A Walk Through The Himalayan Foothills

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Delhi

(N)

Day 2: Delhi

Arrive in Delhi and transfer to the Maidens Hotel for 1 night. (N)

Day 3: To Kathgodam

Take the train to Kathgodam and stay overnight at Itmenaan Estate, set in a peaceful rural setting in the Kumaon Himalayas. The 10-acre resort includes virgin pine, oak and rhododendron trees; terraced fields laden with seasonal fruits and vegetables and a small private natural spring. (B, L, D)

Days 4-5: Village treks

Trek from your accommodation through charming picturesque villages including Almora, Thikalna and Ganghet, staying each night in a local village house. Treks are gentle and you are likely to pass many rhododendron and pine forests and see people going about their daily routines (B, L, D)

Day 6: Kathgodam

Today’s hike is moderate and around 4-5 in duration, passing by the temple of Jhankarsem, many local villages, terraced fields and old Kumaoni houses. You will be served a picnic lunch before heading back to the Itmenaan Estate for an overnight stay. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Corbett

Drive to Corbett National Park for 2 nights at the Riverview Retreat. Corbett is one of India’s last expanses of Himalayan wilderness and the country’s first wildlife reserve. It is spread across the foothills of Kumaon provides a haven for many species of wildlife. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Corbett

Spend the day wildlife viewing. Although famous for tigers, Corbett is also home to large elephant herds, marsh crocodiles, wild boar and deer, whilst the birdlife includes pied kingfishers, crested serpent eagles and the Himalayan grey-headed fish eagle. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Haridwar

Drive to Haridwar to join the throngs on the riverbanks for the evening Aarti ceremony. According to Hindu mythology, Haridwar is the holiest of all places and the ceremony is led by priests at sunset whilst flaming torches light the sky. Overnight at the Haveli Hari Ganga. (B)

Day 10: Delhi

Take the morning train to Delhi and stay overnight at the Maidens Hotel. (B)

Day 11: Fly to London (N)