Kumaon Hills

The region of Kumaon is situated in the northeastern hills of Uttaranchal comprising the districts of Nainital, Bageshwar, Almora Champawat and Pithoragarh. Known for their grandeur and peace, the Kumaon Himalayas are rich in geographical diversity – from the foothills to the snow-laden mountain peaks of the lofty young and active Himalayan ranges. Tree topped ridges, snow-laden peaks, rippling streams, towering forests, famous mountains. Lakes and gentle valleys have all along offered joy and inspiration to every type of visitor to the region.

Cradled within lush sub-tropical forests of the foothills to the bitterly cold high altitude forests, is the bountiful flora and fauna that is a tribute to the nature lover and photographer of the wild.

Kumaon home to endangered mammals with the snow leopard epitomizing the character and concerns of the mountain environment. Mountain sheep, goats, the Himalayan black bear, the antelopes, wolves, foxes and cats constitute the wild life study to be made in the region while these ranges are also important for bird migration. Hundreds of species of birds that comprise the sub-continent’s avifauna are winter visitors from the north of the Himalayan barrier.

Our Jeep Safari aims to provide an insight into the diversity and grandeur of Kumaon. The jeep safari takes you through mysterious thick forests, deep valleys, snow-clad peaks and the rugged, barren trails that offer a lingering thrill to the adventure seeker. This is enhanced by the cultural enigma of the land.

From the lower altitude wilderness, where every flower truly enjoys the air that it breathes to the rough rocky terrain where the land formations set the hills on fire in their rich variant hues. From the first ray of the rising sun to evening’s deepest glow, the landscape unravels the untaught harmony of the primitive wild. The springtide blossoms, the whistling airborne species, the mysterious wild and the picturesque valleys come together to offer a romance hitherto unseen, unheard or untold.

ITINERARY

Day 1

Delhi-Pangot (Nainital). Drive to Pangot (7½ hr.) from Delhi. Rest of the day free to visit Kilbury and Pangot for nature walks. Overnight at Jungle Lore Lodge. (Meals on direct payment).

Day 2

Pangot (Nainital). Day free to visit Nainital. You can go birding, take a boat-ride in a lake or go horse riding along the lake. You can visit China Peak or take a joy ride in a cable car. Overnight at Jungle Lore Lodge. (Meals on direct payment).

Day 3

Pangot-Chaukori (Vijaypur). Drive to Vijaypur (5.5 hr.) stopping en route at places. Visit Chaukori Tea Gardens and Berinag. Overnight stay cottages at Wayfarer Retreat. (Dinner).

Day 4

Vijaypur-Munsyari. Drive to Munsyari (5.5 hr.). A steep ascent to the quaint little township of Munsyari perched on a mountain face. Munsyari commands fantastic views of the Panchchuli peaks and the Milam and Ralam valleys. Overnight stay cottages at Wayfarer Mountain Resort. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 5 & 6

Munsyari. Khaliya Top is about 11 km from the Resort at a height of 11500 ft. This hilltop offers an incredible view of the Panch-Chulli peaks. Overnight stay in alpine tents. For anglers, there is ample scope to fish trout at the Ramganga and Gori Ganga rivers. OR Lilam Village is situated approximated 13 km from the resort. The trek is part of the Milam Glacier route along the banks of Gori Ganga through the villages of Darkot, Dumar and Jimighat. Overnight stay cottages at Wayfarer Mountain Resort. (Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 7

Munsyari-Vijaypur. Drive in the morning to Vijaypur (6-7 hr.) visiting Jageshwar and Patal Bhubaneshwar en route. Overnight stay cottages at Wayfarer Retreat. (Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 8

Vijaypur-Ranikhet. Drive in the morning to Ranikhet (6 hr.) visiting Kausani en route. Overnight stay in Trishul Lodge.

Day 9

Ranikhet. Day free at Ranikhet to visit the bazaar, war museum, handicrafts center or just go birding with our guide. Overnight stay in Trishul Lodge. (Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 10

Ranikhet-Corbett National Park. After breakfast, full day at leisure to explore Leh on own or visit Stok Palace, Shey and Thiksey monastery (optional). Overnight in the guest house.

Day 11

Corbett National Park-Delhi. Early morning drive to the park for tiger-tracking and animal watch. Afternoon elephant ride in the park (optional). Connect overnight train to Agra from Lal Kuan at 1910 hr. OR drive to Delhi by noon (6-hour drive). (Breakfast).

Day 12

Departure to Delhi by drive