This majestic itinerary combines history, nature, culture, and relaxation as you explore the historical cities of Rajasthan and the Thar Desert, before moving up to the foothills of the Kumaon Himalayas.
This experience is open until March 31, 2026
From the undulating dunes of the Thar desert to the wooded valleys of the Himalayan foothills, discover a hidden India in this wonderfully contrasting holiday. Stay in thatched ‘jhumpas’ in the charming desert village of Hacra and enjoy a camel trek into the dunes. Head further north via the dazzling city of Jaipur to the verdant hillside villages of the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary for the journey of a lifetime.
We look after you from the moment of your arrival at Delhi airport. Your holiday includes transfers and rail journeys to the desert in Rajasthan to the Himalayan villages, all accommodation and all meals provided. You will have your own guide through the hills. We have devised each of our holidays to provide a good balance between activity and relaxation; but please feel free to tailor your holiday to your exact requirements.
We welcome you at Delhi airport before transferring to Delhi centre and onwards to the Old Delhi station for an overnight Mandore Express to Jodhpur.
Spend a full day in the dazzling ‘Blue City’ of Jodhpur. Explore old palaces, the magnificent hill fort and the bustling bazaars. Spend a night in a charming hotel converted from an ancient haveli.
After breakfast, a 2 hour road transfer will transport you from the busy city to the great Thar desert and the hamlet of Hacra.
During your stay in Hacra you will get to know the community, have guided village walks, see the traditional crafts of shoe-making and rug-making and enjoy local folk music. Take a day trip to the nearby town of Osiyan to see the remarkable cluster of Jain temples.
Enjoy a camel safari and walk (10-12 km) to the sand dunes, taking a picnic lunch, and spend a night in the tented camp among the dunes.
Returning by car to Jodhpur, catch a day train to Jaipur, Rajasthan’s capital. You will spend two nights in Jaipur.
You will have time to explore dazzling Jaipur, perhaps visiting the Hawa Mahal ‘Palace of the Winds’, the intriguing observatory and the famous Amber Fort before spending a second night in the city.
An overnight train journey will take you from Rajasthan up into the Himalayan foothills to Kathgodam.
You will be met at Kathgodam station and a road transfer (4 hrs) takes you to Khali Estate for lunch. Relax and spend a night in a double room garden bungalow.
Over the next 5 days you will walk between and stay in 4 of the Binsar villages, visiting the fifth for lunch. We include a day for relaxation, spending a second night in the same village. With your own private guide you will explore the ancient footpaths and wooded valleys, spot the varied wildlife and marvel as you catch glimpses of the magnificent Himalayan peaks as you journey between the charming villages. Get to know the communities, discover the farming traditions and perhaps play a game of cricket.
Return to Khali Estate for another night’s stay. Enjoy the glorious Almora sunset from the deck overlooking the valley.
A road transfer takes you to Kathgodam to catch the day train to Delhi. You will be met at New Delhi station and transferred to the city centre. Overnight in Delhi guesthouse.
Dates
Party of 2/3
Party of 4+
Winter
1 Nov 2025 – 28 Feb 2026
£2,172
£1,791
Spring
1 Mar 2026 – 31 Mar 2026
£2,069
£1,707
*All prices are per guest. Prices vary by season and reduce with larger group sizes due to shared logistics and accommodation.
Winter
1 Dec 2025 – 28 Feb 2026
Party of 2–3: £2,172
Party of 4+: £1,791
Spring
1 Mar 2026 – 31 Mar 2026
Party of 2–3: £2,069
Party of 4+: £1,707
In Delhi, guests will stay in charming boutique accommodations that reflect the city’s mix of heritage and modernity. Nestled in quiet, leafy neighborhoods, these stays offer a peaceful retreat from the capital’s bustle while keeping you close to its historic and cultural landmarks. Each property is thoughtfully designed—with elegant, old-world architecture, warm hospitality, and home-cooked meals that give a taste of Delhi’s rich culinary traditions. Whether in a restored colonial bungalow or a cozy family-run guesthouse, guests will experience the comfort and character of authentic Delhi living.
