An initiative in community based tourism, the walk provides insight into the lives and daily routine of the Kumaoni villager. With local religious customs and ancient traditions are very much alive here, the itinerary covers both the cultural and natural aspects of the region. Itineraries can be tailored for longer or shorter walks, with activities or relaxation at Kalmatia.

Kalmatia Sangam Kalimat Estate was built in 1867 by a British Captain ES Jackson. The resort is now owned and supervised by Geeta and her German husband Dieter. Kalmatia Sangam Himalaya Resort has ten cottages with expansive views of the Himalayas. Each cottage is spacious, designed and decorated differently. They have large doors and windows to let in natural light and the views, and are equipped with ensuite bathrooms with modern facilities. A few cottages are on two levels. Some cottages use local stone others brick, and each are heated in winter. The restuarant Sangam, opens out onto a terrace which on a clear day offers panoramic views of the western himalayan ranges. Meals are from local Kumaoni, Continental and Indian cuisine.

The Village Homes The home-stays in the villages are small twin bed units leased out from the villagers for the exclusive use of Kalmatia guests. Each home has two units with bath and toilets, adjacent to the house. Toilets are western and hot water is provided in buckets for bucket baths. In winter the houses are heated with bukharis (stoves fired with wood).

The village home stays are rustic and simple, yet charming and

authentic, with amenities to ensure comfort and hygiene. Mattress, pillows, blankets and

linen are the same quality as used at the resort. Kitchen and service staff are trained at Kalmatia. Meals are traditional local and Indian, with spices tempered to suit Western palates. Indian breads are served piping hot straight off the stove, The first two village home at Deora and Palieu have electricity, though prone to frequent power cuts. Electricity has not reached the last village home in Jawalbhanj yet. Petromax lanterns and torches are provided after sunset.

1 Arrive at Kalmatia Sangam Delhi a drive of 8 to 9 hours

overnight train followed by a drive of 2 ½ hours

Corbett a drive of 4 ½ through the hills Rishikesh a drive of 10 hours drive through the hills, overnight at Rudraprayag A drive of 6 hours through the plains to Corbett and thence 4 ½ hours For those arriving at lunch the late afternoon is at leisure. For those arriving at breakfast, after breakfast start an easy walk to the Chittai temple. The path is through pine forest with views into the valley and Himalayan range. Walking time to Chittai and back: 4 to 5 hours - 10 kms. Altitude 1700 to 1950 metres 2 Kalmatia Sangam

For the guests who arrived at lunch the previous afternoon – Chittai Temple Walk For those who arrived at breakfast the previous day - Binsar Sanctuary Walk. After breakfast drive to Binsar. Walk through dense oak and rhododendron forest and hike downhill to the Shiva temple. Packed lunch is served enroute. Drive back to resort. Walking time in Binsar is 5 to 6 hours. Driving time is 2 hours. Altitude 1700 to 2400 metres

3 to 6 Village walk The walks vary from gentle to slightly steep. The village trek leads through villages past ancient flour mills, where you can stop and see how they work. Pass terraced fields, waterfalls, streams and irrigation canals, crossing through pine, cedar, oak and rhododendron forest. Pass villages where the castes are strictly segregated.

People are friendly, curious in a childlike manner and happy to answer questions and be photographed. The walks touches ancient Kali, Vishnu and Shakti temples some over a 1000 years old. Each afternoon reach a different village to stay the night. The landlord while preparing dinner, hops in and out of his fields to get fresh vegetables and herbs for your meal. Guests are welcome to watch and help. Relax, chat with the locals.

Daily average walking time is about 5 to 7 hrs. Altitude is between 1450 to 2250 metres. 6 Return to Kalmatia Sangam Walk downhill to Jageshwar. At Jageshwar visit the ancient temple complex built by the Chand and Katyuri rulers between 8th and 12th Century AD. It is a 1 ½ hour drive back to Kalmatia Sangam. On the way stop to see the prehistoric rock art at Lakhudiar.

7 Leave Kalmatia Sangam After breakfast, leave Kalmatia Sangam.

US$ xxx per person sharing a double/twin bedded room Includes all meals, 3 nights at Kalmatia Sangam and 3 nights at village houses, porters, guide and transport back to the resort from Jageshwar. Ask us for special prices on groups and families traveling together.

• Best through October and April, though a bit hazy towards the end of April • Spectacular in winter

Spring March & April Blue skies, fruit trees in blossom, the forests flaming red with rhododendron flowers, and views of the Himalaya peaks

Summer Cool pine scented breezes, song of birds and a variety of butterflies, a refreshing storm now and again and perhaps a lucky split in cloud cover, with glimpses of the Himalaya peaks

Monsoon No incessant rain. Fresh newly washed, lush, green, riots of flowers, wild herb and mushroom. Sudden dramatic views of the Himalaya peaks. Ghostly wisps of mist swirling through dripping trees.

Autumn September & October Golden sunshine, hills dotted with cosmos flowers, wild cherry in bloom and Himalayan views.

Winter December to February 300 kilometres of unhampered Himalayan view. Crisp and clear, the sweet scent of the mimosa filling the air. If there happens to be snow – a silent, white world of pristine beauty.

Best time for the trek is mid September to mid April

Birds, butterflies, langurs (grey, longtailed Baboons), monkeys, jackals, foxes, hares, pine martens, wild cats, red squirrels, porcupines, flying foxes, flying squirrels and the leopard.

Cedars, Cypresses, Pines, Mimosa, Wild Cherry, Crepe Myrtle, Horse Chestnuts, Rhododendrons, Himalayan Oaks, Bottle Brush, Kaphal, wild, edible yellow Raspberries in May, Chinese Bamboo, exotic flowering cactii, Holly, Mistletoe, Ivy, to mention just some varieties.

Kalmatia has a library of books on various topics (fiction and non-fiction), a library of music cassettes to suit different tastes in Indian and Western Classical Music and a variety of games like Monopoly, Scrabble, Chess, Ludo, Cards, Backgammon, etcetera.

Arts & Crafts Local crafts include shawls and stoles of angora and pashmina, copper craft items, Kumaoni Rangoli paintings, traditional jewellery, natural herbs and oils.

Architectural Sites Colonial architecture at Ramgarh, Mukteshwar, Ranikhet, Nainital & Almora

Bird watching 150 species have been sighted in this area.

Caves Patal Bhubaneshwar Day Walks Walks pass through a cedar forest and further down the ravines and gorges, past waterfalls with pools for splashing around. Different walking trails of 3 to 7 hours can be planned.

Festivals Bageshwar Mela (Fair) January Jageshwar Sawan Mela July & August Dhunagiri Festival April Devidoora Raksha Bandan August Ramlila Festival October Dassehra Almora October

Holistic Health Massage, Reflexology, Diet consultation and Moxibustion Therapy including health diagnosis and body manipulation can be arranged with therapist Annie Del'Bove

Lakes Sattal Birdwatching, Hiking, Boating Naukachiatal Boating, Birdwatching Nainital Shopping Bhimtal Boating

Prehistoric Sites Lwethap, Pharkanauli, Phulseema, Lakhudiar & Devidhura

Temples Jageshwar, Katarmal, Baijnath, Kasar Devi, Chittai, Shayhi Devi, Gannanath Malika, Gangolihat & Dunagiri.

Traditional villages Mat, Deora, Baijnath, Paliu, Gadholi, Kimu, Gogina, Khati, Almora Bazaar

Walking Itineraries and Stay at Kalmatia Sangam are tailor-made.