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The Himalaya - Uttaranchal
SAFARI SUGGESTIONS
The Tea Trails
An awe-inspiring journey from the foothills of the Himalayas to the hill station of Darjeeling
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India is truly a land of contrasts, from its steamy, tropical south, its deserts of Rajasthan to the magnificent Himalayan outposts, long part of an annual migration amongst the Colonial expats who sought refuge in its cool mountain air from the heat of the plains in the Summer. Perhaps the most famous of the popular hill stations is Darjeeling, a lovely Victorian town built among the Himalayan foothills and now popular amongst visitors for its cultural diversity, the exquisite views, a variety of trekking options and, just as it was with the British in the late 1800s and early 1900s, its cool climate offering respite from the heat at certain times of the year.
Approximately 1700km away due West of Darjeeling, towards Pakistan, lies the beautiful town of Shimla. Whether you wish to take leisurely walks on the mountain trails winding through the pine forests, or to simply enjoy a gourmet picnic surrounded by some of the most unforgettable mountain vistas, there is no better place to stay than Lord Kitchener’s former residence, Wildflower Hall. Situated at 8,250ft in the magnificent Himalayas, Wildflower Hall is a fairytale luxury resort set in 22 acres of virgin woods of pine and cedar.
Northeast of Delhi on the border with Nepal and Tibet is where the mountains of Garhwal and Kumaon rise from the fertile Himalayan Plans. You may wish to explore the Kumaon region by foot, boasting pleasant small towns such as Almora with its picturesque mountain views and hill walks.
Uttaranchal is a lesser known region of the Indian Himalaya a unique product called Shakti has been created, ideally suited to those wanting to experience the Himalaya with a touch of style. This can be enjoyed by taking part in a Village Walk, a 3 to 4 night walking exploratory in the Himalayan foothills near Almora, wandering through local villages, spending evenings in home-stays, and experiencing life at first hand.
For those who are more adventurous, consider the Chomolhari Trek in Bhutan, a 10-day strenuous hike witnessing the glory of Bhutan's Himalayan grandeur and its intriguing Buddhist culture. Explore both sides of this untouched world visiting extraordinary Dzongs (fortress-like citadels) and trek in a gorgeous realm of snowy peaks, including the sacred mountain of Chomolhari (7329m), cerulean lakes, and seldom-visited villages and valleys. While on trek, see migrating birds and herds of Bharal (blue sheep), and meet Bhutan's gentle, gracious herders who live a simple lifestyle herding yaks, gathering and drying herbs, making fresh cheese and butter, and weaving beautiful textiles. It is a challenging and spectacular hike, through a forest, alongside a river, up through a valley with no roads, no passes to cross and no way to get lost. As you continue to rise you begin to glimpse Jichu Drake and the majestic and sacred snow-capped summit of Chomolhari. The remoteness is best felt at the highest campsite on the trek Taybu (4175m) from where on a clear day you can see Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world.
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