In Delhi, guests will stay in charming boutique accommodations that reflect the city’s mix of heritage and modernity. Nestled in quiet, leafy neighborhoods, these stays offer a peaceful retreat from the capital’s bustle while keeping you close to its historic and cultural landmarks. Each property is thoughtfully designed—with elegant, old-world architecture, warm hospitality, and home-cooked meals that give a taste of Delhi’s rich culinary traditions. Whether in a restored colonial bungalow or a cozy family-run guesthouse, guests will experience the comfort and character of authentic Delhi living.
Your stay in Binsar commences at Khali Estate, a small family-run hotel steeped in history and an integral part of Village Ways, while through the forested slopes are scattered the villages and farms of Binsar. Your room is in one of the picturesque stone rondavel cabins set amongst the pine trees, clustered around the British Raj style house that was built by General Sir Henry Ramsay. You can truly relax at Khali – it is peaceful (no TV), with good vegetarian food, attentive service and plenty of short walks. In winter there is a warming log fire in the sitting room.
Within the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, you will stay in ‘village homestays’ – owned and managed by the village committee and benefitting the wider community. Connect with your hosts in a special way and enjoy life at the heart of a village, without feeling that you are intruding in anyone’s home.
In Binsar, the guesthouses are simple and comfortable, built in traditional style by the communities of Risal, Dalar, Kathdhara, Gonap, Satri and Matkanya. They have a living/dining room, kitchen, four twin bedrooms and shared shower/WCs. Each village of Binsar will give you its own special welcome.
Within the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, you will stay in ‘village homestays’ – owned and managed by the village committee and benefitting the wider community. Connect with your hosts in a special way and enjoy life at the heart of a village, without feeling that you are intruding in anyone’s home.
In Binsar, the guesthouses are simple and comfortable, built in traditional style by the communities of Risal, Dalar, Kathdhara, Gonap, Satri and Matkanya. They have a living/dining room, kitchen, four twin bedrooms and shared shower/WCs. Each village of Binsar will give you its own special welcome.
On the edge of the great expanse of the Thar Desert, Hacra is a traditional Rajasthani village, of small, family-run farms growing a range of crops. Many families also own camels. This is a peaceful fascinating place, amidst proud, hospitable people.
Our select haveli is a charming heritage guesthouse in the heart of Jodhpur, overlooking the serene Gulab Sagar Lake with stunning views of the Mehrangarh Fort. Once a 19th-century noble family residence, it has been restored into a boutique inn that blends traditional Rajasthani architecture with warm hospitality. The haveli’s intricately carved balconies, courtyards, and antique furnishings create an old-world atmosphere, while its rooftop restaurant offers one of the best vantage points in the city. Centrally located near the bustling Sardar Market and Clock Tower, this is a peaceful yet convenient base for exploring Jodhpur’s blue lanes and vibrant culture.
Our select haveli is a charming heritage guesthouse in the heart of Jodhpur, overlooking the serene Gulab Sagar Lake with stunning views of the Mehrangarh Fort. Once a 19th-century noble family residence, it has been restored into a boutique inn that blends traditional Rajasthani architecture with warm hospitality. The haveli’s intricately carved balconies, courtyards, and antique furnishings create an old-world atmosphere, while its rooftop restaurant offers one of the best vantage points in the city. Centrally located near the bustling Sardar Market and Clock Tower, this is a peaceful yet convenient base for exploring Jodhpur’s blue lanes and vibrant culture.
Umaid Bhawan in Jaipur is a beautiful heritage hotel that captures the grandeur of Rajasthan’s royal past. Set within a restored palace, it features elegant domes, ornate frescoes, and intricately carved archways that reflect traditional Rajput architecture. The rooms are spacious and richly furnished, offering a blend of vintage charm and modern comfort. Guests can relax in lush courtyards, enjoy authentic Rajasthani cuisine, and experience the warm hospitality that Jaipur is known for. Conveniently located close to the city’s major attractions, Umaid Bhawan offers a regal yet homely stay in the Pink City.
