HIGHLIGHTS: TOUR INCLUDES: +44 (0)

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Dinah Lawson
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+44 (0)20 8741 7390 From the bustling streets of the Indian capital, to the serene foothills of the majestic Himalayas, this idyllic adventure takes you into the heart of a remarkable country.

Here, amongst the traditional villages of the Kumaoni region you ll then begin an unforgettable journey through the rural communities.

villages where traditions and cultures have remained unchanged for centuries.

1 +44 (0) From the bustling streets of the Indian capital, to the serene foothills of the majestic Himalayas, this idyllic adventure takes you into the heart of a remarkable country. Beginning in Delhi you ll get a chance to explore something of its regal Mughal heritage, before taking the train on to Kathgodam and the foothills of the Himalayas. Here, amongst the traditional villages of the Kumaoni region you ll then begin an unforgettable journey through the rural communities. Against the spectacular backdrop of the surrounding mountains you ll spend the next few days trekking through forest of cedar and pine, visiting ancient temples and staying in remote hillside villages where traditions and cultures have remained unchanged for centuries. With the ever present mountains for company, you ll then travel on to the stunning Vana Retreat, one of the world s most sumptuous wellness retreats, where you can relax and pamper yourself amongst the mountains of Uttarakhand. Returning to Delhi, you then have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the Sufi culture of medieval Indian before you begin the journey home, a suitably exotic end to an unforgettable and contrasting odyssey. HIGHLIGHTS: Explore the streets of Old Delhi and Nizamuddin. Village walks amongst the stirring landscapes of the Indian Himalayas. Spend time with the local people of Kumaoni. Visit the charming hill towns of Mukteshwar and Rishikesh. Enjoy the pampering delights of the Ananda In The Himalayas. TOUR INCLUDES:

3 nights in a Luxury Retreat, 3 nights in a four star hotel, 5 nights in traditional

and vehicle Local English speaking guides for sightseeing on a private basis, including

Driver/guide s expenses Train journey in the best available class Domestic flights in

2 3 nights in a Luxury Retreat, 3 nights in a four star hotel, 5 nights in traditional lodges and 3 nights in village homes 14 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 8 dinners Private driver and vehicle Local English speaking guides for sightseeing on a private basis, including all entrance fees Private trekking guide Private guided transfers to and from all airports Driver/guide s expenses Train journey in the best available class Domestic flights in economy class. *Please note the prices shown above are based on two persons sharing a twin or double room

ITINERARY DAY 1: DELHI Arriving in Delhi today, you will be met at the airport and transferred to the graceful elegance of Claridges Hotel in the heart of the city.

3 ITINERARY DAY 1: DELHI Arriving in Delhi today, you will be met at the airport and transferred to the graceful elegance of Claridges Hotel in the heart of the city. After a chance to freshen up you will then enjoy a late afternoon walk through the streets of Old Delhi, providing an opportunity to explore something of the rich Mughal heritage of the old capital and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this most Indian of cities. DAY 2: DELHI -KATHGODAM-KALMATIA After being collected from the hotel early this morning, you will be taken on to Delhi's local railway station for the morning train to Kathgodam. On arrival you will then be met by a local guide and transferred to your hotel in Kalmatia, a journey of some three hours which will take you along winding and often bumpy roads into the stunning foothills of the Himalayas. This evening is then free to take a walk to the nearby Kasar Devi Temple, to enjoy the spectacular views and the glorious Himalayan sunset. (B) DAY 3: KALMATIA Breakfast this morning will be followed by a chance to acclimatise to your surroundings, with an easy walk out to the village of Chitai. Starting from the resort, the trek takes you through a landscape of chir, pine and cedar forests, accompanied along the way by some breathtaking views across the valley towards the towering Himalayas. Chita is famed for its picturesque bell temple, often a mecca for families during the colourful wedding season. Returning through the forest, you'll then enjoy a scenic picnic en route back to the hotel. (B,D)

4 DAY 4: HIMALAYAN VILLAGE WALK - DEORA VILLAGE This morning you'll head out along gentle trails that take you through charming rural villages and past ancient 1,000 year old temples, as you make your way through forests of chir and up towards the village of Deora. Overnighting in Deora, you'll have ample time to enjoy exploring this picturesque village, with its wonderful carved doorways and idyllic mountain views, before settling down to a delicious home-cooked Kumaoni dinner and a chance to learn from the locals about life and tradition in these remote mountain landscapes. (B,L,D) DAY 5: HIMALAYAN VILLAGE WALK - PALIU VILLAGE You'll continue following the old trails today, passing through several local villages that provide a unique insight into Kumaoni life. Here, the cultural traditions of the past still play an important part in daily life and people are always ready to welcome you with a smile. You'll follow meandering streams where ancient mills still use the river to produce flour in the time-honoured fashion and pass terraced fields whose irrigation channels recount the farming traditions of the past. This evening you overnight in the village of Paliu. (B,L,D) DAY 6: HIMALAYAN VILLAGE WALK - SOKYATAL VILLAGE Continuing through the chir forests and past a scattering of locals villages, the trail climbs steadily today, taking you up to Sokyatal. Between mid February and April the rhododendron forests are in full bloom, providing a blaze of colour to accompany the journey. The views of the Himalayas are breathtaking from the top of the ridge and, as you end the day enjoying a sunset drink in a quaint stone courtyard, the views down into the Jageshwar Valley and across to the sun burnished peaks is simply magical. (B,L,D)

