One of the most beautiful regions in the state of Uttarakhand, Kumaon offers ample opportunity to adventure lovers to quench their thirst. The Kumaon region has calm Himalayas which is one of the picturesque beauties in the country. The trekking routes between them are just miraculous and breathtaking.
The self – effacing beauty of Almora, Kausani and Ranikhet region is rejuvenating and heartening. The huge terraces here are flung down high mountains in green ladder of gardening, destroying neither the mountains nor its vegetation.
The Garhwal region is gifted by pilgrim centers and the basin of Ganga and Yamuna River whereas Kumaon is wrapped in the picturesque wonders of hill stations such as Ranikhet, Nainital and Kausani, treks from side to side through green valleys of the Ramganga.
Trekkers use the central Garhwal path after the crossing of the Kauri Pass until the path of the regular motor road reopens.
The Garhwal Kumaon can also be accessed by the astonishing horse shoe trail starting at Malari in the Dhauliganga valley which goes north and east beside the edge of Nanda Devi Sanctuary and appear at Unta Dhura Pass.
Best Time for Trip:
- The trip can be taken to Kumaon any time during the year but most of the people visit it from April to June where Monsoon sets in and September to November is the period after the monsoon which is the period of flower with the sense of newness everywhere.
Getting There:
- By Air: The nearest airport for Kumaon is Pantnagar which is 71 kms away from Nainital, from Ranikhet it is 118 kms away and from Almora it is 127 kms away. There are not many flights flying to this region.
- By Rail: The nearest Railway station is Kathgodam which is connected well with Agra, Mumbai, Bareilly, Calcutta, Madras and Delhi.
- Local Transport: The service of Buses is available by UP roadways and by Kumaon Motor Owners Union. The service of Taxis and Buses are also available from Nainital.
Glaciers:
- Pindari Glacier is located at an attitude of 3820 m
- Kafni Glacier is based at an altitude of 3800 m
- Sunderdhunga Glacier is situated at an altitude of 3806 m
- Milam Glacier is the highest among them and is located at an altitude of around 4267 m.
Here are some of the major treks in Kumaon region are:
Adi Kailash Trek, Pithoragarh
Also known as Chota Kailash, Adi Kailash is a famous trek in the region. It is named so as it resembles the Mt Kailash, which is located in Tibet. It is a popular pilgrimage destination in India and is located in Indian Territory close to the Indo- Tibetan border. This trek is well-known across the globe for its natural beauty and serenity that it offers to people.
It is considered as an abode of Lord Shiva and trekking to Adi Kailash in the Himalayan ranges is once in a lifetime opportunity. The highest mountain peak is 4770m and the trek takes almost 24 days to complete it. It falls under the category of difficult treks in the region.
- Also Read: Top 10 Treks in Uttarakhand
Pindari Trek, Bageshwar
Popularly known as Pindari Glacier Trek, Bageshwar Pindari Trek is one of the favorite treks in the Kumaon Region. It has lured the mountaineers and trekkers across the world since decades with its exhilarating beauty. The rugged beauty of Pindari offers stunning view, which makes it ideal for trekkers who loves to be with nature. It is flanked by Nanda Devi and Nandakot peaks and has an altitude of 3627 m.
The glacier is about 5 km long having an altitude that ranges from 3600 m to 5000 m. Located in Pindari Valley and being one of the most accessible glaciers of the Himalayas, it is the most frequent treks in the region. The trek meanders through some of the most spectacular landscape that is capable of captivating the imagination of the visitors. The trek can be covered within 12 days, depending on several factors.
Suggested Tour: Trekking Tours in Uttarakhand
Panchachuli Glacier Trek, Pithoragarh
Panchachuli Glacier Trek is not a very difficult trek, offering spectacular view of the snow-covered mountain peaks of the Great Indian Himalayas. Entrenched by River Dhauli Ganga, the trek starts from Sobla, which is about 40 km trek up to the glacier. Nestled between the Gori Ganga and Darma Valley, this glacier is visible from its base.
