Duration: 11 nights & 12 days
 

Best season: OctoberJune

ITINERARY

Day 01: Delhi/Kathgodam
Meals: on own
Connect overnight 1st ac train from old Delhi station at 2245 hours. Overnight in Ranikhet Express.
 

Day 02 & 03: Kathgodam/Pangot
Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
The train reaches Kathgodam at 0615 hours. You will be met by our driver. Drive to Pangot via Nainital. The entire drive from Nainital is through the forested area of Cheena Peak Range via Snow View Point and Kilbury, the main habitats for excellent birding. Overnight in Jungle Lore Birding Lodge.

Day 04: Pangot/Abbott Mount
Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Morning free to visit Sat Tal and Naukuchiatal. After lunch, drive to Abbott Mount (6 hr.) via Danachuli and Devidhura. Overnight stay in Abbott Mount Cottage.

This historic hamlet of Abbott Mount is situated at an altitude of about 2000 m above sea level in the eastern part of the Kumaon Hills near the small town of Lohaghat in Champavat District. Abbott Mount was founded by and named after Mr. John Harold Abbott of Jhansi. An English businessman who wanted to start a hill station for the European community at the turn of the 20th century. Unlike many Indian hill stations Abbott Mount has changed little since its inception. There are only thirteen secluded cottages spread over this private hill. There is a picturesque church set amidst the forest and an ancient cricket pitch with an unsurpassed view of the mountains.

Day 05: Abbott Mount
Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day free for walks around Abbott Mount. Visit Mayawati Ashram, the headquarters of Adwait Ashram, it was sanctified by Swami Vivekanand and is also known for its charming surroundings. Overnight stay in Abbott Mount Cottage.

Day 06: Abbott Mount/Munsyari
Meals: breakfast, packed lunch & dinner
Early morning start for Munsyari (6 hours) via Takula & Thal. Munsyari is hidden away amongst the mountains in India's border district of Pithoragarh at a height of 7000 feet this Himalayan settlement is probably the closest you can get to experiencing the Greater Himalayas from hand shaking distance. At Munsyari you have the majestic Panch Chulli peak looming all of 22600 feet right in front of you. This last outpost in Kumaon is the gateway to the famous Milam and Ralam glaciers. It is also your only access to one of India's highest mountain Nanda Devi East (7434 meters). The valley is dotted by several beautifully laidout hamlets with a cultural lifestyle steeped in traditional Hinduism. Almost every village, populated by a cross section of IndoTibetan tribals called Bhotias, is rich with handicrafts: hand woven woollen carpets, pashmina shawls and sheep wool blankets. Traditional folk dances like the Jhora, Cholia and Chhapeili are great to watch. Overnight stay in Wayfarer Mountain Resort which is set along a terraced ridge which is around sixty feet above the motorable road. Flowing next to the resort is a waterfall. Right in front is the Panch Chulli range.

Day 07: Munsyari
Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day visits to Darkot village, Jimi Ghat waterfall, Goriganga river, Maheshwari Kund are worth trying.

Activities that one can undertake:

Nature Walks and Short Treks
Half day treks to nearby destinations. Maheshwari Kund: A natural lake at a mountain top and 1.5 km. from the Wayfarer Resort.
Munsyari Bugyal: Just 4 km. from Wayfarer Resort Munsyari Bugyal is a picturesque meadow covered with alpine grass. From this place one gets to see the entire Munsyari valley and much beyond.
Local Tea Nursery: Located on the top of the hill and 3.5 km. from the Wayfarer Resort this is a nice place to relax and indulge in photography. Also ideal to enjoy a picnic lunch.

Daylong treks to select destinations.
Balati Farm: Located approximately 6 kms. from Wayfarer Resort at a height of 9000 ft. this farm grows high yielding potatoes. Surrounded by lush green forests the farm presents a magnificent view of Panch Chulli Peaks. An ideal oneday trek for all nature lovers.
Thambri Kund: Located approximately 8 km from Wayfarer Resort at a height of 8000 ft. this is a natural lake in the forest Occasional wildlife can be sighted.

Exciting daylong trek with overnight stay
Khaliya Top: Situated approximately 11 kms. from Wayfarer Resort at a height of 11500 ft. this hill top offers an incredible view of the Panch Chulli Peaks. The highly popular trek of Khaliya is through dense forest and overnight stay in alpine tents is a must. Supplementary package can be provided to include tent, additional food, local guide and porter hire charges.

Lilam Village: Situated approximately 13 km. from Wayfarer Resort. This trek is part of the Milam Glacier route along the bank of the Gori Ganga through the villages of Darkot, Dumar and Jimighat. The trek offers an initial experience of the flora and fauna of the Johar valley. Supplementary package can be provided to include tent hire, additional food, local guide and porter charges.

II) Village Visits
The valley is dotted by several tiny hamlets with a cultural life style steeped in Hinduism. Guided treks through nearby villages like Darkot (4 km), Daranti (7 km) and many other let you capture a canvas of several forms of human life. Alpana designs executed in rice paste on the floor, the Jyoti Patta (a picture of life giving female spirits) and Ganesh (the remover of all obstacles) painted on house walls or on cloth are a familiar sight. Almost every village is rich in handicrafts: hand woven woolen carpets, pashmina shawls and thulmas can turn out to be lovable purchases!

Don't forget to visit Prof. S S Pangti's 'Bhutia museum'.

April 06: Munsyari/Vijaypur
Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Drive to Vijaypur via Thal (5 hours). On a clear day the place offers one of the most breathtaking views of the entire range from Chaukhamba, Neel Kanth, Hathi Parvat, Trishul, Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, to Panchchuli and Appi (Annapurna) peaks. Tea gardens carpet the slopes of Chaukhori while the surrounding ridge is completely covered by rows and rows of pine. Overnight sty at Wayfarer Retreat.

Day 08: Vijaypur/Ranikhet
Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Drive to Ranikhet (6 hours) via Bageshwar & Kausani. Trishul Lodge. Day at leisure. The peaks visible on a clear day include Neelkanth, Trishul, Nanda Devi etc.

Day 09: Ranikhet
Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Visit Ranikhet, Chaubatiya garden & Sheetlakhet. Trishul Lodge.

Day 10: Ranikhet/Corbett National Park
Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Drive to Corbett NP in the morning (3 hours), arriving for lunch at Tiger Camp. After lunch, a safari to Bijrani Range Forest. Overnight in ac cottages in Tiger Camp.

Day 11: Corbett National Park
Meals: breakfast, packed lunch & dinner
Early morning drive by a canter to Dhikala for wildlife viewing. The jungle visits lasts for about 67 hours.

Return to Tiger Camp for in the late afternoon. One can walk around the surroundings or birdwatch. Overnight stay.

Day 12: Corbett National Park
Meals: breakfast, packed lunch & dinner
Drive back to Delhi (260 km / 6 hr.). Reach Delhi in the evening.