14 nights and 15 days
Best time: October-December & March to mid-June
(This tour can be customized)


DAY 1: ARRIVAL DELHI-KUCHESAR BY SURFACE / 100 KM / APPROX 3 HRS
You will be met at the airport and transferred to Kuchesar Mud Fort.
The heritage hotel of Kuchesar, Mud fort Kuchesar will offer you the 18th century lifestyle with a modern touch. This Heritage hotel of Kuchesar has been known for its hospitality since decades. All the visitors and guests were treated equally and with great care as they followed "Atithi Devo Bhava" means "Guests are God". Being located amidst the picturesque surrounding and having the holy river of Ganges just 24 km away, Mud Fort Kuchesar gives you the taste of exotic India.

DAY 2: KUCHESAR-CORBETT NATIONAL PARK - BY SURFACE / 200 KM / APPROX 4 HR.
After an early breakfast you will drive to Corbett National Park. You will be served lunch upon arrival. If time permits we will opt for a drive in the park or go for a guided nature walk. Corbett National Park is India's first and finest National Park. It is one of the finest habitats of the tiger in India and nestles in the foothills of the Himalayas. It is spread over 520 sq. km along the banks of the Ramganga River, which winds through its entire length in a south-south west direction. The Park offers different kinds of vegetation all along its varied topography, which comprises hilly and riparian areas, temporary marshy depressions, plateaus and ravines. With elevation in the Park ranging from 400 m to 1210 m, both animals of the Himalayas and those of peninsular India can be sighted. Over 50 mammals and 25 reptile species have been recorded at Jim Corbett Park. The park is home to predators like Tiger, Leopard, diverse species of Cats, Wild Dog, Antelopes like Nilgai and Ghoral, varieties of Deer - Hog Deer, Sambhar, Chital, Barking Deer, the primates - Rhesus & Langur and other animals like Jackal, Fox, Civet, Wild Boar, Sloth Bear, Black Bear and a range of reptiles including Cobra, Python and two species of Crocodile. The river noted for its sporting Fish is popular with anglers. Corbett is a marvelous location for bird watchers also. Overnight in cottages / rooms in Tiger Camp.

DAY 3: CORBETT NATIONAL PARK
Morning drive in the park for tiger tracking and wildlife viewing. Return to the resort for breakfast and leisurely lunch. Early afternoon drive inside the park for wildlife viewing. Return to the resort for dinner. Overnight in cottages / rooms in Tiger Camp.

DAY 4: CORBETT NATIONAL PARK TO RANIKHET (1700 M) - BY SURFACE / 100 KM / 3 HR.
We drive for 3 hours to Ranikhet. You will be served lunch upon arrival.
After lunch, we proceed to visit the bazaar, war museum, handicrafts center, Kalika temple etc. Return in the evening for dinner and overnight stay. Ranikhet (1829mt.): A cantonment town of immense charm, it was once the pet excursion ground of Padmini, queen of the Katyuri king, Sudhardev (1180AD). There is much to see in and around Ranikhet starting with Kalika temple known for its forest nursery and the shrine to goddess kali. The plateau of Upat has a 9-hole golf course ringed by tall pines. Tourists visit Chillianaula for its Shiva temple. Overnight in cottages / rooms in Trishul Lodge.

DAY 5: RANIKHET TO BINSAR-BY SURFACE 60 KM / 2½ HR.
We drive from Ranikhet to Kasaar Devi via Almora (2 hours). We will also stop at Panchchuli Weaver's guild to see the collection of various kinds of fabrics that are manufactured by the women of this area. Binsar is located in the midst of dense forests 30 km from Almora. It derives its name from Binsar Deo or Shiva. The Shiva temple here was built by the Chandravanshi King Kalyan. Once the ancient capital of the Chand Raj kings who ruled in the 7th and 8th centuries Binsar is an epitome of solitude, quietness and natural beauty for today's traveler. Perched on top of Jhandi Dhar hills, Binsar is a notified forest reserve and bird sanctuary. The Binsar wildlife sanctuary home to many high-altitude animal and bird species. Mammals are leopard, Himalayan palm civet, serow, ghoral, yellow-throated Himalayan marten, yellow-bellied weasel, fox, Himalayan black bear etc. There is no town called Binsar, not even a settlement of huts or anything, it is just the forest reserve that has been named Binsar. The placed affords wonderful views of the snowcapped Himalayan ranges, like the peaks of Nanda Devi, Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Trishul, Panchchuli and Nanda Kot. Afternoon visit to the Shiva temple (3 km trek). Overnight in Kasaar Jungle Resort or Binsar Retreat.

