Walking Kumaon

Under the shadow of the mighty Himalayas, discover Kumaon's rustic countryside and forestscapes via slow-paced walks.

The rhythms of Kumaon are best explored on foot. Embark on our specially curated walking journeys that offer a perfect blend of active holiday, slow travel, nature and cultural immersion. Walk along the pristine streams, through beautiful valleys, over the rolling hills, breathing the fragrance of lush forests, listening to symphonies of colorful birds, admiring the magnificent Himalayan vistas. Strike a conversation with locals, dirty your hands learning traditional farming, visit the village shrine and learn about local beliefs, impromptu tea stop at a village home, surprise picnics at a vantage spot, listen to folklores and local stories over bonfire, make millet breads on woodfire and savor traditional cuisine. Walking journeys range from 3 to 7 nights, requiring moderate fitness levels. These journeys can be customized based on ones interests and time in hand.

Here is a sample journey of 5 nights. We can customise it based on your fitness levels, interests and time in hand.

Day 01:

You will be met by our driver at Kathgodam Railway Station. Drive about 3 hour 15 mins to a charming village sitting and an altitude of 1400 meters.

Day 02:

Become part of the ways of life in the mountains as you explore the village on foot. Visit the shrine atop the small hill, interact with the village folks over some tea, and learn about their traditions and lifestyle. Later this afternoon enjoy a sundowner hike to adjacent forest or riverside.

Day 03:

Post early breakfast you will first hike to an ancient temple followed by walking along the streams, passing through villages and farms. You will get chance to interact with local folks over impromptu tea stop. Picnic lunch at a vantage spot. Thereafter drive about 40 minutes to a sleepy little village located on a hill top, amidst lush oak and rhododendron forest, overlooking beautiful valley.

Day 04:

Today will be a day for cultural and spiritual immersion. Morning you will hike to an ancient temple complex and afternoon walk will take you to a secluded ashram. You will savor traditional dinner this evening. You are most welcome to dirty your hands helping house lady and learn a traditional recipe or two.

Day 05:

This morning walk down the dirt track upto a small market town. From here, take the undulating trail leading to a small village tucked inside a wildlife sanctuary.

Enjoy your slow-paced walk through a mix of oak, rhododendron and pine, looking for birds, taking in nature, and if lucky, you might also come across Martens and Gorals.

Day 06:

Early breakfast and walk a short distance to road head. Board your vehicle and drive 4 hrs to Kathgodam railway station.

Stay

Overnights will be in carefully chosen village homes, painstakingly restored and converted into boutique homestays. While exteriors offer rustic charm, rooms are well appointed with essential amenities and ensuite western bathrooms. These homestays are managed by trained local staff.

Meals & Refreshments

Meals are fresh and nutritious. Though we highly promote local cuisine, our home chefs are well trained to dish our other cuisine as well.

During the walks, our guide is well stocked with refreshments. Some of the days you will be surprised with impromptu picnics at a vantage spot and tea stop at a village home.

Walks

On these journeys, you walk about 3 to 6 hrs (6 – 15 kms) every day. You will be at an elevation range of 1400 to 2200 meter. Moderate fitness level is required for these walk.

Services

There is a dedicated team of locals, well trained and committed to delivering quality experience. You will be accompanied by our trained local guides who will be delighted to share the local stories, folklore and tell you about their culture and traditions.

Giving Back

Unique feature of these walking journeys is to provide you rural and rustic experience with sustainable travel practices. In humble ways, by embarking on these journeys, you leave a very positive impact on locals, help enhance their economy and support in generating jobs locally.

Best Time

October till May is the best time to enjoy these walking journeys.