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There
is nowhere more beautiful to walk than in India's varied
hill country and Shakti offers you the chance to enjoy
an unforgettable wilderness experience in both the high
and the low Himalaya. In an irresistibly beautiful corner
of the mountains, one now has the chance to really get
off the beaten track, away from the 'madding crowds' of
the city and to immerse yourself in enthralling mountain
surroundings.
For
those who seek space, peace and beauty — who love
the outdoors, nature and big skies but are not inclined
towards arduous trekking, Shakti provides an escape into
corners of India which are compellingly beautiful yet
remain little-known and undeveloped. Its Village Walks
and its luxurious new mountain retreat, 360° Leti,
provide an ideal way in which to explore the incredible
landscapes and experience the indigenous cultures of the
Himalaya, in great comfort and without strenuous effort.
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Based in the Kumaon region
of the Hindu state of Uttaranchal, and in the Buddhist state
of Sikkim, Shakti provides the chance to really get off the
beaten track, slow down and become immersed in the enthralling
surroundings of the high and low Himalaya.
Shakti's keen eye on
encouraging low-impact and sustainable tourism, whilst maintaining
extremely high standards of comfort and hygiene, means that
guest numbers are strictly limited – no more than four
at a time may undertake the walks and 360° Leti accommodates
a maximum of eight guests. Few outsiders are employed –
local villagers are nurtured, trained and engaged to look after
guests. Little food is brought in – as much as possible
is provided locally – and Shakti works with the local
communities on projects of water harvesting, litter disposal
and reforestation. Volunteers from abroad are welcomed on placements
to help with this work.
VILLAGE WALKS
The carefully planned
Village Walks in both Uttaranchal (near Almora) and Sikkim,
consist of four days of intermittent walking through the glorious
Himalayan foothills, from village to village, escorted by a
local guide. You stay in specially spruced up village houses
and learn about the magnificent range of flora, fauna and culture
to be found in the area. Villagers cook delicious Kumaoni and
Sikkimese food, supply hot and cold water, and act as porters,
along with being your hosts each night. This offers you a unique
and intensely personal opportunity to interact with these friendly
mountain people.
360° LETI
At last, somewhere superbly
luxurious, as well as blissfully remote, high in the Himalayan
foothills. An innovative language of architecture that combines
age-old local building techniques with contemporary design and
structural technologies, set in a stunning mountain wilderness
at 8,000 feet, 360 ° Leti is a place where you can take
time to reflect, and allow the space, peace and astonishingly
beautiful landscape to work their magic around you. Stay here
for as long as you want (minimum 3 nights), in great luxury,
surrounded by stunning views. With only four private guest pavilions
and a main lounge-dining area, 360° Leti provides an exclusive
and deeply comfortable mountain experience – the first
and only place of its kind in the Himalaya. Indoors, there's
gourmet cooking and fine wine, as well as four-poster beds adorned
with pashmina blankets and fluffy duvets. Outdoors there are
mountain walks (with private guides), delicious picnics, fabulous
views, chilling out in planter's chairs and, if you wish, yoga
and meditation sessions by arrangement.
In Uttaranchal you may combine
your Village Walk with a stay at 360° Leti.
WHEN TO
GO:
Uttaranchal:
Each season offers something special. September to March offers
the best views of the Himalaya although November to February
can be cold at night. March to May is the time when the flowers
are in bloom, particularly the rhododendrons. The views of the
peaks can be magnificent, but can also be a little hazy.
360° Leti
is open from 1st October until 31st May each year.
Sikkim:
October to May (excepting Dec/Jan). Similar to Uttaranchal,
the rhododendrons come into bloom from March to May. The temperatures
from mid December to end January can drop to below zero and
as a result, the views can be very foggy and misty.
ACCESS:
Uttaranchal:
From Delhi, Almora is accessed by a 9 hour drive or
by overnight train (7hrs) to Kathgodam followed by a 2 hour
drive. Private Charter flight from Delhi to Pantnagar (1hr),
followed by a 3 hour drive to Almora. Helicopter Charter from
Delhi to Almora (weather dependent). Almora is 4 hours from
Corbett, 2 hours from Nainital, and 11 hours from Rishikesh.
Leti is 4 hours from Almora and, subject to weather, may also
be accessed by private helicopter charter.
Sikkim:
By air to Bagdogra from Delhi, Calcutta and Guwahati, followed
by a 5 hour drive to Yangsum Farm, where you start the walk.
Yangsum Farm is 5 hours from Darjeeling, 4 hours from Gangtok
and Phuntsoling, the border town of Bhutan, is 6 hours from
Gangtok.
RESERVATIONS:
For reservations please contact your tour operator,
your local travel agent, or contact the company direct.
FURTHER
INFORMATION: www.shaktihimalaya.com
SHAKTI
