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Be With Nature At Sitlakhet, Almora – Trekking At Sitlakhet Uttarakhand, India
The sky was bathed in a luminous kind of blue hue. The sky was filled with clouds which were but natural given the time of the year, it was, after all, the rainy season. There were no stars visible in the sky, nor were the Himalayan peaks visible in the distance. What was visible though were the lights of the town of Almora twinkling like stars in the valley below. It was about 5.15 am and sunrise just around the corner at a charmingly secluded little place called Shitlakhet.
Shitlakhet is a quaint hill station nestled high up in the hills near Almora in Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India, a place that in every sense of the word was a pristine getaway in the lap of nature. Sitlakhet is one of the best places to explore the Himalayas in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. The place is yet relatively untouched by commercialization and still preserves its natural ethos. The KMVN Tourist Rest House where we had checked in the previous evening sits prettily on the slope of a hill and overlooks the valley below. The town of Almora can be seen down below, which is at a distance of about 35 kilometers down the winding hilly roads.
Trekking At Sitlakhet Uttarakhand – The Trek To Syahidevi Temple
Sunrise is early in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand and we were off fairly early on a trek that would take us high up in the hills to an ancient temple by the name of Syahidevi temple. We also hoped to get a good view of the Himalayan peaks as we climbed earlier, but again everything depended on the whims and fancy of the clouds that floated across the horizon in gay abandon.
We took a narrow path, that skirted the Dak Bungalow which stood defiantly in its imperial glory besides the KMVN rest house. We were told that the Dak Bungalow was more than a 100 years old and even the KMVN TRH was the same and both were surviving legacies of the British Raj.
We were five of us off on the morning trek and our dog led the way. When I say our dog, I mean adopted dog. The fact was that dog seemed to have adopted us ever since we checked in to the KMVN TRH at Sitlakhet Uttarakhand. He had greeted all of us like long lost friends and in the morning was up first thing in the morning and had taken up the onerous responsibility of escorting us on our trek.
We made good speed through the forest paths that were covered with a layer of brown and dry pine leaves weaving a carpet of sorts. But the soft looking carpet beneath our feet was deceiving as the leaves, probably because of their soft and silky texture also ensured that the path was a bit slippery. We found this out soon and especially experienced the slippery nature of the pine leaves carpet while descending down the hill.
Our dog kept ahead of us and also periodically circled back to the rear to ensure that all of us were fine. He also went off on short scouting missions to ensure that there was no threat for the approaching party and would signal an all clear!
As we ascended uphill breathing the invigorating mountain air which carried the fragrance of thousands of exotic flowers and fruits, we turned back to gaze at the distant peaks to see if the clouds had cleared. They had not, and we continued uphill enjoying the moment, hardly speaking to each other, lost in the sheer pleasure of being one with nature.
We stopped to admire some flowers here and some fruit trees there. A lily shaped like the head of a cobra drew our attention while a huge Deodhar tree awed us with its symmetrical beauty. Birds cooed in the trees to their heart’s content as we strained our eyes and craned our necks to spot them but in vain.
As we moved forward swaying sunflowers enthralled us with their golden beauty. and these lines drawn from Wordsworth and corrupted to fit the occasion came to mind.
When all at once I saw a crowd,
a host of golden sunflowers
On the hill, beneath the trees,
fluttering and dancing in the breeze
Trekking At Sitlakhet Uttarakhand – The Old British Bungalow
We continued climbing the beautiful pine leaf-carpeted path in the woods, our dog still heralding us on our way. It reminded one of the incidents in the Indian mythological classic Mahabharata when the Pandavas leave the world and start ascending the peak called Swargarohini in their quest for heaven. They were followed by a dog all the way. Incidentally, we too were five. But we were not in quest of heaven, in fact, we felt that we were already in heaven. The picturesque beauty that engulfed us from all directions numbed our senses and we felt that there could be no other heaven apart from the place we were in.
We soon reached a stately looking colonial bungalow which must have been more than a hundred years old. The Bungalow, we were informed belonged to a Mr. Bora whose ancestors had bought it from a Britisher along with the huge estate around which was full of fruit orchards. The price that was paid was the princely sum of Rs.2500!
