Kumaon & beyond
Exploring Uttarakhand
We specialize in crafting bespoke trips across the Uttarakhand Himalayas, for individual travellers, and for families. Over the past three decades, we have evolved a deep network of local experts and a wide variety of experiences, from the foothills to the upper Himalayas.
Cultural excursions, geological treks, mountain biking trails, birding and wildlife trips or simple jungle camping & adventure holidays at one of our eco camps / lodges.
Experience unseen beauty
What are the experiences about?
Our journeys are designed with a single purpose in mind - To provide travelers with an unhindered access to the Himalayas and its people.
The experiences are planned to keep you at a safe distance from the famed hill stations, and from other ‘tourists’. Instead, we prefer to hang around hidden mountain villages, ride bicycles in pristine natural forests to observe wildlife, swim in secret crystal lakes, explore the magical valleys on foot and enjoy our cup of tea, as we watch the breath-taking mountain ranges at leisure.
Is this for you?
Our trips are for individuals of all ages, fitness levels and interests. Flexible itineraries, designed to make the Himalayas accessible to anyone with a love for nature.
Customised Holidays
Option 1 – Stay and Explore: Enjoy the comfort of mountain lodges, eco-resorts, or campsites. With the guidance of our experts, discover the natural surroundings at your own pace. Travel in jeeps, hike to forest clearings for day picnics, visit quaint villages, try kayaking or fishing, and immerse yourself in nature with birding trails.
Option 2 – Full ‘Pahadi’ Experience: Embark on a journey through the hills, hiking, driving, or cycling from one village to another. Each night offers a unique stay – be it in private cottages, village homestays, forest guesthouses, or alpine trekking tents.
Both options ensure a rich, immersive experience in the heart of nature, tailored to your preferences and pace.
Bespoke holidays
Where would you like to travel in Himalayas?
Lower Himalayas
Middle Himalayas
Upper Himalayas
Himalayan exploration
All the trips mentioned below are customizable and can include other places and activities surrounding the area.
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Corbett Foothills and the Kumaon Lake District
Elevation: 1000 ft to 3500 ft
Season: October-June
We work closely with wildlife experts born in the Corbett villages to create some of the most intense wildlife and jungle experiences possible in Corbett.
Highlights: Wildlife & birding trails, day hikes and riverside picnics, stay in machaans, camping, village visits. Our base in Corbett is a small village in the Kotabag valley on the slopes of the Himalayan foothills. The camp is surrounded by dense Oak forest and overlooks the vast Corbett landscape forest spread out below.
Saat-tal lake district: Situated a safe distance from Nainital (22km), Saat-tal is an ideal all season adventure camp. The seven lakes are not too frequented by tourists and offer undisturbed hours in clean water bodies fringed by dense Oak and conifer forest. It is also one of the best locations for birding and butterfly studies.
Highlights: Kayaking, swimming, fishing, short hikes, camping & adventure.
Middle Himalayas
Elevation: 4000ft to 8500ft
Season: March-June & October-November
Mukteshwar is one of the highest Central Himalayan ridge. It commands spectacular views of the snow covered peaks. The prominent peaks visible from here are Nandadevi, Trishul and Panchchuli amongst others.
A variety of stay options are available, from old mountain lodges to eco camps located in the midst of an apple orchard.
Highlights: Rock climbing, day hikes, village visits, birding trails, day picnics.
Upper Himalayas
Munsiyari Area
Season: October-June
We have two sites in the region. Shama and Ramganga. A Mountain camp perched on a high table top about 50 kms ahead of Bageshwar town. The site offers spectacular close-up views of the Himalaya above the Ramganga valley. Here you are in the heart of the Central Himalayan wilderness surrounded by the biggest Indian peaks – Nanda Devi (7848 m), Nanda Kot (6861m), Trishul (7120 m).
The riverside camp is located on a private beach in the fisherman's village. It is approx 30 kms. before Munsiyari. Apart from water sports like Kayaking, swimming and fishing offers various mountain cycling and trekking routes.
These options require at least a week or more.
Our Team of Locals and Experts
What Sets Us Apart
Our mountain team comprises of seasoned travel veterans from the local village communities, whose intimate knowledge of the forest, and of mountain life makes for a personalised and enriching experience. Outdoor and wildlife experts, as well as specialized kitchen crews, are with you at all times. With decades of experience of working with Indian and international travellers, of running expeditions, of working with children, and a keen sensitivity to family needs, our team ensures a seamless and enjoyable adventure.
