Almora: A Himalayan paradise

Did you know that Kasar Devi Temple in Almora is one of the only three places on Earth including Machu Picchu in Peru and Stonehenge in England to have the strongest geomagnetic field which is believed to be the best for meditation?

Uttarakhand

Starts: from Delhi

Ends: at Delhi

Group Type: Mixed Gender

Dates

Start: 10 PM, June 13

End: 5 AM, June 18

~~₹ 27500~~

₹ 26000

About the Tour

The trip to Kausani and Almora has been specially designed to satiate the “Himalayan” cravings of our participants, offer them a meditative, peaceful, and yet adventurous experience. These offbeat hidden gems of Uttarakhand will steal your heart with their beauty and simplicity.

The bewitching hill station of Almora has always kept Himalayan lovers captivated. Located at a height of 5400 feet, the town of Almora is surrounded by pine and oak trees offering lovely Himalayan views. Almora is considered to be the cultural heart of the Kumaon region. It’s famous for its Bal Mithai and Kasar Devi temple which is home to the geomagnetic cosmic energy field over the crank ridge aka hippie hill.

Just a couple of kilometers from Almora lies another hill station of Kausani. Located at an altitude of 6200 feet, it is an enchanting little village situated in the Bageshwar District in the gorgeous state of Uttarakhand. There are very few places in the Himalayas that can match the picturesque beauty of Kausani.

Did you know that Kausani offers a 300 km-wide panoramic view of some of the most important Himalayan peaks such as Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Panchachuli? Can you imagine how mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets you can witness from Kausani?

Despite the fact that Kausani has a rare scenic splendor and a rich history attached to it, it is still one of the least visited hill stations in Uttarakhand. In 1929, Mahatma Gandhi stayed in Anasakti Ashram in Kausani, for 14 days, while writing his book named ‘Anasakti Yoga’. He was so impressed by the grandeur of this place that he called it ‘Switzerland of India’, due to the similarity in landscape. Kausani is the birthplace of famous Hindi poet Sumitra Nandan Pant, who wrote some of his memorable poems in praise of this paradise on earth.

Did you also know that the famous Bollywood movie “1942: A Love Story” was filmed in this region?

Would you be interested in holding our hands and joining us on a peaceful and soul-soothing retreat to the Himalayas of Almora, and Kausani?

Trip Highlights

1. Jungle Resort stay with the Himalayan views

We will stay in a beautiful jungle resort whose every room has been crafted beautifully. Our resort cum hotel is located at a picturesque location from where we can view the majestic view of the snow-clad Himalayas which is indeed a soulful experience. Did we tell you that it’s also located adjacent to Kasaar Devi Temple?

2. Panoramic Himalayan Views

Many places on the itinerary such as Almora, Kausani, and Binsar, offer a breathtaking Himalayan view. Kausani offers a 300 km-wide panoramic view of some of the most important Himalayan peaks such as Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Panchchuli. We will get to view the majestic views of the snowclad Himalayan peaks from Kausani.

3. Chitai Golu Devta Temple

Thousands of bells strung across the temple premises radiate divine energy in the air of its surroundings. Chitai Golu Devta Temple is dedicated to Golu Devta who is believed to be an avatar of Lord Shiva. Although there are many temples of Golu Devta in Almora, the Chitai Golu Devta Temple is the most sacred one. It is reputed to make every wish come true, provided the worshipper asks for it with a clear conscience.

4. Jageshwar Temple & Museum

Jageshwar temples reflect the finest architecture and are set against a backdrop of verdant mountains and the sparkling Jat Ganga stream. As the sun rays filter through the soaring high trees, a cluster of st0ne temples is visible, standing proudly with their own unique Nagara style of architecture and significance. Jageshwar Temple complex is a group of 125 ancient Hindu temples devoted to the worship of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Lord Surya, and Goddess Shakti. According to the ASI, the temples are estimated to be about 2,500 years old and belong to the post-Gupta and pre-medieval eras. On the way to the temple, there is the Jageshwar Archaeology Museum, which is home to many beautiful sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses.

5. Katarmal Sun Temple

In the heart of Almora District, dwells the memory of Indian artisans from the 9th century and their unwavering devotion—the Katarmal Sun Temple. The charm of an ancient culture oozes from its wooden doors, stone floor, and enchanting architecture. The Katyuri Kings from Joshimath paved the way for the splendid shrine dedicated to the Hindu sun god, Surya. At an altitude of 2116 meters, the place is in perpetual bliss by nestling in the cool arms of the green forest and the well-known hills of Uttarakhand. The first sun rays over the mountain fall on an ancient idol of Surya, the Sun God, enlightening it with a mystical, divine glow that makes one fall in love with the skillfulness of the Indian artisans of the bygone era. The intermingling brilliance of nature, architecture, and mythology offer a soul-soothing trip to anyone seeking answers amidst peace.