DAY 7: SOKYATAL - KALMATIA From Sokyatal you'll follow the trail down into the Jageshwar Valley this morning, passing through magnificent forests of cedar as you head past villages and farmland.

5 DAY 7: SOKYATAL - KALMATIA From Sokyatal you'll follow the trail down into the Jageshwar Valley this morning, passing through magnificent forests of cedar as you head past villages and farmland. In Jageshwar you'll visit the ancient temple complex built by the Chand and Katyuri rulers between the 8th-12th centuries. Comprising some 124 stone temples, the site once lay at the heart of Lakulish Shivaism, which reveres Shiva as the Supreme Being. From here you will then be driven back to Kalmatia, stopping off at the prehistoric rock paintings at Lakhudiar along the way. (B,L,D) DAY 8: KALMATIA - MUKTESHWAR After being collected from your hotel today you will then be driven on to the town of Mukteshwar, lying high amongst the Kumaon Hills. Named after the 350 year old Shiva temple that sits above the town, Mukteshwar is some 2,286 metres above sea level and offers some stunning views of the surrounding mountains including that of Nanda Devi, the second highest peak in India. After settling in to your hotel, the afternoon is free to enjoy at your leisure. (B,D) DAY 9: MUKTESHWAR The sight of the sun rising above Nanda Devi is a truly special sight and provides a fitting start to a day spent walking through this most serene of landscapes. The charm of this setting lies in its natural beauty, with the peaks of Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, Trishul and Panchachuli all visible from the town and its environs. The hills are also scattered with fruit orchards and coniferous forests, providing an ideal setting for today's adventure. (B,L,D)

6 DAY 10: MUKTESHWAR - CORBETT TIGER RESERVE After breakfast you will drive back down out of the hills towards the famous Corbett Tiger Reserve. Arrive at your accommodation just outside the Corbett Park in time for lunch. Spend the afternoon on a jeepsafari to spot the famous tiger as well as a number of other rare and elusive animals.(b,l,d) DAY 11: CORBETT TIGER RESERVE - RISHIKESH Leaving Corbett behind this morning, your journey continues by road, taking you through a collection of small villages on the way to your next stop in Rishikesh. You will be spending the next three nights at the sumptuous Ananda In The Himlayas, an oasis of calm and wellbeing where you can unwind and recharge your batteries before the journey home. Surrounded by Sal forests with the backdrop of the Himalayas and overlooking the meandering river Ganges, its provides the ideal blend of tranquility and nature. (B) DAY 12: RISHIKESH With time to relax and soak up the unique ambience of this exclusive setting, the next two days have been left free for you to enjoy at your own leisure. Today the river's banks are lined with ashrams, where holy men gather to rest and pray before they begin their arduous pilgrimage up into the snow covered lands of the 'Abode of the Gods'. During your time here you can indulge in a range of spa treatments and yoga sessions, enjoy the pool and the grounds, or perhaps take an evening trip down to the river to watch a traditional aarti ceremony. Night at Ananda in the Himalayas. (B)

DAY 13: RISHIKESH With a full day to enjoy the many delights of the Ananda you can chose to spend the day pampering yourself at the resort, or pay a visit to the nearby town of Mussoorie, the 'Queen

7 DAY 13: RISHIKESH With a full day to enjoy the many delights of the Ananda you can chose to spend the day pampering yourself at the resort, or pay a visit to the nearby town of Mussoorie, the 'Queen of the Hills'. An old British hill station from the days of the Raj, the town sits above the green landscapes of the Doon Valley and is one of the region's most popular attractions. (B) DAY 14: RISHIKESH - DELHI You'll be driven to the airport after breakfast for the flight back to Delhi. After being transferred to your hotel, the afternoon has been set aside to enjoy a walking tour of the city's Nizamuddin area. Named after a 14th century Sufi saint, the area dates back to medieval times and is home to a lively market, the tombs of a poet and a princess and the mausoleum of Nizamuddin Auliya himself. If your visit coincides with a Sufi devotional music evening, there may even be a chance to attend later. (B) DAY 15: DELHI Your tour ends after breakfast this morning. (B)

ACCOMMODATION ALMORA VILLAGE HOMES: DEORA, PALIU & SOKYATAL Deora, Paliu and Sokyatal are lovely villages with wonderfully carved doors and windows overlooking the valley with the ancient temples.

