Kumaon Himalayan Trekking & Nature Tour 6 Days
Asia Escapes Expert Advice
Kumaon Trekking & Himalayan View Circuit is a well-designed soft-adventure itinerary through the lesser-explored Kumaon region of Uttarakhand.
• Key Strengths:
o Exceptional Scenic Variety: Combines mountain lake views (Nainital), spiritual energy centers (Kasar Devi), dense wildlife sanctuaries (Binsar), and sweeping Himalayan views (Kausani & Zero Point).
o Progressive Difficulty: The trekking transitions from an easy-to-moderate acclimatization hike on Day 2 (Naina Peak) to a longer forest/rural trail on Day 4 (Binsar to Kausani), concluding with a gentle waterfall walk on Day 5 (Rudradhari).
o Curated Accommodations: Features high-quality eco-luxe mountain properties (Brij Atmanya in Bhowali/Nainital, Mohan’s Binsar Retreat, Pratiksha Himalayas Retreat, and Seed Ranikhet).
Day 1: Delhi – Nainital (Approx. 320 km | 8–9 hours)
Your journey begins with the departure in the morning from Delhi in the direction of the beautiful Kumaon Hills in the state of Uttarakhand. As the journey progresses, you leave the plains behind to ascend towards the foothills of the Himalayas, crossing picturesque valleys, lush pine and oak forests, charming mountain villages and winding scenic roads.
Upon arrival in Nainital (2,084 m), you will check-in at the hotel and have time to rest after the trip. At sunset, you can stroll along the famous Mall Road and enjoy the tranquility of Lake Naini, one of the most beautiful natural lakes in India, surrounded by green hills. Optionally, you can take a boat trip or discover the cozy local cafes and markets. The pleasant mountain climate makes Nainital the ideal place to start acclimatization before the next hikes.
Accommodation: Nainital-accommodation Brij Atmanya, Bhowali – A Luxury Mountain Escape
Day 2: Trekking a Naina Peak
After breakfast, you will begin the first hiking experience with a hike to Naina Peak (2,615 m), the highest point in Nainital. The trail crosses lush forests of oaks, pines, cypresses and rhododendrons, offering numerous viewpoints with spectacular views of the valley.
This walk, of easy to moderate difficulty, covers approximately 6–8km (round trip) and lasts 3 to 4 hours. Upon reaching the top, you will be rewarded with magnificent panoramic views of the city of Nainital, its lakes and, if time permits, the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, such as Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nanda Kot.
Enjoy the surroundings and take pictures, return to Nainital. The rest of the afternoon will be free to rest or explore the lively local market.
Distanciade trekking:6–8 km
Duration: 3–4 hours
Maximum altitude: 2,615 m
Level of difficulty: Easy to moderate
Accommodation: Nainital-accommodation Brij Atmanya, Bhowali – A Luxury Mountain Escape / https://www.brijhotels.com/hotels/brij-atmanya-nainital/hotel-overview
Day 3: Nainital – Almora – Kasar Devi – Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
After breakfast, drive to the historic town of Almora, known for its rich Kumaoni cultural heritage and stunning Himalayan landscapes.
Enroute, visit the famous Kasar Devi Temple, a tranquil hilltop shrine, internationally recognized for its unique geomagnetic energy, ideal environment for meditation, and extraordinary panoramic views.
Continue to the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the best-preserved forest reserves in Uttarakhand. From Dhaulchina, you will start a hike of approximately 7 km through oak, cedar and rhododendron forests. During the tour it will be possible to observe Himalayan birds, barking deer, Himalayan langurs and a great variety of native flora.
Arrive at the ecolodge located inside the sanctuary and free afternoon to enjoy the tranquility of nature under one of the clearest skies in the Kumaon region.
Road journey:120 km | 4–5 hours
Trekking distance: 7 km
Duration: 3–4 hours
Maximum altitude: 2,420 m
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Alojamiento: Binsar- Mohan retreat https://www.mohansbinsarretreat.com/
Day 4: Trekking to Zero Point – Rural Trails – Kausani
Departure early to watch a spectacular sunrise over the Himalayas before heading to Zero Point, the highest viewpoint in Binsar Sanctuary.
This extraordinary panoramic point offers one of the best views of approximately 300 km of the Central Himalayan mountain range, where emblematic peaks such as Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, Kedarnath, Panchachuli and Nanda Kot stand out.
Afterwards, you will begin a walk of approximately 12 km descending through ancient trails that cross forests, agricultural terraces and traditional Kumaonis villages. During the tour you will have the opportunity to learn about the daily life of the local communities and discover their ancestral customs.
At the end of the trek, meet the vehicle to continue to Kausani, known as the “Switzerland of India” for its extraordinary panoramic views of the Himalayas. At sunset you can enjoy one of the most beautiful mountain landscapes in the region.