The suggested itinerary can be extended if you wish to spend more time exploring the Himalayan foothills, or shortened if your time in India is limited. Our knowledgeable staff will be delighted to help fashion the holiday to suit you.
We ask our guests to make their own arrangements for international travel to India. For Village Ways holidays in the foothills, the nearest airport is Delhi. Travel information for India, including visa requirements, can be found here.
Delhi is a fascinating and vibrant city. It epitomises the huge leaps forward that India is currently undergowing whilst reflecting the country’s great history. A new metro is being built but much is still moved around on overladen cycles and bullock carts. The shopping opportunities are excellent, particularly for textiles. Why not add a night’s stay in the city to your holiday?
Guest-house accommodation: We work with some very comfortable and hospitable guest-houses in the heart of Delhi. We can arrange overnight stays for you, or a day-room to freshen up after a night flight. We can also arrange an upgrade from a guesthouse to a hotel if you prefer.
Driver & car: One of the best ways to get around and across Delhi is by car. We offer carefully selected drivers to look after you for the day. On call for you, they will be able to take from shops to India Gate to the Red Fort and out to dinner – or wherever you choose.
Included in your holiday to and from the hills is a journey on the overnight Ranikhet Express from Delhi to Kathgodam. Included accommodation is in second class, air-conditioned carriages – 2-tier, open plan with curtains around groups of berths. Trains open for reservation 3 months before departure. As soon as reservations open we will be able to confirm your rail journey to you.
Upgrade to first class: You can upgrade to first class where the berths are in air-conditioned compartments of four or two. There is only one first class carriage which can get booked very early on.
From Delhi to the hills by car: You can also choose to travel up from Delhi (or return at the end of your holiday) by private car.
In Khali Estate
All holidays to Binsar include at least one night at Khali Estate, a marvelous place to relax and unwind. Many guests have added an extra night here at the beginning or end of their stay in the hills. If your journey here has been by night flight followed by overnight train it could be good idea to catch your breath with a quiet day here.
Extra nights in the village guesthouses
You may wish to prolong your exploration of the wonderful hill hamlets in the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. There is so much to learn and appreciate about village life and the host communities would love to keep you for a day longer.
Agra
For many guests, a visit to India would not be complete without a visit to the Taj Mahal, regarded by many as one of the wonders of the world. Whether you wish to make a day trip or enjoy an overnight stay with time to explore more of Agra, we can arrange a visit to suit you.
Jaipur
Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan, boasting some incredible architecture and seeped in history. Not to be missed are the Jantar Mantar observatory and the renowned Amber Fort. Add a visit here to complete the Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.
The weather varies markedly by season, so you need to choose the time that suits your preferences.
December to February
During the real winter daytime maximum temperatures are still a comfortable 10 – 15°C but night temperatures sink to around 0 – 5°C. Some small amounts of rain can be expected, and even a little snow, but the days are warm and sunny, with good views.
March to May
From March onwards the temperatures rise steadily from maxima of 15°C to around 30°C in May, but the nights remain comfortable (10-15°C). This is the dry, hot season when villagers start to prepare the land for the monsoon crops. The air can become hazy, due to local forest fires and views of the Himalayan peaks are usually limited to the early mornings and evenings.
June to September
The SW Monsoon rains clothe the hills in cloud. The air is humid but delightfully fresh. It remains hot in Rajasthan. Temperatures are around 20°C during the day but fall back to 15°C at night. The rains clear the dust, allowing crisp views over the hills and glimpses of brilliant green rice crops in the fields.
October to November
This the best time for views of the Himalayan snow-capped peaks. The landscape is still green after the rains. The days are warm and sunny but the air temperatures start to drop as the winter progresses, with maxima of 20 degrees and minima of 5°C. The nights in Rajasthan will also be cool and require warm clothing.