Old colonial style British bungalows have a strange old world charm and aura that is so fascinating. Ever since our visit to McCluskieganj in Jharkhand, our interest in British mansions has been heightened. So when we got an opportunity to see the Bungalow from the inside, we could not resist.
The living room along with a traditional English fireplace was indeed a blast from the past. An old ornamental fan hung from the roof and deer antlers, probably a hunting trophy hung from one of the walls.
What was really fascinating was a dark and make-shift laboratory where they extracted natural oils. It was a complete miniature processing plant.
Authentic Local Kumaon Tea with Snow Capped Peaks
After satiating our curiosity about the old British bungalow and its quaint artifacts we interacted with the family of the caretaker and also took a peep into their traditional kitchen.
We then moved towards a natural ridge behind the Bungalow where we were served cups of herbal tea which tasted like the elixir of life itself. As we lost ourselves in the aroma of the tea, the clouds shifted to unveil the top of some of the peaks of the Himalayan ranges in the distance.
The peaks that can be seen from Shitlakhet are Nanda Devi, Trisul, Chaukhamba, and Panchchuli. The tea and the glimpse of the Himalayas had made our day. That moment carved itself into our minds as a moment in time to be cherished forever in our memories.
We could see the temple of Syahi Devi in the distance, but we had spent a lot of time climbing up and also at the British Bungalow. We had truly enjoyed the journey and had not bothered with our destination. We needed to get back as we were scheduled to leave Shitlakhet shortly, hence we decided to head back in time to grab some breakfast and leave the alluring environs of Shitlakhet with the promise to ourselves that we would return one day to this paradise.
If you loved reading about our trekking experience at Sitlakhet Uttarakhand and wish to go to Sitlakhet then read on as we provide you here more information about Sitlakhet like how to reach Sitlakhet, things to do in Sitlakhet, where to stay in Sitlakhet etc.
Sitlakhet Map
How to reach Sitlakhet
Sitlakhet is situated in the Almora district of the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand state in the north of India. It lies at an altitude of 3870 meters above sea level.
- Sitlakhet distance from Delhi, the capital of India is about 323 kilometers
- The nearest railway station to Sitlakhet is Kathgodam which is at a distance of 110 kilometers
- The nearest airport to Shitlakhet is Pantnagar Airport at a distance of about 147 kilometers
- Sitlakhet to Almora is about 36 kilometers
Best Time To Visit Shitlakhet
Sitlakhet weather – Best time to visit Shitlakhet is between March to June and September to October.
Things to do in Sitlakhet
Sitlakhet Almora is a lesser known destination in Uttarakhand. It is very near to Almora. It is famous for trekking, birdwatching and photography.
- View Himalayan peaks – Trishul, Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, Panchachuli at Sitalakhet, Uttarakhand, India
- Visit Chaubattia Orchard which is 10 kilometers away from Shitlakhet. This orchard has apples, apricots, plums and peaches
- Connect with nature and spot some beautiful birds. There are more than 100 species of birds found in and around Sitlakhet
- Trek to Syahi Devi temple
- Visit Jhula Devi Temple which is 7 kilometers away from Shitlakhet
- Visit Khoont village which is the hometown of freedom fighter Pandit Govind Vallabh Pant
Uttarakhand Tourism
How To Get To Sitlakhet Uttarakhand, India
Book cheap flights, hotels, bus tickets and cars on rent here.
Where To Stay When Visiting Sitlakhet Uttarakhand, India
Uttarakhand hotels – If you are planning to visit Shitlakhet Uttarakhand, India, then you must be thinking about Sitlakhet hotels. You must be wondering where to stay in Sitlakhet, Uttarakhand, India or the best hotels in Sitlakhet, Uttarakhand, India. For best accommodation – hotels in Sitlakhet, we suggest checking here. Best hotels in Uttarakhand, India can be booked through HotelsCombined or Booking.com to save huge and get best deals on booking your stay in Uttarakhand, India. Alternatively, you can also stay at KMVN Sitlakhet. Sitlakhet KMVN is ideally located overlooking the town of Almora.
| Click to book the best hotel/resort in Shitlakhet |
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Driving around Uttarakhand, India
If you are looking at getting the best deals on car rental in Uttarakhand, India, then look no further. You can rent a car in Delhi to explore and experience amazing Uttarakhand, and in and around areas and embark on a road trip of exploration and discovery of heavenly Uttarakhand. If you have a valid Indian driving license then you could rent a self-drive car from Delhi or Chandigarh.
