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The intention behind each decision.
Begin with a conversation.
Depart for your flight to Delhi, India’s vibrant capital, where centuries of history, culture and energy intertwine.
Most suited for
Couples, Families
Ideal time to visit
December- May
A glorious adventure unfolds in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas, where incredible scenery, rich wildlife in Corbett National Park, remote village treks and extraordinary places to stay come together.
Uttarakhand is fast emerging as a destination for intrepid travellers. This itinerary includes a classic overnight train journey into the mountains, a mix of lovely and luxurious lodges, and rewarding treks through beautiful landscapes, with comfortable stays in converted village houses. Alongside the striking scenery and wildlife, you’ll meet local communities, tap into your spiritual side in Rishikesh, as The Beatles once did, and explore the mighty Ganges by boat.
Uttarakhand Himalayan Adventure
As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you.
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Day 1
Your adventure begins
Days 2 - 3
Delhi
Arrive in Delhi and transfer to your hotel in the heart of New Delhi. Wide boulevards and leafy avenues offer a calmer introduction to the capital.
Once settled, we suggest heading out to explore both Old and New Delhi. As you move between the two, you’ll begin to make sense of this sprawling, sometimes chaotic city. Take in its shifting pace, vivid sights and unmistakable aromas. You’ll travel with your guide by vehicle and rickshaw. This allows you to get as close as possible to the energy and everyday life unfolding around you.
Afterwards, return to your hotel to freshen up and rest. Later this evening, you’ll be transferred to Delhi station. Board your overnight sleeper train to Kathgodam, ready for the next stage of your adventure.
Day 4
Almora
Arrive in Kathgodam, where you’ll be met by your chauffeur for the coming week. From here, begin the scenic drive up into the Kumaon Himalayas towards Almora, the region’s principal town, with views gradually unfolding as you climb higher.
On arrival, leave the road behind and take a final 10-minute walk along a wooded track to reach your lodge, set in peaceful countryside. Here, settle in for the night in simple yet comfortable village accommodation, offering an authentic introduction to life in the hills.
Day 5
Almora to Thikalna
After a leisurely breakfast, set out for Almora town. En route, pause at the charming Chitai Temple, known for its quiet atmosphere and local significance. Continue to explore this pretty hill station, where winding lanes and lively bazaars offer a glimpse into daily life in the Kumaon hills, before driving on to the Thikalna roadhead.
From here, at around 2,100 metres, begin an easy guided walk along a forest path lined with oak and rhododendron trees. As you go, the views gradually open up to reveal snow-capped Himalayan peaks. After around 45 minutes, arrive at a village house perfectly positioned to look out towards the Nanda Devi East massif and the surrounding range.
Here, meet your host family and settle in for the evening. Enjoy a home-cooked dinner and take time to unwind in this peaceful setting, staying overnight in simple yet comfortable village accommodation.
Day 6
Thikalna to Ganghet
Begin your walk this morning with a visit to the Bridh Jageshwar mountain temple complex, where peaceful surroundings are paired with beautiful views across the Nanda Devi range.
From here, continue through fragrant pine forests before gradually descending to the ridge of Naini and onwards to the Temple of Jageshwar at 1,780 metres, one of the region’s most atmospheric sacred sites.
After a picnic lunch, the trail leads uphill once more towards the village of Gurdabaj, passing through some of the oldest cedar forests in the area. By late afternoon, arrive in the village, where you can take a well-earned rest around the bonfire before settling in for the night.
Day 7
Ganghet to Bhimtal
A short drive and gentle walk today brings you to Bhimtal Lake, part of the Kumaon Lake District and also home to a wide variety of flora, fauna and aquatic life.
A true haven for birdwatchers, it’s the perfect place to slow the pace, take in the peaceful surroundings and enjoy the remarkable scenery and wildlife at leisure.
Days 8 - 10
Corbett National Park
After breakfast at your hotel, meet your driver and set off for Corbett National Park, your base for the next few days. This lush, green landscape stretches across more than 1,300 square kilometres, made up of grasslands, riverine belts and dense forest.
The Ramganga River flows through the park, forming a central reservoir and sustaining its remarkable biodiversity. Corbett is home to wild elephants, tigers and sloth bears, alongside nearly 600 species of resident and migratory birds, as well as rare reptiles.
Over the coming days, there will be plenty of opportunities to explore by jeep, track wildlife in the buffer zones and follow sections of the Jim Corbett heritage trail, gaining a deeper sense of this extraordinary wilderness.