Our holiday in the foothills of the Himalayas allow you to enjoy the superlative scenery of these magnificent mountains – without having to be super-fit. We have chosen flexible routes among the hills that are suitable for people of all abilities. This way you can admire the scale and grandeur of the mountains without having to climb them.
In the Binsar Sanctuary (alt 1650 – 2500m), you walk along forest trails, through rhododendron, oak, pine and cedar woodland, to reach broad cultivated terraces as you near each village.
In the desert, there will be time to walk around the villages, but here there is a mix of activities and fewer long hikes.
We’ve combined the grandeur of heritage stays with the simple brilliance of village homes to give you a taste of the diverse flavours of North India. Be prepared to experience very different landscapes, weather, and cuisine.
This is a holiday for everyone and we’ve planned it in such a way that you leave satiated, not overwhelmed.
From the undulating dunes of the Thar desert to the wooded valleys of the Himalayan foothills, discover a hidden India in this wonderfully contrasting holiday. Stay in thatched ‘jhumpas’ in the charming desert village of Hacra and enjoy a camel trek into the dunes. Head further north via the dazzling city of Jaipur to the verdant hillside villages of the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary for the journey of a lifetime.
We look after you from the moment of your arrival at Delhi airport. Your holiday includes transfers and rail
journeys to the hills, accommodation in the village guesthouses and at Khali Estate with all meals provided and
your own guide through the hills. We have devised each of our holidays to provide a good balance between
activity and relaxation; please feel free to tailor your holiday to your exact requirements.
Welcome at Delhi airport, transfer to Delhi centre and onwards to Old Delhi station for the overnight Mandore Express to Jodhpur.
Spend a full day in the dazzling ‘Blue City’ of Jodhpur. Explore old palaces, the magnificent hill fort and the bustling bazaars. Spend a night in a comfortable, small hotel converted from an ancient Haveli.
After breakfast, a 2 hour road transfer will transport you from the busy city to the great Thar desert and the hamlet of Hacra.
During your stay in Hacra you will get to know the community, have guided village walks, see the traditional crafts of shoe-making and rug-making and enjoy local folk music. Take a day trip to the nearby town of Osiyan to see the remarkable cluster of Jain temples.
Enjoy a camel safari and walk (10-12 km) to the sand dunes, taking a picnic lunch, and spend a night in the tented camp among the dunes.
Returning by car to Jodhpur, you will catch a day train to Jaipur, Rajasthan’s capital. Overnight Jaipur.
You will have time to explore dazzling Jaipur, perhaps visiting the Hawa Mahal ‘Palace of the Winds’, the intriguing observatory and the famous Amber Fort before spending a second night in the city.
An overnight train journey will take you from Rajasthan up into the Himalayan foothills to Kathgodam.
You will be met at Kathgodam station and a road transfer (4 hrs) takes you to Khali Estate for lunch. Relax and spend a night in a double room garden bungalow.
Over the next 5 days you will walk between and stay in 4 of the Binsar villages, visiting the fifth for lunch. We include a day for relaxation, spending a second night in the same village. With your own private guide you will explore the ancient footpaths and wooded valleys, spot the varied wildlife and marvel as you catch glimpses of the magnificent Himalayan peaks as you journey between the charming villages. Get to know the communities, discover the farming traditions and perhaps play a game of cricket.
Return to Khali Estate for another night’s stay.
A road transfer takes you to Kathgodam to catch the day train to Delhi. You will be met at New Delhi station and transferred to the city centre. Overnight in Delhi guesthouse.
An overnight train journey takes you to Jodhpur, the gateway to the Thar Desert. From here you are transferred by road to the captivating village of Hacra, your home for five nights. Uncover the secrets of life in the semi-desert, learn the traditions of the shoemakers, farmers and musicians who abide here and marvel at the wildlife as you relax in the evening sunshine. Visit the astonishing Jain temples at the nearby town of Osiyan.