You could also travel by bus and reach Almora and reach Sitlakhet in Uttarakhand, India. Almora is well connected with major cities of India like Delhi, Lucknow, and Kolkata. Book your bus tickets here.
Have you been to Shitlakhet? In case you have already been here, do let us know how was your experience? Which is your favorite destination in Uttarakhand? Do let us know through our comments section.
We were hosted by Uttarakhand Tourism. However, the views and opinions expressed here are our own.
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It seems as if you had an amazing experience! I always find mountain ranges to be so picturesque, so seeing the Himalayas would be a dream come true.
Oh wow, just wow. Those clouds and the hilltops are incredible. It looks like a heavenly view. I’m loving all of your photos. It would be a dream to visit there one day.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful place. It’s nice to see it in pictures since I may never make it there in person
I think this place will bring healing and peace to my soul. The place is so beautiful!
These views are so lovely! I am an early morning person and I wish I could see this view one day.
This looks like a very nice place. I’d love to go there just to visit it. The British Bungalow looks so neat too.
The dog!? I love it. I am a sucker for a cute dog and would have loved hiking with him! What a fun experience for you!
Sitlakhet looks like a trekkers paradise. So calm and quiet, nice place for a getaway.
Sitlakhet is so lovely and the views of the Himalayan ranges are so grand. It looks like a nice hill station.
That looks like a great hiking soot, and those trails are not as scary as I would have thought. I would love to enjoy a tea in the cozy British influence house with views of the Himalayan peaks. What a stunning landscape with those beautiful mountains.
This sounds like a fantastic hike and Sitlakhet in general looks like a beautiful place to be. This article was so well written I felt like I was living it with you! So cool that you found a new friend to walk with you!
wow that view for the Himalayas looks just so wonderful! I am sure the hike was worth everything! Its a funny story about that dog! I remind me when I was hiking once in Greece we also had a dog who followed us the whole time, we even called him Bob 🙂 Shitlakhet looks wonderful! I cant wait to visit India one day
Aww how sweet that the dog adopted you guys and followed you around. That would make any vacation even more lovely.
That’s really interesting to see an old colonial British bungalow, I’ve never seen one before. This part of India looks stunning, and if I ever visit the country one day, I’d like to see this area. The Himalayas would be high on my list of places to see too!
Wow, this looks incredible, I love hiking, I would so love to visit here. I’ve been to India, but this is an area I’m not familiar with at all. Great guide, thank you.
Shitlakhet sounds like a gorgeous place for hiking. I’m hoping to visit The Himalayas soon, although it will probably be from the Nepal side! I also love your adopted dog – how cute!
Shitlakhet sounds so amazing and totally off the beaten path. What a nature lovers paradise. love that the town is so secluded and not filled with tourists.
Thanks for sharing the wonderful photos! I would love to go trekking the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India. It looks like a truly magical place on earth.
Your dog looks so excited to be on the trail! How far can he go normally?
Awww, does your dog always go with you? I wish I had a hiking pup!
Sitlakhet Uttarakhand sounds totally off the grid and perfect for those wanting to see the countryside of India! I’ve never been to India, but always wanted to. But alas, I really only know about the touristy places like Mumbai, Bombay, Goa, and of course Taj Mahal.
I would love to visit this place – it looks so peaceful!
The dog look very active.. does your dog is always with you???
This is such a beautiful place. I would love to go hiking here (and enjoy a cup of coffee once I reach my destination). Thank you so much for sharing this gorgeous location with us!
