Kumaon Backpacking Trip Uttarakhand
Choosing travel to escape time is passé! Instead, have you ever experienced a trip to a hamlet where time freezes, your mind comes to a standstill, but your heart can’t help but dance with delight, and your eyes stare over the pristine beauty and purity? If not, welcome to Kathgodam!
Kathgodam is a picturesque and quaint village in the Kumaon region of Nainital, Uttarakhand. This village is also called the “Gateway of Kumaon Village”, but the word “Kathgodam” actually means “Timber Depot”, making it the trade and commerce hub in the Himalayas.
Apart from scenic spots from a fairy tale, Kathgodam is home to a variety of tourist locations, thrilling activities and spiritual abodes. Therefore, if you are visiting Kathgodam to tick some adventure off your bucket list, you can go kayaking, paragliding, boating, etc. Since Kathgodam is close to the Himalayas, this dainty village also offers exhilarating treks. Some famous ones are Roopkund Trekking, Trekking in Pangot, Om Parvat Trek, etc. Due to a favorable and pleasant climate all year round, families and tourists prefer sightseeing and picnicking near Kathgodam in Nainital, Auli, Bhimtal and Binsar. To pacify your soul, you can also seek blessings at the famous temples here, which are, Kali Chaur, Shitla Devi Temple and Shani Mandir.
Kathgodam is mesmerizing, and if you haven’t already, you must plan your next trip here!
Please Note : Booking refundable air tickets through reputable platforms like Make My Trip or Yatra Portal is indeed a wise choice, especially for flexibility in travel plans. It's important to prioritize peace of mind, particularly in the face of potential last-minute changes or cancellations.
Day 1: Saturday, Delhi
Meet at Delhi Kashmere Gate @ 08:00 PM. Catch AC Sleeper Bus for Kathgodam from Kashmere Gate
Day 2: Sunday, Kathgodam
- Welcome to Kathgodam. Our team representatives will pick you up from the Kathgodom airport or railway station, and then we will head towards Jeolikote, which will be 40 minutes bus journey. Your short bus journey will be accompanied by beautiful pinnacles and gushing valleys, letting you know the views that await you during the trip.
- We check into TH Hosteller, Jeolikote.
- We spend the rest of the day exploring and relishing the attractiveness and tranquillity of Nainital.
- Dinner and overnight stay at Jeolikote Hostel.
Day 3: Monday, Naukuchiatal
- Post a healthy and hearty breakfast; we move to Naukuchiatal from Jeolikthe. En route, a 1:30 hour bus ride, you can expect to see panoramic views of the hill station.
- After checking in at the Naukuchiatal hotel, we explore various lakes in Naukuchital as the word Naukuchiatal means “Nine corners of Lake”.
- We will visit popular lakes such as Naukuchiatal, Bhimtal, and Sattal. You can also indulge in some water sports and activities at the lake.
- Post this; we head back to Naukuchiatal hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 4: Tuesday, Kasar Devi
- After breakfast, we visit the Kasar Devi temple, which is 3 hours away from Nuakuchiatal.
- Kasar Devi temple is an abode of peace and spirituality. It is a renowned temple and 108 Shakthi Peeth in India, which is home and named after the Goddess Kasar Devi. According to NASA, this temple is built on Earth’s Van Allen Belt. Therefore, one can experience enormous cosmic energy around this temple. This temple offers a positive aura to all who visit, pray and meditate here.
- On the way to Kasar Devi temple, we will stop by the Crank’s Ridge, also called the “Hippie Hill”. This ridge is a pine-covered hill and attracts a lot of spiritual seekers, poets and artists for the mystic, energetic and calming vibe surrounding this region.
- Next, we visit the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary in Almora, Uttarakhand. Binsar lies on the top of the lower Himalayas, and the sanctuary is rich in flora, fauna, dense forests and various wild species. The sanctuary has been declared an “Important Bird Area by BirdLife International”. The sanctuary is home to 200 bird species, such as Laughing Thrush, Blackbirds, Forktail and Himalayan bears, leopards, foxes, and other animals.
- After sightseeing, we return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 5: Wednesday, Kausani
- Followed by a yummy breakfast, we make a two-hour journey from Kasar Devi to reach Kausani for a day to be spent in leisure.
- Kausani is a hill station and village that not only offers splendid views of the Himalayan peak but multiple touristy spots to visit, like tea estates, temples and waterfalls. One can also explore the local products and shop from the main market.
- Dinner and an overnight stay in Kausani.
Day 6: Thursday, Back to Kathgodam
- We check out from the Kausani hotel and head toward Kathgodam with memories to cherish! We will take evening bus for Delhi. Overnight in the bus.
Day 7: Friday, Back to Delhi
- Reach Kashmere Gate by 6 AM. Trip ends with happy memories.
What is included in the tour
- Sharing Accommodation at all destinations as per the itinerary (Bunk Beds)
- Breakfast & Dinner at Hostel ( Day 2 Breakfast to Day 6 Breakfast )
- Semi Sleeper AC Volvo Bus Ticket from Delhi to Kathgodam & Return
- Local Transportation for Covering the destinations.
- 5% GST
Please Note : Booking refundable air tickets through reputable platforms like Make My Trip or Yatra Portal is indeed a wise choice, especially for flexibility in travel plans. It's important to prioritize peace of mind, particularly in the face of potential last-minute changes or cancellations.
