Asian Adventures

Delhi - Kuchesar - Abbot Mount - Dar - Sela - Baling - Duktu - Panch Chulli Glacier - Duktu - Nagling - Munsyari - Binsar - Corbett National Park - Delhi

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Total No of Days : 14 Nights / 15 days
Grade : Moderate to strenuous trek
Best Time : Mid-May to end June & from mid-September to end-October

Panch Chulli

The Panch Chulli peaks lie in Eastern Kumaon Himalayas and form the watershed between the Gori Ganga and Darma Valleys. The eastern approaches are through Sona and Meola Glaciers. The Uttari and Dakshini Balati glaciers guard the western approaches. Nestling snugly in the lap of the snow-capped peaks of Panch Chulli, the Darma Valley in remote Pithoragarh district, bordering Nepal and Tibet, is endowed with extraordinary scenic beauty.

Itinerary

DAY 1 ARRIVE DELHI - KUCHESAR - BY SURFACE / 100 KM / APPROX 3 HRS

You will be met at the airport and transferred to Kuchesar Mud Fort.

The heritage resort of Kuchesar offers you 18th century lifestyle with a modern touch. This Heritage Hotel has been known for its hospitality since decades. All the visitors and guests are treated specially and with great care as they follow the principal of "Atithi Devo Bhava" meaning "Guests are God".

Being located amidst picturesque surroundings and having the holy river of Ganges just 24 km away, Mud Fort Kuchesar gives you the taste of exotic India.

DAY 02 KUCHESAR - ABBOTT MOUNT (2,121 M / 7000 FT) - BY SURFACE / 350 KM / 9 - 10 HOURS

Your drive today takes you through the picturesque countryside of the Kumaon Himalayas as you proceed to Abbott Mount early in the morning. This historic hamlet of Abbot Mount in the eastern part of the Kumaon Hills near the small town of Lohaghat in Champavat District was founded by and named after Mr. John Harold Abbott of Jhansi, an English businessman who wanted to start a hill station for the European community at the turn of the 20th century. Unlike many Indian hill stations Abbott Mount has changed little since its inception. There are only thirteen secluded cottages spread over this private hill. There is a picturesque church set amidst the forest and an ancient cricket pitch with unsurpassed views of the mountains. You would arrive at Abbot Mount by the evening.

Overnight stay in a Himalayan Lodge.

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DAY 03 IN ABBOTT MOUNT - AT LEISURE OR TREKKING EXCURSION / 7 ½ KM / APPROX 4 HRS OR FISHING TRIP

After your rather long day on the road the previous day, today is a day at leisure to soak in the ambience of this beautiful spot. Or you may opt for a trek from Abbott Mount to Lohaghat through jungles and Kumaoni settlements. This will give you the opportunity to interact with the local people and get a peep into their lifestyles. There will be a number of opportunities to get some good snapshots to take back the memories of the walk.

For those inclined to go on a fishing trip, a day trip to Pancheshwar can be organized. 40 km from Abbott Mount at the confluence of rivers Kali and Saryu, Pancheshwar forms the borders with Nepal and is famous for the temple of Chaumu, its fair and a dip at the confluence is considered to be very sacred. The Jaat (jamaan) of Chaumu comes down from villages Sail, 5 km. above the temple. Chaumu is worshiped as a protector of animals. Bells and milk are offered in the temple of Pancheshwar. Chaumu Jaat of Pancheshwar has its unique way of cultural expression. The temple at Pancheshwar is devoted to Lord Shiva. This spot offers you best angling as Saryu and Maha Kali rivers meet here. Lunch will be served on the beach.

Overnight stay in a Himalayan Lodge

DAY 04 ABBOTT MOUNT- SONBLA (1670 M / 5,511 FT) - BY SURFACE / 150 KM / 6 HOURS - DAR (2,134 M / 7,042 FT) - TREK / 5 KM / APPROX 2 HRS

Your drive today takes you to Sonbla. Along the way at Jauljibi there is the confluence of river Gori with Kali that crosses into India from Nepal at Dharchula. Indicative of the commercial prosperity & cultural heritage of the region, Jauljibi is the site of a famous trade fair during autumn. The town pulsates with all around activities during this period. The route now travels northwards past Dharchula and Tawa Ghat and then turns westward into a gorge following the Dhauli Ganga River up to Sonbla. Sonbla is the entry point to the Darma Valley and is the starting point of your trek. On leaving your vehicles you trek to your destination for the night, which is the village of Dar.

Overnight in tented camp.

DAY 5 DAR - SELA (2438 M / 8,045 FT) - TREK / 12 KMS / APPROX 5 - 6 HRS)

Your trek today is long but easy. You will be walking on a mule track from Dar to Sela that goes through hillsides of green pastoral land. The Dhauli Ganga River flows to your right. Your campsite is on the outskirts of Sela.

