Into the Quiet
Three slow days in the forest above Ranikhet. Birds in the morning, a fire at night, and on the last day a gentle walk up to the Pandavkholi meadow.
- Duration
- 2 nights, 3 days
- Route
- Ranikhet and Pandavkholi
- Level
- Beginner
- Price
- ₹14,000 pp
Three slow days in the forest above Ranikhet. You walk in the morning when the birds are loudest, sit through a sunset, and let a fire ask you a few honest questions at night.
On the last day you walk a little higher, to the meadow at Pandavkholi, a place tied to the years the Pandavas spent in hiding. It is the kind of place people stop talking without being asked.
Day by day
Day one, evening
Arrive at Oakakhi. A sunset walk into Kalika forest, then a quiet dinner.
Day two
Village trail and birdwatching before breakfast. A slow afternoon. In the evening, a village walk, then stargazing and stories with our astro guide. The night ends at the bonfire, with questions worth sitting with.
Day three
Drive to Kukuchina via Dwarahat and walk the forest trail to the Pandavkholi meadow, about 3.5 km each way. Time at the top, an optional visit to the Mahavatar Babaji cave, and a gentle return.
From the trail
Photographs from our own walks on this route.
The trek
Pandavkholi · Beginner · Kukuchina, near Dwarahat. A gentle forest climb to a high meadow tied to the years the Pandavas spent in hiding. The trail passes near the Mahavatar Babaji cave, and the meadow at the top is the kind of place people stop talking without being asked.
More about PandavkholiWho it suits
- First-time trekkers who can walk a few hours
- Solo travellers
- Anyone who wants a short trek with real quiet at the top
How fit you need to be
Comfortable walking for three to four hours with some steady climbing on the last day.
Included
- Two nights at Oakakhi
- All meals
- All guided walks
- Stargazing and storytelling
- Bonfire evening
- The Pandavkholi trek with a certified guide
- Local transport on the trek day
Not included
- Travel to Ranikhet and back
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
When to go
Runs in small batches through the year, except deep monsoon. Dates are shared on WhatsApp.
Before you book
Where do journeys start?
Almost every journey starts at Oakakhi Stays, our home in Ranikhet. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, about three hours away by road. Tell us how you are travelling and we will help you plan the last stretch.
How do I book?
Message us on WhatsApp or use the enquiry form. We talk first about what you are looking for, then share dates, the full plan and how to confirm your place. No booking is final until we have spoken.
I am travelling from abroad. Can I join?
Yes, and you are very welcome. Our page for international travellers covers getting to Ranikhet from Delhi, visas, permits, seasons, money and what to pack. Prices are in rupees, with approximate US dollar prices alongside.
What happens in an emergency?
Our guides carry first aid supplies and are trained in immediate response. In a real emergency, getting you to help fast is the only priority.
Let’s plan a quieter kind of journey.
Tell us what you are looking for, how many of you there are and roughly when. We will help you find the right walk, sky or forest, and we will be honest if we are not the right fit.