| The
concept of the "Village Trek“ is unique as it provides an insight into the
lives and daily routine of the Kumaoni villager. Overnight stays in the village
houses gives you a chance to experience their warm and genuine hospitality. The
accomodation is rustic but clean and has all the basic amenities. The walks end at
a different village each afternoon.
The
village houses
have been partially renovated and toilets and bathrooms added without spoiling
the ambience. After a day’s walk you can freshen up with a hot bucket bath. Food
is cooked hygienically and mineral water is provided.
The
trek starts in the region of Almora which is the first British hill station (1815)
in Kumaon Uttaranchal in the western Himalaya. Kumaon lies at the feet of some
of the tallest mountains in India. Situated between Garhwal to the west and Nepal
to the east Kumaon offers a natural environment where forests and wildlife
have still to unfold their mysteries. Local religious customs and ancient traditions
are very much alive here. This area has been a confluence where cultures
have blended together, leaving behind an infinity of architectural wonders eg.
Ancient temples, prehistoric paintings and charming villages set amongst green
terraces. The itinerary covers both the cultural and natural aspects of the region.
Before
begining the trek you spend two nights at Kalmatia Sangam Himalaya Resort which
helps to adjust to the altitude and will give you a „feel“ of the area with it’s
abundance of flora and fauna. The last night is also at Kalmatia Sangam to relax,
unwind, share memories and enjoy delectable meals.
Kalmatia
Sangam
has 10 rooms/cottages all of which are individual, very tastefully furnished and
offer spectacular views of the Himalaya – dominating is Nanda Devi (7816m).
Day 1 - Arrive at Kalmatia Sangam.
- From
Delhi drive approx 8 to 9 hrs (380km). Alternative: Overnight train „Ranikhet
Express“ to Kathgodam. From there 2 ½ hrs. drive to the resort. For those arriving
by car - late afternoon at leisure. Overnight:
Kalmatia Sangam
Kalmatia
Sangam to Chittai Temple
- Arrival by train - After breakfast start an easy walk to Chittai.The
Chittai bell temple is dedicated to Golu Devta (god of justice and peculiar to
Kumaon). The temple is hung with petitions and bells of all shapes and sizes brought
by grateful devotees. The walking path starts from the resort through Chir (pine)
forests via Sintola with good views into the valley and Himalya range. After temple
visit walk back to the resort. Overnight:
Kalmatia
Sangam Walking
time to Chittai and back: 4/5hrs., 10 kms
Altitude:1950m
- 1700m
Day
2
- For the guests who arrived by car the previous afternoon –
Chittai Temple Walk For
those who arrived by train the previous day -Binsar Sanctuary Walk
After
breakfast drive to Binsar. Walk up to Zero Point through dense oak and rhododendron
forests. Enjoy the view and hike downhill to Shiva temple. From there trek initially
further downhill and then follow the western Binsar ridge towards Kangarchina.
A very scenic walk with good views of the Himalaya on one side and the terraced
valley on the other side. On route enjoy a packed lunch. Drive back to resort.
Overnight:
Kalmatia Sangam
Altitude: Bet. 2400m to 1700m Walking
time: 5 to 6hrs. Driving time 2hrs.
Day
3 to Day 6 -
Village walk The village
walks lead through picturesque villages along terraced fields, waterfalls,
along a winding stream and pine, cedar, oak and rhododendron forests.
(If you can make it between mid Feb. and Apr. you will be rewarded with the lovely
sight of the rhododendron flowers in bloom – a blaze of colour). The
walks vary from gentle to slightly steep and take you between 1450m
to 2250m. Walking
on the old village trails you pass through several villages where the houses have
wonderfully carved doors and windows. This itinerary gives you
a realistic impression of Kumaoni local life, where the old traditions and culture
are still part of their daily routine lives. You pass villages where the castes
are strictly segregated, walk through terraced fields then along traditional irrigation
channels.
As
everywhere in the Kumaon the people are friendly, curious in a childlike manner
and more than happy to answer questions and be photographed. The walks take you
en route to ancient Kali, Vishnu and Shakti temples (1000 years old), past
ancient flour mills, where you can stop and see how they work. The Himalaya
and panaromic valley views along the ridges are magnificent. On
arriving freshen up and enjoy a welcome drink while traditional Kumaoni food
is cooked by the villagers. Stretch out with refreshments in a quaint,
stone garden, overlooking small fields. The landlord while preparing the
dinner hops in and out of his fields to get fresh veggies and herbs for your
meal. Guests are welcome to watch and help! Relax, chat with the locals listening to
tales of the past. On the last evening after a delicious dinner you
can enjoy an evening of traditional Kumaoni folk dances and music with a bonfire.
Day
6.
Walk downhill to Jageshwar through terraced fields, villages and magnificent cedar
forests. At Jageshwar you can visit the ancient temple complex built by the
Chand and Katyuri rulers between 8th. and 12th. Century A.D. 1
½ hrs. drive back to Kalmatia Sangam Himalaya Resort. On the way
stop to see the prehistoric rock art at Lakhudiar. Overnight:
Kalmatia Sangam
Day
7.
By car: Almora – Delhi. - By
train: A leisurely day - relax, unwind, sunbathe, stroll around and late afternoon
leave for Kathgodam railway station. Best
time for the trek
– mid. September to mid. April Daily
average walking time - 5 to 7 hrs. Altitude:
Between 1450m to 2250m Seasons:
Each
season has it’s own magic. Spring: Blue skies, fruit trees in blossom, the forests
flaming red with rhododendron flowers. Autumn: Golden sunshine, the hills dotted
with cosmos flowers and the wild cherry trees in bloom. Winter: Dec. to Feb. Crisp
and clear, the sweet scent of the mimosa filling the air. Himalayan views normally
throughout Oct. to Apr., maybe a little hazy towards the end of Apr. but spectacular
in the winter season. | 
- Section Contains Photographs taken by Nivalink Team.