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Trekking the Foothills of the Himalayas

Shakti Kumaon

A journey for those seeking breathtaking natural surrounds; the Kumaon region is called the ‘Land of the Gods’ and has long attracted those seeking a spiritual connection with these ancient lands. Follow in the footsteps of Bob Dylan and Allan Ginsberg, who travelled through these alpine villages seeking enlightenment in the early 1960’s.

This trek is nine nights, walking between hill stations and villages in the distant region of Uttarakhand in the north of India. The area of Kumaon is celebrated for its warm people, rhododendron forests, dramatic hills and ancient temples.

You’ll experience authentic peaceful village life as you stay in local houses, converted to cater for every modern comfort. Each trip is customizable to suit the traveller – you set the pace. The only certainty is immersing yourself into the heart of these local communities.

black and white Himalayas by Will Bolsover

Why You’ll Love This Trip: 

Fully Tailored Experience: Whether you are travelling as a family, a group of friends, a couple or seeking a solo spiritual journey, your Shakti trekking experience will be designed to suit you. Immerse yourself fully in local life or take challenging treks in the foothills of the Himalayas.
Collaborative & Community Driven: The village homes in which you will stay are leased from local families. The staff are from the region, the food is sourced from the area – providing you with a deeper connection with Kumaon as well as ensuring your trip benefits the local people.
Creative Culinary Experience: Traditionally Himalayan treks offer fairly basic dining options, not so with your personal Shakti chef. Using a small wood fired stove and boundless creativity you’ll be treated to family recipes passed down from generation to generation with vibrantly fresh, regional ingredients.

Example Day by Day Itinerary:

Day 1, Arrive Delhi

Today you will arrive in Delhi and be transferred to your Haveli in the centre of bustling Shahjahanabad – colloquially known as Old Delhi. You’ll be immediately immersed in the noise and chaos of the city until you cross the threshold of this historical building where total peace reigns.

Accommodation: Haveli Dharampura

Day 2, Delhi – Pantnagar – Shakti Kana

A long travel day today as you depart Delhi for your flight to Pantnagar. From Pantnagar Airport it’s a further five-hour drive to the peaceful Almora region, stopping for lunch enroute. You’ll be welcomed to your mountain home at Shakti Kana with drinks and a fantastic meal prepared by your private chef.

Accommodation: Shakti Kana

Day 3, Shakti Kana to Shakti Jwalabanj

Your first hike today takes you through the terraced fields to the 8th century Jageshwar Temple Complex after a hearty breakfast. After visiting this ancient site you’ll be driven to the start of the forest trail of Jwalabanj. The walk takes around three hours; you’ll stop for a picnic lunch enroute as well as taking in your first views of the Nanda Devi mountain range. In the evening you’ll enjoy dinner at your next village house.

Accommodation: Shakti Jwalabanj Village House

Day 4, Explore Shakti Jwalabanj

An early start for spectacular sunrise views of Nanda Kot & Nanda Devi. Head back to the house for breakfast before your next guided hike. You’ll traverse pine forests and terraced fields via the villages of Artola and Kutul, stopping for a picnic on the way. Today when you reach home, you’ll take part in preparing the meal, with a lesson from your chef before you settle down to drinks and dinner.

Accommodation: Shaki Jwalabanj Village House

Walk To Prana Shakti Kumaonuttarakhand India

Day 5, Jwalabanj to Prana

After breakfast you’ll stroll down to the road where you will be met by your car and be driven four hours to Prana. The final leg of your journey will be a forty-five-minute walk to Prana, where you can drink in the stunning views of the Nanda Devil mountain range. Sit by the outdoor fire and gaze at the blanket of stars.

Accommodation: Shakti Prana

Days 6 & 7, Explore Shakti Prana

Your private guide can help you decide between gentle walks and challenging hikes into the countryside as you head out with your picnic hamper. Head up to the Jhandi Dhaar Ridgeline for wonderful views of the Himalayas or down into the valley to the roaring Ramganga river. There are more spectacular walks to choose from during your time here, your guide will help you chose what is best for you.

Accommodation: Shakti Prana

Day 8, Shakti Prana to Shakti Panchachuli

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning, before walking forty-five minutes down the road where you’ll be picked up and driven four hours to the village of Panchachuli. When you arrive at the end of the road you’ll walk the fifteen minutes to the property – if you have time you might wish to take a late afternoon hike or simply settle in before dinner.

Accommodation: Shakti Panchachuli Village House

Day 9, Explore Panchachuli

Discuss with your guide the hiking options – you can visit the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, enjoying mountain views within the pine forest, passing shrines and temples. Or perhaps take the Mechuli Temple Walk via villages and valleys. Finish the day by the fireside with farewell drinks and dinner.

Accommodation: Shakti Panchachuli Village House

Day 10-11, Shakti Panchachuli to Delhi & Depart Delhi

After a final breakfast prepared by your personal chef you’ll begin your journey back to the big city of Delhi. You’ll take the five hour drive back to Pantnagar airport. Upon arrival in Delhi you’ll be transferred a short distance to your airport hotel to rest for the night before your flight home.

After a night’s rest at your hotel conveniently located close to Delhi airport you’ll be transferred the short distance to the airport for your flight home.

Accommodation: Roseate House Aerocity

Your Accommodations

Haveli Dharampura

For those wanting to experience an authentic heritage property in the heart of Shahjahanabad. A stay in the ancient town is not for every traveller, the crowded streets are noisy and fragrant. As you step through the entrance, the chaos behind melts into serenity within the brightly painted courtyard. The Haveli has just 14 boutique rooms. The chef’s tasting menu at the beautiful Lakhori restaurant is not to be missed. There are also twice weekly Kathak dance performances which are visible from every floor of the Haveli. Take high tea on the roof top or try your hand at kite flying over the cityscape.

Shakti Kana

A three-bedroom authentic Kumaon village house. The family that owns the house live behind the property with their three children. The house has three bedrooms which are beautifully renovated to ensure a comfortable stay in the foothills of the Himalayas.

Shakti Jwalabanj Village House

The alpine village of Jwalabaji sits at over 7,00 ft above sea level. Here you will find a lovingly restored stone cottage. All three bedrooms come with an ensuite bathroom, the rooms are simple but cosy with burkharis and fluffy duvets.

Shakti Prana

Featuring glorious views of the Nanda Devi mountain range, this village house is truly remote. This lodge has seven suites, two dining areas and live kitchens where you can watch your chef create cooking magic. The lodge is solar powered, has an outdoor yoga pavilion and a sauna. Prana Lodge offers a truly special stay in an architectural marvel of stone, glass, timber, and copper

Shakti Panchahuli Village House

This house was chosen for its stunning views at of the entire Nanda Devi range. It consists of a main living area and a dining room, making it a perfect retreat for nature lovers seeking tranquillity amid spectacular landscapes. Immerse yourself in a unique mountain living experience.

Roseate House

A contemporary upscale hotel located in Aerocity, renowned as one of the best hotels in the area, it blends traditional elegance with modern innovation to cater to cosmopolitan guests. Conveniently situated 30 minutes from Delhi, the hotel is just 4.5 kilometres from Indira Gandhi International Airport and a short walk from the Aerocity metro station. Roseate House offers a tranquil retreat from the city's hustle and bustle, combining luxury and comfort for travellers.