Immersive India eco-tour

Delhi Airport - Delhi

Day 1: Welcome to India

Welcome to Delhi! Here, you will be met by your guest ambassador at the airport's arrivals area and driven to your hotel for check-in.

Delhi stands as the capital of modern India, where you can witness the mingling of both old and new. It is made up of seven ancient cities, spanning the periods from the 11th to the 20th centuries. Delhi has seen the rise and fall of many emperors, which has left behind a plethora of monuments that commemorate the grandeur and glory of bygone ages. Very few cities in the world can express such a profusion of architectural styles.

Delhi

Day 2: Try your hand at foraging in Delhi

Begin with a half-day walking eco-tour of Delhi. This group tour is an engaging exploration of the garden-to-table concept, within the throngs of a fast-moving capital. Enjoy a foraging experience in the heart of Delhi; the concept may seem startling amidst this dusty capital, but the Lodhi Gardens are a widely-revered sanctuary of green spaces, open pathways, and breathtaking trees. Learn about the edible produce in the area, and forage in the plant nursery. Continue to Perch, a sustainable restaurant where chefs will prepare you a family-style meal.

In the afternoon, enjoy a half-day sightseeing group tour of New Delhi, visiting various landmarks: the Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, the ceremonial Rajpath, the imposing India Gate, the Presidential Palace and Parliament House, symbol of Indian democracy. Return to your hotel afterwards, to relax and enjoy an overnight stay.

Delhi - Kathgodam - Binsar

Day 3: Special experiences in Binsar

Transfer by train from Delhi to Kathgodam, at the foot of the Sivalik Hills, then on to the highlands of Binsar. After a long journey, enjoy a birdwatching safari excursion in the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the few of its kind in northern India.

Next, pay a visit to the Panchachuli Women Weavers of Kumaon. Traditionally, the inhabitants of this high-altitude region were trans-Himalayan traders and had socio-economic ties with Tibet. Years of intensive training followed by reviving the trade with Tibet resulted in the formation of a 350-women-strong NGO, which is helping bring positive change to the lives of women in the area through this traditional craft.

Later, sit down for a traditionally-cooked feast around a bonfire under the stars. Exchange stories with fellow travellers and enjoy food made from organically-grown produce, cultivated from nearby gardens.

Binsar - Jageshwar

Day 4: Trek to the breathtaking Jageshwar Valley

After breakfast, gear up for an unforgettable hike to the Jageshwar Valley. You'll be retracing an ancient pilgrim route, passing through verdant forests, luscious green terrace farms, and local villages. The trek itself is predominantly downhill, and about four hours' long with a break for lunch. You may spot deer, porcupines, pine martens and monkeys along the way, as well as woodpeckers, eagles and vultures.

Reaching the valley is an experience in itself, and you can empathise with the soul-stirring feeling that Shiva pilgrims have on their arrival. This spiritual place is home to one of the oldest temples in human civilisation: a 10th-century complex with dizzying views of a sculpted valley and Himalayan mountaintops. Finally, rest for the day in a stunning eco-lodge, set amidst dense cedar and pine forests, and showcasing the beauty of traditional Kumaoni architecture.

Jageshwar

Day 5: Immersive pursuits in the Jageshwar Valley

Start your morning with a revitalising yoga session by the tranquil Jata Ganga stream, which flows through the Jageshwar Valley. Stretch and breathe to the calming sounds of the water and forest, with staggering mountains as your backdrop.

Afterwards, you'll spend a full day exploring the emerald valleys, dotted with natural pools and ancient caves. Visit a quaint herbal garden and gain insight into the indigenous varieties of rare herbs and wild medicinal plants grown here. Continue to the fascinating local archaeology museum, which shelters ancient idols from the town of Jageshwar Dham, dating back to the 9th century. All have been well preserved over time and offer a compelling contextual backdrop to the valley itself.

Jageshwar - Bhimtal

Day 6: An enchanting visit to India's Butterfly Man

Today, transfer from the Jageshwar Valley to Bhimtal, enjoying splendid mountain scenery as you travel for around three hours and 30 minutes.

You'll pay a fascinating visit to the Butterfly Man of India, author Peter Smetacek. Tour his much-adored butterfly museum and research centre, which houses a captivating collection of unique butterflies and moths, and learn about how Smetacek has committed much of his life to the conservation and investigation of lepidopteran communities and forest ecosystems. After wandering around the centre, you will be led by Smetacek himself into the surrounding area, for a chance to spot radiant species of butterfly and learn more about their biodiversity.

Bhimtal

Day 7: Explore traditional farming first-hand

In the morning, head to Jangalia Gaon at an altitude of 5,500 ft above sea level. At the village farm, get your hands dirty as you delve into some farming! Gain first-hand insight into the rural life of this small Himalayan hamlet as you help a family with their daily chores - fruit-picking, tending to the cattle, or ploughing the fields using bulls and a wooden plough. The farm houses a brilliant social project, Himalayan Hamlets, which strives to bring about socio-economic progress for the locals through Responsible Village Tourism initiatives.

Leave your 'green mark' on the Himalayas by planting a tree in the village, which has suffered from the negative impact of deforestation, then sit down for lunch. You'll be served simple Kumaoni cuisine, made with organic produce from the farm itself. There's nothing like tasting the food of the land around you, cooked traditionally.

Bhimtal - Kathgodam - Delhi

Day 8: Return to Delhi

Today, transfer from Bhimtal to Kathgodam railway station, where you'll begin a scenic train journey from the Himalayan foothills back to the bustling capital, Delhi. After a journey just shy of six hours, arrive into Delhi and transfer to your hotel for check-in. You'll have the rest of the day to relax and unwind after your travels, perhaps setting out to enjoy one last taste of the city.

Delhi - Delhi Airport

Day 9: Farewell, India!

Today, check out from your hotel and take a transfer to Delhi's international airport, in time for your onward flight. Safe travels and visit again soon!