Overnight in tented camp.

DAY 6 SELA - BALING (2743 M / 9,052 FT) - TREK / 11 KMS / APPROX 5 - 6 HRS)

It is another relatively easy day of trekking. The trail to Baling goes up and down hillsides but the altitude gained is moderate. The views of the distant glaciers are exciting and the temptation to push ahead is high. Nevertheless, you camp at Baling for the night.

Overnight in tented camp.

DAY 7 BALING - DUKTU (3048 M / 10,58 FT) - TREK / 6 KMS / APPROX 3 HRS

Your trek today takes you to Duktu and Dantu, which are two adjacent villages that are the last centres of human habitation in this part of Darma Valley. The view of the Panch Chulli peaks from here is just magnificent. On the outskirts of Duktu is a huge meadow that provides a perfect setting for viewing the Panch Chulli glacier with the backdrop of the Panch Chulli peaks. This particular spot is almost picture perfect. Your camp for the night will be pitched up on this meadow.

Overnight in tented camp.

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DAY 8 DUKTU - PANCH CHULLI GLACIER - DUKTU - TREK / 4 KMS ONE WAY / APPROX 5 HRS

Today is a momentous day when you set out to explore the Panch Chulli glacier from your base camp at Duktu. The glacier projects outwards from the East face of Panch Chulli and a
4 km trek from the campsite along the Yuli River that leads to the massive glacier. The place itself provides incredible scenery of a sprawling meadow bordered by tall oak and birch trees with the Panch Chulli (6904 M /22652 ft.) looming in the background. After an exhilarating day exploring the glacier you return to Duktu.

Overnight in tented camp.

DAY 9 DUKTU - NAGLING (2743 M / 9,052 FT) - TREK / 11 KM / APPROX 5 HRS

You start on your return trek today. The trail from Duktu to Nagling is a gradual descent and the days' walk takes around 5 hours.

Overnight in tented camp.

DAY 10 NAGLING - BUNGLING - TREK / 12 KMS / APPROX 5 HRS - MUNSYARI (2290 M / 7,557 FT) - BY SURFACE

This is the last day of your trek. You will arrive at Bungling by noon. From here after a brief rest you board your waiting jeep that drives you to Munsyari. The drive to Munsyari is via Madkot. The road has a steep ascent to the quaint little township of Munsyari perched on a mountain face. Surrounded by the mighty Panch-Chulli range, this Kumaon outpost commands fantastic views of the Panchchuli peaks and the Milam and Ralam valleys. It is the gateway to the well-known Milam and Ralam glaciers and the Nanda Devi range.

Overnight in a Himalayan Lodge.

DAY 11 IN MUNSYARI - TREKKING EXCURSION & LOCAL SIGHTSEEING

In the morning after breakfast trek to Maheshwari Kund at an altitude of 2,576 m / 8500 ft. This is a 3 km trek through Deodar forests. From here one can get magnificent views of the Panch Chulli. Enjoy the trek back to the Lodge for lunch.

After lunch, you proceed to Darkot, which is a 15 mins drive to see a carpet weaving industry. Carpet weaving is the only pastime for the locals during winters and also supplements their income. On your return to Munsyari see the articrafts and traditional tools of the Johar Valley. A professor Sher Singh Pangti, in a personal effort to revive the Bhutia culture, runs this museum.Overnight in a Himalayan Lodge.

DAY 12 MUNSYARI - BINSAR (2412 M / 7,960 FT) - BY SURFACE 230 KM / APPROX 8½ HOURS

Your drive today takes you to Binsar. En-route you would be stopping at Bageshwar, where you go across a bridge that spans the confluence of two Himalayan rivers - the Saryu and the Gomti. This quaint hamlet at a height of 960 m / 3,168 ft abounds in religious legends, festive happenings and beautiful surroundings. As the Purana State this undoubtedly is a place capable of liberating one from the eternal bondage of birth & death. The famous Baghnath Temple built by King Lakshmi Chad in 1602 AD, plays host to the biggest Uttryani Mela (14th January) when thousands of Shiva devotes throng Bageshwar to offer their prayers & be blessed.

From Bageshwar the road curves upwards along a heavily forested landscape. All along the entire Himalayan range is visible to the naked eye. Binsar is located in the midst of dense forests 30 km from Almora. It derives its name from Binsar Deo or Shiva. The Shiva temple here was built by the Chandravanshi King Kalyan. Once the ancient capital of the Chand Raj kings who ruled in the 7th and 8th centuries, Binsar is an epitome of solitude, quietness and natural beauty for today's traveler. Perched on top of Jhandi Dhar hills, it is a notified forest reserve and bird sanctuary. The Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to many high-altitude animal and bird species. The mammals in this area are leopard, Himalayan palm civet, serow, ghoral, yellow-throated Himalayan marten, yellow-bellied weasel, fox, Himalayan black bear and many more.

