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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrive in Delhi
Arrive in Delhi, India's vibrant and endlessly fascinating capital. On arrival, you will be met and assisted through the airport before transferring to The Oberoi, one of the city's most elegant hotels. Perfectly positioned overlooking Humayun's Tomb and the greenery of Delhi Golf Club, The Oberoi is the ideal counterpoint to the energy of the city beyond. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Depending on your arrival time, perhaps enjoy a treatment in the spa, relax by the pool, or simply unwind in comfort after your flight.
Overnight: The Oberoi, Delhi
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Day 2 Exploring Old and New Delhi
Today you’ll set out on a fascinating private guided tour of India’s capital, revealing both its historic heart and contemporary character. Begin with a rickshaw ride through the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk, immersing you in a world of spice merchants, street food vendors, colourful bazaars and centuries-old trading houses. Sample traditional parathas, sip masala chai and explore Khari Baoli, Asia's largest spice market. Continue through the narrow lanes of Dariba Kalan, lined with silversmiths and jewellers, before arriving at Jama Masjid, one of India's most impressive mosques. During your exploration of Old Delhi, your guide will introduce some of the city's most photogenic corners while sharing stories that bring its rich history vividly to life. A special highlight is a visit to one of Delhi's last remaining Urdu calligraphers, offering a glimpse into a traditional art form passed down through generations.
This afternoon, discover a very different side of the city in the Lodhi Art District. The striking murals of this open-air art neighbourhood transform ordinary buildings into vibrant works of contemporary art. This evening, enjoy a memorable culinary experience in the home of a local family. Learn the secrets behind regional dishes, try your hand at making traditional breads, and gain a deeper understanding of Indian culture through its cuisine.
Overnight: The Oberoi, Delhi
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Day 3 Delhi to the Kumaon Himalayas
This morning, leave the buzz of Delhi behind as you fly north towards the foothills of the Himalayas. Upon arrival, a private transfer takes you into the beautiful Kumaon region. Terraced fields cling to hillsides, pine forests blanket the valleys, and small villages appear seemingly untouched by time. By late afternoon, arrive at the starting point for a gentle walk to Shakti's Kana Village House. One of a collection of carefully restored village homes, a stay here provides a glimpse of life in the Indian Himalayas from a base of comfort. Perched amidst terraced farmland and overlooking forested valleys, Kana is the perfect introduction to the region. Spend the remainder of the afternoon soaking up the tranquillity of your surroundings, perhaps taking tea on the terrace as the sun begins to set over the mountains. As evening falls, gather for drinks before enjoying a delicious dinner prepared using fresh local ingredients.
Overnight: Shakti Kana Village House
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Day 4 Kana to Jwalabanj
Wake to crisp mountain air and sweeping views across the Kumaon hills. Your guided walk this morning meanders through landscapes shaped by generations of mountain communities, passing terraced fields, traditional homes, and pine and oak forests. Your first stop will be at the remarkable Jageshwar Temple Complex, hidden amongst towering cedar trees. Dating back to the 8th century, this atmospheric collection of ancient stone temples is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in northern India and offers a fascinating insight into the spiritual heritage of the Himalayas. After exploring the temples, continue deeper into the mountains. A short drive followed by a scenic walk through rhododendron, oak and pine forest reveals some of Kumaon's most striking scenery. Along the way, stop for a leisurely picnic lunch in a spectacular setting with expansive views across the valleys and, on clear days, glimpses of the snow-capped Nanda Devi range. Arrive at your next village where the rest of the afternoon is free. You may choose to explore the village, spend time with local families, or simply relax in peaceful and picturesque surroundings.
Overnight: Shakti Jwalabanj Village House
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Day 5 Jwalabanj to Panchachuli
This morning you’ll have the option of an early start to take in a captivating Himalayan sunrise. From a nearby ridge, watch as the first rays of sunlight illuminate the towering peaks of Nanda Kot and Nanda Devi, transforming the snow-capped summits in glowing shades of gold and amber. After breakfast, continue your journey through the Kumaon Hills, walking along forested ridgelines and ancient mountain paths that connect remote villages. A scenic picnic lunch is served on a terraced hillside with magnificent views towards the Nanda Devi range. There will be plenty of time to take in the mountain air and appreciate the extraordinary setting before continuing westwards through fragrant pine forests.
Your afternoon walk skirts the edge of Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected wilderness of rich biodiversity and sweeping Himalayan vistas. Your route concludes today at Shakti Panchachuli Village House, one the most spectacularly positioned of Shakti's properties. Perched on terraced slopes above the village of Vasudev, the house enjoys uninterrupted views of some of the Indian Himalayas' most iconic peaks, including Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot and the dramatic Panchachuli massif. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to relax and absorb the beauty of your surroundings before you settle in for drinks and a delicious dinner prepared using fresh local ingredients.
Overnight: Shakti Panchachuli Village House
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Day 6 Panchachuli to Shakti Prana
Departing Panchachuli after breakfast, resume your travels into one of the most remote corners of the Indian Himalayas. The journey takes you through forested valleys, traditional villages, and dramatic mountain scenery. On arrival, a short walk brings you to your exceptional lodge. Meaning 'breath' in Sanskrit, Prana is Shakti's most exclusive Himalayan retreat. Set close to the borders of Nepal and Tibet, the lodge is set in an extraordinary location overlooking the mighty Nanda Devi range. The remainder of the day is free for you to settle into your new surroundings. Perhaps enjoy a yoga session overlooking the mountains, unwind in the sauna, or simply relax with a book as clouds drift across the peaks. The views are breathtaking from every corner of the property. As evening falls, gather around the outdoor fire or join your chef for an informal cooking experience before enjoying a private dinner beneath the stars.