The Dark Bungalow doesn’t seem like its a hundred years old. It looks so well-maintained! And I love that you had an adopted dog with you. I remembered one of our treks before when we had one adopted dog too that accompanied us all throughout! So sweet! Lovely views btw too. 🙂
That dog is adorable! Haha, great post!
Although I no longer go hiking or trekking, I’m enjoying this post immensely. The photos really take us along on the trek! Beautiful and inspiring!
Yes! Yes! yes! I would love to do this. As a hiker and mountains being my favourite places on this beautiful planet, I would love to check this place out and take in the breathtaking views. Hopefully get to India soon and I am more interested in the mountian places than the cities here. 😀
Wow! This indeed seems like a perfect place for trekking, Sandy and Vyjay! I am immediately adding Uttarakhand to my bucket list as the perfect trekking destination!
I love the idea of trekking in the Himalayas. What amazes me is how familiar all of the plants look from foxglove to apples. It looks like you are worlds away from crowded and tropical India that I imagine. India is such a diverse country that I would love to learn the intricacies of.
Wow you are so lucky! I would love to see the peaks of Nanda Devi, Trisul, Chaukhamba, and Panchchuli one day. I went to the Himalayas once but it was at the end of monsoon season and I did not see the peaks 🙁
The mountain views are stunning, I’m glad the weather decided to cooperate! Your doggy guide is so cute! And helpful! The old architecture is stunning to see, especially so far up in the mountains. Now you’ve got me wanting a cup of tea! Thanks for sharing.
I think I would like the idea of staying in the dak bungalow in the middle of a forest. There seeme to be excellent hiking opportunities around. Lovely fotos, as always 🙂 🙂
I am so happy that the clouds cleared and you were able to see the Himalayan peaks in the distance. They are stunningly beautiful with the clouds laying below them. I love your canine companion. Who knows why the dog adopted you, but it made for a fun adventure. I appreciate how you took advantage of being in nature and enjoying the plants along the road while the clouds obstructed your views of the Himalaya.
The photos and the views of the Himalayas are incredible and I wish I could visit it one day. That picture with the clouds was really beautiful and it must have been so much breathtaking when you were there!
We really have to spend more time exploring Uttarakhand. The trek sounds peaceful and calming. The Dak Bungalow and the British bungalow are right out of yesterday’s faded pages. So quaint.
What a beautiful place! This trek seems to have it all – historical places like that cool bungalow, friendly escorts (your dog, LOL!), and an amazing view at the top!
The company of your dog is a wonderful additional joy when trekking, I’m sure. Sitlakhet Uttarakhand looks like a real hidden gem.
Sitlakhet in Uttarakhand looks beautiful place with views of snowy clad peaks of Himalayas. You have given all detailed information about how to reach here and where to stay.
Such beautiful pictures with the clouds above the mountains! Also nice to see the dog get some shine in your photos. Will have to keep this place in mind.
Although I’m not really a trekker, I would love to see the Himalayan peaks. How cute that a sweet doggy adopted you! He was very protective I see. The sunflowers are gorgeous!!! Tea and the Himalayas…there isn’t a more perfect day than that!
Seems like a fun and easy hike. I love that doggie guide that you had. It seemed like he was really watching out for you. The view of those snow capped mountains definitely adds a huge plus to the trip. Bet that itself had you feeling refreshed.
This trek looks pretty cool. I love how that dog ‘adopted’ you since you check in and led the way all along, that is super cool company to have and I, for some reason, really trust the local street dog’s sense of the way! The British bungalow on the way looks quite a cool place to explore as well.
Such a helpful and detailed post for anyone who wants to do a similar trek. I loved seeing all the photos and especially the greenery. How amazing is that. I would love to do a trek like this too in nature. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Not often I get to read some modified Wordsworth in a travel blog — brilliantly played and set the scene so well. We’ve had dogs “adopt” us on hikes and treks in Mexico, New Caledonia, Fiji, Switzerland … it is such fun and one wonders how they select their daily company. Great post!
You have captured the Himalayan range nicely! Sitla is one of my favourite hill stations. We have been there both in summer and winter. Such a beautiful part of Uttarakhand.