai. The Chittai bell temple is dedicated to Golu Devta (god of justice and peculiar to Kumaon). The temple is hung with petitions and bells of all shapes and sizes brought by grateful devotees. The walking path starts from the resort through Chir (pine) forests via Sintola with good views into the valley and Himalaya range.
Overnight: Binsar
Walking time to Chittai and back: 4/5hrs, 10 kms
Altitude: 1950m - 1700m
Day 2 - For the guests who arrived by car the previous afternoon – Chittai Temple Walk
For those who arrived by train the previous day - Binsar Sanctuary Walk
After breakfast drive to Binsar. Walk up to Zero Point through dense oak and rhododendron forests. Enjoy the view and hike downhill to Shiva temple. From there trek initially 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.
Overnight: Binsar
Altitude: 2400m to 1700m
Walking time: 5 to 6hrs. Driving time 2hrs.
Day 3 to Day 6 - Village walk
The village walks lead through picturesque villages along terraced fields, waterfalls, along a winding stream and pine, cedar, oak and rhododendron forests. (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 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 itinerary 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 panaromic valley views along the ridges are magnificent.
On arriving freshen up and enjoy a welcome drink while traditional Kumaoni food is cooked by the villagers. Stretch out with refreshments in a quaint, stone garden, overlooking small fields. The landlord while preparing the dinner hops in and out of his fields to get fresh veggies and herbs for your meal. Guests are welcome to watch and help! Relax, chat with the locals listening to tales of the past.
Day 6. Walk downhill to Jageshwar through terraced fields, villages and magnificent cedar forests. At Jageshwar you can visit the ancient temple complex built by the Chand and Katyuri rulers between 8th. and 12th. Century A.D.
1 ½ hrs. drive back to Almora . On the way stop to see the prehistoric rock art at Lakhudiar. Overnight: Almora/Binsar
Day 7. By car: Almora – Delhi.
By train: A leisurely day - relax, unwind, sunbathe, stroll around and late afternoon leave for Kathgodam railway station.
Best time for the trek – mid. September to mid. April
Daily average walking time - 5 to 7 hrs.
Altitude: Between 1450m to 2250m
Seasons:
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: December to February. Crisp and clear, the sweet scent of the mimosa filling the air.
Himalayan views normally througout October to April, maybe a little hazy towards the end of April but spectacular in the winter season.