DAY 6: BINSAR-JAGESHWAR-ABBOTT MOUNT - 125 KM / 5 HOURS
One can visit Binsar hill top in the morning. Drive till KMVN rest house and then walk up. This point of Binsar is almost 8000 feet high and the tourist can have a good view of the snow-clad mountains. The peaks visible on a clear day include Gangotri, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Shivling, Neelkanth, Trishul, Nanda Devi etc. After breakfast drive to Abbott Mount visiting Jageshwar en route. Counted among the 12 Jyotirlingas in the country, Jageshwar lies in a beautiful narrow valley hedged by monarch-sized, ancient deodars. Of the over 100 small and large shrines of this complex, the three outstanding ones in terms of sculpture are dedicated to Jageshwar, Mrityunjaya and Pushtidevi. There is a small museum where statues of artistic value, removed from the various shrines, have been preserved by the archaeological department. A 3 km trek from Jageshwar leads to Vriddha Jageshwar. This is regarded as the abode of Lord Shiva prior to his manifesting himself as Jageshwar. This site commands a magnificent view of the Himalayas. The lofty-tower type isolated shrine of Dandeshwar is 1 km short of the actual temple complex. Arrive in Abbott Mount in the evening. Overnight in Abbott Mount Cottage.

DAY 7: ABBOTT MOUNT
This historic hamlet of Abbott Mount is situated at an altitude of about 7,000 ft above sea level in the eastern part of the Kumaon Hills near the small town of Lohaghat in Champavat District. Abbott Mount was founded by and named after Mr. John Harold Abbott of Jhansi. An English businessman who wanted to start a hill station for the European community at the turn of the 20th century. Unlike many Indian hill stations Abbott Mount has changed little since its inception. There are only thirteen secluded cottages spread over this private hill. There is a picturesque church set amidst the forest and a ancient cricket pitch with an unsurpassed view of the mountains. Day free for walks around Abbott Mount. Visit Mayawati Ashram, the headquarters of Adwait Ashram, it was sanctified by Swami Vivekanand and is also known for its charming surroundings. Overnight stay in Abbott Mount Cottage.

DAY 8: ABBOTT MOUNT TO MUNSYARI (7000 FEET) - 175 KM / 8 HR.
Drive to Munsyari via Pithoragarh. A steep ascent to the quaint little township of Munsyari perched on a mountain face. Munsyari commands fantastic views of the Panchchuli peaks and the Milam and Ralam valleys. Overnight stay cottages at Wayfarer Mountain Resort. Surrounded by the mighty Panch-Chulli range, this Kumaon outpost is the closest you can get to the real Himalayas. Munsyari is the gateway to the well-known Milam and Ralam glaciers and the Nanda Devi range. The journey past Thal to Munsyari is almost unique. At Thal we cross the swiftly flowing Ramganga River. The road now heads north all along the river. On the way are small towns like Nachni and Tejam, both well known amongst locals for fishing. Soon the character of the hillside changes and the road now winds itself steeply through a string of gorges. Several waterfalls dot the wayside with the most famous being the one at Birthi-you can almost spot this fall from a good 15 km away. This is the place we will stop for a breath of fresh air and to enable the drivers to prepare for what lies ahead. A steep and serpentine road with more than twenty-two bends takes you to the top of KALA MUNI (2800MTS) PASS. Amidst deep greenery the road now descends into the magnificent valley of Munsyari. This remote Indian border town is situated on the lap of the massive Panch Chulli range and is a storehouse of many of nature's wonders.

