Shakti Village Walks offers a rare opportunity to discover compellingly beautiful and remote regions of the Indian Himalaya, combining an honest and sustainable approach with sophisticated simplicity and style.  Without the discomforts of basic accommodation normally involved in trekking, the romantic and rejuvenating effects of the Indian Himalaya can now be experienced in comfort.   Shakti's Village walks in both Sikkim and Kumaon and the mountain retreat, 360 Leti have now been joined by a third village walking experience and river journey in Ladakh in north eastern Kashmir. All five experiences are united by pioneering vision to provide comfort and luxury, but above all, an authentic Himalayan experience. There is nowhere more beautiful to walk than in India’s varied hill country and Shakti offers an enjoyable and unforgettable wilderness experience in the low Himalaya.  The impact of tourism is kept as low as possible but standards of comfort and hygiene are maintained at an extremely high level.  Little food is brought in – as much as possible is provided locally,  few outsiders are employed – local villagers are nurtured, trained an engaged to look after guests, and numbers are strictly limited.  The accommodation is in traditional village houses specially renovate but without compromising on the authenticity and charm.  The walks are varied, some involve walking from village to village accompanied by a guide with one night at each village and other walks offer 2 or even 3 nights are each village with walks going out each day.  Generally,  you walk through glorious Himalayan foothills, from village to village, escorted by a friendly local.  The nights are spent in specially spruced up village houses as honoured guests of the villagers, who are keen to share their way of life and tell of the magnificent range of flora, fauna and wildlife to be found in the area.  Villagers cook delicious local speciality food, supply hot and cold water, and act as porters along with being hosts each night.  This offers guests a unique and intensely personal opportunity to interact with these welcoming mountain people.  The walks are not particularly arduous,but can be physically testing, and normally include a splendid picnic lunch out in the hills.  Plenty of time is allowed for demonstrations of work, chats with passers-by and tea stops with the locals. The Sikkim and Uttaranchal walks can all be done at any time of year;  each season offers something special.  Spring/Summer (March to June) is the time when the flowers are in bloom at the lower altitudes. The views of the peaks can be magnificent, but can also be a little hazy.  The monsoon season (July to mid-September) sees the newly washed forests literally dripping with life and the flowers at higher altitudes are in full bloom.  Winter time (late September to March) offers the best views of the Himalaya although November to February can be cold at night.  The Ladakh walks are only run between May and October due to the higher altitudes and temperatures. All walks walks are available on a totally private basis.   Style Traditional village houses Air/Con No Dining Yes Children Yes No. of Bedrooms Varies from place to place, but numbers are strictly limited to reduce the impact on the environment. Pool No Activities Hill walking.  Cultural interaction. River rafting. Price Range Please ask for details. Find Similar Properties