KUMAON WEEKEND TOUR
Kumaon Weekend Tour
Kumaon (Bhimtal-Naukuchiatal-Saattal)Kumaon, beyond Nainital is still a largely undiscovered region. Take a tour to the offbeat towns - drive through still meagerly traversed roads, breathing in magic at each turn. Whether in the shadow of divine deodar forests or overwhelmed by the snow-clad Himalayan Ranges stretching 300 kms across or just languorously losing yourself by the placid waters of Kumaon's many lakes. Whether coming across ancient caves, temples of local deities, pear and plum fruit orchards, legacy of the British Raj. Whether undertaking soft hikes thru' romantic pine forests or adventurous mountain treks across vales and over hills.
Day 01 Delhi - Nainital or Bhimtal (300 kms / 6.5 hrs). Leave Delhi at 7 A.M. Reach Nainital / Bhimtal - the beautiful lake district of Kumaon - at 1.30 P.M. After settling into deluxe hotel, visit the shimmering lake for boating and the bustling mall for local action. Overnight at Nainital / Bhimtal.
Day 02 Nainital or Bhimtal. Discover these quaint hill towns. Excursions on foot or horses within Nainital to Snow View or Dorothy's Seat or Tiffin Top for Himalayan views or near Nainital to Kilbury, Naukuchiatal, Sattal, Khurpatal or Bhimtal. Overnight at Nainital / Bhimtal.
Day 03 Nainital or Bhimtal - Ranikhet (60 kms / 2 hrs) or Kausani (115 kms / 3.5 hrs). Leave Nainital / Bhimtal after a relaxed breakfast and reach Ranikhet / Kausani by lunch time. Local sightseeing. Overnight at Ranikhet / Kausani.
Day 04 Ranikhet or Kausani. Local sightseeing and excursions. Overnight at Ranikhet / Kausani. Ranikhet: A serene and peaceful hillstation foreshadowed by conifer forests and surrounded by snow clad Himalayan ranges from the Bhagirathi peaks in the west to Nanda Kot in the east. Ranikhet also offers golfing at the 9 hole Army Course besides being known for the orchards of Chaubatia and Jhoola Devi Temple. Kausani: At a much greater height it offers a spectacular 300 kms wide view of the Himalayas and walks in the thickly wooded area. Offers interesting excursions to the 12th century Baijnath Temple by the Gomti River and to Patal Bhuvneshwar with its enchanting underground cave temples.
Day 05 Ranikhet or Kausani to Almora / Binsar (70 kms / 2 hrs). Leave Ranikhet / Kausani after a relaxed breakfast and reach Almora / Binsar by lunch time. After settling into the resort imbibe the essence of another natural jewel of Kumaon. Overnight at Almora / Binsar.
Day 06 Almora / Binsar. Local sightseeing and excursions. Overnight at Almora / Binsar. Almora / Binsar: The snow clad peaks of Kedarnath, Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot are visible from here presenting a majestic view of the Himalayan panorama. The beautiful forests of Himalayan oak and rhododendron are excellent for walks and soft treks. Nearby is the magnificent temple complex of Jageshwar, set amidst thick deodhar woods.
Day 07 Almora / Binsar - Ramgarh or Mukteshwar (90-125 kms / 2.5-3.5 hrs). Leave Almora / Binsar after a leisurely breakfast and enter the picturesque fruit basket of Kumaon - Ramgarh / Mukteshwar / Bhimtal. Local sightseeing. Overnight at Ramgarh / Mukteshwar.
Ramgarh - In the foothills of the Himalayas, this is a picturesque hamlet in the heart of apple, plum, peaches and apricot orchards. It is an ideal place for long walks, to let your creative juices flow or just unwind or introspect.
Mukteshwar - At 8000 ft, this is an idyllic sojourn in the lap of the mountains and rolling meadows. Surrounded by fruit orchards and thick coniferous forest it provides a majestic view of the Himalayas. It is popular for the century old Shiva Temple, Chauthijalli rock formations, Angora wool sheep farm, rejuvenating forest walks and enchanting sunsets.Day 08 Ramgarh or Mukteshwar - Delhi (350 kms /8 hrs). Depart from Ramgarh / Mukteshwar after breakfast. Reach Delhi in the evening. Tour ends...but the sweet memories remains for ever