Thikalna Himalayan Retreat

Deep in the oak, rhododendron and pine forests with uninterrupted awe-inspiring views of the Himalayas, lies Thikalna Himalayan Retreat. Located on a cliff with 180 degree view of snow clad Himalayas and splendid valley, this small retreat is ideal for long vacations. If you have dreamt of staying a few days in perfect mountain solitude, miles away from civilization in a village setting, then this house is just for you. The house has been renovated, bathrooms attached to each of the two bedrooms, to ensure that the stay is comfortable.

Accommodation

rooms

Thikalna Himalayan Retreat is a restored traditional village house which isstunningly located and has been touched up and converted into a cozy retreatwithout compromising on the authenticity. The house has 2 tastefully furnished bedrooms with excellent quality linen and mattresses, attached bathrooms, a small sitting-dining area and a fully equipped traditional kitchen.

This house at an altitude of 2250 mts is located at the edge of a cliff and gives one a sense of being cut off from the outside world. Spend your days reading a book, walking through and of course, eat great food prepared in local style.

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Dining

Meals

The local cuisine in this region is the distinct Kumaoni food which is mildly spiced, highly nutritious and very appealing to the palate. At, Thikalna Himalayan Retreat you will sample some popular mouth-watering recipes of this cuisine, prepared using fresh ingredients. Besides Kumaoni food, a wide selection of regular North Indian dishes is served. A non-vegetarian dish is served during the dinner on request. Due to our location away from any big town, it is sometimes difficult to entertain last minute requests. Tea is
complimentary during your period of stay at retreat.

Things to do

Walks around Thikalna

Walk to Jageshwar Temple: Jageshwar Temples, also referred to as Jageshwar valley temples, are a group of over 100 Hindu temples dated between 7th and 12th century near Almora, in the Himalayan Indian state of Uttarakhand.The valley has a number of temple clusters such as the Dandeshwar and Jageshwar site Shiva. Some locations have attracted construction of new temples through the 20th-century. Together these clusters over the valley consist of over 200 structural temples built from cut stone. Many are small, while a few are substantial. They predominantly illustrate North Indian Nagara style of architecture with a few exceptions that show South and Central Indian style designs, many are dedicated to god, while others in immediate vicinity are dedicated to god Vishnu, Shakti goddesses and Surya traditions of Hinduism

Walking duration: 4-5 hours

Walk to Barechina Village: This is a beautiful downhill walk through a small trail full of Rhododendron trees on the path to Dhaulchina Village. From Dhaulchina the walk leads downhill through pine forest to ‘Kachula’ and then continues on the trail to the small village town of ‘Barechina’. Sights on the trail include villages buzzing with little children, people farming their fields, elderly men enjoying their hookah over tea, cattle grazing, and the elegant Magpie and much more. From Barechina a beautiful walk back to Thikalna Retreat for a late lunch. Rest of the day may be spent at leisure or you may explore the neighboring countryside.

Walking duration: 4-5 hours

Day Excursions

Visit Chitai Temple: This temple is dedicated to Golu Devta, who is considered to be the God of Justice. As one approaches the temple, the first thing that strikes you is hundreds of bells hanging at the entrance. People come to the temple to make a wish to Golu Devta; those who are not able to personally visit the temple write letters to Him seeking justice. Once a wish is fulfilled people come and hang a brass bell on any of the temple walls, and hence the sea of bells all over the temple. A local manufacturing and packing centre for organic soaps and local produce, called SOS Organics, is a short walk from the temple. You may visit them for some local shopping.

Visit Almora town: This centuries old town is one of the original Indian hill stations. It was set up by local Chand rulers many centuries ago. The town showcases an interesting combination of Kumaoni and Bristish architecture in its government buildings. The market is famous for its brass wares. The town has an 800 year old Nanda Devi temple. The local zoo is a must visit due to its collection of man eating leopards.