Unforgettable journeys are made by foot. Thats how our ancestors travelled and knew the land, its habitat and people. Be a part of this unforgettable journey through the villages, forests of Uttarakhand. Meet the people and animals that live here , admire the unseen himalayan landscape and take home unforgettable memories
Note: We encourage responsible tourism. Practice these guidelines while on a trip!
Covid-19 Advisory
- All staff and residents wear masks at the property
- Usage of Sanitisers
- Rooms are thoroughly sanitised before check in
- Regular temperature checks
Accomdations
Service Level
Transportation
Food
Age
8 to 60 yearsDifficulty
EasyFitness Guide
Must be comfortable walking through uneven terrain at high altitudes
Who is this tour for?
Note: This is a group tour. Minimum group size is None people
Tour Experience
A one of a kind walking holiday. Join this caravan of travellers as they walk across some of the most pristine, uninhabited landscape of the lower himalayas , discover hidden villages and explore their way of life .
- An all inclusive walking holiday
- An easy scenic adventure suitable for families, parents and children
- Explore 3 hidden himalayan villages
- Mingle with the Kumaoni Village folk
- Walk through the Binsar Wild life sanctuary
- For birding enthusiasts , sight - Common Hill Partridge,Chukar Partridge, Black Francolin, Kalij Pheasant,Koklass Pheasant, Wood Pigeon, Oriental Turtle Dove, Spotted Dove, Yellow footed Green Pigeon, Wedge-tailed Pigeon, Grey Nightjar , Himalayan Woodpecker and many more species in the area
- Trek designed for kids 7 - 60 years !
4N/ 5D
Departure: FixedYou will be doing:
You will be experiencing:
Itinerary
Travel notes of the day
Welcome Aboard!
The drive from Kathgodam to Binsar is an eye opener. As you leave the foothills behind and start your drive you will witness the change in landscape , temperature and the air you breathe.
As you start the short hike of 3 km through the forest path , you will instantly be transported to Zen mode with the forest for company and a different chill in the air greets you. Make sure you leave the trail before the sun sets ! Of-course there will be a guide accompanying you !
This is also a good time for acclimatisation.
Welcome to this one of a kind walking tour!
This is your first day on the trip. On your arrival at Kathgodam train station , our vehicle will pick you up for a drive to Binsar leaving the foothills behind. A 5 hour drive will get you to Binsar.
On reaching Binsar, a gentle 3 km hike ( downhill ) will take us to the village of Gaunap. We will refresh , relax , enjoy the downtime and breathe the fresh himalayan air as we witness the sun disappear in to these never ending valleys
- Kathgodam ( 2000 ft)
- Binsar ( 7500 ft)
- Gaunap Village ( 8200ft)
Travel notes of the day
Today we explore the village of Gaunap ! This village is light years away from the developed world. This village is pre dominantly filled with Oak and Rhododendron forests with more than 250 species of birds and local wildlife like the Leopard , Himalayan Goral, Musk Deer, Jungle Cat, Langurs !
The entire village has lesser than 15 families ( the street you stay has more people than that! )
Here are some tips to speak to the village folk: Smile and be yourself!
Wake up refreshed to a new morning! Be greeted by the morning sun high up in the himalayas and chirping birds for company.
We catch the early morning sunrise at the village temple , a short hike gets us there! After breakfast we set out to explore the village , its local community and daily life. The entire village has lesser than 15 families ( the street you stay has more people than that! ) so the interaction is more meaningful. Don't shy away from asking questions and exchanging ideas, you might discover something new , something amazing and so will the village folk.
After lunch take a late afternoon nature walk for some bird watching, the area has is birders paradise with more than 250 species of birds.
If you have energy left , try your hand at farming. Work along side the local folk in their organic farms. When you notice the sun starting to set its time to return to the homestay and enjoy the born fire gathering while star gazing!
- Gaunap Village
Travel notes of the day
Happy hearted and warm - thats how you will be while on this walking trail. The forest floor will be covered with rhododendrons and pine cones as your are blessed by the fragile leaves falling to the ground.
Dhaulchhina is quaint village located at an altitude of 6000ft ( approx) . It is one of the fewer known villages in this eco system and is popular for its wild life sightings.
