Kumaon Walking Tour

Day 1

Delhi to Kalmatia (400 Kms / 10 Hrs)

Drive to Kalmatia, in the heart of Kumaon region in the Himalayas. Kumaon has been a confluence of cultures, architectural and archeological wonders and prehistoric rock art. The charming local villages set amongst lush green terraces, along with the local tribes and villagers and their lifestyle are the best kept secrets of Himalayas, waiting to be discovered!

After a full day drive through the picturesque Himalayan villages and towns, reach Kalmatia and check in at your hotel for 3 nights stay.

Day 2

Day in Kalmatia

After breakfast, embark on your walk towards Mat village, a typical and prosperous Kumaoni village with slated roofs, wooden carved doors and windows and spacious courtyards. This morning, interact with the local villagers and observe their daily routine - working in the fields or at their homes. Visit a Kumaoni home and enjoy a steaming cup of masala chai.

Return back to your resort for lunch. Later in the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll towards Kasar Devi temple, dating back to 2nd century B.C. Watch the beautiful sunset overlooking the Kosi valley. After sundown return to resort for overnight stay.

Day 3

Day in Kalmatia

After breakfast, drive towards Dhaulchina, from where you commence your walk through chir pine forests followed by rhododendron and oak forests parallel to the Himalayan ranges where you finally reach an altitude of 2300m. This area is full of wild growing herbs, a treat to the senses of sight and smell. Enjoy packed lunch at the Vridh Jageshwar ridge and thereafter start trekking down towards Jageshwar temple complex (built between 8th–12th century AD), passing through picturesque village houses, terraced fields and finally following a clear stream through a cedar forest.

Later, drive back to resort for overnight stay.

Day 4

Day in Kalmatia

After breakfast, drive to Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, from where you start hiking to Jhandhidar (Zero point - 2410m) which commands one of the best Himalaya views in Kumaon. Then follow the ridge down to Shiva temple and head towards Gangarchina village. On way enjoy packed lunch. Enjoy the beautiful ridge walk partially through dense oak and rhododendron forests, and old trees hung with lichen and covered with sweet smelling moss. The trail slopes gently downwards and offers lovely views into the Bhasoli valley on one side and Himalayan ranges on the other. Upon reaching Gangarchina drive back to resort for overnight stay.

Day 5

Kalmatia to Delhi (400 Kms / 10 Hrs)

After an early breakfast, embark on your return drive to Delhi, where you will be transferred to your hotel.