6. Kausani Tea Estate

Who would believe that Kausani is also home to the majestic tea estate that is sprawled over 208 acres? It’s not just a paradise for tea lovers, but a treat for photo enthusiasts as well.

Kausani Tea Estate produces rich-in-flavor organic tea with orthodox methods which is extremely popular outside India as well. In fact, the famous Girihas tea is produced in Kausani Tea Estate itself. Apart from getting amazed by the vast tea gardens and taking a leisurely stroll, it also gives visitors an opportunity to understand the manufacturing process, and taste, and buy the different types of tea.

7. Village Walk

Village Walk is an excellent way to get familiar with the local way of living, witness the traditional architecture of houses, visit the farms, say hello to the villagers, and see their local innovative methods to make their life simple. It’s optional in our itinerary.

8. Anashakti Ashram

Anashakti Ashram, another lesser-known place in Kumaon Himalayas in Kausani, served as a home to Mahatma Gandhi for a couple of days in 1929. While staying here, he worked on his book titled “Anasakti Yoga” (and that’s why Kausani is also known as the delight for writers), and during his stay, he was so captivated by the beauty of Kausani that he called it “The Switzerland of India”. Apart from the grand view of the Himalayan range offered by the Anashakti Ashram, it also features a small archive-like museum that showcases photographs of Mahatma Gandhi’s stay here along with other paraphernalia associated with him. The quiet surroundings and the peaceful nature of Anashakti Ashram are worth experiencing.

9. Baijnath Temple

Baijnath is a historically and religiously significant ancient town located on the banks of the Gomati river in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, in the Bageshwar district. Baijnath is also home to the Baijnath temple complex which is a series of small and big temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Baijnath temple complex was constructed in the 12th century and now these temples have also been recognized as National Monuments by the Archaeological Survey of India. The water of the Baijnath temple is believed to possess healing powers against several ailments. Feeding the fishes in the pond/lake just beside the temple is considered sacrosanct.

10. Sunrise Walks

Taking a sunrise walk/ trek is the best way to experience a place in its most beautiful form and romance with the unadulterated beauty of nature. We would have the early morning sunrise walks/ treks on 2 days which would be optional, but participants would be encouraged to join.

11. Kasaar Devi Temple

Kasar Devi is a small but beautiful hilltop village near Almora in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand popularly known for the significant Durga temple named Kasar Devi Temple.

Kasar Devi Temple is of special importance because the region is said to lay under the Van Allen Belt of high-energy Cosmic particles trapped by the Earth’s magnetic field. It’s a postcard-perfect quiet Himalayan Abode where Swami Vivekananda also meditated in the 1890s. Other than him, many other world-famous personalities such as Singer Bob Dylan & Cat Stevens, Beatles guitarist George Harrison, Actor Uma Thurman, Classical dancer Uday Shankar, and LSD psychologist Timothy Leary visited and meditated.

12. Kainchi Dham

You must have heard that there is a spiritual place in the Himalayas where Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg visited, and visiting that place helped them in succeeding tremendously in their ventures?

That spiritual place is none other than our very own Kainchi Dham in Almora which is a beautiful riverside retreat and has attracted many visitors after it got famous by the visit of the above-mentioned business tycoons. “Everybody in the world wants to go and see this place,” said Larry Brilliant, a doctor who once lived at the ashram and later became head of Google’s philanthropy division. “It’s a combination of ‘Eat Pray Love,’ know thyself and change the world.”

As per the history, a spiritual saint named Neem Karoli Baba came to the hills and he meditated in a cave for a very long time which is now a spot preserved in Kainchi Dham Temple and lighted by the candles. The Kainchi Dham was built around that spot in 1964.

13. Bal Mithai

Visiting Almora and returning without relishing Bal Mithai is indeed a sin in the eyes of connoisseurs!

Bal Mithai was invented by Lala Joga Ram Shah of Lal Bazaar in Almora during the early 20th century and it is still very famous in the entire Kumaon region. It looks like a brown chocolate-like barfi made from roasted khoa coated with white sugar balls.

14. Bhimtal

Did you know that Bhimtal is the largest lake in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand? The emerald green waters of the Bhimtal Lake beckons every visitor for either a pleasant boating experience or just sit by the tal and get engrossed in the mesmerizing sunset hues it offers. The Bhimtal waters beautifully reflect the lovely greenery of the surrounding hills and that’s why the color of the water looks green.

