One of the best hikes you can do on a weekend morning, the hike to the Syahi Devi temple is a natural and cultural wonder. You will be hiking up from our place and our community guide will be able to point out some birdlife to you. This place is a great place to go birdwatching for both the novice and the expert.
The Hike
It is a 3hr trail from our place. It would be a steep climb at first up through dense pine and oak forests. The trail then winds by the market of Sitlakhet where we stop for tea before walking up the ridge. Through the jungle, you’ll sometimes see views of the valley. As we reach towards the end, the other side of the mountain with the valley and the quaint beautiful homes would open up. You would then reach a small plateau that is the location of the Syahi Devi temple. We can wait there as long as you want and we can enjoy some sandwiches and tea.
The walk ends at the temple with views of the Himalayas. The temple was one of the places where Vivekananda meditated while on his own journey through the Himalayas. It is one of the quietest places you’ll find and a great place to enjoy a game of chess!
While it gets very chilly during the winters, the best time to visit the temple is early morning. You will then get a clear view of the Garhwal and Kumaon Himalayas. Once you are back, you’ll love taking a nap in one of the hammocks or in your tent at our place. If you are all warmed up, you can visit the village as well.