ITINERARY

From the enchanting experience of living within the Binsar Sanctuary in a charming estate that was once the home of Mahatma Gandhi & Jawaharlal Nehru, to the experience of the Himalayan village life as you spend your days in village guesthouses – come explore the Himalayan foothills and their charming yet simple people through hikes and village stays - against an enthralling backdrop of Himalayan Peaks and the vibrant calls of the exotic birdlife!

DAY 1: ARRIVE, RELAX AND LOSE YOURSELVES!

Find yourself in the paradise of Khali Estate and its 25 acres of serene and tranquil Deodar grove. Once the home of Sir Henry Ramsay (the then Commissioner of Kumaon) who built a small cottage here, Khali has wooed every person with its panoramic view of the snow-clad mountains and its lively ambience. Such is the serenity of this place that even Mahatma Gandhi was captivated by it, and built Shail Ashram that existed for 5 years. Make yourself at home in the historic setting of this estate, relax by the fireside in the drawing room, or just walk through the estate taking in the scenic onslaught of the nearby hills and villages. Be sure you witness the sun rise and set with your loved ones – there's just something inexplicable about the sun and its rise and fall as witnessed here!

Dinner and Overnight Stay at the Estate

DAY 2 – DAY 3: SOAK IN THE SUNSHINE AND MOVE TO THE VILLAGES!

After Breakfast, leave the enchanting Khali for the warm welcomes of the nearby villages.

Today you will be hosted by the village communities – and today will be the beginning of your village experiences. Spend your days walking from village to village and experiencing the rural Himalayan lives as they touch yours. Tread through the forest footpaths that take you through the tall pine trees and witness the various species of birds/avi-fauna that govern the sanctuary making it a haven for Bird Lovers.

The Village experience is sure to leave your heart one size bigger than it was. You'd be experiencing the Himalayan village life, you'd be served with food homecooked by the villagers - you'll almost be like their long lost relative! Your stay will be in Village Guesthouses situated on hillsides with great views of the sanctuaries and snow capped peaks on the edge of the villages. And to top it all - you'll be staying in two different villages in 2 nights!

Led by a local well-informed and friendly private guide, enjoy the serene beauty of the mountains around and walk through the stone paths of the village, walking into their lives. The friendly villagers welcome you like their own and it is this simplicity that’s sure to make you stop and appreciate the charms of their everyday life. You are sure to feel a part of their communities and if you wish you could even participate in their day-to-day activities.

The villages in Binsar Sanctuary are 3-5 hour trek apart that can be as easy or difficult as you want it to be. The guides are very considerate and would design a route for you based on your specific requirements and appetite for adventure.

Dinner and Overnight Stay at Village Guesthouse.

DAY 4: BID ADIEU TO THE VILLAGERS!

It's breakfast time – and your last day to enjoy the simple yet delicious village meals. After your vibrant days of trekking through villages and marveling at the views of the Himalayan ranges - it’s time to leave this bird haven and the village lives – heading away from this newfound homely experience, while promising yourself to return here someday.

GYPSY BYTE

While on our visit we saw 51 species of hill birds and photographed 26 species. The villager folk are very simple and friendly, and invited us into their homes and fields to look around while having tea with them. We especially enjoyed the chutney made of marijuana seeds (non intoxicating) that we were served along with our dinner in the village guest house.

Khali estate has a vibrant history that the friendly owner lovingly called ‘Mamaji’ will be happy to share with you. Don’t miss the Jamini Roy paintings that are a part of the heritage of this wonderful property.

INCLUSIONS AND EXCLUSIONS

PACKAGE INCLUSIONS

• Meals include -
• Day 1: Dinner
• Day 2-3: Breakfast + Packed Lunch + Dinner
• Day 4: Breakfast and Lunch
• Private guide for 3 days
• Porter to carry bags

PACKAGE EXCLUSIONS

• Transportation to and from Binsar to your city
• Optional tips for guides and communities 

ACCOMMODATION

CANCELLATION POLICY

• For cancellations made more than six weeks prior to departure - Deposit will be retained
• Cancellation made 41- 29 days before departure - 30% of holiday cost will be charged
• Cancelation made 28- 15 days before departure- 40% of holiday cost will be charged
• Cancellation made 14-8 days before departure- 65% of holiday cost will be charged
• Cancellation made 7 days or less before departure- 95% of holiday cost will be charged

OTHER INFO

TERMS OF PAYMENT:

• 100% of the payment would be required in advance to confirm the booking