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The Village Walk provides insight into the lives and daily routine of the Kumaoni villager.
Kumaon lies at the feet of some of the tallest mountains in India, where forests and wildlife
have still to unfold their mysteries. Local religious customs and ancient traditions are very
much alive here. The itinerary covers both the cultural and natural aspects of the region.
The walks end at a different village each afternoon. Overnight stays in the village houses gives
you a chance to experience their warm and genuine hospitality. The accommodation is rustic
but clean.
Kalmatia Sangam
Kalmatia Sangam Himalaya Resort (KaSa), is set in the Kumoan Himalayas, 7km beyond Almora
on the Binsar road. Kalmatia has 9 comfortable cottages named after birds like Scrlett Minivet,
Himalayan Magpie, Gold Finch and the like, each affording expansive views of the Himalayas.
All the cottages are designed differently, decorated in warm tones and equipped with ensuite
bathrooms with modern facilities. A few cottages are on two levels, spacious with large
doors and windows that let in the light and the views. The restuarant in Kalmatia opens out
onto the terrace which on a clear day offers incredible views of the western himalayan ranges.
Kalmatia serves a variety of cuisines from local Kumaoni food to continental and Indian dishes.
Kalmatia Sangam has meditation park and activity room ideal for organising special programs,
cultural events, workshops on yoga and meditation.
The Village Houses
The home-stays in the villages are small twin bed units leased out from the villagers for the
exclusive use of the guests on
the treks. Each of the village
homes has two units with bath
and toilets adjacent to the
house. The toilets are western
and hot water is provided in
buckets for bucket baths. In the
cold season the houses are
heated with bukharis (stoves
fired with wood).
Comfortable mattress, pillows,
blankets and linen are the same
quality as used at the resort.
Linen is laundered at the resort
is put in place before the arrival
of the guests. Kitchen and
service staff
are trained at
Kalmatia. Meals are traditional
local and Indian, using fresh
vegetables. Indian breads are
served piping hot straight out
off the stove.
The first two village houses at Deora and Palieu have electricity, though prone to frequent
power cuts. Electricity has not reached the last village house in Jawalbhanj yet. Petromax
lanterns and torches are provided after sunset.
The Kumaon Village Trek
1
Arrive at Kalmatia Sangam
From Delhi the drive is approximately 8 to 9 hrs (380km). An overnight train reaches
Kathgodam railway station at the foot-hills from where it is a 2 ½ hour drive to Kalmatia
Sangam.
•
•
For those arriving by car the late afternoon is at leisure.
For those arriving by train, after breakfast start an easy walk to Chittai. The Chittai
bell temple is dedicated to Golu Devta (god of justice and peculiar to Kumaon). The
temple is hung with petitions and bells of all shapes and sizes brought by grateful
devotees. The walking path starts from the resort through Chir (pine) forests via Sintola
with good views into the valley and Himalayan range.
Walking time to Chittai and back: 4 to 5 hours - 10 kms. Altitude 1700 to 1950 metres
2
Kalmatia Sangam
•
•
For the guests who arrived by car the previous afternoon – Chittai Temple Walk
For those who arrived by train the previous day -Binsar Sanctuary Walk. After
breakfast drive to Binsar. Walk up to Zero Point through dense oak and rhododendron
forests. Enjoy the view and hike downhill to Shiva temple. From there trek initially
further downhill and then follow the western Binsar ridge towards Kangarchina. A
scenic walk with good views of the Himalaya on one side and the terraced valley on the
other side. On route enjoy a packed lunch. Drive back to resort.
Walking time in Binsar is 5 to 6 hours. Driving time is 2 hours. Altitude 1700 to 2400 metres
3 to 6
Village walk
The village walks lead through picturesque
villages along terraced fields, waterfalls,
along a winding stream and pine, cedar, oak
and rhododendron forests. (If you can make
it between mid Feb. and Apr. you will be
rewarded with the lovely sight of the
rhododendron flowers in bloom – a blaze of
colour). The walks vary from gentle to
slightly steep and take you between 1450m
to 2250m.
Walking on the old village trails pass through
several villages where the houses have
wonderfully carved doors and windows. This
itinerary gives you a realistic impression of
Kumaoni local life, where the old traditions
and culture are still part of their daily
routine lives. You pass villages where the
castes are strictly segregated, walk through
terraced fields then along traditional
irrigation channels.
As everywhere in the Kumaon the people are
friendly, curious in a childlike manner and
more than happy to answer questions and be
photographed. The walks take you en route
to ancient Kali, Vishnu and Shakti temples
(1000 years old), past ancient flour mills,
where you can stop and see how they work.