8 ACCOMMODATION ALMORA VILLAGE HOMES: DEORA, PALIU & SOKYATAL Deora, Paliu and Sokyatal are lovely villages with wonderfully carved doors and windows overlooking the valley with the ancient temples. On arrival, enjoy a welcome drink while a traditional and delicious Kumaoni dinner is cooked by the host. Guests are welcome to watch! Relax, chat with the locals and listen to tales from the past. These homestays give you a fantastic impression of Kumaoni local life, where old traditions and culture are still part of their daily routine lives. As with everywhere in Kumaon, the people are friendly and more than happy to chat and be photographed. CORBETT NATIONAL PARK JIM'S JUNGLE RETREAT Jim's Jungle Retreat is a slightly alternative camp option in the area, about half an hour from the main park entrance. The hotel is based about 15km from the main entrance to the National Park but is in a great location, allowing wildlife and bird life to enter the grounds. The hotel focuses on nature and offers very comfortable lodgings in the form of rooms and tents.the newer 'Jungle lodges' are first floor rooms with 3 sided verandas, and are set away from the main restaurant area and pool but are slightly more modern and luxurious. The hotel offers nature packages, with nature walks, bird watching and also visits into the National Park. This is a great option offering a taste of camping luxury in very natural surroundings. DELHI

THE CLARIDGES The Claridges has been a veritable treasure in Lutyens Delhi since 1950's. Amidst the rush of new modernity, the soul of The Claridges lives on.

The hotel is also in an excellent location just a short Auto ride from Khan Market and not much further to Connaught Place.

9 THE CLARIDGES The Claridges has been a veritable treasure in Lutyens Delhi since 1950's. Amidst the rush of new modernity, the soul of The Claridges lives on. Refurbished, redesigned and revitalized, the hotel now offers the guests an experience that is new and yet so familiar. The hotel is also in an excellent location just a short Auto ride from Khan Market and not much further to Connaught Place. The Claridges has appointed new management personnel to blend tradition with modernity, which gives it a completely refreshing look. Leading designers of international repute have helped enhance the heritage and elegance of this four star hotel. KALMATIA KALMATIA SANGAM HIMALAYA RESORT Kalmatia Sangam Himalaya Resort is a Boutique Resort nestled in the heart of the Kumaon hills, offering the most exclusive and unusual of accommodations in Uttaranchal. This gorgeous location is perfect for Yoga, meditation and exploring Kumaoni villages around with 'village walk' programmes developed with the local population. The cottages are constructed in a British colonial style with Kumaoni inspiration and equipped with wood burners for the winter months. Not one cottage resembles the other, but all have their own veranda or terrace, and windows/skylights allowing an unhampered view of the snowclad Himalayas. MUKTESHWAR

SITLA ESTATE The 150 year old Sitla Estate is a charming former home which has now been converted into a comfortable guest house where people can enjoy the peace and quiet of rural life.

Surrounded by tree covered hills and fields, the Estate is great for exploring the surrounding nature and for bird watching.

10 SITLA ESTATE The 150 year old Sitla Estate is a charming former home which has now been converted into a comfortable guest house where people can enjoy the peace and quiet of rural life. With both colonial and contemporary designed rooms, guests are sure to find the homeliness and comfort of Sitla Estate welcoming. Surrounded by tree covered hills and fields, the Estate is great for exploring the surrounding nature and for bird watching. Meals are prepared using a range of home-grown and locally sourced products and served in either the orchard or the dining room. RISHIKESH ANANDA IN THE HIMALAYAS This five star luxurious hotel and spa is situated in the Himalayas, 45 minutes by (winding) road from the sacred town Rishikesh. The stunning outlook from the hotel is phenomenal with the Ganges snaking through the landscape and towns below and the majestic mountains towering in the distance. The hotel itself is spread over 100 acres in 2 buildings, it is a sprawling, lushly verdant area where you are transported in golfcarts. Once belonging to the Maharaja of Tehri-Garwal there is much to enjoy, the large outdoor swimming pool, the spa with ayurvedic treatments, cooking lesson and you can even learn to play classical Indian music in the music pavilion! Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0) Fax +44 (0) info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com

Kick off this epic adventure with a first class train journey into the foothills of the Himalayas

Kick off this epic adventure with a first class train journey into the foothills of the Himalayas +44 (0)20 8741 7390 Considered amongst the most beautiful mountain landscapes on earth, the Indian Himalayas provide the breathtaking backdrop to this unforgettable journey into the wild lands of northern