DAY 9: MUNSYARI
Today morning after breakfast trek to Maheshwari Kund at an altitude of 8500 ft Kund which is a 3 kms trek through Deodar forests. From here one can get magnificent views of the Panchachuli. Enjoy the trek back to the Lodge for Lunch After lunch. We will proceed to Darkot which is a fifteen minute drive to see carpet weaving industry which is the only pastime for the locals during winters 15 minutes drive to see the carpet weaving industry which is the only pastime in the winter and also supplement income of the local family. Return to Musiyari to see the Articrafts and traditional tools of the Johar Valley. A professor Sher Singh Pangti, a personal effort to revive the Bhutia Culture, runs this museum. Dinner and bonfire. Overnight in Wayfarer Mountain Resort.

DAY 10: MUNSYARI TO CHOUKHORI (2050 M) - 120 KM / 5 HOURS & 2 HOURS TO VISIT PATAL BHUBANESHWAR
Drive in the morning to Choukhori. We could stop at Thal for a short swim in Ramganga river. Lunch will be served on the riverside. We will visit Patal Bhubaneshwar en route. Visit Chaukori Tea Gardens. This will be an overnight halt. Overnight stay in cottages at Wayfarer Retreat at Vijaypur, 13 km from Chaukhori. Chaukhori: Even if Chaukhori were stripped of the majestic vista of the Kumaon Himalayas, in which it outrivals Binsar and Kausani (being the closest of the three to the range), it would still score over other resorts in Kumaon by the sheer unspoiled charm it excludes. After the breathtaking sweep from Chaukhamba to Panchchuli (better by dusk than dawn, as it is west of Himalayas), the scene close to the Wayfarer Retreat appears homely. There are fields of ripening corn, fruit orchards and pine, oak and rhododendron trees. Patal Bhubaneshwar offers a surreal experience - a complex maze of underground caves serrated with fang-like stalactites and stalagmites. Some chambers are large enough to host an orchestral performance. The entry to the caves is through a narrow tunnel where one has to lower oneself in single file with the help of iron chains.

DAY 11: CHOUKHORI TO KAUSANI - 80 KM / 3.5 HR.
After breakfast you will drive to Bageshwar, where we go across a bridge that spans the confluence of two Himalayan rivers - the Saryu and the Gomti. Soon the road curves upwards along a heavily forested landscape. All along the entire Himalayan range is visible to the naked eye, the ancient town where Hindus come to offer prayers for the departed souls. We drive further to KAUSANI, nestling amongst thick, dense pine forests. Kausani is the place to head for a closer view of the grandeur of the Himalayan scenery. From here there are excellent 300 km wide views of the Nanda Devi group of mountains, which look spectacular especially during sunrise. The view of the snow covered Trishul and Nanda Devi is so clear that one gets a feeling of the snow within touching distance. Mahatma Gandhi spent almost a fortnight here during which time he wrote his commentary on the Gita-Anashakti Yoga. Overnight stay in Mountain Villa.

DAY 12: KAUSANI-RUDRAPRAYAG-VIA BAIJNATH - BY SURFACE / 160 KM / APPROX 6 HR.
From Kausani, the road descends to Garur and Baijnath on the bank of Gomti River in a flat valley. Perched at an altitude of 1126 m below Kausani is the famous temple complex of BAIJNATH in the Garur valley of Katyur. A group of ancient temples dating back to the 12th and 13th century line the banks of the river, presenting a beautiful sight. The temples are remarked upon, for its carvings, stonework and heritage. Built by Katyuri Rulers, these have over the time become synonymous with India's rich mythology. The main 10th century temple houses a beautiful idol of Goddess Parvati. Innumerable tales of Lord Shiva and Parvati make these temples a fascinating experience. The Katyur Dynasty is believed to take their name from Kartikeya the mythical son of Shiva and Parvati. Continue to drive to RUDRAPRAYAG named after the Lord Shiva (Rudra), the entire region of Rudraprayag is blessed with immense natural beauty, lakes and glaciers, as well as important Hindu temples. This small town, Rudraprayag, is situated at the holy confluence of River Alaknanda and River Mandakini. The presence of two separate routes for Badrinath and Kedarnath Dham from Rudraprayag render great importance to the place. There are more than 200 shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva in district itself, the most important one is Kedarnath. Overnight stay in Hotel Monal.

