The Mighty Himalayas

This trip offers slices of the Himalayan experience and is designed to create robust and fulfilling interactions with the mountain life – We live in villages (never in the towns), absorb the friendly cultural vibes of the locals (no other tourists), eat local food (not canned), observe natural Himalayan wilderness up close and explore the intense ‘out there’ through adventure. 

Our journey starts at the foothills and we make our way slowly through the heartland of Kumaon to the Central Himalayan heights. The drive itself and our stay enroute at Saat-tal (lower Himalayas) and Ranikhet (middle Himalayas) offers insights into the beauty and the diversity of the Kumaon hills. 

Day 1

Drive from Kathgodam to Ranikhet and stay at a village located 12kms beyond Ranikhet town. This traditional stone house is more than a 100 years old and is built on three levels overlooking a wide valley floor.  Walk to the valley floor to the only sun temple in the Indian Himalayas -a small stone structure -fascinating architecture with various ancient images of architectural importance. Explore the “naulas” – or ground water harnessing pools in the village. Informal interaction with the villagers. Return to the house for dinner. 

Day 2

Drive from Ranikhet to Shaama village and wander a short 2 mile hike to Gyandhura village. Village is Primarily agricultural and known for its high altitude vegetables and local handicrafts like weaving carpets from Ringal creeper etc. Settle down in stone cottages at camp Shaama. Lunch and Deep relaxation on sunlight terraces. Beautiful ridge top village offering stunning Himalayan views. Relaxed evening at the campsite. Watch the sunset over clear 270 degree Himalayan views. Campfire. Overnight at Camp Shaama.

Day 3

Local Kumaoni breakfast. Explore the Gyanadhura village. Harvest your own veggies with the local villagers for your lunch salad, make and drink fresh buttermilk. Try traditional village based activities like manual grain grinders. Learn to cook a Kumaoni meal. Trek to a high peak for better Himalayan view of the forested valleys. Reach by evening. Set up camp (pitch tents) near the temple. Set up camp in the forest, collect firewood. Overnight camping in the forest. 

Day 4

Breakfast at the camping site. Hike back to the Gyandhura village. Unwind, pack up and lunch. Walk down to the Shaama roadhead and drive to the Ramganga, Rigiona Village beach camp. The quaint village of Rigonia is known for the Kali nag temple, is a bird watchers paradise and the camp is ideal for water sports. Settle down in tents on the private beach. Lounge on boulders or wade into the river. Short walks in the valley. Explore the village on foot. Evening at the beach. Campfire and games. 

Day 5

Indulge in a variety of action. River kayaking , surf the river with life jackets, rope slithering from the bridge into the river, mountain biking trails in the surrounding valley or beach volleyball or simply sunbathe by the riverside. Alternatively, take a short trek up an adjacent valley. Follow a fresh water stream to reach a secret pool in the jungle. Day picnic around the pool. Diving and swimming, fishing and cooking. Participants can help cook the meal. Return to the Ramganga beach camp in the evening. Overnight camping at the beach. 

Day 6

Early morning bird watching trail. Post Breakfast drive to Munsiyari. Check in to a mountain lodge. Munsiyari is know as a major base for Himalayan expedition, and has one of the best close up Himalayan views in the world. Explore the ancient temples or the quaint museum in the town. Short walks in the valley. 

Day 7

Post Breakfast – drive down to Saat-tal, lower Himalayas with lunch enroute. Reach Saat-tal by early evening. The group can freshen up with a swim in the lakes before checking into the hill top camp / lodge. Overnight at Saat-tal. Last night party in the Himalayas. Drinks and Dinner 

Day 8

Breakfast at the camp. Choose your own thing Individually. Walk to a waterfall in the forest for a splash or swim in the lakes. Explore the interconnected network of lake while Kayaking. Lounge at the hilltop campsite and enjoy the views. Evening tea and drive to Kathgodam to board overnight train to New Delhi. 

"An experience of a lifetime. I’m personally taking you on this trip, it is customised to be authentic relaxed but invigorating to the senses. To leave a beautiful lasting impression of India for you to talk about the memories with your friends for a very long time. What you will see, and experience is much more than I can put into words. I look forward to you joining me."