Shakti Kumaon and Shakti 360 Leti - Himalaya Season Begins

The little known Kumaon region lies in the northern hill state of Uttarakhand, with some of the most stunning mountain scenery on earth to be seen, from the perennially snow capped peaks of the Great Himalaya range in the north to the pretty hill stations at the foothills.

This off-beat region of India has escaped the busy backpacker trade, and Shakti has opened it up to small-scale tourism through its village walks. Accompanied by local porters, guides, and a private chef, guests escape the modern world, walking between remote villages, staying in traditional village houses, walking freely amidst the awe-inspiring scenery, and terraces, rhododendron forests, visiting temples, schools, and markets far from the busy tourist track. Shakti's walks are a blissful antidote to the frenetic pace of the working world and allow travellers time to reflect, decompress and simply ‘be'. More active guests can up the pace to make the most of the wonderful trekking in the area or spend a night under the stars in a Shakti camp.



Finishing the trip at 360° Leti is a must, for its architectural interest, if nothing else. An innovative combination of traditional building techniques and contemporary design, 360° Leti is built in mountain wilderness at 8,000 feet. There are four private guest pavilions – a perfect place where travellers can completely unwind, allowing the space, peace and landscape work their magic. Indoors, there's gourmet cooking and a cozy fireplace, as well as beds adorned with pashmina blankets and fluffy duvets. Outdoors there are mountain walks, treks, fishing and camping, or the time to just laze in a planters chairs and enjoy the views. Yoga and meditation sessions can be arranged on request as well, and guests can now join Yeshi in the kitchen, to learn the art of momo making, or choose their favourite dish and let him share his secrets in the kitchen. Chef's eclectic menu is filled with family recipes from Shakti's Owner, Mr. Jamshyd Sethna, ranging from Parsi Apricot chicken and the delicious Burmese dish; Khowsuey, to Samosas, and Kumaoni lamb curry made with the the finest local produce and the freshest ingredients picked directly from the Houses' own herb and vegetable gardens.

Shakti Himalaya offers an eight-day Shakti Kumaon Village Walk combined with Shakti 360 Leti (Available from: 1st Oct 2016 – 20th April 2017) from €5,261 per person, based on two travelling. This includes private accommodation in three village houses and private cottage on a fully inclusive basis, all activities, accompanying English speaking guide, private chef, support guide and porters, car at disposal and taxes. This also includes return transfers between Kathgodam station / Pantnagar airport, village houses and Leti. Flights/trains not included, but there are plenty of indirect flights from Ireland to Delhi. For booking and information contact: info@shaktihimalaya.com / www.shaktihimalaya.com.