Himalayan Jeep Safari (Kumaon
Himalayas)
The
youngest, largest and highest chain of mountains in the world, the Himalayas
is one of the natural wonders of the earth. Cradled within lush sub-tropical
forests of the foothills to the bitterly cold high altitude forests, is the
bountiful flora and fauna that is a tribute to the nature lover and photographer
of the wild.
Kumaon home to endangered mammals with the snow leopard epitomizing the character
and concerns of the mountain environment. Mountain sheep, goats, the Himalayan
black bear, the antelopes, wolves, foxes and cats constitute the wild life
study to be made in the region while these ranges are also important for bird
migration. Hundreds of species of birds that comprise the sub-continent's
avifauna are winter visitors from the north of the Himalayan barrier.
The region of Kumaon is situated in the north-eastern hills of Uttaranchal
comprising the districts of Nainital, Bageshwar, Almora Champawat and Pithoragarh.
Known for their grandeur and peace, the Kumaon Himalayas are rich in geographical
diversity - from the foothills to the snow-laden mountain peaks of the lofty
young and active Himalayan ranges. Tree topped ridges, snow-laden peaks, rippling
streams, towering forests, famous mountains. Lakes and gentle valleys have
all along offered joy and inspiration to every type of visitor to the region.
Our Jeep Safari aims to provide an insight into the diversity and grandeur
of Kumaon. The jeep safari takes you through mysterious thick forests, deep
valleys, snow-clad peaks and the rugged, barren trails that offer a lingering
thrill to the adventure seeker. This is enhanced by the cultural enigma of
the land.
From the lower altitude wilderness, where every flower truly enjoys the air
that it breathes to the rough rocky terrain where the land formations set
the hills on fire in their rich variant hues. From the first ray of the rising
sun to evening's deepest glow, the landscape unravels the untaught harmony
of the primitive wild. The springtide blossoms, the whistling airborne species,
the mysterious wild and the picturesque valleys come together to offer a romance
hitherto unseen, unheard or untold.
Nainital: Developed by the British, set amidst high ridges thickly clothed
in forests of pine and deciduous trees with an enchanting lake, Nainital offers
a variety of attraction for all tourists.
Corbett National Park: One of the finest tiger reserves of India offering
a wide range of bio-diversity.
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.
Sheetlakhet: It is 26 km from Ranikhet and overlooks the incomparable
Himalayas. Scouting camps are often held here and Syahi Devi peak and temple
is just 3 km away.
Kausani (1890 mt.): Nestling amongst thick forests of pine atop a narrow
ridge, Kausani is known for its wide angle view of several lofty Himalayan Peaks
as well as a pleasant view of the Kosi river and the Katyur Valley. From here,
one can see the settlements of the Katyur valley, the river Gomti and the snow
clad peaks of the Himalayas. The remains of the tea estate developed during
the British rule can still be seen here. Kausani also has the famous Anashakti
Ashram named after the book Anashakti Yoga written by Mahatma Gandhi when he
lived here in 1929.
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.
Bageshwar: 36 km. from Kausani and 26 km from Chaukhori, at the confluence
of the rivers Gomti and Saryu lies the religious town of Bageshwar. An important
pilgrimage centre of Kumaon Himalayas, Bageshwar is adorned by temples and places
of worship and is often equated by pilgrims by Varanasi in its divinity and
religion. Bageshwar is also a base for the popular trekking routes of Sunderdhunga,
Pindari, Kafni and Namik glaciers.
Patal Bhubaneshwar: Discovered more than one thousand years ago, the
caves of Patal Bhubaneshwar are known for their remarkable stalactite forms
and shapes representing different Gods and Goddesses of the Hindu Pantheon.
Day excursion from Chaukhori.