An unforgettable walk ! Its true, perhaps one of the most beautiful walks you have been on yet. This 8 km walk through meandering paths , mixed forests of Pine , Deodhar and beautiful rolling meadows will make you never want to stop !
Once we reach the village of Dhaulchhina , we check in to our oh so beautiful homestay and explore the village , if you aren't up for it , you can chill at the homestay.
An early day tomorrow , so get your full quota of rest
- Gaunap 8200 ft
- Dhaulchinna 6000 ft
Travel notes of the day
Since this village is perched on a ridge one can get awesome views of the greater himalayas on one side and lesser himalayas on the other .
On a no fog day one can witness breath taking views of the majestic Trishul in the west and Panchachuli towards the east
A quaint , tiny village set along the oak and rhododendron forests.
While you are here after a hike for those who are enthused and have energy, you should check out the near by forests . This forest is a bird watchers delight and do not miss the quick hike to Chandidhar view point to catch the sunset.
- Dhaulchinna 6000 ft
- Shaukyathal 5500 ft ( approx)
Travel notes of the day
We at Ecohunters hope that this has been a unique experience and look forward to your host you on our next adventure - Mystic Ladakh
One last leg of forests ,birds, ridges, villages before we bid ADIEU to this magical world.
After breakfast we trek to the Vridh Jageshwar temple along a metal pathway before descending along the ridge to main land Jageshwar. This ends our Walkathon or Walking Holiday.
After cooling off in the campus of these temples (which by the way is a divine experience) we drive onward to Kathgodam.
Catch the Shatabdi which leaves Kathgodam in the evening bound for Delhi.
- Shaukyathal
- Jageshwar
- Kathgodam
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Other Details
This is an All Inclusive trip
- All Meals- Breakfast, Tea, Dinner starting from Day 1 to Breakfast on Day 5
- Accommodation - 3 nights in a homestay and 1 night in a guest house
- Forest Entry Fees
- Local Guides
- Porterage
- Transportation of personal luggage
- Purchase of personal items
- Tips
- Ground transport from Kathgodam to Kathgodam - on actuals
FAQ's
What will the weather be like?
Minimum temperatures are likely to drop to around 10 deg during summer and to 5 deg C during winter. So please come prepared with adequate warm clothing. Also, mountain weather is unpredictable and it can rain sometimes. So simple rain gear is also necessary
Will there be clean toilets in all places?
Yes, there will be clean toilets in all places on this trek. Attached bathrooms in some places and common bathrooms in others
Is it possible to stay in tents?
We can pitch tents in Gaunap village if somebody is interested in experiencing camping.
My children are younger than 7. Will they be able to do this trek?
The recommended minimum age for doing this trek is 7. However you are the best judge. If your child is physically active and is used to walking long distances, he or she should be able to do it. Adequate preparation is necessary though.
What kind of preparation do you recommend for participants?
Brisk walking - at least 5 km, at least 3 or 4 times a week, preferably on hilly terrain. Stair-climbing - at least 15 minutes of climbing up and down stairs everyday.
Points to Note :
Will hot water be available at all places?
Hot water will be available on request at Gaunap and Shaukyathal villages. Running water and geysers are available in the guest-house in Dhaulchhina.
Are laundry facilities available?
No, there are no laundry facilities available anywhere on this trek
Do we have to carry our own luggage?
No, you will only need to carry a backpack in order to carry some water, short-eats personal medicines etc. We will either use porters or a vehicle to move luggage between stops.
Can I use sports shoes or do I need to buy trekking shoes?
While this trek is doable using sports shoes, trekking shoes are highly recommended since they have a better grip. It is very important that you break-in new shoes before coming on the trek.
Do all the places where we will be staying have electricity?
Gaunap village has been recently electrified. Dhaulchhina and Shaukyathal are connected to the grid yet. Please get torches or headlamps with extra batteries as electricity supply in these places in unreliable.
Is water safe to drink in these places?
Water is safe to drink. However as a precaution, please carry personal water purifiers (Aquaguard and LifeStraw are two popular brands available online)
What are the other things to pack for the trek?
We will send you a trek checklist when you register.
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