Distanciade trekking:12 km
Duration: 5–6 hours
Maximum altitude: 2,420 m
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Attractions: Kausani-Pratiksha Himalayas Retreat hatts://vv.waiting.com/
Day 5: Kausani – Trekking to Rudradhari Waterfall – Ranikhet
After breakfast, depart for the beautiful Someshwar Valley for a pleasant hike to the picturesque Rudradhari Waterfall.
The path, of easy difficulty, runs between traditional villages, rice terraces, small mountain streams and forests until it reaches the spectacular waterfall and some ancient caves of great historical and spiritual importance. The natural environment makes this place one of the best-preserved treasures of Kumaon. After the hike, continue by road to the charming mountain station of Ranikhet, known as the “Queen’s Meadow”, surrounded by pine and cedar forests, with magnificent views of the Himalayas, colonial architecture and a quiet environment ideal for rest.
Road journey:85 km | 3 hours
Trekking distance: 5–6 km
Duration: 2–3 hours
Maximum altitude: 2,000 m
Level of difficulty: Easy
Alojamiento: Ranikhet – https://mosaichotels.in/hotel/seed-hotels-2/seed-ranikhet-2/
Day 6: Ranikhet – Delhi (Approx. 360 km | 9–10 hours)
The morning begins with the possibility of an optional walk through the tranquil pine forests of Ranikhet or tour the historic golf course, considered one of the highest in Asia.
After breakfast, drive back to Delhi. On the descent from the Kumaon Hills, the route passes through picturesque mountain villages, rivers and extensive forests before returning to the plains of northern India.
Arrive in Delhi in the afternoon or evening, ending this unforgettable Himalayan hiking and nature experience, taking with you indelible memories of the spectacular landscapes, rich local culture, wildlife and beauty of the Kumaon region
Includes
- Accommodation for 5 nights in the hotels mentioned (or similar) on a twin/double sharing basis.
- Daily breakfast at all hotels.
- All airport, intercity, sightseeing and excursion transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle.
- Services of an experienced English-speaking driver throughout the tour.
- All applicable toll taxes, parking fees, fuel charges and interstate taxes.
- Guided hiking experiences as per the itinerary.
- Entry permit to Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Visit to Kasar Devi Temple.
- Trek to Naina Peak.
- Trek to Zero Point and rural village trails in Binsar.
- Trek to Rudradhari Waterfall.
- All trekking permits and local entry fees wherever applicable.
- Services of a knowledgeable local trekking/nature guide during the hikes.
- Bottled drinking water in the vehicle during road journeys.
- Government taxes currently applicable.
Day | Destination / Route | Trekking / Key Activity | Highlights |
01 | Delhi to Nainital (Bhowali) | Drive (~320 km / 8–9 hrs) | Scenic ascent into Kumaon Hills; evening stroll along Naini Lake & Mall Road. |
02 | Nainital | Naina Peak Trek (6–8 km / 3–4 hrs) | Summit hike to 2,615 m through oak/pine forests; panoramic views of Nanda Devi & Trishul. |
03 | Nainital to Binsar via Kasar Devi | Sanctuary Trek (7 km / 3–4 hrs) | Visit Kasar Devi Temple (geomagnetic energy center); forest hike through Binsar Sanctuary. |
04 | Binsar to Kausani | Zero Point & Rural Trail (12 km / 5–6 hrs) | Sunrise over 300 km Himalayan range from Zero Point; downhill trek through Kumaoni villages. |
05 | Kausani to Ranikhet | Rudradhari Waterfall Trek (5–6 km / 2–3 hrs) | Someshwar Valley walk to Rudradhari Waterfall & ancient caves; explore colonial Ranikhet. |
06 | Ranikhet to Delhi | Drive (~360 km / 9–10 hrs) | Morning walk near Ranikhet Golf Course; scenic drive down to the plains and back to Delhi. |
No. of Days | Date | Destination | Luxury Hotels/Similar | Room Category | No. of Rooms |
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1 | AUG/SEPT 1st WEEk | Nainital | Brij Atmanya | Panchachuli Hill-Facing Room | 01 Dbl Room |
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2 | AUG/SEPT 1st WEEk | Nainital | Brij Atmanya | Panchachuli Hill-Facing Room | 01 Dbl Room |
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3 | AUG/SEPT 1st WEEk | Binsar | Mohan Binsar Retreat | Kafal Room | 01 Dbl Room |
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4 | AUG/SEPT 1st WEEk | Kausani | Pratiksha Retreat | Luxury Himalayan View | 01 Dbl Room |
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5 | AUG/SEPT 1st WEEk | Ranikhet | Queen Meadows | Panorama Cottage | 01 Dbl Room |
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6 | AUG/SEPT 1st WEEk | Departure-Delhi |
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