A journey through the mystical Himalayas, this 7-Day experience takes you into the depths of the mountains, visiting local communities & beautiful natural wonders along the way. Strolls through a mountainside market, a visit to a wildlife sanctuary, and a trip to hidden swimming holes are just a few of the activities awaiting!
After arrival, you'll meet for lunch at Peaches and Pears--an eco-friendly guesthouse about 3 km out of Gopeshwar. This isgoing to be your home for next few days. You'll stay with a Himalayan family and enjoy organic homemade food: vegetables, grains, rice, milk, eggs and fruits from the family’s garden/animal shed..
After lunch, you'll relax and then visit Gopeshwar to discover Gopinath Temple and a colourful mountain vilage market.
After breakfast, you will walk through Gopeshwar to explore old architecture and to see the village life where underprivileged villagers are employed. An income is generated for them via this program. Additionally your day will consist of a visit to the local schol, lunch at a friend's house, and a trip to the waterfalls & hidden swimming holes! Finish off the day with a freshly prepared home-made organic dinner around the fire.
Today, you will trek to local Tibetan Villages that specialize in handcrafts. You will be able to participate in making the handicraft, plus the opportunity to buy products directly from the artisans.
This program is part of their empowerment project to support the untouchable artisan’s tribe. Lunch at a young widowed lady supported by their empowerment project will follow.
After, trek down to visit a project run by retired Army men to helo the environment by planting new plants/trees.
A bonfire will complete the day while you sit around enjoying dinner with your host family and listen to the local legends.
After breakfast, you will embark on your longest trek of the trip! A 13km trek, you'll go to to Atri muni caves and temple. You will visit an ancient cave of Atri rishi where you will get mesmerized by a beautiful waterfall. You'll go through beautiful villages, forests, fields, river paths, temples, meadows etc.
After lunch, head to your next destination--Chopta. See the beautiful Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. Here, you will stay in a fairy-tale spot next to a beautiful stream in middle of forest.
Accommodation choices include tents and rooms; but, staying in the tent in this area is magical.
According to local beliefs, you'll wake up to a breath-taking view of forest, along with forest fairies. After breakfast, you will trek 3.5km to Tungnath, where you will view snow-capped peaks and the 1,000 year old Tungnath Temple.
You will have lunch here, and enthusiastic trekkers can climb another 1.5km steep climb to the Chandershila summit (4000 m) to have majestic view of Himalayan snow peaks.
On the way down from Tungnath to Chopta, you will be armed with gloves and garbage bags. This will be your contribution to the Himalayas while we will collect the rubbish on the way down.
This morning, you have the opportunity to relax after breakfast. You will have an Indian Himalayan cooking course with your host, cooking and enjoying the process together.
After the class, you have the option of staying in the house to relax, or go for a trek with the guide to the river area and visit a centuries old temple close by.
To close the afternoon, enjoy tea time and ask any questions you have about your trip, culture, Himalayas etc.
End your night with a farewell dinner with your incredible host family.
Locally Owned Nonprofit
Fernweh Fair Travel offers authentic connections to Himalayan culture and unique adventures to little-visited natural wonders - all of which support efforts to empower local women, untouchable tribes and their community. Travelers can choose to relax at one of their beautiful homestays, head out on a trekking tour or visit their boutique shop to browse goods from local artisans.