Lost in the Villages of Kumaon: How a Solo Trip to Uttarakhand Changed My Life

The Unexpected Escape: A True Story of Discovery in the Hills of Kumaon

Sometimes, the best adventures aren’t the ones we plan — they’re the ones that find us.

It all started when I canceled a trip to Manali due to overcrowding during peak season. Feeling burnt out from city life and uninspired by the usual hill stations, I opened Google Maps and randomly zoomed into the green terrain of Uttarakhand. That’s when I spotted the name — Kasardevi.

I had never heard of it. No flashy travel blogs. No commercial tour packages. Just a small village tucked away in the Kumaon hills. I packed my backpack, booked a train to Kathgodam, and the next morning, I was on my way.

A Journey Through Untouched Beauty

From Kathgodam, I took a shared jeep through winding roads, thick forests, and quiet hamlets. The journey alone was therapeutic. With every mile, I left behind traffic horns and brought in mountain silence.

Kasardevi was… different. Clean air. Ancient pine trees. A temple from the 2nd century. No fancy hotels, just homestays run by warm-hearted locals. I stayed with a retired teacher named Mohan Singh ji and his wife, who treated me like family.

Each day, I hiked to nearby spots like Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Jageshwar Temple Complex, and the mystical Crank’s Ridge, which once drew personalities like Allen Ginsberg and Bob Dylan. But the best part?

Doing nothing. Just sitting. Breathing. Listening.

How I Planned a Zero-Itinerary Trip — and Why You Should Too

I had no itinerary, and it was the best decision of my life. Here’s how I managed the trip:

• Stay Local: I used Homestay.com and Google Maps reviews to find locally-owned places.

• Eat Regional: Every meal was fresh and simple — pahadi dal, red rice, and homegrown vegetables.

• Ask the Locals: I skipped TripAdvisor. My host told me about secret trails and even a hidden waterfall!

• Travel Slow: Instead of visiting 10 places, I stayed in 3 villages — Kasardevi, Almora, and Chitai.

A Different Kind of Tourism

This wasn’t just travel. It was transformation.

I learned how to cook Mandua (finger millet) chapatis, meditated under pine trees, and even attended a local wedding. I didn’t just visit Kumaon; I became part of it. That’s when I truly understood the value of sustainable travel and responsible tourism.

Why Kumaon Should Be on Your Travel List

If you’re planning your next getaway and are tired of tourist traps, Kumaon region in Uttarakhand is the answer.

• ✅ Best time to visit: March to June and September to November

• ✅ Nearest railway station: Kathgodam

• ✅ Ideal for: Solo travelers, nature lovers, spiritual seekers, photographers

• ✅ Don’t miss: Binsar, Chitai Bell Temple, Jageshwar, Mukteshwar

Final Thoughts: Travel to Find, Not Escape

Travel isn’t always about ticking destinations off a list. Sometimes it’s about rediscovering yourself in a forgotten corner of the world.

My journey to Kumaon wasn’t luxurious. It wasn’t glamorous. But it was real — filled with people, stories, and peace I never knew I needed.

If you're looking to slow down, unplug, and reconnect with nature, ditch the itinerary and head to the hills — the quiet ones.