Himalayan Walking Safari

A train ride from Delhi takes you to Kathgodam in the foothills of the Himalaya, a gateway to escape the cities of modern India for clear skies and fresh mountain air. Our Himalayan Walking Safari takes place in the Kumaon district of Uttarakhand state in a region of steep ridges and plunging valleys, inhabited by subsistence farmers living traditional mountain lifestyles. Your base is the Itmenaan Estate, a collection of converted Kumaoni stone farmhouse buildings set on a steep slope with attractive gardens and views of snow-capped peaks in the distance. The buildings have been adapted with modern comforts, and each room has a private bathroom with hot shower, comfortable beds and outdoor seating areas. Meals were prepared in a home cooked style serving authentic local specialities in a cosy central dining room and lounge. The Itmenaan Estate is the main base for your walking safari to explore this corner of the Kumaon Himalaya. All walks will be accompanied by an expert local guide, who will share their knowledge with you and will assist in mingling with the communities - you may share a cup of chai with the local elders, pay respect at a temple, or just soak in the stunning scenery while traversing the hills and valleys. Each day’s walking route is fully customised according to individual interests and fitness levels, and there is always a back up vehicle on hand to take you back to the Estate for any situation that might arise. The team at Itmenaan have established walks and hikes of varying distances linking trails used by local villagers and farmers, taking you to places of interest through areas of spectacular scenery. Popular routes include a 10km circular hike from the Estate to the nearest village and back and a more gentle 5km downhill walk finishing at the atmospheric Jajeshwar Temple complex. To extend your time in this region you can combine Itmenaan Estate with a stay at the more rustic Thikalna Village House, a blissfully remote converted farmhouse with just two rooms with spectacular panoramic views of the Himalaya. There is an extended hike which links Thikalna Village House to Itmenaan Estate, via the temples of Jajeshwar and Jhakarsham.