Discover the compelling Kumaon region in the Indian Himalaya
The little known Kumaon region lies in the northern hill state of Uttarakhand (India). It offers some of the most stunning mountain scenery that we know of anywhere, from the perennially snow capped peaks of the Great Himalaya range in the north to the pretty hill stations at the foothills.
The award-winning lodge Shakti 360° at Leti can be combined perfectly with the Shakti Kumaon Village walk to create a complete Himalayan experience. An innovative combination of traditional building techniques and contemporary design, Shakti 360° at Leti is set in a stunning mountain wilderness at 8,000 feet. It is a place where you can take time to reflect, and allow the space, peace and beautiful landscape to work their magic around you.
The itinerary below is a brief example of what we offer as a combination of Shakti 360° at Leti and Shakti Kumaon Village Walk, however, each client’s itinerary is tailored specifically to suit his/her interests.
Where? Located in the Almora district, in the state of Uttarakhand, in Northern India. Accessible from Delhi by a 5.5 hour overnight train to Kathgodam followed by a 3 hour drive. Flying options (private charters only) can also be arranged.
When? The 8 days/7 nights Shakti Kumaon Village Walk is available from October 2016 until April 2017.
How? Accompanied by local porters and guides, step out of the modern world, walking between remote villages and staying in traditional village houses. For the more active guests, camping in an exclusive tented camp set up is also a possibility.
Costs: 7-night package price starts from USD $5,860 per person based on 2 people travelling. This includes private accommodation in three village houses and Shakti 360˚ on a fully inclusive basis including all meals and beverages, all activities, accompanying English speaking guide, private chef, support guide and porters, car at disposal and taxes. Also includes return transfers between Kathgodam station and village houses and Shakti 360°.
Day 1: Delhi to Kathgodam to Shakti Deora
This morning you will board your train departing at 06.15am and arriving into Kathgodam at 11.50am. On arrival in Kathgodam (the last station on the line), please wait in your compartment as our guide will come and collect you from there. You will then be driven to the Almora region (3.5 hours away) from where the Village Walks will begin. En route you will stop for lunch.You will then begin walking from the village of Chitai – also famous for the Chitai temple (god of justice) for about two hours to reach your first village house in the small and sleepy town of Deora. Enjoy drinks followed by dinner prepared by your chef this evening.
Overnight: Shakti Deora Village House – Fully inclusive – Altitude: 1495m
Day 2: Shakti Deora to Shakti Jwalabanj
Setting off from Deora, you will reach the village of Chirala after approximately thirty minutes of walking, where you can visit the local school. Continue walking through a pine forest, descending into the Shivalaya valley as the forest peters out. The scenic valley has a stream running down one side and one can often see children playing in the stream and adults working the fields.Walk along the valley before turning left and climbing up towards the village of Alai. Follow a water canal for twenty minutes before stopping for a drink and the opportunity to dip your feet in a natural rock pool. Continuing along the path, passing a ‘ghatt’ (water powered flour mill) and terraced fields through the village of Palyu, before climbing for twenty minutes to the road head at Ka-Chula pool.
From Ka-Chula Pool, you have the option of taking our car (which will be waiting for you) to Dhaulchina, around twenty minutes away, before walking gradually uphill for thirty minutes to the lunch spot. For those who are feeling more energetic, the walk from Ka-Chula Pool to the lunch spot (without taking the car) takes around an hour and a half with two fairly steep uphill stretches.
After lunch, continue walking gradually uphill through stunning rhododendron forest for around one and a half hours until you reach the village of Jwalabanj.
Overnight: Shakti Jwalabanj Village House – Fully inclusive – Altitude: 2147m
Day 3: Shakti Jwalabanj – Shakti Kana
This morning after breakfast, you will start with a downhill walk through green terraced fields which brings you to the Jageshwar Temple Complex built in the 8th century, very interesting to explore. Some distance ahead we have arranged lunch for you at a lovely spot by a stream. This is a wonderful place to simply relax. Another hour further you will reach the village house.The rest of the afternoon is for you to enjoy as you desire- you may like to simply sit outside and read a book or just admire the scenery.
For those who wish to walk more, there is a beautiful three hour walk from the house through rhododendron, pine and oak forests.
Overnight: Shakti Kana Village House – Fully inclusive – Altitude: 1892m
Day 4: Shakti Kana to Shakti 360°
This morning you will walk for 30 minutes to the road head where you will be met and driven for six hours to Leti. On arrival at the road head in Leti you will walk to the resort, which usually takes around an hour along a dramatic mountain trail.An innovative language of architecture that combines age-old local building techniques with contemporary design and structural technologies, set in a stunning mountain wilderness at 8,000 feet, 360° Leti is a place where you can take time to reflect, and allow the space, peace and astonishingly beautiful landscape to work their magic around you. With only four private guest pavilions and a main lounge-dining area, 360° Leti provides an exclusive mountain experience – the first and only place of its kind in the Himalayas. Indoors, there’s gourmet cooking and fine wine, as well as beds adorned with pashmina blankets and fluffy duvets. Outdoors there are mountain walks (with private guides), delicious picnics, fabulous views, just chilling out in planter’s chairs – and, if you wish, yoga and meditation sessions by arrangement.
Overnight: Shakti 360° – Double (Fully inclusive) – Altitude: 2230m
Day 5: Shakti 360° at Leti
At the campsite, you may take gentle walks out into the countryside, and picnic hampers and guides are provided. You may just like to be at leisure to enjoy the surroundings.Overnight: Shakti 360° – Double – Fully inclusive
Day 6: Shakti 360° at Leti
At the campsite, you may take gentle walks out into the countryside, and picnic hampers and guides are provided. You may just like to be at leisure to enjoy the surroundings.Overnight: Shakti 360° – Double – Fully inclusive
Day 7: Shakti 360° at Leti - Shakti Kana
You could take a walk in the surrounding area and also visit a local school if you like. We could arrange for a short meeting with the school headmaster. You could then enjoy a picnic lunch and later walk back to your village house.Spend this evening at leisure. Drinks followed by dinner will be served later.
Overnight: Shakti Kana Village House – Fully inclusive
Day 8: Shakti Kana - Kathgodam
This morning after a leisurely breakfast you will be driven back to Kathgodam Railway Station for 4 hours for your journey back to Delhi. You will board your train departing at 1545 hrs and arrive into Delhi at 2115 hrs.
