The traditional Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary village home interiors are clean and comfortable. The food is traditional too and cooked with fresh ingredients. Mineral water is provided with meals and in the rooms. From dawn to dusk, the women are busy attending to their children who walk for miles to school, tending their cattle and fields, cooking and cleaning, and visitors will be delighted to be welcomed as a guest in a home and participate in the daily routine. In the evenings, legends and stories come alive around a fire, and visitors can learn more about the local culture and traditions.
ITINERARY
Day 1
Arrive at the Binsar Retreat approximately 9 hours drive from Delhi (387 kms) or overnight by train (Ranikhet Express from Delhi to Kathgodam) and a 4 hours drive up to Binsar. The Binsar Retreat is situated in the core area of the Santuary with stunning views of the Himalayas and the entire region of Kumaon. It has luxury tents and five rooms which have been designed to blend with the wilderness surrounding the property. For those arriving late by car, an evening at leisure and for those arriving early by train/ car optional jungle walks are available on request.
Day 2
After a leisurely breakfast at Binsar Retreat, walk up to Jhandi Peak, (8000 ft) so named because the British administrators who made Binsar Their summer headquarters used to fly the Union jack from there to be seen by villages miles around. Enjoy incredible 360 degree views from Jhandi peak and then walk past the old Forest Rest house down to the Binsar Mahadev Temple which was built by the Katyur kings of Kumoun in the fifteenth century. Visit the shrine of Dana Golu, the local diety who protects the forest and animals of Binsar, and then down into pine forests along an ancient route used by traders and nomads for centuries which passes over the south and west faces of Binsar and back up to the Binsar retreat after a wholesome picnic lunch in the forest. Dinner at the Retreat.
Day 3
After Breakfast , leave for the village stay at Gaunap which is a beautiful hamlet situated at about 7000 ft. in the oak forest on the North face with sweeping views of the himalaya. Lunch at Guanap followed by an afternoon of getting to know the village people and understanding their ways of life. Over night stay at Gaunap village.
Day 4
After breakfast at Gaunap, walk through dense forest to the neighboring village of Katdhara, also located on the higher reaches of the north face of Binsar, tea at the house of one of the residents of katdhara followed by another walk to a ridge where a picnic lunch will be served. Descent into the pine forest on the South face of the Santuray and a walk along a level road to the tiny hamlet of Pataniya Nail. Overnight at a house in the Pathaniya Nail village.
Day 5
After Breakfast, a walk to the revered temple of Golu at Gairar. This temple is centuries old and the diety is held in high esteem by the local people. From Gairar, a walk up the ridge to a small temple lost in the forest and then down to the village of Dalar. Overnight stay at Dalar Village.
Day 6
From Dalar, after breakfast walk to Rishal, another small hamlet tucked away at the base of Binsar where a traditional lunch will be served. A climb up to the Binsar retreat after lunch completes the village experience.
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