Mukteshwar (2286 mt.): It is famous for the over 100-year-old Indian
Veterinary Research Institute campus, thickly wooded forest land and a majestic
view of the Himalayas. There is a stone with a hole of ' Chauli Ki Jali ' dedicated
to Lord Shiva where childless people come to pray for children. On moonlit nights,
seeing the sparkling town of Almora, flanked by snow clad peaks, is an exhilarating
experience. One must trek from Mukteshwar to Almora.
Binsar: Kumaon has many summer retreats that were patronised by the region's
royalty. Binsar, once the summer capital of the Chained rajas (7th. to 18th.
centuries), is an idyllic hamlet whose chief attraction is a majestic view of
the Himalayas - a 300Km stretch of famous peaks which includes Kedarnath, Chaukhamba,
Trishul, Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot and Panchchuli. In olden days, the devout came
to pray at the temple of Bineshwar (an aspect of Shiva) built by Raja Kalyan
Chand. A motorable road connects Kapharkhan, 13 km. from Binsar, to Almora (also
accessible from Bageshwar, via Takula). Binsar Hill, locally known as Jhandi
Dhar, rises to
a height of 2412 metres and offers a panoramic view of Almora town, the Kumaon
Hills and the Greater Himalayas. The region around abounds in alpine flora,
ferns, hanging moss and innumerable species of wild flowers. From the complex,
a walk through dense oak and rhododendron forests leads to a vantage point
at the summit which offers an uncluttered view of the Himalayan range and
the surrounding valley.
Munsyari: 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 Milan and Realm glaciers and the Nanda Devi range.
Jageshwar:
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 3Km 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 lof ty-tower type isolated shrine of Dandeshwar is 1Km short
of the actual temple complex.
SUGGESTED ITINERARY
Duration: 08 Nights / 09 Days
Day 01
Time: 5 / 2½ hr.
Place: Kathgodam-Corbett National Park
Lodge: Tiger Camp
Day 02
Time: 3 hr.
Place: Corbett NP-Ranikhet
Lodge: KMVN Tourist guest house
Day 03
Time: 4 hr.
Place: Ranikhet-Chaukori (Vijaypur)
Lodge: KMVN Tourist guest house
Day 04
Time: 5 hr.
Place: Chaukori (Vijaypur)-Munsyari
Lodge: KMVN Tourist guest house
Day 05
Time: ---------
Place: Munsyari
Lodge: KMVN Tourist guest house
Day 06
Time: 5 hr.
Place: Munsyari-Chaukori (Vijaypur)
Lodge: KMVN Tourist guest house
Day 07
Time: 5 hr.
Place: Chaukori (Vijaypur)-Nainital
Lodge: KMVN Tourist guest house
Day 08
Time: -------
Place: Nainital
Lodge: KMVN Tourist guest house
Day 09
Time: 2½ / 7 hr.
Nainital -Kathgodam
The above itinerary includes only:
(a) A dedicated non-ac Gypsy or Tata Sumo or Toyota Qualis with an expert driver
ex-Kathgodam and back to Kathgodam
(b) Accommodation in cottages on twin or triple sharing basis.
(c) A child between 5-12 yr. accompanying parents will be 30% of per person
cost.
(d) Breakfast & dinner at Tiger Camp, lunch on direct payment; meals on
direct payment at other lodges.
Taxes:
The cost does not include: personal or incidental charges, safaris at Corbett
National Park and activities at other destinations, tips, meals unless specified,
laundry, toll & parking charges, alcohol, bottled water, phone calls etc.
ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES THAT CAN BE UNDERTAKEN
(a) Jeep & elephant safaris at Corbett National Park
(b) Birding and nature walks at all places
(c) Angling in Munsyari and Corbett National Park
(d) Boating in Nainital, near Pangot
(e) Horse riding in Nainital, near Pangot
(f) Cable car ride in Nainital, near Pangot
(g) Trekking with local guides at all the places
(h) Adventure treks from Munsyari to Milam and Pindari glaciers, Nanda Devi;
shorter treks to Khaliya Peak.
(i) Laundry; Bar-be-que, Library
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