Welcome to the Kumaun Himalaya
Everything you need to plan a journey with us from abroad: getting from Delhi to Ranikhet, visas and permits, the best seasons, staying safe and well, and how prices work.
- Base
- Ranikhet, about 1,800 m
- Nearest railway
- Kathgodam
- Nearest airport
- Pantnagar
- Time zone
- IST, UTC+5:30
The quieter side of the Himalaya
Kumaun is the eastern half of Uttarakhand: oak and rhododendron forest, long views of the high Himalaya, small villages, and far fewer visitors than the better-known trails of Himachal or Nepal.
We are a small team based in Ranikhet. You stay with us at Oakakhi, a family-run home, and walk with guides who grew up in these hills. Groups are small, the pace is slow, and you can message the founders directly at every step, in English.
From Delhi to Ranikhet
Most international guests come through Delhi. Allow a full day of travel each way between Delhi and Ranikhet.
Fly into Delhi
Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is the usual way in. Give yourself a night in Delhi to recover from the flight.
Train to Kathgodam
Kathgodam is the railhead for the Kumaun hills. The Shatabdi runs by day in about six hours, and the Ranikhet Express overnight. Book early on the Indian Railways website or through an agent.
Up into the hills
From Kathgodam it is about three hours by road to Ranikhet. Tell us your train and we will help you arrange the drive.
Chai at Oakakhi
You arrive at our home in Ranikhet. Everything else is ours to plan.
Other options: fly from Delhi to Pantnagar, then about four hours by road; or drive from Delhi in about nine to ten hours.
Good first journeys for visitors from abroad
Into the Quiet
Ranikhet and Pandavkholi 2 nights, 3 days₹14,000 Spiritual circuit · EasySub Ek
Kakrighat, Kainchi Dham, Bhumiadhar, Hanuman Garhi 1 night, 2 days₹9,500
Where the River Begins
Ranikhet to the Pindari Glacier 7 nights, 8 days₹34,000Paperwork, simply
Most visitors need a visa for India. Many nationalities can apply online for an e-Visa. Always use the official Government of India website, indianvisaonline.gov.in, and apply well before you travel.
Some areas near India's northern borders need special permits for foreign nationals. Before you book a mountain journey such as Above the Treeline (Munsyari) or Where the River Begins (Pindari), we check the current rules for your nationality and help with any permit that is needed. Carry your passport and visa on every journey.
The seasons
- October and November: clear skies, long mountain views, and the best stargazing
- December to February: cold and clear, with snow higher up
- March to May: rhododendrons in flower and the busiest birding months
- June to September: monsoon. Green and beautiful, but we avoid long treks
- Pindari: May to June, and September to October
Travelling well
- Ranikhet sits at about 1,800 m, which most people barely notice. Khalia Top and Pindari reach about 3,500 to 3,600 m, so we walk slowly and build in time to adjust.
- We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers trekking at the altitude of your journey and emergency evacuation.
- Our guides carry first aid and are trained in immediate response.
- Solo travellers, including women travelling alone, are very welcome. You stay in a family home, groups are small, and you can reach the founders directly.
- Tell us about dietary needs or allergies before you arrive. Meals are home-cooked and fresh.
Practical things
- Prices are set in Indian rupees. Dollar figures on this site are approximate and for guidance only.
- When we confirm your place, we explain how to pay from abroad.
- Ranikhet town has ATMs. Carry some cash for small purchases in villages.
- Buy an Indian SIM card on arrival, with your passport. We coordinate on WhatsApp and email.
- Mobile signal is patchy on the trails, and that is part of the point.
“Dress modestly at temples, take your shoes off at the door, and ask before photographing people. The hills will do the rest.”
A few gentle customsEvery journey, in rupees and dollars
Per person, including stays, meals, guiding and transport during the journey. Dollar prices are approximate, at about ₹95 to the dollar.
The Kalika Weekend
2 nights, 3 days · Oakakhi, RanikhetSlow days · Easy
Into the Quiet
2 nights, 3 days · Ranikhet and PandavkholiSlow days · Beginner
Where the Clouds Rest
3 nights, 4 days · Ranikhet and KausaniSlow days · Intermediate
The Seeker's Ridge
3 nights, 4 days · Ranikhet and BharatkotSlow days · Challenging
First Light
3 nights, 4 days · Ranikhet, Sattal, PangotBirdwatching · Easy
Three Skies
3 nights, 4 days · Ranikhet, Kausani, Kasar DeviStargazing · Easy
Above the Treeline
5 nights, 6 days · Ranikhet to Munsyari and Khalia TopMountain journey · Moderate
Where the River Begins
7 nights, 8 days · Ranikhet to the Pindari GlacierMountain journey · Challenging
Sub Ek
1 night, 2 days · Kakrighat, Kainchi Dham, Bhumiadhar, Hanuman GarhiSpiritual circuit · Easy
The Long Quiet
5 nights, 6 days · Ranikhet to Kainchi, the long waySpiritual week · Easy to moderate · opening soon
Tell us where you are coming from.
Write in English, from any time zone. We are in India Standard Time (UTC+5:30), and one of the founders replies personally.