The tal is named after the legendary Bhima of Mahabharata because as per the legend, Bhima visited the place during the exile period of Pandavas.

15. Bonfire & Group Games

Stay excited for this part!

16. Unforgettable social experience

Our small group size ensure a personal touch, and our group leaders make sure to bond the entire group like long-lost friends. Hence, along with an amazing travel experience, you are in for a great of great social bonding.

Your Itinerary

Day 1 | Group Departure from Delhi

Meet the entire group and group leader for introduction and orientation in Delhi. We will board a vehicle (Bharat Benz AC Sleeper Bus) for our overnight journey to Haldwani.

We will start at 10 PM from ISBT Kashmere Gate Metro Station Gate No. 1.

If you are an outstation participant, please land in Delhi latest by 7 PM.

Please note that if you are based out of any other city that comes on the route, we can pick you up. Please get in touch with us regarding the same. Also, the timings for the bus could be up/down by 1 hour, but we will inform the exact timings to participants 25-30 days before the departure.

Day 2: Arrival in Almora | Kasaar Devi Temple | Sunset

Arrival in Haldwani
Board vehicles for the journey until Almora (reserved exclusively for our group)
Reach our resort in Almora
Breakfast (on the way or at the hotel depending on arrival time & group consensus, cost excluded)
Check-in & Freshen up (Hotel Check-In time is 2 PM, and rooms will be given early if available, else you can hang out in the surroundings and absorb the beautiful views. Group Leader might also propose taking a few photo stops while coming to the resort to utilize the time, and enjoy the early morning Himalayan views)
Lunch
Rest time
Walk to Kasaar Devi Temple for a leisurely time and watch sunset (5 min walk from our resort)
Social Evening Group Games
Dinner

Overnight stay in boutique jungle resort

Day 3: Baijnath Temple & Kausani

Breakfast
Baijnath Temple
Anashakti Ashram
Lunch (cost excluded)
Kausani Tea Gardens
Leave for Hotel
Social Evening
Dinner

Overnight stay in boutique jungle resort

Day 4: Jageshwar Temple & Katarmal Temple

Sunrise visit to Kasar Devi Temple (optional)
Breakfast
Chitai Golu Devta Temple
Jageshwar Temple
Jageshwar Museum
Lunch (cost excluded)
Katarmal Sun Temple
Social Evening
Dinner

Overnight stay in boutique jungle resort

Day 5: More of Almora & around..

Wake up leisurely
Breakfast
Check-Out
Bal Mithai Shop
Lunch (cost excluded)
Kainchi Dham
Boating in Bhimtal (optional, cost excluded)
Arrival in Haldwani
Dinner (cost excluded)
Board our AC Sleeper bus to Delhi

Day 6: Arrival in Delhi & Good bye

We are supposed to reach Delhi by 5:30 AM as per the schedule, but still, keep some buffer time in hand if you have an onward journey on the same day.

The bus will drop-off the participants outside ISBT Kashmere Gate Metro Station.

If you are an outstation participant, we recommend booking a flight after 12:30 PM to be on the safer side.

Trip ends

Important Information

Ex-Delhi (add 5% GST to the applicable tariff):

27500 INR per person to/from Delhi (regular tariff)

26000 INR per person if you book from the first five seats

After the first 5 seats,

26500 INR if you book the slot number between 6-10

27000 INR per person for two or more people traveling together

27000 INR per person if you are solo but have already traveled with us 🙂

Else, 27500 INR per person

Please note that 5% GST would be added to the final applicable cost.

To make a booking, please send:

WhatsApp/ Call : 9999749677
Email: chandni@transformingtravels.com

Note:

Please note that if Transforming Travels isn’t able to execute the trip because of any covid regulations that directly affect the itinerary, then we will either reschedule the trip, refund, or give you the credit for the amount you paid, but your money won’t be lost at all. As it’s subjective to the situation, we will also take a call as per the situation.

