Shakti Himalayan Village Walks
Shakti runs bespoke walking holidays in the Indian Himalaya and combined with some traditional Indian itineraries this makes a great way to get under the skin of India. People are now looking for something different from their holidays - more personal, authentic, perhaps less hedonistic and some gentle activity – Shakti’s village walks may just be the answer.
Daily distance travelled ranges from five to fifteen kilometres. Village houses have been adapted for guests to overnight in western comfort, sleeping under Egyptian cotton sheets, wrapped in cashmere throws, and enjoying delicious, freshly prepared meals from a personal chef.
Ladakh
In the far north reaches of India, on the Tibetan plateau – this 11,500ft high altitude desert is arguable one of the most dramatic landscapes in the world. Rugged snow capped mountains, turquoise glacial lakes, with stunning Buddhist monasteries dotted around. Shakti’s village experience is normally 6-7 nights, combining some gentle walks, monastery visits, meeting and interacting with the local Buddhist people and monks, and river rafting on the Indus and Zanskar Rivers. Each renovated village house is comfortable, cosy, great food and completely private to your clients (be it a single traveller or a family of 6).
Season - 15 May to 30 September
Kumaon
Hidden away in the eastern side of the state of Uttarakhand, the Kumaon region is a Hindu cultured region, and home to the breathtaking Nanda Devi peak (India’s 2nd highest mountain). Shakti’s Kumaon walks journey in the foothills of this region, consisting of gentle 10-15km walks each day, gaining an insight to the local cultures by visiting local homes, schools and temples. Overnights are spent in authentic village homes, renovated by Shakti. Combine 3 nights of this, with a stay at Shakti 360 Leti– voted in the top 101 hotels of the world for 3 years running, and recently voted as one of the most romantic hotels in the world. Only 4 private cottages (sleeps max 8), with 360 panoramic views of the mountains, food to die for, cosy pashmina blankets, and golden eagles soaring above. The ultimate hideaway to recharge.
Season - 1st October to 15 May
Sikkim
Often forgotten about in the shadows of its better known neighbours of Bhutan, and West Bengal, the state of Sikkim is a fascinating region. Rich in Buddhist culture and traditions, home to Kanchenchunga (India’s highest mountain), and bountiful rhododendron plants – so the best way to experience the area, is on foot. Shakti’s walking trips (4nights), take all of this in, including meeting and interacting with some of the past Sikkimese generations.
Season - 1st October to 15 May
Daily distance travelled ranges from five to fifteen kilometres. Village houses have been adapted for guests to overnight in western comfort, sleeping under Egyptian cotton sheets, wrapped in cashmere throws, and enjoying delicious, freshly prepared meals from a personal chef.
Ladakh
In the far north reaches of India, on the Tibetan plateau – this 11,500ft high altitude desert is arguable one of the most dramatic landscapes in the world. Rugged snow capped mountains, turquoise glacial lakes, with stunning Buddhist monasteries dotted around. Shakti’s village experience is normally 6-7 nights, combining some gentle walks, monastery visits, meeting and interacting with the local Buddhist people and monks, and river rafting on the Indus and Zanskar Rivers. Each renovated village house is comfortable, cosy, great food and completely private to your clients (be it a single traveller or a family of 6).
Season - 15 May to 30 September
Kumaon
Hidden away in the eastern side of the state of Uttarakhand, the Kumaon region is a Hindu cultured region, and home to the breathtaking Nanda Devi peak (India’s 2nd highest mountain). Shakti’s Kumaon walks journey in the foothills of this region, consisting of gentle 10-15km walks each day, gaining an insight to the local cultures by visiting local homes, schools and temples. Overnights are spent in authentic village homes, renovated by Shakti. Combine 3 nights of this, with a stay at Shakti 360 Leti– voted in the top 101 hotels of the world for 3 years running, and recently voted as one of the most romantic hotels in the world. Only 4 private cottages (sleeps max 8), with 360 panoramic views of the mountains, food to die for, cosy pashmina blankets, and golden eagles soaring above. The ultimate hideaway to recharge.
Season - 1st October to 15 May
Sikkim
Often forgotten about in the shadows of its better known neighbours of Bhutan, and West Bengal, the state of Sikkim is a fascinating region. Rich in Buddhist culture and traditions, home to Kanchenchunga (India’s highest mountain), and bountiful rhododendron plants – so the best way to experience the area, is on foot. Shakti’s walking trips (4nights), take all of this in, including meeting and interacting with some of the past Sikkimese generations.
Season - 1st October to 15 May
