Jageshwar Walking Holiday – 2N/3D

Jageshwar Walking Holiday – 2N/3D

Region
Uttarakhand
Distance
12 km
Max Altitude
2200 m
Max Group Size
12
Duration
3 days / 2 nights
Best Time
mid-September through June
Cost Per Person
₹ Adults - 9300, Kids under 10 yrs - 5600 + 5% GST

Description

Idyllic Haven Heritage, Jageshwar is a 90-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-hour hike)

    Arrive at Kathgodam by 7 am. Drive to Ganghet near Jageshwar. Check into Idyllic Haven Jageshwar, an 85 year old traditional Kumaoni house set amidst a thick oak and rhododendron forest and tea gardens.

    Post lunch, set off on a 4 km circular trail (2 to 3 hours) around the property that takes you first, through the neighbouring enchanted forest, then to a cluster of traditional Kumaoni homes in Talla Gairad village. Then you will cross a few terraced fields before reaching a stream. The trail follows a channel all the way up to the little Gouri temple. Cross the stream once again and follow the trail through the lovely forest all the way up to Ganghet.

  • Day 2Ganghet - Jhakar Siem temple (5 km drive), Jhakar Siem to Vriddh Jageshwar (8 km, 5 hour- hike), Vriddh Jageshwar-Ganghet (17 km, 30 min drive)

    Go by road to Jhakar Siem, a serene Shiva temple, about 5 km away. Set off on the hike to Jageshwar from there – the initial 1 km of the trail is along a dirt track. The next segment is through a nice broadleaf forest for about 500 m, then a pine forest, and finally a descent through an enchanted Deodhar forest. The trail meets the Jageshwar road roughly about 1/2 km before Jageshwar Dham The cluster of 125+ temples built between 7th and 14th century AD are dedicated to Lord Shiva, and are of religious and archaeological significance. 

    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 - Kathgodam

    Check out after breakfast and embark on the 4-hour drive to Kathgodam, and reach the destination at around 2 pm.

Inclusions

  • 2 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 3
  • Ground transport – Kathgodam to Ganghet and back (Ertiga or equivalent), Ganghet to Jhakar Siem, Vriddh Jageshwar 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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