Himalayan Odyssey

Leave Delhi at 7 A.M. Reach Nainital or Bhimtal - the beautiful lake district of Kumaon - at 1.30 P.M. After settling into deluxe hotel, visit the shimmering mountain lake for boating or sailing and the bustling mall for local action. Nainital is at 6400 feet asl and Bhimtal at 4525 feet asl is quieter. Overnight at Nainital or Bhimtal.

Discover these quaint hill towns. Excursions on foot or horses within Nainital to Snow View (7500 feet asl) or Dorothy’s Seat, Tiffin Top for Himalayan views or near Nainital to Kilbury, Naukuchiatal, Sattal, Khurpatal, Bhimtal. Overnight at Nainital or Bhimtal.

Nainital or Bhimtal - Ranikhet (60 kms / 2 hrs) or Kausani (115 kms / 3.5 hrs). Leave Nainital / Bhimtal after a relaxed breakfast and reach Ranikhet or Kausani by lunch time. Local sightseeing. Overnight at Ranikhet or Kausani.

Ranikhet or Kausani. Local sightseeing and excursions. Overnight at Ranikhet or Kausani.

Ranikhet : At 6000 feet asl, it is a serene and peaceful hillstation foreshadowed by conifer forests and surrounded by snow clad Himalayan ranges from the Bhagirathi peaks in the west to Nanda Kot in the east. Ranikhet also offers golfing at the 9 hole Army Course besides being known for the orchards of Chaubatia and Jhoola Devi Temple.

Kausani : At a height of 6250 feet asl, it offers a spectacular 300 kms wide view of the Himalayas and walks in the thickly wooded area. Offers interesting excursions to the 12th century Baijnath Temple by the Gomti River and to Patal Bhuvneshwar with its enchanting underground cave temples.

Ranikhet or Kausani to Almora / Binsar (70 kms / 2 hrs). Leave Ranikhet / Kausani after a relaxed breakfast and reach the resorts in Almora (5800 - 6300 feet asl) / Binsar (7000 feet asl) by lunch time. After settling into the resort imbibe the essence of another natural jewel of Kumaon. Take a short hike to a local Kumaoni village for a taste of the local culture. Overnight at Almora / Binsar.

Almora / Binsar. Local sightseeing and excursions. Overnight at Almora / Binsar. Almora / Binsar: Drive upto Jhandi Dhar (8000 feet asl) within the Binsar Sanctuary for a majestic view of the Himalayan panorama - the snow clad peaks of Kedarnath, Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot are visible from here. The beautiful forests of Himalayan oak and rhododendron are excellent for walks and soft treks. Nearby is the Chitai or Golu Devta Temple revered by the local population and 30 kms away is the magnificent, 10th century temple complex of Jageshwar dedicated to Lord Shiva, set amidst thick deodhar woods.

Almora / Binsar - Ramgarh or Mukteshwar (90 - 125 kms / 2.5 - 3.5 hrs). Leave Almora / Binsar after a leisurely breakfast and enter the picturesque fruit basket of Kumaon - Ramgarh / Mukteshwar. Local sightseeing. Overnight at Ramgarh / Mukteshwar.

Ramgarh - At 5900 feet asl, in the foothills of the Himalayas, this is a picturesque hamlet in the heart of apple, plum, peaches and apricot orchards. It is an ideal place for long walks, to let your creative juices flow or just unwind or introspect.

Mukteshwar - At 8000 ft, this is an idyllic sojourn in the lap of the mountains and rolling meadows. Surrounded by fruit orchards and thick coniferous forest it provides a majestic view of the Himalayas. It is popular for the century old Shiva Temple, Chauthijalli rock formations, Angora wool sheep farm, rejuvenating forest walks and enchanting sunsets.

Ramgarh or Mukteshwar - Delhi (350 kms / 8 hrs). Depart from Ramgarh or Mukteshwar after breakfast. Reach Delhi in the evening. Tour ends...but the memories remain !