Nayalap: Rural Himalayan Glamping

After you have exhausted what there is in business, politics, conviviality, love, and so on — have found that none of these finally satisfy, or permanently wear — what remains? Nature remains; to bring out from their torpid recesses, the affinities of a man or woman with the open air, the trees, fields, the changes of seasons — the sun by day and the stars of heaven by night.

Set in the Kumaon Himalayas with sweeping views of the Himalayas, Nayalap comprises of 4 luxury tents with their own luxury living amenities. Special efforts have been made to keep the tents warm using local wool and floor making techniques. Even the soaps in the bathroom are sourced locally as well keeping the flavours of Kumaon. It is an hour's journey from Ranikhet or Almora and a 10 hour drive from Delhi through idyllic mountain views.

Using this as the base, guests can indulge in many experiences. These include visits to the sun temple at Katarmal, walks in the 16th Century town of Almora, walks in Ranikhet and lunch at an authentic Kumaoni home. Kumaoni cuisine is also being inculcated into lunches and dinners served at Nayalap. It is a complete immersion in the Kumaoni culture.

The Himalayas

Nayalap has sweeping views of the Shivalik Range including Trishul and Kamet at one extreme and the Panchachuli Range on the other. These views are seen during autumn, winter and early spring. At various times, the local produce differs. So you can pluck bayberries in the summer and tangerines in the winter. The region is also known for its birdlife with multiple species of woodpeckers and flycatchers. On occasions, you will also spot jackals, pine martens and if lucky, leopards.

The Village

The village of Salla Rautela where Nayalap is situated and other villages near Shitlakhet are quintessentially Kumaoni in character. The villages still function and grow their own crops and honey. Intricate carvings on the doors and the patterns of stones in the courtyard make the village houses worth watching. When you visit the village, you may just be invited for a cup of tea and a long chat in one of the welcoming homes.

Ideal For

Families and adventurous couples and friends. It is ideal if you'd like to stay in a quintessential Himalayan village or would like to explore the simpler life of our ancestors.

Activities

- Lunch at a village home

- Beautiful forest hikes

- Walks in the 16th Century town of Almora and the British Cantonment town of Ranikhet

- Visits to one of the few sun temples in India

- Explore the Binsar Sanctuary

Where

Nayalap is situated near Shitlakhet, an hour away from both Ranikhet and Almora. It is 3hrs from the train station of Kathgodam and a 10hr drive from Delhi

How to reach

If you're staying for long (3 nights or more), it's a scenic drive from Delhi. Otherwise, reach Delhi and take the Ranikhet Express or the Shatabdi Express to Kathgodam. From there, you can either book a cab to Nayalap for Rs. 2,000 or take a shared cab for Rs. 300 to Ranikhet. The team at Nayalap will then pick you up from Ranikhet.

Tariff

The tariff on Bed and Breakfast is Rs. 7,500, on bed and breakfast and dinner is Rs. 8,500 and on bed and all meals is Rs. 9,500