What is NOT included in the tour
- Traveling till Delhi
- Lunch on all days
- Day 1 Dinner & Day 5 Dinner
- Any miscellaneous expenditure incurred during the tour
- Explore and enjoy the beauty of Nainital
- Visit various lakes in Naukuchiatal including Naukuchiatal, Bhimtal, and Sattal
- Water sports and activities at the lake
- Visit Kasar Devi temple, which is known for its positive aura and cosmic energy
- Visit Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary and explore its flora and fauna
- Visit tea estates, temples, and waterfalls
- Explore local products and shop from the main market
Q: What is Kathgodam?
A: Kathgodam is a small town located in the Nainital district of the northern state of Uttarakhand, India. It is an important railway junction and is often the starting point for tourists visiting nearby hill stations like Nainital, Bhimtal, and Ranikhet.
Q: What are the popular tourist attractions in Kathgodam?
A: While Kathgodam itself is a small town, it serves as a gateway to several popular tourist destinations in the region. Some of the must-visit attractions in the vicinity include Nainital Lake, Bhimtal Lake, Sattal Lake, Naina Devi Temple, and the Eco Cave Gardens.
Q: What is the best time to visit Kathgodam?
A: The best time to visit Kathgodam is during the summer months (April to June) when the weather is pleasant and perfect for outdoor activities. The monsoon season (July to September) can be unpredictable, and the winter months (October to February) can be quite chilly, so it is best to avoid visiting during these periods.
Q: How to reach Kathgodam?
A: The easiest way to reach Kathgodam is by train. The town has its own railway station, and there are several trains that run from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. The nearest airport is the Pantnagar airport, which is about 70 km away from Kathgodam.
Q: What are the popular activities to do in Kathgodam?
A: Kathgodam is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, and there are several outdoor activities that tourists can enjoy, including trekking, hiking, boating, and wildlife spotting. Visitors can also indulge in some shopping for locally made handicrafts and souvenirs.
Q: What is Naukuchiatal?
A: Naukuchiatal is a small picturesque town located in the state of Uttarakhand, India. The name Naukuchiatal literally means 'lake of nine corners' and it is famous for its beautiful lake that is surrounded by lush green hills and forests.
Q: What are the popular tourist attractions in Naukuchiatal?
A: The main attraction in Naukuchiatal is the Naukuchiatal Lake, which is a serene and peaceful place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding hills. Other popular attractions include the Hanuman Temple, Bhimtal Lake, Sattal Lake, and the Butterfly Research Centre.
Q: What is the best time to visit Naukuchiatal?
A: The best time to visit Naukuchiatal is between March to June and September to November, when the weather is pleasant and perfect for outdoor activities. The monsoon season (July to August) can be unpredictable, and the winter months (December to February) can be quite chilly, so it is best to avoid visiting during these periods.
Q: How to reach Naukuchiatal?
A: The nearest airport to Naukuchiatal is the Pantnagar Airport, which is about 55 km away. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, which is about 27 km away. One can also take a direct bus or taxi from Delhi, which is about 300 km away.
Q: What are the popular activities to do in Naukuchiatal?
A: Naukuchiatal is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, and there are several outdoor activities that tourists can enjoy, including boating, trekking, camping, bird-watching, and rock climbing. Visitors can also indulge in some shopping for locally made handicrafts and souvenirs at the local markets.
Q: Where is Kasar Devi located?
A: Kasar Devi is a small village located in the Almora district of the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated at an altitude of 2116 meters above sea level and is surrounded by beautiful scenic views of the Himalayas.
Q: What are the popular tourist attractions in Kasar Devi?
A: The main attraction in Kasar Devi is the Kasar Devi temple, which is dedicated to the goddess Kasar Devi. Other popular attractions include the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to several rare species of birds and animals, and the Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the Kumaon Regiment.
Q: What is the best time to visit Kasar Devi?
A: The best time to visit Kasar Devi is between March to June and September to November, when the weather is pleasant and perfect for outdoor activities. The monsoon season (July to August) can be unpredictable, and the winter months (December to February) can be quite chilly, so it is best to avoid visiting during these periods.
Q: How to reach Kasar Devi?
A: The nearest airport to Kasar Devi is the Pantnagar Airport, which is about 152 km away. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, which is about 90 km away. One can also take a direct bus or taxi from Delhi, which is about 400 km away.
Q: What are the popular activities to do in Kasar Devi?
A: Kasar Devi is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, and there are several outdoor activities that tourists can enjoy, including trekking, camping, bird-watching, and rock climbing. Visitors can also indulge in some shopping for locally made handicrafts and souvenirs at the local markets.
Q: Where is Kausani located?
A: Kausani is a picturesque hill station located in the Bageshwar district of the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated at an altitude of 1890 meters above sea level and is surrounded by beautiful panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Q: What are the popular tourist attractions in Kausani?
A: Kausani is known for its scenic beauty and natural attractions. Some of the popular tourist attractions include the Anasakti Ashram, which was the residence of Mahatma Gandhi during his stay in Kausani, the Kausani Tea Estate, which offers a glimpse into the tea-making process, and the Baijnath Temple, which is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Q: What is the best time to visit Kausani?
A: The best time to visit Kausani is between March to June and September to November, when the weather is pleasant and perfect for outdoor activities. The monsoon season (July to August) can be unpredictable, and the winter months (December to February) can be quite chilly, so it is best to avoid visiting during these periods.
Q: How to reach Kausani?
A: The nearest airport to Kausani is the Pantnagar Airport, which is about 178 km away. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, which is about 142 km away. One can also take a direct bus or taxi from Delhi, which is about 410 km away.
Q: What are the popular activities to do in Kausani?
A: Kausani is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, and there are several outdoor activities that tourists can enjoy, including trekking, camping, bird-watching, and photography. Visitors can also indulge in some shopping for locally made handicrafts and souvenirs at the local markets.
