Devbhumi Kumaon | Munsiyari & Kausani
- Uttarakhand
Durations
10 Days
Difficulty
Beginner
Enjoy the Adventure
This Kumaon journey is a perfect blend of Himalayan charm, cultural richness, and adventurous mountain roads. Starting from Dehradun, the route moves towards Marchula near Corbett, linked historically to Kumaon’s colonial-era conservation. In Kausani, travelers see panoramic views of Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Panchachuli peaks, a landscape that also inspired Mahatma Gandhi who called it the “Switzerland of India.”
Munsiyari provides close-up views of the Panchachuli range, with links to ancient Indo-Tibetan trade routes. The route back through Rudraprayag highlights the confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers, important in Hindu traditions, before concluding at Rishikesh, a historical hub of pilgrimage and learning on the Ganga.
Day-to-Day Itinerary
We have carefully planned out each day to give you the best possible experience. From exploring historic landmarks to tasting delicious local cuisine, each day is packed with adventure and excitement. Join us as we take you on a journey through some of the most fascinating destinations in the world.
Arrival: Dehradun (DED Airport or DDN Railway)
Focus: Settling in, bike/vehicle check, and local exploration
Alternative: Direct drive from Delhi to the Corbett National Park area
Begin your adventure in Dehradun, exploring attractions like Robber’s Cave or the Mindrolling Monastery. This serves as a relaxed start before heading into the mountains. Alternatively, begin the journey by driving from Delhi to the Corbett periphery.
Night Stay: Dehradun
Distance Covered: ~250 km
Time Taken: ~6 hours
Terrain: Primarily plains and rolling foothills, transitioning to the forest periphery of Corbett
Ride to Marchula, situated on the edge of the Corbett landscape. The route is scenic, with rolling hills flanking the plains. In Marchula, a key highlight is the iconic suspension bridge offering excellent views of the Ramganga River and a chance for wildlife spotting.
Night Stay: Marchula
Distance Covered: ~150 km
Time Taken: ~6 hours
Terrain: A steady ascent into the Kumaon hills through verdant valleys
Altitude: ~1,890 m / 6,201 ft
Travel through lush valleys to Kausani, a hill station famed for its panoramic 300 km-wide vistas of Himalayan peaks like Trishul and Nanda Devi. Visit the ancient Baijnath Temple complex and the tranquil Anasakti Ashram, where Mahatma Gandhi stayed.
Night Stay: Kausani
Focus: Leisure, local sightseeing, and absorbing the mountain views
Activity: Light walking and exploration
Enjoy a full day of rest in Kausani. Options include visiting the local tea gardens, exploring the Sumitranandan Pant Museum, or shopping for hand-woven items at the Kausani Shawl Factory. The main activity is capturing the stunning sunrise and sunset views over the snow-capped peaks.
Night Stay: Kausani
Distance Covered: ~165 km
Time Taken: ~7 hours
Terrain: Challenging and scenic mountain roads with significant altitude gain
Altitude: ~2,200 m / 7,200 ft
Embark on a thrilling ride to Munsyari, known as the gateway to Johar Valley and high-altitude treks. The route offers dramatic, close-up views of the Panchachuli Peaks and includes scenic stops at Birthi Falls and the Kalimuni Top viewpoint.
Night Stay: Munsyari
Focus: High-altitude exploration, short treks, and local culture
Activity: Options range from moderate treks to relaxed village walks
Explore Munsyari’s alpine environment. Key activities include trekking to Khaliya Top for sweeping Himalayan vistas, visiting the Nanda Devi Temple, or learning about local culture at the Tribal Heritage Museum. The area is also excellent for bird watching and short nature walks to places like Thamri Kund.
Night Stay: Munsyari
Distance Covered: ~220 km
Time Taken: ~7-8 hours
Terrain: A long day of descent from high Kumaon into the Garhwal region’s river valleys
Descend from the high mountains to the sacred town of Rudraprayag, located at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. Visit the revered Dhari Devi Temple en route and spend the evening by the riverside, soaking in the spiritual aura of this key pilgrimage site.
Night Stay: Rudraprayag
Distance Covered: ~160 km
Time Taken: ~6 hours
Terrain: Following the river valley downstream, descending towards the Himalayan foothills
Journey to Rishikesh, the “Yoga Capital of the World.” Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere by attending the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony at Triveni Ghat and taking a walk across the iconic Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula suspension bridges.
Focus: A full day for spiritual activities, adventure sports, or relaxation
Activity: Customizable based on interests
Spend the day exploring Rishikesh at your own pace. Options include meditating at an ashram like Parmarth Niketan, joining a yoga session, or exploring the town’s many cafes. For adventure enthusiasts, white water rafting on the Ganga (seasonal) is a popular choice.
Night Stay: Rishikesh
Departure Point: Rishikesh, with convenient access to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport (DED) or Haridwar/Dehradun for onward rail and road connections
Conclude your journey through the natural and cultural wonders of Uttarakhand. Depart from Rishikesh with memories of majestic mountains, sacred rivers, and vibrant spiritual towns.
Inclusions
We plan for all stays and meals. We arrange, if required, for accomodation on a twin-sharing or single basis, Inner Line Permits and associated fees, a basic First Aid Kit for fixed departures, certified guides and instructors including NOLS-certified guides, mechanic support throughout the trip.
Exclusions
5% GST, personal expenses, insurance, fines or servicing costs, activities additional to what has been planned for, extra costs arising from delays or breakdowns, and anything not specifically included as per customized final plan.