All transport from Delhi to Delhi (Bharat Benz Sleeper Bus on a sharing basis from Delhi to Haldwani & back, private vehicles from Haldwani to Haldwani). AC won’t be functional in the hills. The type of vehicle(s)(Innova/Tempo Traveler/Mininus from Haldwani to Haldwani will depend on final group size)
Stay for 3 nights in a beautiful picturesque jungle resort on a twin-sharing and same-gender basis. Couples/ traveling partners will be given private rooms if they inform the same while booking.
Day 2: Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5: Breakfast
All permits and entry tickets as per the itinerary
Expenses of local guides
One friendly and knowledgeable group leader throughout the tour

All the meals not listed in Inclusions
Cost of boating in Bhimtal and any other optional activity during the trip
Any additional beverages/ snacks/ meals/ items ordered at the place of stay. We request you to settle your bill directly with the staff.
Any expense on any items/services which are personal such as driver tips, medicines, toiletries, sun protection creams, snacks, laundry, STD calls, etc
Any extra expenses incurred due to delays arising from bad weather conditions or any unanticipated or uncontrollable conditions
Any medical expenses
Any other expenses of any nature not included in the INCLUSIONS section

The group size will be limited to a maximum of 25 people: 24 participants + 1 facilitator and a minimum of 6 people: 5 participants + 1 facilitator.
We suggest you carry some energy bars/snacks or dry fruits which you can have during the road journey/excursions.
We don’t distribute any packed water during this trip. Water is very clean in Uttarakhand and hence, we recommend everyone to get water bottles that can be refilled. You can keep refilling them from local sources throughout the journey. Why add non-biodegradable waste to the environment if we can easily manage it without doing so?
Please note that we use the bus service (the sleeper bus from Delhi to Haldwani) to offer the utmost comfort to our participants during the overnight journey. This is a shared bus service by a reputed private operator.

Sanitizer & Masks (please carry a back-up mask too in case you lose one)
Warm Clothes
Rain Coat/ Umbrella
Hiking Shoes/ Sport shoes with good grip
A small day bag
Refillable Water Bottle
Sunglasses/ Hat/ Headgear
Sunscreen
Energy bars/snacks/ dry fruits to be eaten during the trek
Any prescribed medication
Neck Pillow & a shawl or light blanket for the overnight journey
Torch/ flashlight
Identity proof
Bluetooth speaker (if you are an entertainment enthusiast)
POSITIVE ENERGY, ENTHUSIASM & SMILES! – MOST IMPORTANT

60 days before the trip: 90% refund
59-41 days before the trip: 70% refund
40-26 days before the trip: 50% refund
25-16 days before the trip: 20% refund
Less than 15 days before the trip: No Refund

The cancellation policy is calculated on the total trip tariff, not on the token amount.

Participants will be respectful to their fellow guests, organizers, and the hosts
Participants have to show a little degree of flexibility during the tour
It’s the duty of participants to assess whether they are physically fit or not for the tour before joining it
Please note that neither we assign any seats in the vehicle nor do we take any special requests for that. Be it a first seat, window seat, or the last seat, we expect participants to be flexible with their choice considering the fact that it’s a group tour. Although, we encourage participants to shuffle seats with each other during the journey to support each other.
Transforming Travels reserves the right to modify the place of stay or the itinerary without any prior notice.
Every participant should be wearing a mask at all public places. Also, expected to carry a backup mask in case you lose one.
Every participant should carry a personal sanitizer and keep sanitizing their hands at regular intervals.
At the backend, we would also be conducting the temperature check of our driver, group leader, and guide.
Our accommodation partners sanitize the rooms and attached bathrooms before check-in. Common areas are sanitized on regular basis.
Temperature check is conducted for housekeeping and kitchen staff members every day by our accommodation partners.
The laws and customs of the areas we visit can be very different from those we are used to. Be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend, especially if you are visiting religious areas. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with and respect local laws and customs. If you fail to do so, we will have no liability to you for any cost, loss, or damage you suffer nor will we refund you the cost of any unused portion of your travel arrangements.
Please note that if a Government rule asks for a negative RT PCR test report for any places that are a part of our itinerary, then it’s your responsibility to get that test done & bring the report.
Outstation participants are advised to keep a good amount of buffer time while booking their flights. Please keep as much buffer time as you can. Still, if someone misses their flight because of any unpredictable circumstances then Transforming Travels won’t be liable.

Important Information

Cost

Ex-Delhi (add 5% GST to the applicable tariff):

27500 INR per person to/from Delhi (regular tariff)

26000 INR per person if you book from the first five seats

After the first 5 seats,

26500 INR if you book the slot number between 6-10

27000 INR per person for two or more people traveling together

27000 INR per person if you are solo but have already traveled with us 🙂

Else, 27500 INR per person

Please note that 5% GST would be added to the final applicable cost.