The Himalaya and panoramic valley views
along the ridges are magnificent.
Each afternoon reach a different village to
spend each of the three nights. Freshen up
and enjoy a welcome drink while traditional
Kumaoni food is cooked by the villagers.
Stretch out with refreshments. The landlord
while preparing the dinner hops in and out
of his fields to get fresh vegetables and
herbs for your meal. Guests are welcome to
watch and help! Relax, chat with the locals
listening to tales of the past. On the last
evening after dinner, enjoy an evening of
traditional Kumaoni folk dances and music
with a bonfire.
Daily average walking time is about 5 to 7
hrs. Altitude is between 1450 to 2250
metres.
6
Return to Kalmatia Sangam
Walk downhill to Jageshwar through terraced fields, villages and magnificent cedar forests. At
Jageshwar you can visit the ancient temple complex built by the Chand and Katyuri rulers
between 8th. and 12th. Century A.D.
It is a 1 ½ hour drive back to Kalmatia Sangam. On the way stop to see the prehistoric rock
art at Lakhudiar.
7
Leave Kalmatia Sangam
After breakfast leave Kalmatia Sangam.
Seasons
Each season has it’s own magic.
Spring
March & April
Blue skies, fruit trees in blossom, the forests
flaming red with rhododendron flowers
Autumn
September & October
Golden sunshine, the hills dotted with
cosmos flowers and the wild cherry in bloom
Winter
December to February
Crisp and clear, the sweet scent of the
mimosa filling the air.
Best time for the trek is mid September to
mid April
Himalayan Mountain Views
Best through October and April, though a bit hazy towards the end of April.
Spectacular in the winter season.
Activities in and around Kalmatia Sangam
Various one day hikes, treks, local traditional music or dance can be organised at Kalmatia
Sangam on prior request.
Arts & Crafts
Local crafts include shawls and stoles of angora and pashmina, copper craft items, Kumaoni
Rangoli paintings, traditional jewellery, natural herbs and oils.
Architectural Sites
Colonial architecture at Ramgarh, Mukteshwar, Ranikhet, Nainital & Almora
Caves
Patal Bhubaneshwar
Festivals
Bageshwar
Jageshwar
Dhunagiri
Raksha Bandan
Ramlila
Dassehra
Mela (Fair)
Sawan Mela
Festival
Festival
Festival
Almora
January
July & August
April
August
October
October
Himalayan Views
Binsar, Old(Vridh) Jageshwar, Shayhi Devi, Kausani, Ranikhet, Chaukori, Kalamuni, Gannanath,
Airodeo, Dunagiri etc.are comfortable distance from Kalmatia.
Holistic Health
Massage, Reflexology, Diet consultation and Moxibustion Therapy including health diagnosis
and body manipulation can be arranged with therapist Annie Del'Bove
Lakes
Sattal
Naukachiatal
Nainital
Bhimtal
Birdwatching, Hiking, Boating
Boating, Birdwatching
Shopping
Boating
Prehistoric Sites
Lwethap, Pharkanauli, Phulseema, Lakhudiar & Devidhura
Temples
Jageshwar, Katarmal,
Gangolihat & Dunagiri.
Baijnath, Kasar Devi, Chittai, Shayhi Devi, Gannanath Malika,
Traditional villages
Mat, Deora, Baijnath, Paliu, Gadholi, Kimu, Gogina, Khati, Almora Bazaar
Access
Delhi
a drive of 8 to 9 hours or by overnight train followed by a drive of 2 ½ hours
Corbett National Park
a drive of 4 ½
Rishikesh
• 10 hours drive through the hills via Deoprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Karanprayag,
Gwaldam, Kausani or Ranikhet. Recommended overnight enroute at Monal Resort,
Rudraprayag which breaks the journey into 2 pars of about 5 and 6 hours each.
• Via Adi-Badri and Ranikhet the time taken is 7 hours.
• 6 hours through the plains to Haridwar, Najibabad, Kashipur and Ramnagar/Corbett.
Overnight at Corbett and the next day drive from Corbett via Ranikhet or Nainital to
Kalmatia Sangam which takes about 4 ½ hours.
13/29 East Patel Nagar, New Delhi – 110008, India
Tel. + 91 11 25725770, 25740263, 25780612
+ 44 20 88199722 Call us in India locally from the UK Monday to Friday from 0900 to 1800 hours
+ 44 19 62880758 Call Rajan Jolly in the UK
Fax.+ 91 11 25752563 eMail. [email protected] Web. http://www.travelinnonline.com