Fixed Trails are led by experts, who have two qualities… deep knowledge (think Ph.D.) & ability to transmit that knowledge. They are usually hands-on, field-people. Example would be Geologists, wildlife veterinarians etc.
We also co-design these interventions with and around local communities in the region, example: Forest communities at Corbett or tribal shepherd communities in the upper Himalayan wilderness.
Sun, 05 MayMunsyari05 May 2024, 7:00 am – 10 May 2024, 5:00 pmMunsyari, Munsyari-Madkot Rd, Munsyari, Uttarakhand 262554, India5th May 2024 to11th May 2024. The trail is a part of the old Indo-Tibetian trade route, and offers spectacular close-up views of the Himalaya. Here you are in the heart of the Central Himalayan wilderness surrounded by the biggest Indian peaks – Nanda Devi.
Sun, 02 JunDarma Valley02 Jun 2024, 7:00 am – 09 Jun 2024, 5:00 pmDarma Valley, 7H22+93P, Darma, Uttarakhand 262555, India2nd June 2024 to 9th June 2024. This cultural trail explores the Darma valley, which lies behind the Panchachuli range on the eastern border of Kumaon, Uttarakhand with Nepal and Tibet. The valley is inhabited by the “Bhotia” shepherd tribes, who still follow the migratory way of life.
Full Pahadi - Bespoke trails
for you
We offer local, authentic and unique experiences for anyone to go "Full Pahadi". Bespoke itineraries for small groups(a minimum of 4-6 people are required) upon request to any place of choice in Kumaun Hills and Uttarakhand. Get in touch if you want us to design a trip for your specefic needs.
Geological Trek
On a Geo Trail, we visit a Himalayan geological hotspot with an expert Geologist. Darma valley, which is in the Greater Himalaya and Tethyan Himalaya behind the Panchachuli range on the eastern border of Kumaon, is a region where geological processes are visible and tangible allowing travellers to experience and understand new developments in Earth science. (specially related to the origin of the Himalayas).On this trek, apart from the 'hard rock' geology, we will observe a variety of glacial features and deposits, formed over the past millennia, as the Panchachuli and other smaller glaciers in this region grew and retreated in tune with oscillating climate.
The expert
Suvrat Kher is a sedimentary geologist. He did his PhD from Florida State University in the United States, specializing in limestones and sedimentary basin evolution. He also has work experience in Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing. He resides in Pune, Maharashtra, and divides his time between consulting in geology and coaching football and rugby. Over the past 10 years he has pursued geology outreach via his popular science blog Rapid Uplift (www.suvratk.blogspot.com). His Twitter handle is @rapiduplift.
How much will it cost?
Approx. INR 40,000/per person for 7 days. Discounts are available for small groups and students
What will the price include?
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The program follows a specific itinerary for seamless facilitation.
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Hikes are designed with moderate trails that involve 2-3 hours of walking over gradual slopes.
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Subject matter experts and educational material are provided.
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Road transport is included from the railhead (Kathgodam).
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Accommodation options include alpine tents or guest houses.
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All meals are provided during the program.
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Instructors and safety equipment are available.
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Sleeping bags, rucksacks, and mattresses are available upon request.
CUSTOM TRAILS- FULL PAHADI
We facilitate bespoke treks for small groups in Kumaon and Garhwal area. A minimum of 4 - 6 participants are required. Alternatively, you may join a fixed departure trek. These are organized at regular intervals. Drop us a message to get added to the mailing list.
Season: April-November
Sample Itineraries
Explore our sample itineraries to discover activities that align with your interests.
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FAQ
The Answers You Need
Depends on the locale. We operate trips at all altitudes in the Kumaon Himalayas from the foothills to the Upper reaches. In summers, choose higher locations like Mukteshwar, or Ramganaga or Shaama and in winters visit the lower ranges around Corbett and the lake districts.
What is the best season to plan?
Yes. Age is not bar for most of our trips and programmes. The focus is more on the experience and not on physical challenges. We advise speaking to us to figure out the trip best suited to you.
I am a retired person. Can I come for this trip?
