Offbeat Kumaon - Hidden Trails, Mountain Hikes and Lakes
Kumaon Unscripted: Follow the trails the maps forgot.
Some places in the Himalayas haven't made it onto the map yet and that's exactly why we go there. This exclusive small-group journey takes you deep into Kumaon's most unhurried corners: the forested ridge hamlet of Jilling and the quiet heights of Sitlakhet, where trails wind through oak and rhododendron, and the only sounds are birdsong and wind.
This is slow travel at its finest. Walk at your own pace on offbeat hikes and hidden trails, linger over chai in a Kumaoni village home, and find stillness at the hilltop Syahi Devi Temple. In Ranikhet, step into living history at the Kumaon Regiment Museum and stroll the old bazaar. The trip culminates at Sattal, a stunning cluster of seven freshwater lakes renowned for world-class birdwatching in Kumaon and tranquil nature walks.
No large tour buses. No crowded viewpoints. Just a small group of like-minded travellers, unhurried trails, and experience the real Kumaon exactly as it has always been.
- Walk hidden forest trails through oak and rhododendron on guided hikes around Jilling and Sitlakhet paths most travellers never find
- Stay in Jilling, a forested ridge hamlet, and Sitlakhet, a quiet hilltop village two of Kumaon's most unhurried and offbeat destinations
- Experience authentic Kumaoni village life share chai in local homes and connect with communities living close to the mountains
- Hike to Syahi Devi Temple, a hilltop shrine with panoramic Himalayan views and deep local spiritual significance
- Explore the ancient Sun Temple and soak in the heritage atmosphere of old Ranikhet town and its traditional bazaar
- Visit the Kumaon Regiment Museum, a moving tribute to one of India's most decorated military regiments
- Discover Sattal, a stunning cluster of seven interconnected freshwater lakes renowned for world-class birdwatching in Kumaon
- Enjoy tranquil lakeside mornings at Sattal, gentle shore walks, birdwatching and a peaceful farewell to the mountains
Day 1: Arrival & Transfer to Jilling
Your Kumaon journey begins at Kathgodam or Pantnagar. A short drive brings you to the roadhead; from there, the real journey is on foot. A gentle uphill walk (about 40 minutes) through farmland and forest leads to Jilling, a quiet hamlet perched on a forested ridge. Settle in, breathe the mountain air and ease into Kumaon time. Overnight at Jilling.
Meals included: Lunch and Dinner
On foot: ~40 min · 2 km uphill
Tip: Jilling has no motorable road — pack light; comfortable walking shoes and a small daypack are recommended. Main luggage can be carried by a porter.
Day 2: Into the forest: Hikes around Jilling
After breakfast, join the signature guided hike through oak and rhododendron belts. Wander hidden trails, pause at viewpoints for ridgeline panoramas and birdsong, and enjoy a picnic lunch in a scenic clearing. Return to the lodge by mid‑afternoon to relax and watch the mountains change with the light. Overnight at Jilling.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3 : Dawn birdwatching & transfer to Sitlakhet
Rise early for a short guided birdwatching trail to encounter endemic Kumaon species as the hills wake up. Return for breakfast, then depart for Sitlakhet — a tranquil hilltop village at a higher elevation with broader Himalayan panoramas. The afternoon is free to stroll village lanes, read in a sunny nook, or watch the ridgelines change colour at dusk. Overnight at Sitlakhet.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Drive: ~2–2.5 hrs · 60 km (roadhead → Sitlakhet)
Dawn walk duration: approx. 45–60 minutes
Day 4: Temples, trails & village chai
Start with an early hike to Syahi Devi Temple, a hilltop shrine with sweeping views and local spiritual significance. In the afternoon, visit nearby Kumaoni villages: step into traditional homes, share chai with locals, and experience daily mountain life. Overnight at Sitlakhet.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Ranikhet: History, heritage & the old bazaar
Morning visit to the ancient Sun Temple, then drive to Ranikhet. Explore the old bazaar, visit the Kumaon Regiment Museum, and enjoy a relaxed lunch in town before returning to Sitlakhet. Overnight at Sitlakhet.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Sattal lakes & farewell to the hills
An early start to Sattal, seven breathtaking interconnected freshwater lakes set in dense forest. Morning birdwatching, peaceful shore walks, then a post-lunch drop-off at Kathgodam Railway Station or Pantnagar Airport for your onward journey.
Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch
Sitlakhet to Sattal: ~2.5 hrs · 75 km
Sattal to Kathgodam: ~1 hr · 30 km
Sattal to Pantnagar: ~2 hrs · 65 km
What is included in the tour
- Transport: Full surface transfers in a comfortable vehicle from pick-up to drop-off (Ex-Kathgodam/Pantnagar).
- Accommodation: 5 nights' stay on a twin or triple-sharing basis in boutique hotels and mountain retreats.
- All meals as specified in the itinerary (Day 1: Lunch & Dinner; Days 2–5: Full Board; Day 6: Breakfast & Lunch).
- Services of a local guide for all forest hikes, village walks, and birdwatching trails.
- Porter assistance for carrying main luggage during the walk to and from Jilling.
- Guided forest picnic, hiking permits, and village cultural visits as listed in the itinerary.
- All applicable forest entry fees, park permits, and local guide charges.
- Services of a professional Tour Leader from Team Foliage.
What is NOT included in the tour
- Airfare or Train tickets to and from Kathgodam / Pantnagar.
- Tips & gratuities: For drivers, guides, porters and hotel staff.
- Early Arrival / Late Departure Meals: Any meals not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary (e.g., breakfast on Day 1 or dinner on Day 6).
- Personal expenditure of any kind (Porterage, Telephone, Laundry, room service, etc.).
- Beverages: Soft drinks, mocktails, bottled mineral water, or alcoholic beverages.
- Adventure Sports: Optional activities at Sattal (like boating or kayaking).
- Insurance: Personal, medical, or travel insurance.
- Expenses that are incurred due to reasons beyond the control of the organisers.
- Camera fees or charges levied by any local department.
- Anything not specifically mentioned under ‘Charges include’.
- Goods and Services Tax (GST).