DAY 13: RUDRAPRAYAG-RISHIKESH-DEHRADUN - BY SURFACE / 222 KM / APPROX 8 HR.
After breakfast drive to Rishikesh. Enroute you will stop at DEVPRAYAG -situated at the confluence of the Alaknanda and the Bhagirathi rivers. Near the town there are two suspension bridges, one each on the Bhagirathi and the Alaknanda. The great temple of Raghunathji is claimed to have been erected some ten thousand years ago and is built of massive uncemented stones. It stands upon a terrace in the upper part of the town and consists of an irregular pyramid capped by a white cupola with a golden ball and spire. Religious ablutions take place at two basins excavated in the rock at the junction of the holy streams - one on the Bhagirathi known as the Brahm Kund and the other on the Alaknanda called the Vasisht Kund. The temple, along with the other buildings of the town, was shattered by an earthquake in 1803 but the damage was subsequently repaired through the munificence of Daulat Rao Sindhia. The temple is visited by a large number of pilgrims every year. Rishikesh surrounded by Shivalik hills of the Himalayas on three sides, is the place of sages and is considered a spiritual town on the banks of the River Ganga. It is said that when Rishi Raibhya did hard penances, God appeared by the name of Hrishikesh and henceforth the area came to be known as Rishikesh Later in the afternoon Visit Laxman Jhoola, Omkaranand Ashram and Sivanand Ashram. Later in the evening you will walk to witness the Arti at Parmath Ashram situated across the Ram Jhoola suspension bridge. Parmath Niketan lies right on the holy banks of mother Ganga, nestled in the lap of lush, towering Himalaya. Overnight in Shaheen Bagh. Nestled in the Doon Valley on the banks of the Tons River is Shaheen Bagh, the country home of an avid ornithologist and a graphic designer. This private estate in the hills is now open to select visitors who desire a getaway in the midst of nature. The house, with an adjoining cottage, is located on a 7-acre estate verdant with fruit orchards, many species of exotic and rare plants and trees. The landscaped gardens, spread across five levels, are a visual delight with their watercourses, lily pools and picturesque pathways.

DAY 14: DEHRADUN
Days free to bird watch in the river right by the lodge with a guide, learn Indian cooking in Shaheen Bagh. Visit a small hill town, Mussoorie. Shaheen Bagh and its surroundings are a haven for birdwatchers, visited by over 370 listed species of birds. These include the Brown Dipper, three different forktails and the five species of sunbirds, among other interesting species. Many of these can be seen in the walks around the house and at the river - a 5-minute walk from the grounds. The recently discovered Nepal Wren-babbler breeds in the gardens. Overnight in Shaheen Bagh.

DAY 15: DEHRADUN-DELHI - BY SURFACE / 250 KM / 6 HR.
Drive back to Delhi stopping en route for white-water rafting. One can enjoy trying their hands on rafting on the normal grade of white water rafting in Rishikesh for some soft adventure. Arrive in Delhi in the evening.
Please let us know the number of people travelling on this tour and we will send you the total cost. We also specialize in customizing the tour. Should you need any changes we would be happy to modify the itinerary.
The tour may include arrangements such as accommodation, travel, meals, permit, guides, activities etc. or services as required by the client.

How to book
The booking of this itinerary is with Asian Adventures, B-9, Sector 27, Noida 201301. India
Te1: +91-120-2524874; 3225387. Fax: +91-120-2524878.
Email: wildindiatours@vsnl.com

To confirm your booking please send a 25% deposit by wire transfer to Standard Chartered Bank, Account No 52805001839 which is in the name of "Asian Adventures", using Swift Code "SCBLINBBDEL". Branch address: M-1 NDSE Part I, New Delhi-110049. India. Or you can send a cheque payable to Asian Adventures at B-9, Sector 27, Noida 201301. India

Cancellation charges are 30 days before arrival date 25%, 21 days before arrival date 50%, 15 days before arrival date 90%, 7 days before arrival date 100% of the total itinerary cost.

Remaining balance to reach Asian Adventures at least 30 days before tour commencement by wire transfer (to bank account stated above) or by sending a cheque made payable to Asian Adventures to the above address. Alternatively you can pay the balance in cash upon arrival.