Kumaon Himalayas – Indigenously Inspiring and Immersive

As the world strides into the final stretch of 2023, there is an all enveloping awareness of a world that is veering more and more towards “Planet and People First” phenomenon, with the North Indian state of Uttrakhand, magnetised by the mighty Himalayas, truly evolving as New India’s most preferred Conscious Travel destination.

In the days of yore, the Kumaon region, Almora and its surroundings used to be a quiet, sleepy Himalayan outpost, blessed with magnificent Himalayan vistas and a trading hub. The eerie silence of the Himalayas and the pristine mountain environ has for a long time been luring writers, poets and artists to rejuvenate themselves. It goes without saying that creative people find the Kumaon Himalayas (Almora and beyond) particularly conducive for creative pursuits and have found fulfilment here.

The mesmerizing charm of the Kumaon Himalayas is best summed up by an anonymous traveller thus – “Kumaon is so beautiful that there is nothing wrong in calling it, the staircase to heaven”. Shoba Mohan, founder of RARE India www.rareindia.com is of the opinion that – “In a regular world, be RARE! In Kumaon Himalayas, every moment is a potential for transformation and every encounter is an opportunity to dive deep into the heart of India’s Devbhumi (Abode of Gods)”.

Off late, the stupendous cultural diversity, aka Indigenous culture of the Kumaon region has touched the chord of today’s discerning traveller. Needless to say, a journey through the rugged Kumaoni mountain landscape is a stellar experience, an assault on your senses through culture, cuisine, history, heritage and dance.

In a world reeling under global warming and climate crisis, the Indian state of Uttarakhand comes as a breath of fresh air. With the snow capped high Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi(7816m), Chaukhamba(7138m), Panchchuli(6904), Trishul(7120m)…..standing like sentinels, the peace loving people of Uttarakhand along with the state government’s nodal Tourism department have taken a vow to protect the state’s fragile Himalayan ecosystem through a series of eco-friendly measures like encouraging home stay options in lieu of the commercially profitable multi-storied apartment hotels, promoting immersive holidays with the stress on taking tourism to the villages and hamlets; the idea is to make tourism ecologically sensitive and thereby offer high value experiences.

Uttarakhand government’s recent declaration to convert the Haldwani Zoo into a Carbon Neutral zone has been much appreciated by environmentalists and the state was also the first one to come up with its own climate change action plan. India’s first green energy-based solar panel plant in Rudrapur – Luminous Power Technologies, with an annual production capacity of 500 MW is another feather in the cap of Uttarakhand.

In the Post Covid world, visitors worldwide have unequivocally shown preference towards visiting Carbon Neutral destinations, where nature is pristine, the culture unscathed by modernity and distinctive cultural traits are well preserved

No wonder, the Kumaon Himalayas (Almora & surroundings) blessed as it is with the majestic Himalayan peaks, is also the melting pot of tribal/indigenous people – Tharus, Bhutiyas, Jaunsaris, Buksas and Rajis, whose fascinating lifestyle, belief systems, cuisine, jewellery design and folklore have all endeared themselves within the minds of today’s discerning travellers.

Embarking on a Tribal Tour of Kumaon Himalayas could be life changing and transformative. Out here, travel is slow. The essence is on immersion and engagement with the local folks. The roads are intimidating, yet, the natural vistas, flora and fauna are just fabulous. Sometimes, you keep hiking for hours together with not a soul to be seen!

Each tribe is unique with their own set of belief systems in place. For Instance, the Tharus are matrilineal and women are the torchbearers of society. The colourful Jaunsaris on the other hand are one of the world’s last remaining Polyandric societies.  The Bhotiyas are distinctive with their Tibeto-Mongoloid features and are expert weavers.

Having been born and raised in India’s North Eastern state of Assam, I grew up in the company of tribals – Nagas, Mizos, Bodos, Kacharis, Monpas and what have you! My good friend Chandan Koranga who hails from the bewitching hill station of Almora has been guiding visitors from affluent Western countries like USA,UK, Canada, Australia and Germany through his company – Him Valley Infra and Oh God! most of his guests are  repeat visitors to Kumaon, which speaks volumes about the regions astonishing beauty and surreal charm.

Visitors from abroad who come in search of peace and solitude are provided high quality accommodation in Chandan’s rugged Wood Villa cottages on self-service basis. The Villas are located in the picture perfect Dhamas village and made of the finest blend of German Pine and English Wood. The village is within close proximity to Almora (32 Kms.) and the cottages are nicely tucked up at an elevation which is all of 1424m/4672 feet above sea level.

Wood Villas in Dhamas is quintessentially curated for Slow Travel/Conscious Travel. An eerie silence pervades the Villa landscape. All the windows and balconies offer 360 degree uninterrupted views of the stunning snow covered Himalayan peaks. In the cozy confines of the Wood Villas, the good old times resonate gracefully. As the red molten ball dips across the Himalayan vistas, it is time to huddle together besides the crackling fireplace, strumming your Guitar, and indulge in your favourite tipple.   The all pervading peace inside and the snowfalls outside is nature’s invitation to you, reminding you yet again those immortal words of Roger Ebert – “The very fact of snow is such an amazement”.

Chandan Koranga’s untiring efforts to showcase not just the Kumaoni Himalayas, but, also the stupendous tribal diversity of the region is beginning to have a positive rub-off effect on the village folks, particularly Sitlakhet and Balsa Gaon.  These picturesque villages receive a regular stream of visitors from abroad, which has metamorphosed into a precious bond of friendship.

The stellar element of this unique friendship bond is that there is no superfluous demands imposed on the village communities. Discerning visitors appreciate the fact that the Kumaon Himalayas is earmarked for “Slow Tourism/Immersive Tourism” and they want the villages to retain their original, centuries old charm.  Although, transportation and roads remain below par, yet there are no complaints; the cultural immersion into the Kumaoni folklore, legends and traditions are far more important.

Indeed, what a joy it is to see local folks engaged in serving HNW guests from abroad, some of whom are millionaires in their own rights, partaking the local food prepared so lovingly by the womenfolk, while the men are busy guiding visitors on trek, hiking to remote hamlets and offering them every possible help enroute.

With fulfilment writ large on his face, apart from overseeing the Wood Villa operations from his cozy mountain home in Almora and the wellbeing of the Wood Villa team, Chandan is focussed in ensuring a “No Nonsense” approach when it comes to the question of preserving Kumaon’s fragile Himalayan eco-system and Indigenous diversity. His steadfast commitment is evident in the niche brand – Wood Villa, steering the company through the depressing pandemic years with no loss of staff. Stellar stuff! Ain’t it?

According to Chandan – “Wood Villa units will offer breathtaking views of the full range of Himalayan peaks. The architectural finesse is every bit European and each independent villa is wholly constructed out of wood, a rarity in the Indian context!” He further adds – “Our client base is NRIs and high net worth individuals (HNI) who have shown tremendous interest on this unique project. These villas are available for leases for up to 3 years and further renewable”.

India’s Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has been focusing on highlighting the North Indian state of Uttarakhand to the global community. The outside world is largely unaware of the region’s stupendous diversity in terms of tourism and still carries the perception of Uttarakhand being a landlocked region and a difficult place to visit, which is absurd. The time is ripe to unravel this region in all its glory and change the narratives.