Wild Walking Mountains & Villages

Suggested Itinerary

Overview

Considered amongst the most beautiful mountain landscapes on earth, the Indian Himalayas provide the breath-taking backdrop to this unforgettable journey into the wild lands of northern India. Staying at some of the most exclusive hideaways on the continent, the journey takes you by first class train and jeep deep into the heart of rural India. Beginning with an overnight train journey into the foothills of the Himalayas, you will travel from Delhi into the beautiful landscapes of the Kumaon ...

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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Suggested Itinerary

This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.

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Day 1 DELHI - KATHGODAM

Day 1 DELHI - KATHGODAM

Arrive Delhi, you will be taken straight to your hotel before your sightseeing of the Indian capital via rickshaw, which will include a look around the new town and a trip into the heart of the old town. After an early dinner you will jump straight into this adventure by boarding your overnight train to Kathgodam in the foothills of the Indian Himalayas.

Dinner

Day 2 KATHGODAM - ALMORA

Day 2 KATHGODAM - ALMORA

Situated on the banks of the Gaula River, Kathgodam is the last stop on the line and from here you alight the train and drive on to Kalmatia, enjoying the beautiful serenity of the surrounding landscapes as you make your way towards the Ayurved Kalmatia Resort.

Ayurved Kalmatia
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 ALMORA - NAUGAON

Day 3 ALMORA - NAUGAON

You will be driven to Itmenaan Estate, set in a peaceful rural setting in the Kumaon Himalayas. You may choose to laze around or read a book, admire mesmerising valleys and snow-clad peaks, enjoy the warmth of bonfire, gaze at the countless stars in night time. Those who are looking for some more walking within and around the estate you may trek to the highest point for enchanting views or roam the beautiful oak and rhododendron forests.

Itmenaan Estate
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 NAUGAON

Day 4 NAUGAON

Begin your village walk from the estate, a 500-metre ascent. On reaching the village, one gets a sense of having travelled back in time. All houses are constructed in traditional Kumaoni architecture with locally available materials. After spending time in the village and experiencing a totally different way of life, it is time to visit the local temple and pay obeisance to the gods. The little village temple that falls on the final leg of the walk is dedicated to the local deity, Siam. Villagers believe that the deity guards their crops and livestock and thus ensures prosperity.

Itmenaan Estate
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 NAUGAON – ALMORA – THIKALNA VILLAGE

Day 5 NAUGAON – ALMORA – THIKALNA VILLAGE

Journey on to Almore today by road. Stop at the charming Chitai Temple, dedicated to Golu Devta, who is considered to be the God of Justice. As one approaches the temple, the first thing that strikes you is hundreds of bells hanging at the entrance, hung here after Golu Devta has granted someone a wish. Continue to Thikalna, a picturesque hill station which is among the few hill stations of India not created by the British. In fact, it is an ancient town, and some 400 years ago, it was the capital of the Chand Rajas of Kumaon.

Thikalna Village House
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 THIKALNA VILLAGE

Day 6 THIKALNA VILLAGE

Today's walk sees you following a trail to Dhaulchina, Kachula and Barechina. Sights on the trail include villages buzzing with little children, people farming their fields, peaceful pine forests, elderly men enjoying their hookah over tea, cattle grazing, and the elegant Magpie. From Barechina you will walk back to the village house for a late lunch. Rest of the day may be spent at leisure or you may explore the neighbouring countryside.

Thikalna Village House
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 THIKALNA - KOT NAIKANA

Day 7 THIKALNA - KOT NAIKANA

After a leisurely breakfast, walk along the ridge towards Bridh Jageshwar temple complex (2229-metres) with beautiful views of the Nanda Devi range on your left. The next destination on your walk is the Temple of Jageshwar (1780 metres), believed to have been constructed between the 8th century and the 18th century. Enjoy a picnic lunch before an uphill walk to the village of Gurdabaj through some of the oldest Deodar forests in the entire region. The evening may be spent at leisure by a bonfire.

Kot Naikana Village House
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 KOT NAIKANA - BHIMTAL

Day 8 KOT NAIKANA - BHIMTAL

Following breakfast, walk to your vehicle and driver who will transport you to Bhimtal. Arrive at Fredy's Bungalow, located in the midst of acres of dense oak forest, this is a peaceful haven where only the sounds of nature break the silence. A steep mountain trail, adjacent to the bungalow, leads to 'the Ridge' with its breath-taking view of the Sattal Lakes below and Nainital in the distance. A level walking track from the bungalow offers an easy and short walk to these lakes.

