Jageshwar Walking Holiday – 3N/4D

Jageshwar Walking Holiday – 3N/4D

Region
Uttarakhand
Distance
19 km
Max Altitude
2200 m
Max Group Size
12
Duration
4 days / 3 nights
Best Time
mid-September through June
Cost Per Person
₹ Adults - 12500, Kids under 10 yrs - 7900 + 5% GST

Description

Idyllic Haven Heritage, Jageshwar is a 85-year-old traditional Kumaoni home, meticulously restored to preserve its original charm. Nestled amidst the serene surroundings of the Jageshwar region, the property offers a unique blend of tradition and modern comfort. We shall use this quaint accommodation as a base for enchanting village walks and hikes in the region.

Itinerary

  • Day 1Kathgodam - Ganghet (105 km, 4-hour drive), Ganghet Circular Trail (4 km, 2 to 3 hour hike)

    Meet at Kathgodam by 7 am and let the road carry you up into the hills. Around four hours later you reach Ganghet and Idyllic Haven Heritage, an 85-year-old Kumaoni home set among oak and rhododendron forest and tea gardens.

    After lunch, step out onto a gentle 4 km circular trail around the property. It starts in an enchanted forest, then comes out among the traditional Kumaoni homes of Talla Gairad village, and crosses a few terraced fields to a stream. Follow a water channel up to the little Gouri temple, cross the stream once more, and wander back through the lovely forest to Ganghet.

  • Day 2Ganghet - Jhakarsem temple (5 km drive), Jhakasem to Vriddh Jageshwar (8 km, 5 hour- hike), Vriddh Jageshwar-Ganghet (17 km, 40 min drive)

    After breakfast, drive 5 km to Jhakar Siem, a serene Shiva temple, and begin your walk to Jageshwar from there. The first kilometre follows a dirt track, then the trail slips into a broadleaf forest for about 500 m, followed by pine, and finally a descent through an enchanted deodar forest. It meets the Jageshwar road about half a kilometre before Jageshwar Dham, a cluster of more than a hundred ancient stone temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, rich in religious and archaeological significance.

    After lunch, climb to Vriddh Jageshwar, an older Shiva temple on a ridge near Shaukyathal village. Pause at the temple and let the Kumaon Himalayas open up in front of you. The drive back to Ganghet (17 km, about 40 minutes) winds along a scenic route to the cozy homestay.

    Post lunch, set off on an uphill trek to Vriddh Jageshwar which is an older Shiva temple, and situated on a ridge near Shaukyathal village. Enjoy the views of Kumaon Himalayas from the temple. The return journey to the homestay by road is a drive along a scenic route. It should take about 30 min to return to the cozy homestay

  • Day 3Ganghet-Dhauladevi (7 km trek, 3 to 4 hours), Dhauladevi-Ganghet (5 km)

    Today’s moderate 7 km trail leads towards Dhauladevi, by way of the Aidika Devi temple, home of the local deity, the gram devta. Continue along a lovely forest path to the houses of Talla Gairad village, then walk downhill through terraced fields to a stream, where an old water mill still turns, mostly during the rainy months.

    Carry on towards the pump house. From there the trail follows the pipelines through patches of pine and broadleaf forest until it reaches an unpaved road. Head east towards Dhauladevi, leaving the road behind and taking the short-cuts, and descend to the temple. A short drive brings you back to Ganghet.

  • Day 4Ganghet - Kathgodam (105 km, 4-hour drive)

    Enjoy a last slow breakfast at the homestay, say your goodbyes to the village, and set off down the hill. You reach Kathgodam at around 2 pm.

Inclusions

  • 3 nights stay at Idyllic Haven Heritage, Jageshwar, on double-sharing basis. Extra mattress for kids under 10 yrs.
  • All meals starting with lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 4
  • Ground transport – Kathgodam to Ganghet and back (Ertiaga or equivalent), Ganghet to Jhakarsem, Vriddh Jageshwar to Ganghet, Dhaula Devi to Ganghet (local taxi)
  • Guided walks
  • Porter charges – one bag per person, road head to the homestay and back

FAQ

What will the weather be like at Ganghet, Jageshwar?

Minimum temperatures are likely to drop to around 15 deg during summer and to 10 deg C during winter. So please come prepared with adequate warm clothing. Also, mountain weather is unpredictable and it can rain sometimes. So simple rain gear is also necessary

Does the accommodation have attached bathrooms?

Though it is a heritage property, it has been renovated so that each room has clean, attached western toilets and bathrooms.

What is the minimum recommended age for the walking holiday?

The recommended minimum age for doing this trek is 7 years. However you are the best judge. If your child is physically active and is used to walking long distances, he or she should be able to do it, even if younger than 7. Adequate preparation is necessary though.

What kind of preparation is recommended for participants?

Brisk walking – at least 5 km, at least 3 or 4 times a week, preferably on hilly terrain.

Stair-climbing – at least 15 minutes of climbing up and down stairs everyday.

Will hot water for bathing, and heating available in the rooms?

Yes, all the rooms are equipped with room heaters, and the bathrooms with hot water geysers

Are laundry facilities available?

Our caretaker should be able to find somebody to do the laundry for a fee

Do we have to carry our own luggage?

We will have porters carry your luggage from the road head to the homestay and back. However, during the hikes, each participant will need to carry their own ‘daypack’ containing essentials  for the hike (water, some short eats, cap, medication etc.)

Can I use sports shoes or do I need to buy trekking shoes?

While this walking holiday is doable using sports shoes, trekking shoes are highly recommended since they have a better grip and are usually waterproof. It is very important that you break-in new shoes before coming on the trek.

Is water safe to drink in these places?

Water is safe to drink. However as a precaution, please carry personal water purifiers (Aquaguard and LifeStraw are two popular brands available online).

How is the mobile connectivity on this trip?

All the places have basic mobile connectivity.  BSNL and Jio SIMs work best from the homestay, as of 2024.

What are the things to pack for the trek?

We will send you a trek checklist when you register.

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