Overnight: Shakti Prana
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Day 7 Exploring Prana
Today is dedicated to exploring this remarkable corner of Kumaon at your own pace. Accompanied by your private guide, you can choose from a variety of walks and hikes tailored to your interests and preferred exertion level. One of the most rewarding options is the Jhandi Dhaar ridgeline walk, following ancient mountain trails to panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Great Himalayan Range. For more adventurous walkers, a longer hike descends through forests and remote settlements to the banks of the Ramganga River. Here, a picnic lunch is served beside rushing mountain waters before the return journey through the hills. Alternatively, keep the day completely free in order to slow the pace. Prana's remote location makes it an exceptional place simply to pause and reconnect with nature. Watch the changing light across the mountains, enjoy the lodge's wellness facilities, or settle in with a good book and uninterrupted views. This evening, enjoy another memorable dinner beneath the Himalayan night sky.
Overnight: Shakti Prana
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Day 8 Free time for activities or relaxation in the Himalayas
A second full day at Prana allows for further exploration of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Perhaps set out towards Nani Panyali, a picturesque settlement overlooking the Ramganga Valley. This rewarding walk reveals expansive views across rolling foothills and distant snow-capped peaks. Along the way, pass terraced fields, traditional homes, and welcoming local communities. Alternatively, enjoy a gentler walk through nearby villages and forests, crossing streams and discovering hidden corners of Kumaon rarely visited by outsiders. Returning to Prana, gather for farewell drinks and another exceptional dinner beneath the stars.
Overnight: Shakti Prana
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Day 9 Return to Panchachuli
After a leisurely breakfast, bid farewell to Prana and begin your journey back through the Kumaon Hills. A short walk leads back to the road, where you’ll take a scenic drive back to Panchachuli. Depending on your energy levels, there may be time to enjoy a final walk through the surrounding countryside, exploring quiet trails that reveal sweeping views across the valleys and snow-capped peaks beyond. As the day draws to a close, enjoy drinks around the fire before a farewell dinner showcasing the warm hospitality and exceptional cuisine that define mountain journeys with Shakti.
Overnight: Shakti Panchachuli Village House
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Day 10 Kumaon to Rajasthan
This morning, leave the Himalayas behind as you journey south towards Rajasthan. Travelling via Delhi and Jaipur, the scenery gradually transforms from forested mountain valleys to the rugged plains of northern India. Upon arrival in Rajasthan, continue by road on a scenic three-hour journey through the countryside to Fort Barwara. Here, your luxurious base at the magnificent Six Senses Fort Barwara awaits. Originally built in the 14th century and once home to a Rajasthani royal family, the fort has undergone a remarkable restoration, carefully preserving its heritage while introducing the modern comforts and wellness experiences Six Senses is known for. Spend the remainder of the day settling into your glorious new surroundings.
Overnight: Six Senses Fort Barwara
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Day 11 Enjoying Six Senses Fort Barwara
Today is free for you to enjoy one of India's most impressive heritage retreats at your own pace. There are countless hidden corners to enjoy at Fort Barwara, from tranquil courtyards and terraces to centuries-old temples and palatial living spaces. Take time to explore at your own pace or simply relax and absorb the peaceful atmosphere that permeates the property. The award-winning Six Senses Spa occupies two original palace buildings and offers a range of treatments inspired by traditional Indian healing philosophies. Yoga, meditation, and wellness programmes provide further opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation. Alternatively, enjoy the fort's excellent culinary experiences or simply spend the day unwinding by the pool.
Overnight: Six Senses Fort Barwara
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Day 12 Further free time at the Six Senses
Another free day allows you to fully embrace the slower pace of life at Fort Barwara. Perhaps begin the morning with yoga overlooking the fort walls. Alternatively, join the chef on a tour of the local market and return to the kitchen for a fabulous cookery class. For those wishing to explore further, guided experiences can provide insight into rural Rajasthani life, local craftsmanship, and the cultural traditions that continue to define this fascinating region. Back at the lodge, you could unwind with a spa treatment, guided meditation, or sunset drinks overlooking Barwara Lake.
Overnight: Six Senses Fort Barwara
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Day 13 Ranthambore National Park
Rise early this morning for an exciting wildlife adventure in nearby Ranthambore National Park, one of India's most celebrated tiger reserves. Once the private hunting grounds of Jaipur's maharajas, Ranthambore is today one of the country's best locations to search for the elusive Bengal tiger. Accompanied by an expert naturalist, set out by jeep into the dramatic landscapes of ancient ruins, rocky escarpments, lakes, and dry deciduous forests. While tiger sightings are undoubtedly the highlight, the park is also home to leopards, sloth bears, striped hyenas, crocodiles, and a remarkable variety of birdlife. Return to the Six Senses later this morning and enjoy a final relaxing afternoon at Fort Barwara.
Overnight: Six Senses Fort Barwara
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Day 14 Depart
After a final breakfast at Fort Barwara, transfer to Jaipur airport for your flight to Delhi and onward international connections.
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Depart