A highlight of your stay in Hacra is a camel trek into the dunes to spend a night under the stars. The camel safari provides a gentle excursion through the scattered villages towards the main sand dunes, stopping for a leisurely picnic lunch. Witnessing the sunset at the tented camp among the dunes is an unforgettable experience.
From Hacra, you return to Jodhpur to catch a train to Rajasthan’s capital, Jaipur. Two nights here allow you to immerse yourself in the bustling markets and explore the dazzling palaces and the Amber Fort, before an overnight train journey takes you up into the foothills.
The wooded hills of the Binsar Sanctuary, overlooked by the magnificent Himalayan peaks, are a wonderful landscape for discovering an abundance of wildlife. Get to know the enchanting communities and revel in the beauty of your surroundings, where picturesque hillside villages nestle amid pine trees and terraced fields.
With Village Ways you stay in very special village guesthouses – ‘village homestays’ – owned and managed by the village committee and benefitting the wider community. Connect with your hosts in a special way and enjoy life at the heart of a village, without feeling that you are intruding in anyone’s home.
In Binsar, the guesthouses are simple and comfortable, built in traditional style by the communities of Risal, Dalar, Kathdhara, Gonap, Satri and Matkanya. They have a living/dining room, kitchen, four twin bedrooms and shared shower/WCs. Each village of Binsar will give you its own special welcome.
Surrounded by pine forest and affording beautiful views of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Kamet and Trishul peaks from the upper parts of the village, Dalar is divided into two hamlets: Valli (“This Side”) Dalar and Palli (“That Side”) Dalar. It is a relatively thriving village with a school and temple. It is a little more accustomed to visitors than other villages, but you’ll be as welcome here as in the most remote corner of Binsar Sanctuary. The village homestay, Minivet House, looks out over the valley, with views of high Himalayan peaks in the distance.
The secluded village is set on the slopes above a deep valley and is surrounded by beautiful mixed forest of oak, pine and rhododendron. Its little paths afford glimpses of wooded hills and green pastures. The villagers produce vegetables and other crops but many have been damaged by wildlife from the adjacent Sanctuary. The Forest department have since established a fence to protect the crops. Bulbul House homestay is neatly located on a terrace near the main village.
Satri village is remote and secluded, located on a high ridge surrounded by a glorious mountain landscapes, with uninterrupted views to the peaks. The village houses form a beautiful series of dwellings, although some are empty. Just four families now live in Satri. In 2003 the villagers believed that they would have to abandon their village, to let their homes and fields be overtaken by the forest. The arrival of Village Ways was, for them, “the big dream come true” – a dream that has helped Satri to sustain its remaining families. You’ll be given a very special welcome here in Pipit House.
Myna House guesthouse nestles amidst terraced fields in the lower part of Kathdara. Enjoy the rhythms of traditional rural life in the foothills in this vibrant farming community. With a name meaning wood (kath) and stream (dhara), this beautiful village boasts extensive terraced fields, orchards and well maintained farms, with views over hills and a wide valley, and glimpses of the awe-inspiring Panchachulli range beyond. The villagers are keen to show guests their farms and let them help with field activities. They have also created a small farming museum.
The farmhouses of Gonap are set on a hillside among terraced fields and vegetable gardens, with wonderful open views backed by richly forested slopes. Its people joined the Village Ways project with great enthusiasm, led by Prem Singh, starting with the building of a retaining wall for the Barbet House guesthouse site – to become known as “The great wall of Gonap”! Although it is a poor village, it has a primary school: the teacher, children and villagers are eager to meet and get to know their visitors, to show them round and invite them in.
The suggested itinerary can be extended if you wish to spend more time exploring the Himalayan foothills, or shortened if your time in India is limited. Our knowledgeable staff will be delighted to help fashion the holiday to suit you.
