The spectacular Kumaon region, close to the border of western Nepal, is one of the best-kept secrets in the Himalaya. It affords breathtaking views of the snowy summits of the Himalaya and green valleys, together with a diverse range of flora and fauna, villages and temples.

This unique trip involves gentle walking of 10 to 15 kms per day, with overnight stays in refurbished village homes. Walking from village to village in this untouched area allows you to to mingle with local families and experience village life without disturbing the local peoples' way of life. The terrain is hilly but because the location is the Himalayan foothills (rather than mountains), the altitude or gradient is not overly demanding - suitable for anyone with reasonable fitness!

Day 1 Kathgodam

Arrive at Kathgodam by train in the early morning.  You will be met by a local representative and driven 120 kms to Dallar village via Bhimtal, Almora and the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. Breakfast en-route at Kainchidham. Your overnight village stay is an easy 2 km walk through forest trails.

Day 2 Gaunap

Today enjoy a lovely 3 to 4 hour walk through pine hills and thickly forested jungle trails - with some patches of tar roads. Before the trek downhill to Gaunap you have the option of doing the 2 km uphill trek to “Zero Point”, the highest point in the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, which affords spectacular views of the Himalayan range.

Day 3 Gaunap

Spend a day in Gaunap Village where you can interact with the locals, take walks around the village, engage in some bird-watching or just relax and enjoy the calm and serene environment.

Day 4 Jageshwar

This morning witness a magical sunrise over the mountain tops of Gaunap. After breakfast, depart for your easy to moderate trek, through thickly wooded conifer forests, to Kotli Village. Lunch at Hill View Hotel and Restaurant. From here you have the option – if you don’t want to trek further – of driving to Jageshwar. Otherwise  proceed to Kotli village.

Day 5 Jageshwar

In addition to enjoying the calm and simple village life, you may like to visit the various temple structures of Jageshwar, Dandeshwar, Kuber and Jhakharsem. The temples here are dedicated to the various manifestations and avatars of Lord Shiva. There are also  numerous walking options, including the cedar lined trails along the river flowing near the temple complexes.

Day 6 Kathgodam

After breakfast drive to Kathgodham. Stop enroute at Lakhudhiar to view the pre-historic rock paintings and explore the famous Chitai temple.  On arrival in Kathgodham board the evening train back to Delhi.