The magnificent Binsar forest in the heart of the Kumaon Himalaya is a protected nature reserve that is home to oak, rhododendron, and pine trees. Walking amongst this jaw dropping landscape are leopards, barking deer, porcupines, langurs, and over 200 species of birds.

This unique experience has been awarded multiple times for its contribution to responsible travel practices.

During your journey, you will experience short and long walks through superlative mountain scenery in some of the most unspoiled landscapes of India, set against a backdrop of the mighty Himalayan peaks. Listen to the crackle of drying leaves, heed the whistling thrush's song, and catch the scent of alpine air and unfettered forest. Stargaze before hitting the sack with the promise of a hot water bottle under your blanket at night.

This forest trail is punctuated with breaks at three or four villages inside the sanctuary. Each village consists of only 3 to 10 households, and together, these kindly folk run and manage comfortable guesthouses and feed you steaming hot Kumaoni food straight from their wood fires and farms.

Rest up, eat well, and unwind on beautiful porches with your fellow hikers and engage the locals in discussions that we promise will give you a new perspective on mountain culture. The people here are intelligent, good-humored, and excited to welcome you to their corner of the world.

We have conceptualized this experience as the perfect balance of active holidaying, nature therapy, and cultural immersion without compromising on comfort, privacy, and safety. At the heart of this are the core principles of sustainable travel: a non-intrusive holiday that does not disturb the traditional, agricultural, and economic aspects of our community partners.

With a traverse over the valleys of Saryu and Pindar, a 4-hour drive from Almora, Uttarakhand, almost within touching distance of the great Himalayan summits, the villages are spread out along the gentler middle slopes of the upper valley, high above the Saryu river. Supi village has a guesthouse, and our tented camps lie on the ridge separating the two valleys.

Upon crossing, in the Pindar Valley, the charming hillside village of Dhurr, lies above the Pindar river, surrounded by terraced fields, waterfalls, rhododendron forest, and open pastures. The Himalaya massif rises up beyond the Pindar river, allowing unrivaled views of the snow-capped peaks of Trisul, Nanda Devi, and Nanda Kot. These are the last villages before Tibet.

You will experience superlative mountain scenery, traditional Himalayan lifestyles, pristine forests, colorful villages, authentic food, and splendid wildlife across varying habitats between altitudes of 2000m to 3400m above sea level.

You will share your trails with our knowledgeable and trained local guides who are the experts in the region. The walks vary from gentle one hour's wandering around villages to longer walks along the main trails that can take 3-4 hours, and more arduous walks up to the camps that can require 5-6 hours. As a guideline, you will have a minimum of 4 hours' walking each day.

Pickup from Pantnagar airport - Drop-off at Khali Estate, Binsar. Free time. Dinner & Overnight stay.

Freshen up - Breakfast - General briefing - Departure for Kathdhara. Reach the village for lunch - Rest - Evening village walk - Dinner - Overnight stay.

An idyllic village with only 9 family homes, Kathdhara is filled with lemon trees and terraced farms. A hot meal awaits you as you reach this jewel box of a village at the heart of Binsar. Watch the sun set in front of a toasty fire and listen to Mr. Happy (Puran Ji) tell you stories of the Village. You might be lucky to spot a crimson sunbird or a greater woodpecker!

Breakfast and departure for Gonap village. Arrival by lunch - Evening village walk - Dinner - Overnight stay.

The village of Gonap is full of small terraced farms that grow chillies, onions, garlic, turmeric, and cucumbers. Walk through a canopy of delicate bamboo and you will arrive at your home for the night. Take in the sight of a stunning valley and forests that transform in the early sunset. Look northward, and you might be lucky to see the snow-capped peaks of western Nepal. The local Golu Devi temple is a short hike away. From here, you can see a 200 degree panoramic view of the Himalayan mountains.

Sunrise hike - Breakfast and the departure for Satri village. Arrival at Satri village for lunch. Rest - Evening village walk - Dinner - Overnight stay.

This is the smallest and most secluded of all the villages with just 3 homes. This won't change the quality of care and love you will receive upon arrival. Satri is situated on a high ridge surrounded by uninterrupted views of the peaks.

Breakfast and departure to Risal village. Arrival by lunch - Rest - Evening village walk - Dinner - Overnight stay.

On the slopes of a forest-covered valley is the tiny hamlet of Risal.

There are only 8 families residing here. All practice farming and grow a variety of vegetable crops.

You might have to cross a leopard's trail on your way here. In the morning, you may be able to hear the call of barking deer over the constant sound of the gushing river.

This picturesque village of Supi lies at about 2,100m and is surrounded by meadows and terraced fields. It is split into a collection of hamlets: Talai and Talla Supi, and Malla Supi, where the guesthouse is located. The buildings in Supi are almost entirely of traditional design, featuring impressive joint family terraced houses (berklays) with colorful walls, stone roofs, and intricately carved doors.

Breakfast - Saryu river hike - Visit a local artisan. Return for lunch - Rest - Dinner - Overnight stay.

Breakfast and depart for Camp 1 (2800m) with packed lunch. Arrival post-lunch - Interact with the Anwals community - Dinner - Overnight stay in tents.

One of the largest meadows in the Bageshwar district, this location offers a panoramic view of both Saryu and Pindar valleys, as well as close-up views of Mount Nanda Khat, Panwali Dwar, Changuch, Nanda Kot, and Nanda Devi, among others.

Situated at an altitude of 3,000m, your day hike to the top of the ridge will be the highest point of your walking journey, reaching 3,300m. During your stay here, you will be accommodated in pitched tents equipped with sleeping bags and other camping gear. There are separate facilities for washrooms and restrooms to ensure your comfort during your time at the meadow.

This secret campsite also lies along the 3,100m high ridge that separates the Saryu and Pindar valleys. From December to February, it is completely covered in a white blanket of snow, creating a breathtaking winter landscape. The meadow itself serves as a verandah from which you can witness the majestic Himalayas up close. The views of the snow glistening on the Himalayan massif are so expansive and awe-inspiring that it will leave you speechless.

Accommodation at the campsite is comfortable, with safari-style tents featuring twin beds. The tents are illuminated by solar lanterns, and each tent has a separate wash area with a bucket for your convenience. If you desire hot water, simply request it from your guide. Additionally, there are separate tents with non-flush dry toilets available at the campsite.

Depart after breakfast. Cross over to the Pindar Valley. Picnic lunch at Dhakuri.

Arrival at Dhurr village post-lunch - Rest - Dinner - Overnight stay

The village of Dhurr is nestled at the foot of a steep, deodar-forested hillside, offering a picturesque setting above the gushing Pindar river. It is situated at an elevation ranging between 1,900 and 2,100 meters. Neatly terraced fields stretch from the forested slopes towards the river, creating a beautiful landscape. On clear days, the village provides stunning views of the high, snow-capped peaks, adding to its natural charm and allure.

On the upper fringes of the village, there are two guest houses offering accommodation.

Post breakfast departure for Khali Estate from Dhurr village. Arrive for lunch - Free time - Dinner - Overnight stay.

After breakfast depart for Pantnagar airport. End of trip.