Fredy’s Bungalow
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 BHIMTAL – CORBETT NATIONAL PARK

Day 9 BHIMTAL – CORBETT NATIONAL PARK

After a leisurely breakfast you will then be driven on to the Corbett National Park, stopping en route to visit Jim Corbett’s Museum in Kaladhungi. Late afternoon you will experience a game drive at Corbett National Park, one of the country’s most important tiger sanctuaries.

Jim's Jungle Retreat
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 CORBETT NATIONAL PARK

Day 10 CORBETT NATIONAL PARK

With a tiger population of around 160, Corbett National Park is one of India's most spectacular wildlife preserves. Set amongst the rich landscapes of the Ramganga River Valley, it is also one of the best places in India for bird-watching, with something close to 600 different species being recorded here. Early this morning set out on a wild game drive through the park, before enjoying an afternoon at leisure.

Jim's Jungle Retreat
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 CORBETT - RISHIKESH

Day 11 CORBETT - RISHIKESH

After being collected from your lodge this morning, you will drive for around 6 hours to the holy town of Rishikesh, travelling through a multitude of colourful towns en route to the sumptuous setting of your next hotel.

Atali Ganga
Breakfast

Day 12 RISHIKESH

Day 12 RISHIKESH

Today you can enjoy some time at leisure to relax or explore Rishikesh, also known as the 'place of sages'. It is found at the confluence of the Chandrabhaga and Ganga, where the Garhwal Mountains rise abruptly from the Gangetic plains. Its many ashrams – some clearly humbly ascetic, with others verging on opulent - continue to draw devotees and followers from around the world. The whole place is considered to be sacred, as it is believed that meditation here leads to attainment of salvation. There are some wonderful activities on offer, including river rafting, evening aarti, bird-watching walks, yoga classes, market visits, visiting the Beatles Ashram, mountain hikes, and many more.

Atali Ganga
Breakfast

Day 13 RISHIKESH

Day 13 RISHIKESH

Enjoy another day at leisure today, before this evening witnessing one of India’s great ceremonies. The Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh is an unforgettably spiritual experience, generally beginning at sunset and lasting for about an hour to an hour and a half. The aarti is performed by a group of young priests as they chant holy prayers and perform sacred rituals using oil lamps in order to provide offerings to the holy river, and it can only be witnessed in a handful of places in India.

Atali Ganga
Breakfast

Day 14 RISHIKESH - DELHI

Day 14 RISHIKESH - DELHI

Ending your journey as you began it, you travel back to Delhi by train this morning. On arrival in the Indian capital you will met and transferred to the airport in time to catch your onward flight.

Breakfast

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.

GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT'S INCLUDED

14 days from C$6,630

MEALS

As specified in the itinerary, sampling some of the country's finest cuisine.

TRANSPORT

Private air-conditioned vehicles with experienced, dedicated drivers.

ENTRANCE FEES

Tours and admission fees, including tickets specified in the itinerary.

EXPERT TEAM

Licensed English-speaking guides and a support team available 24/7.

ACCOMMODATION

As specified in the itinerary, using some of our favourite local properties.

WILD MILES

This tour will earn you 8350 Wild Miles

ACCOMMODATION

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Wild Miles Club

When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:

Blue More than 10,000 points 2.5% discount
Bronze More than 30,000 points 5% discount
Silver More than 45,000 points 7.5% discount
Gold More than 60,000 points 10% discount

This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.

Positive Impact of this Trip

Tree
Ten trees are planted per passenger on this trip
Community
Supports Wild Frontiers Foundation community projects
Wind Turbine
A contribution to renewable energy projects

WHEN TO GO

START PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.

WHY WILD FRONTIERS?

Meet the expert, Shalmali

Shalmali is our Indian Subcontinent expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.

Speak to Shalmali by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258

India rewards the traveller with its rich variety of unforgettable experiences, diversity of culture, stunning wealth of architecture, varied landscapes, delicious cuisines, fine textiles and crafts, colourful festivals, and wild places teeming with wildlife.

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