“Itmenaan Estate was one of the most enjoyable highlights of the trip! We loved being out in the countryside, hiking the hills, observing the rural life, and visiting with the villagers. The view from the lodging was just beautiful, especially the last morning, which dawned clear with a magnificent view of the snow-capped Himalayas. We were the only guests and felt like queens–six staff attending to our needs and serving us delicious food. The Manager, Pujan was terrific. This was our third custom journey and we found them all to be terrific – very well-planned and executed; great itineraries, and fantastic, often very special lodgings.”
Testimonial from Sandee Blechman (www.travelscopeindia.com/testimonials)
The sharp scent of pine needles, crushed beneath your feet as you walk through the mountains, is invigorating. The bird song is like nature’s own orchestra gone wild. A heady kaleidescope of colour, flavor and fragrance pervades your senses. It’s an earthy hospitality which greets you, grounded in warmth.
The Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Almora is known for it’s abundance of bird life.
For those who yearn for wide, cooling green spaces as far as the eye can see, interspersed with brilliant yellow mustard fields and the flash of ruby-red rhododendrons, brooks that babble incessantly and a quiet breeze as it rustles the pine needles, night skies studded with stars stretching till the end of the universe — and wait! — stunning 360 degree views of the Himalayas — Uttarakhand (which translates from Hindi to mean The Northern Region) is the state in India for you to call home.
Clouds rising over the Himalayan countryside
And home it really is – for as you walk through this incredible Himalayan countryside, you will literally live in other people’s homes that have been converted into accommodations – just for you.
Itmenaan Estate, Almora
Your guided walks will begin in a district called Almora. We take you through the Binsar National Park and will give you glimpses of life in India far removed from the big urban jungles. Meet with local villagers as they go about their daily chores, collecting firewood and working the fields and looking after their farm animals. Cross through streams and over little log dams, and laugh with the village children as they pose to take pictures with you. They’re as curious about where you’re coming from them as you are about them.
Chat up the children as you walk through their villages
Your guide is well versed with the mountain way of life, is not only your companion but your leader, teacher and best friend. Your guide not only takes you along the village trails, but also gives you first-hand insight into the culture and traditions of this community, and its deep spirituality and integrity.
Your guide, your leader, your companion and friend.
Visit ancient local temples dedicated to patron deities of the region. Learn the names of the birds that serenade you – many of whom are endemic to this biosphere. Understand the thought process that goes behind building the local stone houses with their slate roofs. Visit a cottage industry cooperative and learn how the women are an integral part of keeping the community’s traditions alive and well.
What better place can there be for a place of worship than the lap of nature.
Did you know that Himalayan nettles and rhododendrons have excellent healing properties? (Visit our Wisdom Hoots on Facebook)
You’ll never go hungry for want of tasty and healthy eating options during your time in these mountain villages. The food you eat epitomizes the Farm to Table concept with the produce coming fresh off the farm and onto your plate, prepared by trained chefs.
Walking through the fields where your next meal is coming from!
Satiated with wholesome food, fresh air, and natural sunlight, sleep like a baby in the warm comfort of your village home. (Visit our Unwind/Bedding Down section on Facebook) Wake up early in the morning with a light yoga stretch and start your day at the top of the world.
A soft, warm bed awaits at the end of a hard day of walking.
