Hiking in the Himalaya

Duration 13 days
Price guide
From
  PP
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Kumaon Region Indian Himalayas
Soaring snow-capped peaks, rolling hills cloaked in cloud and forests rich with the scent of pine – the Himalayas are one of the world’s most incredible landscapes. This epic 14-day exploration takes you from Delhi, across the Kumaon Region to Sikkim and finally back to Delhi.

Trip highlights

  • Learn how to make traditional dishes like momo
  • Enjoy stunning views from a lofty vantage point in Kaluk village
  • Follow the trail through a red panda wildlife sanctuary
  • Visit one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim, Pemayangtse monastery
  • Explore the labyrinthine maze of lanes in Old Delhi

Bespoke trips with Jacada

We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:

  • Luxury accommodation throughout
  • Privately guided tours
  • Private transfers
  • Meticulously selected experiences
  • Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
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  • Days 1–2 Delhi
  • Days 2–6 Kumaon Region
  • Days 6–7 Delhi
  • Days 7–12 Sikkim
  • Days 12–13 Delhi
Hiking in the Himalaya
Price guide
  PP
  • Days 1–2 Delhi
  • Days 2–6 Kumaon Region
  • Days 6–7 Delhi
  • Days 7–12 Sikkim
  • Days 12–13 Delhi

Itinerary in detail

Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.

Days 1–2

One night in Delhi

With a population of over 18 million, Delhi is an international metropolis. Perhaps daunting at first sight, a little exploring soon reveals a rich, diverse and fascinating culture. Throughout most of its history, it has served as the capital of various kingdoms and empires, captured and rebuilt time and time again. Every dynasty left its mark and as you start to explore, you’ll discover reminders and relics from this colossal game of pass the parcel. As well as centuries worth of history to explore, Delhi is also one of the best places in India to shop, try the many different styles of food and experience the buzz of a city where its millions of inhabitants are going about their daily business. And if weaving your way in and out of the rickshaws and cyclists ever starts to get too much, turn the corner and you’ll find a tranquil garden or a quiet enclave in which to stop, gather your thoughts and recharge.

Days 2–6

Shakti Kumaon Village Walk

From Delhi you’ll take the train to Kathgodam, and then drive for around three and a half hours to Shakti Deora Village House in the Kumaon region. This beautiful region boasts some of India’s most spectacular scenery. You’ll spend the next few days here hiking through forests, terraced fields and hills with the mighty Himalayas forming a picture-perfect backdrop. Throughout this part of your trip you will stay at local village houses which, though simple, provide everything you need. The houses are full of character and the views are simply unparalleled. You will enjoy home-cooked food every night and there are plenty of opportunities to learn about life in rural India. Your guide will tailor each day to suit your needs, whether you’re after strenuous hiking or more gentle walks – or a bit of both. You’ll even have the option to join a private chef and learn how to make traditional dishes like momos and biryani.

This part of your trip will see you overnighting at Shakti Deora Village House, Shakti Jwalabanj Village House and Shakti Kana Village House.

Make it mine

Getting started

Around Jwalabanj

Temple visit

Shakti Deora to Shakti Jwalabanj

Setting off from Deora, you will reach the village of Chirala where you can spend a little time. Continue through a pine forest down into the Shivalaya valley. After a while, you’ll climb up towards the village of Alai. Continue along the path, passing a ghatt and terraced fields through the village of Palyu, before climbing to the road head at Ka- Chula pool and up to your lunch spot. Then continue walking uphill through stunning rhododendron forests until you reach the village of Jwalabanj.

kumaon-region-north-india

Exploring Jwalabanj

Set out with your guide for a morning exploration of Jwalabanj and continue to hike  up the south-west ridge, along trails once used to transport resin on horse back. After a while you will descend to Artola village. After a picnic lunch you’ll continue up to the village of Kutul and finally back to Jwalabanj. You could choose to visit the main town of Almora and shop for souvenirs.

Jageshwar Temple visit

Take a downhill walk through green terraced fields to the Jageshwar Temple Complex built in the 8th century. You’ll enjoy lunch at a stream nearby before traveling the rest of the way to Shakti Kana Village House. Spend the afternoon relaxing. For those who wish to walk more, there is a beautiful three hour walk from the house through rhododendron, pine and oak forests.

Days 6–7

Overnight in Delhi

Transfer to Kathgodam for train to Delhi, upon arrival transfer to The Imperial. Once you’ve settled into your hotel, spend time exploring the busy city streets, or find a quiet space to unwind before the next leg of your hiking adventure.

Days 7–12

Shakti Sikkim Village Walk

The next part of your hiking adventure across the Himalayas will see you trekking between Shakti houses in the Sikkim region. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Bagdogra and then driven for five hours to your first village house located in Hatti Dunga. Located near Rinchenpong, Hatti Dunga which literally means “Elephant rock” is a small village with just around 20 households. In the evening, enjoy drinks around the fire under the stars followed by a delicious dinner.

This part of your trip will see you overnighting at Shakti Village House at Hatti Dunga, Shakti Village House at Hee and Shakti Village House at Radhu Khandu.

Make it mine

Markets and villages

Family monasteries

Kanchenjunga sunrise

Rinchenpong and Maggi Dara

Enjoy a 5 to 6 hour walk in the area, giving you a glimpse of the local life. A gradual walk up will lead you to 150 year old traditional Lepcha house. Your walk continues to a mountain village market in Rinchenpong and on to the village of Yangsum and through a forest to Maggi Dara, where you will be served a delicious picnic lunch. Then walk or drive to Hatti Dunga.

Kaluk and Jowbari villages

Attend the early morning prayers at Rinchenpong Monastery, and then enjoy a picnic breakfast before walking up 268 stairs to see a 200 year old family monastery. Follow the trail down via the Rinchenpong monastery again and through the charming village of Bhasmay. You will then arrive at Kaluk village where you will climb to the highest hillock in the area. Then enjoy lunch in the village of Jowbari. The rest of the day’s trekking will take you to Bermiok monastery, Dunga Dara, and the charming village of Hee where you’ll find your next village house. Hee House belongs to a local family and offers you your own space and quiet.

Pemayangtse monastery and red panda territory

If the weather is clear, wake up early to view the sun rising, painting  Kanchenjunga in hues of gold. Later you will visit the Pemayangtse monastery. It is one of the oldest and premier monasteries of Sikkim. You will explore the monastery with your private guide. Later, walk uphill through the red panda wildlife sanctuary and along a path that is one of the oldest trade routes in this part of the mountains. It will take you to your charming, traditional Sikkimese village house at Radhu Khandu.

Days 12–13

Last night in Delhi

After breakfast you’ll be driven for about five hours to Bagdogra airport for your flight back to Delhi. Spend your last night in India reflecting on the experiences of the past 13 days, the people you’ve met along the way and the spectacular scenery you trekked through.

“Incredible India curated by Jacada Travel‌”

In a word - amazing. ALL of the recommendations - from the hotels, to the tours and sights, and most especially to the fantastic guides, drivers and handlers who made it all so seamless and engaging on the ground in India- made this a truly memorable experience. And of course a special thank you to Rachel O'Leary and Gilda Tang…

Published 26th January 2023 on Trustpilot
Tom Winiarski

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