making meaningful connections
Desert To Mountain.
18 Nights, 6 Days Walking
From the undulating dunes of the Thar desert to the wooded valleys of the Himalayan foothills.
Holiday Highlights
We look after you from the moment of your arrival at Delhi airport. Your holiday includes transfers and overnight rail journeys to the desert and hills, accommodation in the village guesthouses, at Khali Estate and in cities, with all meals provided during your stay with the communities 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.
- Flexible walking for all abilities.
- Desert life, camel safari.
- Mountain villages, wildlife sanctuary.
Itinerary | Day by Day
DAY 1 | Outward Journey
Welcome at Delhi airport, transfer to Delhi centre and onwards to Old Delhi station for the overnight Mandore Express to Jodhpur.
DAY 2
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.
Day 3 | With the Community of Hacra
After breakfast, a 2 hour road transfer will transport you from the busy city to the great Thar desert and the hamlet of Hacra.
Day 4 - Day 7
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.
Day 8 | North via Jaipur
Returning by car to Jodhpur, you will catch a day train to Jaipur, Rajasthan’s capital. Overnight Jaipur.
Day 9
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.
Day 10
An overnight train journey will take you from Rajasthan up into the Himalayan foothills to Kathgodam.
Day 11 | In the Binsar Sanctuary
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.
Day 12 - Day 16
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.
Day 17 | Homeward Journey
Return to Khali Estate for another night’s stay.
Day 18
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.
Day 19
Jhumpas and Dunes
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.
Camel trek across the sands
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.
Dazzling Jaipur
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.
Hillside retreat
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.
Wonderful walks
Desert To Mountain.
18 Nights-
All meals at Khali Estate and in the villages
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B&B in Delhi Guest house
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Guide and Porter services
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Picnic lunches
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GST
HOLIDAY PRICES per person
SEASONS
PARTY 2-3
PARTY 4-6
01/11/2022-28/02/2023
£1,860
£1,530
01/03/2023-31/03/2023
£1,780
£1,480
01/11/2023-31/12/2023
£1,960
£1,620