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Indigenous Travel in Kumaon: Slow, Experiential & Immersive Journeys In the days of yore, the Kumaon region — Almora and its serene surroundings — was a quiet Himalayan outpost, blessed with magnificent mountain vistas and thriving as a modest trading hub. The silence of the Himalayas, the pristine environment, and the unhurried pace of life drew writers, poets, and artists seeking inspiration. Even today, the Kumaon Himalayas remain a sanctuary for those in search of creativity, peace, and self-discovery. The beauty of Kumaon has long been celebrated. An anonymous traveler once described it as “the staircase to heaven.” Shoba Mohan, founder of RARE India, observes: “In a regular world, be RARE! In the Kumaon Himalayas, every moment is a potential for transformation and every encounter an opportunity to dive deep into the heart of India’s Devbhumi (Abode of Gods).” In recent years, the cultural richness and indigenous traditions of Kumaon have deeply resonated with today’s discerning traveler. Exploring this region is not just a journey through landscapes — it is an immersion into culture, cuisine, history, folklore, and dance. The Kumaon Himalayas are home to diverse indigenous communities — Tharus, Bhutiyas, Jaunsaris, Buksas, and Rajis — each with their own fascinating lifestyles, belief systems, and traditions. Their cuisine, jewelry, music, and folklore are windows into a heritage that continues to thrive. The Tharus follow a matrilineal system where women are society’s torchbearers. The Jaunsaris remain one of the world’s last practicing polyandric communities. The Bhutiyas, with their Tibeto-Mongoloid roots, are master weavers renowned for their