| Corbett tiger reserve
has large tracts of adjoining forest area that extend to the higher reaches of
the outer Himalayas with altitudes varying from 400m to 2100m. Grasslands and
tropical forests dominated by Sal trees finally give way to Oak and Rhododendron
in higher grounds, with breathtaking views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks. A hike
in these forests, with the help of an expert tracker is perhaps the best way to
'feel the forest'. Sample Tour Plan
for five nights and six days
Day 1:Arrive at Camp Forktail Creek
Arrive at Camp Forktail Creek by lunch. After wash and change and a sumptuous
lunch, we could take you on an escorted nature and bird walk through Bhakrakot
village.
If you wish to relax and not walk, you could explore Camp, read
from our Library in the ‘Thatch’ or lounge in the hammocks under the Banyan tree.
Back to camp by sundown for campfire and dinner, which is leisurely and personal.
Along with the excellent cuisine, your guide and hosts will amuse and amaze you
with their stories of exciting experiences. Then it is time to relax once again
and enjoy carefree chatter by the fireside whilst feasting on the unique sounds
and smells that your exclusive location offers, before retiring to bed with only
canvas separating you from the Indian jungles.
Day 2: Camp Forktail
Creek to Bhutia Dera
Early in the morning, after breakfast,
we depart from Camp through the old forest batia (walk trail) into the Chilkia
Range of Almora Forest Division.
This forest range serves as a
buffer to the Tiger Reserve and is also the wintering grounds for the Bhutia Tribe
(nomadic shepherds in the Himalayas). A fresh water stream that falls enroute
would be our site for a packed lunch.
We would be at the Bhutia
Dera (settlement) by evening. After a quick wash, relax with the bhutia’s (subject
to them being there) and listen to their exciting tales of the Himalayan jungles.
Dinner would be served and shared with the bhutia’s and then retire early into
the camping tents.
Day 3: Bhutia Dera to Patharia via Kartkinaul
Post an easy breakfast we follow the old district board road to Kartkinaul
village. This is the track, which was used by Jim Corbett when he visited the
area in search of the man-eating tiger in the early 19th century.
We would walk past Borad – a pretty village set amidst thick Sal forest. Our route
today is through dense Sal forests with thick Lantana undergrowth with a short,
steep climb.
At Karkinaul, we would visit the Foresters hut where
“Carpet Sahib” once stayed. The Forester’s Hut is located on a ridge that offers
great views of the Ramganga and Kosi valley. A rickety old watchtower still stands,
close by, offering even better views.
From here it is an easy walk
to Patharia, the ridge that overlooks Camp. We would walk along the path where
Corbett shot the man-eater of Mohan in a thick wooded ravine.
Hot tea
would be waiting our arrival at the campsite. After a wash, have hot dinner specially
prepared by our chef and then settle into the camping tents pitched close by.
Day 4: Patharia to Camp Forktail Creek
After a leisurely
and lazy morning walk back to Camp- it is an easy down hill walk and we would
be in Camp just in time for hot lunch.
After the much needed wash
and scrub, relax and lounge about Camp. Your hosts and naturalist would be around
to share your experiences of the last few days.
Day 5: Full
day game drive into the Bijrani range
Early morning, depart
for a full day game drive to the Bijrani range to observe the wildlife of the
area. Breakfast and lunch would be served at the Bijrani FRH, specially packed
by our chef at Camp.
After a full, action-packed day in the forest,
we head back to camp by sundown, just in time for that hot cup of tea.
After a quick wash, join your hosts by the campfire for drinks and snacks
and resume the discussions leftover from the previous night. For those of you
weary from the long day, dinner would be ready under the Thatch after which you
could settle into your comfortable beds in the tent.
Day 6:
Depart for onward destination
Bid goodbye to your naturalist and
the rest of the team and depart for your onward destination after a sumptuous
breakfast. Cost Estimate on request.
Note: - This is
essentially a walking trip with back-up, jeep support. Our resident naturalist,
cooks and camp staff would escort the whole trip.
- Accommodation
in Camp is in large safari tents elevated on wooden floors, each with a fully
functional toilet. For more information on Camp, please refer to our fact sheet.
- Accommodation
throughout the walk would be in camping tents. The toilet would be a dry pit with
a thunder box on top, enclosed in a large tent with an open roof.
- Meals
and all other services would be taken care of by our assistants. Meals would be
lavish and a mix of Indian or Continental cuisine.
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- Section Contains Photographs taken by Nivalink Team.