Delhi is an architectural feast, with a menu ranging from the spectacular early forerunners of the Moghul style of building – epitomised here by Humayun’s Tomb – to the pomp and circumstance of Lutyen’s colonial architecture. Impressive, but even more awe-inspiring sights await you just a scenic train ride away.
From Kathgodam you will be able to explore the mighty peaks, plunging chasms and the deep forests that are characteristic of Northern India’s Himalayan mountain ranges. You can hike through untouched hillside villages, see water-powered flour mills, discover huge rhododendron forests and stay in pavilions with stunning views of cloud-scraping peaks and rich green valleys.
Delhi
Day 1: Fly to Delhi
Day 2: Arrive Delhi where you’ll be taken to your hotel. In the afternoon you can begin your discovery of Delhi.
Your private guide and driver will show you some of Delhi’s most magnificent sights: the Lutyen architecture of colonial New Delhi, as well as the monuments to Delhi’s earlier history. The 234-foot high fluted minaret of Qutab Minar – dating back to the 13th century – and the unrivalled Humayun’s Tomb. You’ll see the impressive India Gate, the grand Parliament Building and Rashtrapati Bhavan, the president’s residence. A reconstructed, ‘all-India’ village gives you the chance to see rare icons, tribal folk deities, traditional dwellings and ancient crafts.
Stay: One night in a Manor Room in The Manor.
Delhi – Kathgodam – Shakti Village Walk
Day 3: Take the morning train to Kathgodam, from where you’ll be driven to the Almora region where your walks will begin. You can stroll from Chitai Village with its famous temple to the quiet town of Deora.
Stay: One night at Shakti Deora Village House.
Day 4: Walk from Deora to Jwalabanj, and along the way you will be invited to visit Chirala’s local village school. You’ll explore fragrant pine forests, follow a gentle waterway to a picturesque rock pool, pass a water-powered flour mill and wander through a colourful rhododendron forest.
Stay: One night at Shakti Jwalabanj Village House.
Day 5: Jwalabanj – 360 Leti
A short walk followed by a dramatic uphill drive and then a scenic hike along a mountain trail finally brings you to Leti.
Day 6 – 8: 360 Leti
360 Leti gives you access to a stunning natural wilderness, 8000 feet up in a towering Himalayan landscape. Experienced and knowledgeable guides will take you on day hikes through unbeatable scenery. You will be surrounded by soaring peaks and lush green valleys. On the horizon is a constant line of ragged white teeth – the snow-covered peaks of the mighty Himalayas.
Stay: Four nights in a cottage at 360 Leti.
Day 9: 360 Leti – Kana Village House
A combination of walking and driving takes you the Shakti Village House at Kana, where you can embark on some tranquil walks through beautiful oak, pine and rhododendron forests.
Stay: One night at Shakti Kana Village House.
Day 10: Kana Village – Kathgodam – Delhi
Drive to Kathgodam and your express train journey – a fabulous experience in itself – back to Delhi.
Stay: One night in the Maidens Hotel.
Delhi
Spend a leisurely morning looking around Northern Delhi, before transferring to the airport for your flight back home.
