11 Nights, 4 Days Walking

Exploring the valleys

With charming hillside villages, spectacular Himalayan panoramas and fine paths, this journey on foot is a wonderful insight into life in the high mountain valleys. The snow-capped Himalayan peaks provide a stunning backdrop to the alpine meadows and forests of the Saryu Valley, while crossing through the sloping pastures to the astounding Pindar Valley, whose river draws its water from the great Pindari Glacier, you get a powerful sense of being up close to the peaks, which feel almost within touching distance.

Genuine hospitality, wonderful walks

You get to know the five mountain communities of Supi, Jhuni, Khal Jhuni, Dhurr and Karmi and enjoy two nights under the stars at the splendid tented camp at Jakuni Bhugiyal. Walking in Saryu and Pinder can involve some long and steep gradients, and remember you are at altitude, but the terrain is good and the views are incredibly rewarding. You will be privately guided throughout your stay in the hills.

Authentic mountain villages

As well as some wonderful walking, you have time to relax and get to know the communities, who are eager to welcome you. Stay in fine, traditional ‘Berklay’ houses with simple twin bedroom accommodation. The tented camp has comfortable walk-in tents with twin camp beds. Try your hand at ringal basket weaving in Khal Jhuni, discover the faming traditions in Supi; sample the local honey in Karmi and wake up to magnificent views at Dhurr.

Tailor-made

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.

Flights

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.

Stay in Delhi

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.

From Delhi to the hills

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 during your holiday

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.

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

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.