We ask our guests to make their own arrangements for international travel to India. For Village Ways holidays in the foothills, the nearest airport is Delhi. Travel information for India, including visa requirements, can be found here.
Delhi is a fascinating and vibrant city. It epitomises the huge leaps forward that India is currently undergowing whilst reflecting the country’s great history. A new metro is being built but much is still moved around on overladen cycles and bullock carts. The shopping opportunities are excellent, particularly for textiles. Why not add a night’s stay in the city to your holiday?
Guest-house accommodation We work with some very comfortable and hospitable guest-houses in the heart of Delhi. We can arrange overnight stays for you, or a day-room to freshen up after a night flight. We can also arrange an upgrade from a guesthouse to a hotel if you prefer.
Driver & car One of the best ways to get around and across Delhi is by car. We offer carefully selected drivers to look after you for the day. On call for you, they will be able to take from shops to India Gate to the Red Fort and out to dinner – or wherever you choose.
Included in your holiday to and from the hills is a journey on the overnight Ranikhet Express from Delhi to Kathgodam. Included accommodation is in 2nd class, air-conditioned carriages – 2 tier, open plan with curtains around groups of berths. Trains open for reservation 3 months before departure. As soon as reservations open we will be able to confirm your rail journey to you.
Upgrade to 1st class You can upgrade to 1st class where the berths are in air-conditioned compartments of four or two. There is only one 1st class carriage which can be get booked very early on.
From Delhi to the hills by car You can also choose to travel up from Delhi (or return at the end of you holiday) by private car.
Extra nights at Khali Estate
All holidays to Binsar include at least one night at Khali Estate, a marvelous place to relax and unwind. Many guests have added an extra night here at the beginning or end of their stay in the hills. If your journey here has been by night flight followed by overnight train it could be good idea to catch you breath with a quiet day here.
Extra nights in the Village Guest-houses
You may wish to prolong your exploration of the wonderful hill villages in Binsar. There is so much to learn and appreciate about village life and the host communities would love to keep you for a day longer.
For many guests, a visit to India would not be complete without a visit to the Taj Mahal, regarded by many as one of the wonders of the world. Whether you wish to make a day trip or enjoy an overnight stay with time to explore more of Agra, we can arrange a visit to suit you.
Our holiday in the foothills of the Himalayas allow you to enjoy the superlative scenery of these
magnificent mountains – without having to be super-fit. We have chosen flexible routes among the
hills that are suitable for people of all abilities. This way you can admire the scale and grandeur of
the mountains without having to climb them. In the Binsar Sanctuary (alt 1650 – 2500m), you walk
along forest trails, through rhododendron, oak, pine and cedar woodland, to reach broad cultivated
terraces as you near each village.
The weather varies markedly by season, so you need to choose the time that suits your preferences.
December to February
During the real winter daytime maximum temperatures are still a comfortable 10 – 15°C but night temperatures sink to around 0 – 5°C. Some small amounts of rain can be expected, and even a little snow, but the days are warm and sunny, with good views.
March to May
From March onwards the temperatures rise steadily from maxima of 15°C to around 30°C in May, but the nights remain comfortable (10-15°C). This is the dry, hot season when villagers start to prepare the land for the monsoon crops. The air can become hazy, due to local forest fires and views of the Himalayan peaks are usually limited to the early mornings and evenings.
June to September
The SW Monsoon rains clothe the hills in cloud. The air is humid but delightfully fresh. Temperatures are around 20°C during the day but fall back to 15°C at night. The rains clear the dust, allowing crisp views over the hills and glimpses of brilliant green rice crops in the fields.
October to November
This the best time for views of the Himalayan snow-capped peaks. The landscape is still green after the rains. The days are warm and sunny but the air temperatures start to drop as the winter progresses, with maxima of 20 degrees and minima of 5°C.
01/03/2025-31/03/2025
£1,964
£1,617
01/11/2025-31/12/2025
£2110
£1,738