There is no town called Binsar, not even a settlement of huts or anything, it is just the forest reserve that has been given the name. The placed affords wonderful views of the snowcapped Himalayan ranges, like the peaks of Nanda Devi, Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Trishul, Panchchuli and Nanda Kot.

Overnight in a Jungle Resort.

DAY 13 BINSAR - JAGESHWAR - 3 KM HIKE FROM JAGESHWAR TO VRIDDHAR JAGESWAR - CORBETT NATIONAL PARK - BY SURFACE / APPROX 5 HOURS
You can begin your morning by trekking in Binsar Sanctuary for bird watching if you are a birding enthusiast. After breakfast, you drive to Jageshwar, which is located in a serene narrow valley surrounded by magnificent Deodar Trees. It is famous for the 124 ornamented temples & hundreds of statues built by the Chand Rajas. The complex is famous not only for its exquisite craftsmanship but has one of the Swayambhu (Jyotirlinga) named Nagesh. Of the total Shrines, the three outstanding ones, in terms of sculpture, are dedicated to Jageshwar, Mrityunjaya and Pushtidevi. There is a small museum where statues of artistic value, removed from the various shrines, have been preserved by the archaeological department.

A 3 km trek from Jageshwar leads to Vriddha Jageshwar. This is regarded as the abode of Lord Shiva prior to his manifesting himself at Jageshwar. This site commands a magnificent view of the Himalayas. The lofty-tower type isolated shrine of Dandeshwar is 1 km short of the actual temple complex.

After visiting the temple complex you drive to Corbett National Park in the afternoon.

Overnight in a Wildlife Camp.

DAY 14 IN CORBETT NATIONAL PARKAfter a wake up call & cup of tea / coffee, you proceed for in a four-wheeled drive vehicle with your guide for tiger tracking and bird watching. The jungles of Bijrani & Jhirna in the Park comprise of mixed moist deciduous forests. Tiger tracking, animal viewing and birding are the main attractions within the park. Over 50 mammals, 580 birds & 25 reptile species have been listed in the Corbett National park. On your return to the Wildlife Camp you can rest & relax for awhile.

After lunch, you drive to Bijrani tourism zone. Jeep safaris will be through jungles and the wildlife adventure of Corbett begins. You set a great opportunity for viewing wildlife, especially the tiger in its natural habitat.

Overnight in a Wildlife Camp.

DAY 15 CORBETT NATIONAL PARK - DELHI - BY SURFACE / 290 KM / APPROX 5 ½ HRS
Enjoy a morning elephant ride through the open chaurs (grasslands) and dense forests. This is the best mode of transport for wildlife viewing. The Park offers different kinds of vegetation all along its varied topography that comprises hilly and riparian areas, temporary marshy depressions, plateaus and ravines. 110 species of trees, 51 species of shrubs and over 3 species of bamboo are found here. You have engrossing moments tiger spotting in this kind of vegetation.
Return for breakfast. After breakfast drive back to Delhi. You will arrive Delhi by the evening and transferred to the International Airport to board your flight for onward journey / home.

For Booking / Enquiry - Contact us

 

Please let us know the number of people travelling on this tour and we will send you the total cost. We also specialize in customizing the tour. Should you need any changes we would be happy to modify the itinerary.

The tour may include arrangements such as accommodation, travel, meals, permit, guides, activities etc. or services as required by the client.

How to book
The booking of this itinerary is with Asian Adventures, F-313, Lado Sarai, New Delhi - 110030. India
Te1: (+91 11) 44128785. Email: wildindiatours@vsnl.com
To confirm your booking please send a 25% deposit by wire transfer to Standard Chartered Bank, Account No 52805001839 which is in the name of "Asian Adventures", using Swift Code "SCBLINBBDEL". Branch address: M-1 NDSE Part I, New Delhi-110049. India. Or you can send a cheque payable to Asian Adventures at F-313, Lado Sarai, New Delhi - 110030. India
Cancellation charges are 30 days before arrival date 25%, 21 days before arrival date 50%, 15 days before arrival date 90%, 7 days before arrival date 100% of the total itinerary cost.

Remaining balance to reach Asian Adventures at least 30 days before tour commencement by wire transfer (to bank account stated above) or by sending a cheque made payable to Asian Adventures to the above address. Alternatively you can pay the balance in cash upon arrival.

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