All our properties are pet friendly. However for treks, we suggest otherwise, as the trail may pass through villages where local dogs may display territorial behaviours.
Can I bring my pet?
For the stay and explore options, there is no minimum group size. For mountain biking and trekking programmes, 3 – 5 people is recommended.
What is the group size for this?
Our record speaks for itself. We have been facilitating trips in the mountain outdoors since 1993, without a single incident. We are nevertheless prepared for all eventualities – all our facilitators are trained in basic first aid and CPR procedures, first aid kits are carried at all times, back up jeeps and 24X 7 access to a qualified doctor.
Are the trips safe?
The divers that we engage have are screened through the community run process and have mostly been with us for decades. The personnel are regularly taken through refresher sessions, operate within set speed limits.
The trails are safer, primarily because we are the locals and have deep connects with village communities where we operate. The facilitators know their forest well.
Are the roads and trails safe?
Our mountain team, consisting of local village experts, offers a deeply personal journey. Their rich knowledge of the forest and mountain life ensures a unique adventure. Our skilled outdoor and wildlife experts, alongside specialized kitchen staff, provide a seamless experience, connecting you intimately with the local culture and traditions.
What awaits you
on a Deep Dive
Experience in
Kumaon
Breath-taking wilderness
Experts to interpret the landscape and culture.
Close interaction with the locals
Cosy comfort of traditional houses
On a Geo Trail, we visit a Himalayan geological hotspot with an expert Geologist. Darma valley, which is in the Greater Himalaya and Tethyan Himalaya behind the Panchachuli range on the eastern border of Kumaon, is a region where geological processes are visible and tangible allowing travellers to experience and understand new developments in Earth science. (specially related to the origin of the Himalayas).On this trek, apart from the 'hard rock' geology, we will observe a variety of glacial features and deposits, formed over the past millennia, as the Panchachuli and other smaller glaciers in this region grew and retreated in tune with oscillating climate.
Geological Trail (+7 Days)
1
On cultural trails, we move beyond mere trekking, to a more immersive ‘lived experience’ in the upper Himalayas, leveraging our deep local networks to our advantage.The “Bhotia” shepherd tribes, who still follow the migratory way of life, are our hosts and guides.
We stay in stone built village homes with beautiful wooden carvings, feast on fresh ‘pahadi’ food and local brews, and freely make use of mountain bikes or jeeps to drive along the high altitude border roads between villages instead of hiking. The focus here, is less on physical exertion and more on appreciating the landscape and on cultural immersion. Age is no bar.
Long Cultural Trail (7+ days)
2
We leave the urban setting behind for a while, and interact with experts to take a close look at the rich eco-system of our great protected forests, like Corbett, Dudhwa and in the middle Himalayas. We observe birds, chase butterflies, and hike along the forest floor to track and read animal signs, and identify trees to document their roles in the eco-system, ride jeeps in the national parks to observe the big mammals in their natural habitat or search for the smaller ones in the park peripheries, and spend the night on a machaan, or camp out in deep forest next to a life giving river stream, and fall asleep while listening to the forest folklores around campfires.
Forest and Wildlife (5+ days)
3
Fixed Departure Trails
You may join a fixed departure trek where we seek to bridge academic learning with direct experiences, providing a tangible and substantial exposure to chosen themes. The interaction with specialists and locals in these trails are designed to invoke your curious mind and allow you to explore your connection with the subject.
These are organized at regular intervals. Drop us a message to get added to the mailing list.
Himalayan Shepherd Trail
Namik- Munsiyari Circuit
Starts: 5th May 2024, Munsiyrai
Ends: 11th May 2024, Kathgodam/Saat-tal
The trail is a part of the old Indo-Tibetian trade route, and offers spectacular close-up views of the Himalaya. Here you are in the heart of the Central Himalayan wilderness surrounded by the biggest Indian peaks – Nanda Devi (7848 m), Nanda Kot (6861m), Trishul (7120 m).
Starting from the heights of Munsiyari, we descend to the shepherd villages of Namik and Gogina, where life still follows the rhythms of old. We trek across streams and down mountain sides set ablaze with Rhododendron blooms. We camp out in meadows hanging above remote hill villages, enjoy fresh meals in flower scented Oak and Deodar forests, and sleep next to the blue river.
Bookings
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