Day 11
Corbett to Rishikesh
A scenic four-hour drive today brings you to Rishikesh, famously visited by the Beatles in the 1960s and now a renowned pilgrimage site for yoga enthusiasts and spiritual seekers alike.
In more recent years, it has also earned a reputation as one of India’s leading adventure hubs. Just a short distance upstream, you’ll find forest-clad hills, wide blue skies, sandy riverside beaches perfect for picnics, and the fast-flowing Ganges, where white-water rafting and kayaking offer a thrilling way to experience this striking landscape.
Day 12
White Water Rafting
Arguably one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the River Ganges, this 24km white-water rafting expedition takes you through a truly spectacular stretch of mountain scenery. As you set off, the river builds a sense of anticipation, with the landscape unfolding around you at every turn.
Along the way, you’ll tackle five exciting rapids, each offering a different burst of energy and adrenaline. Between these faster sections, the river settles into gentler flows, giving you time to pause, take in the views and simply enjoy the rhythm of the journey.
Day 13
Rishikesh
A much-earned day at leisure here, where you can enjoy the scenery, take in more adventure or explore your spiritual side in Rishikesh.
Day 14
Rishikesh to Delhi
Leave your hotel for the 6-hour journey back to Delhi, stopping for lunch and scenic breaks along the way.
Should you wish, we’ll suggest an excellent restaurant for your last night in Delhi, where you can reflect on your adventure.
Day 15
Fly home
Transfer to the airport today for your onward flight.
Tigers and the Himalayas
We had a bespoke tour to Jim Corbett park and then up to Nainital and Binsar. The travel arrangements were excellent, and having the same driver throughout made it so much easier. Lola at ETG came up with a great itinerary for us.
Debra
29 March 2025Excellent
850 Reviews
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What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included is shaped around ease. We take care of the practical details that can distract from the experience itself, so you’re free to relax into the journey and enjoy it as it unfolds.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
All flights (unless you’ve booked your own)
Carefully selected guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transport
Gratuities
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout
Pricing:
Each journey is shaped around you, so costs vary depending on season, flight choices, accommodation and how much is built in.
As a guide, most of our two-week trips fall between £5,000 and £10,000 per person.
Some fall below that, particularly for families or travel outside peak periods. Others go beyond it when the brief includes business-class flights, longer stays, or more ambitious hotel choices.
We discuss budget early, so everything is clear from the start.
Meet Our India Experts
With over a decade of experience, Sara knows how to blend India’s vibrant energy with luxurious, personalised touches. Her itineraries balance historic cities, serene countryside retreats, and cultural experiences that stay with you forever.
“From tiger-filled forests to Himalayan village trails, this is India at its most raw, soulful and quietly exhilarating.”
Sara
Regional Expert
Explore Our Hotels & Villas
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of the destination. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.
The ETG Guarantee
We guarantee you an experience no one else has ever had.
The travel magic you’ll remember won’t be found on a well-trodden – or over-Instagrammed – itinerary. It will be the surprises, discoveries and secrets that you’ll uncover along the way with us.
Do you ever feel like people aren’t listening to you?
We get it. And we will – that’s a promise. Your holiday starts with a proper, no-pressure call to understand what you want, what you don’t want, and what matters to you. From there, we create a completely unique adventure, inspired by our conversation together.
And because of our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Asia, you’ll have access to experiences you can’t find on Google. The kind of special experiences that are literally impossible to find on your own.
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Important FAQs about India
India is a place of contrasts and deep cultural richness, and travelling here with ETG ensures you experience it in a way that is authentic, seamless, and meaningful.
We craft holidays that go far beyond the typical tourist trail: think hand-picked boutique hotels, private guides with expert local knowledge, and immersive experiences that give you genuine insight into India’s diverse traditions and landscapes. From the calm of rural Rajasthan to the chaotic charm of Delhi, our holidays are designed to be both inspiring and stress-free, with 24/7 in-country support so you can focus on the magic of the moment.
India is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on the region and your interests. For most of northern India, the cooler, drier months from October to March are ideal for exploring cultural sites, cities, and wildlife reserves. The southern states, such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu, are also wonderful during these months, while the Himalayan regions are best visited in the warmer months from April to June. If you’re looking for fewer crowds, travelling in the shoulder seasons—September or April—can offer a great balance of pleasant weather and quieter
Every ETG holiday to India is designed to feel seamless, immersive and stress free. We’ll arrange international flights (if you’d like us to), your drivers and guides, and stays in characterful hotels we know and trust.
You’ll experience India in a way that’s completely bespoke to you – from quiet moments to big adventures – all planned by our India specialists. And while you’re away, our local team is on hand 24/7, so you’ll always feel well looked after.
