Edge of India Uttarakhand Experience – Kumaon Hills 
Welcome to the communities and people of the Kumaon Hills in the Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India. The lowlands are covered by cedar forests between rice and wheat terraces in the stunning river valleys. You will then travel up to unforgettable landscapes and panoramas of the Himalaya. You will stay at the heart of rural communities in comfortable homestays with breath taking valleys and organic agriculture, folklore, and stunning walks. The homestays are all part of co-operatives rooted in their communities
How many days 15 days
How much Click here for details and costs
When to go March – mid July, September – mid November
Where you can start Kathgodam or Delhi
Where you will stay Community based homestays
Where you will travel Ranikhet, Karmi, Dhur, Bageshwar in the Kumaon Hills, Uttarakhand
Edge of the Himalayas – The Kumaon Hills
Stay at the heart of rural communities in comfortable homestays in breath taking valleys with organic agriculture, folklore and temples. Weather permitting, there are panoramic views of the Greater Himalaya, from Garhwal Himalaya to the Nepal ranges.
Edge of India Cooperatives Uttarakhand – Our partner
Edge of India is a co-operative working across a network of rural villages, which is led by local people and which enables communities to make the most of their cultural and natural heritage in order to achieve sustainable economic growth through hosting travellers. Working with communities, Edge of India builds local capacity and uses local resources to develop their communities and offers visitors a taste of life in some of the most picturesque and untouched parts of India.
Your Just Tour Itinerary
After starting in Delhi and then travelling by night train to Kathgodam you will wind your way up the Himalayan foothills by car to where the road passes nearby Ranikhet. After walking through wheat and rice terraces and the cedar forest you will arrive in the charming village of Kothiyan, your home for three nights and your base for village walks and exploring the surrounding countryside and villages.
From Kothiyan it is a day’s journey up to a higher Himalayan Valley where picturesque Karmi is your home for three nights and your base for village walks, views of the greater Himalaya, local handicraft production, short walks and day walks in surrounding hills You can also visit the Maad Temple amongst thick forest, which serves as the venue for major festivities and religious celebrations and has incredible views of the Himalaya.
It is then a half day walk or drive to Dhur in the breathtaking Pindar Valley at an altitude of 2500m, your home for four nights. Dhur has spectacular panoramas of the Himalaya, village walks, short walks and day walks in surrounding hills; optional evening local song and dance performances around a campfire. It is also perfect for early morning nature walks before breakfast to see rare birds and, weather permitting, a sublime sunrise over the Himalaya.
Your Fair Price
Our clear and fair prices are developed in partnership with Edge of India Cooperatives Uttarakhand and enable both a community based approach to travel and a contribution to wider development in the community and area. Your Fair Price tells what you are paying for and who benefits.
4 days in Kothiyan If you are building your own tour and want to visit a village for a shorter time, follow the link to find out more.