To make a booking, please send:

WhatsApp/ Call : 9999749677
Email: chandni@transformingtravels.com

Note:

Inclusions

All transport from Delhi to Delhi (Bharat Benz Sleeper Bus on a sharing basis from Delhi to Haldwani & back, private vehicles from Haldwani to Haldwani). AC won’t be functional in the hills. The type of vehicle(s)(Innova/Tempo Traveler/Mininus from Haldwani to Haldwani will depend on final group size)
Stay for 3 nights in a beautiful picturesque jungle resort on a twin-sharing and same-gender basis. Couples/ traveling partners will be given private rooms if they inform the same while booking.
Day 2: Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5: Breakfast
All permits and entry tickets as per the itinerary
Expenses of local guides
One friendly and knowledgeable group leader throughout the tour

Exclusions

All the meals not listed in Inclusions
Cost of boating in Bhimtal and any other optional activity during the trip
Any additional beverages/ snacks/ meals/ items ordered at the place of stay. We request you to settle your bill directly with the staff.
Any expense on any items/services which are personal such as driver tips, medicines, toiletries, sun protection creams, snacks, laundry, STD calls, etc
Any extra expenses incurred due to delays arising from bad weather conditions or any unanticipated or uncontrollable conditions
Any medical expenses
Any other expenses of any nature not included in the INCLUSIONS section

Basic Info

The group size will be limited to a maximum of 25 people: 24 participants + 1 facilitator and a minimum of 6 people: 5 participants + 1 facilitator.
We suggest you carry some energy bars/snacks or dry fruits which you can have during the road journey/excursions.
We don’t distribute any packed water during this trip. Water is very clean in Uttarakhand and hence, we recommend everyone to get water bottles that can be refilled. You can keep refilling them from local sources throughout the journey. Why add non-biodegradable waste to the environment if we can easily manage it without doing so?
Please note that we use the bus service (the sleeper bus from Delhi to Haldwani) to offer the utmost comfort to our participants during the overnight journey. This is a shared bus service by a reputed private operator.

Packing List

Sanitizer & Masks (please carry a back-up mask too in case you lose one)
Warm Clothes
Rain Coat/ Umbrella
Hiking Shoes/ Sport shoes with good grip
A small day bag
Refillable Water Bottle
Sunglasses/ Hat/ Headgear
Sunscreen
Energy bars/snacks/ dry fruits to be eaten during the trek
Any prescribed medication
Neck Pillow & a shawl or light blanket for the overnight journey
Torch/ flashlight
Identity proof
Bluetooth Speaker (if you are an entertainment enthusiast)
POSITIVE ENERGY, ENTHUSIASM & SMILES! – MOST IMPORTANT

Cancellation Policy

60 days before the trip: 90% refund
59-41 days before the trip: 70% refund
40-26 days before the trip: 50% refund
25-16 days before the trip: 20% refund
Less than 15 days before the trip: No Refund

The cancellation policy is calculated on the total trip tariff, not on the token amount.

Terms and Conditions

Participants will be respectful to their fellow guests, organizers, and the hosts
Participants have to show a little degree of flexibility during the tour
It’s the duty of participants to assess whether they are physically fit or not for the tour before joining it
Please note that neither we assign any seats in the vehicle nor do we take any special requests for that. Be it a first seat, window seat, or the last seat, we expect participants to be flexible with their choice considering the fact that it’s a group tour. Although, we encourage participants to shuffle seats with each other during the journey to support each other.
Transforming Travels reserves the right to modify the place of stay or the itinerary without any prior notice.
Every participant should be wearing a mask at all public places. Also, expected to carry a backup mask in case you lose one.
Every participant should carry a personal sanitizer and keep sanitizing their hands at regular intervals.
At the backend, we would also be conducting the temperature check of our driver, group leader, and guide.
Our accommodation partners sanitize the rooms and attached bathrooms before check-in. Common areas are sanitized on regular basis.
Temperature check is conducted for housekeeping and kitchen staff members every day by our accommodation partners.
The laws and customs of the areas we visit can be very different from those we are used to. Be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend, especially if you are visiting religious areas. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with and respect local laws and customs. If you fail to do so, we will have no liability to you for any cost, loss, or damage you suffer nor will we refund you the cost of any unused portion of your travel arrangements.
Please note that if a Government rule asks for a negative RT PCR test report for any places that are a part of our itinerary, then it’s your responsibility to get that test done & bring the report.
Outstation participants are advised to keep a good amount of buffer time while booking their flights. Please keep as much buffer time as you can. Still, if someone misses their flight because of any unpredictable circumstances then Transforming Travels won’t be liable.

Booking/ Query

To book this trip, please Call/ WhatsApp/ Email using the below-mentioned details.

If you have any questions or concerns, then please feel free to contact us using the below-mentioned details. Alternatively, fill this form and our team will get back to you at their earliest.