The trek passes through alpine meadows, old villages and social life and gurgling steams, which offers an enchanting experience. It is perched at an altitude of 3800 m and the trek can be completed within 9 to 10 days. The best time for trekking here is between May to June and September to mid-November.
- Must Read: 30 Best Himalayan Treks To Explore
Kafni Glacier Trek, Bageshwar
Kafni Glacier Trek is another popular trek in the region, which is visited by huge number of trekkers every year. Situated amid picturesque landscape and serene environment, this trek lies in Bageshwar district of Kumaon Region. It is located on the left of Pindar Valley, below the Nandakot peak and is the source of River Kafni, which is a tributary of River Pindar. Even though, it is a small glacier, it is one of the most favorite glaciers in the region among the adventure enthusiasts.
The trek passes through enchanting Rhododendrons forests, alpine forests, etc. with snow-capped mountain peaks as its backdrop, it offers a memorable experience. The glacier is located at an altitude of about 4000 m and the ideal time to visit is between the months of May and November; however, the rainy season should be avoided.
Sinla Pass Trek, Pithoragarh
Counted among the best treks in Kumaon region, Sin La Pass Trek is located in Pithoragarh District, which shares its border with Tibet in the north and Nepal in the east. The pass is 5495 m high, which connects Bidang in Darma Valley to Jolingkong Lake in the Kuthi Yankti valley. This pass was once a part of the ancient trade route of the Bhotiyas to Tibet and remains covered by snow all the year round.
It is also among the most coveted treks in the region owing to its unprecedented beauty. The trek passes through lush green meadows, virgin forests and remote villages; offering a captivating and spellbinding view of Adi Kailash Peak that has a height of 6,191 m.
Milam Glacier Trek, Pithoragarh
Milam Glacier is the largest glacier in the Kumaon Region of Uttarakhand, which covers an area of 37 sq km and has an elevation of 3,438m. It originates from the slope of Kohli and Trishuli peaks and a small village is also situated near the glacier by the name of Milam Village. It is the major source of River Gori Ganga and is without any doubt a magnificent trekking destination in the region.
The trek passes through several lonely villages, vast stretches of alpine meadows, dense forests and varied landscape, which is sure to captivate the minds of explorers. The trek starts from Munsiyari, which lies in Pithoragarh District. The trek can be completed within 15 days and the ideal time to visit is between May and mid October; however, trekking should be avoided during rainy season.
Sunderdhunga Glacier Trek, Bageshwar
- Base: Bageshwar
- Trek length: 13 kms’
- Duration for Trekking: 12-16 days
- Difficulty level: Moderate to Difficult
- Max altitude: 4320 meters
- Best time to visit: April to June & September to October
Literally meaning “The Valley of beautiful Stones”, Sunderdhunga Glacier Trek lies to the west of Pindar Valley. It is one of the less explored destinations in the region; this trek is close to Pindari and Kafni glacier, which follows river Sunderdhunga upstream from Khati until its origin. It is the most beautiful trek among the three offering view of the picturesque landscape. Sunderdhunga Valley has two glaciers, namely Maiktoli and Sukhram.
The trek passes through dense forests, remote villages, alpine meadows and glaciers, making it one of the most spectacular treks, captivating the minds of the trekkers and explorers. It is about 4100 m high and the trek can be completed within 14 days. It is a moderate trek and the ideal time to trek in this route is between the months of May and July.
Lipulekh Trek, Pithoragarh
- Situated: Kumaon Hills, Uttarakhand, India
- Base: Pithoragarh
- Duration for Trekking: 8-12 days
- Difficulty level: Moderate to Difficult
- Max altitude: 5,334 meters
- Best time to visit: May to June & September to October
This is major point of trekking from Pithoragarh, the major pass goes to Kumaon region.
Pithoragarh Pangu: The journey starts off from Pithoragarh and covers a distance of 144km by road to reach Pangu. Accommodation facilities are available as Tourist Bungalow, Public work Department Rest House.
Pangu-Gala: The trekking begins from Pangu .To reach Gala you need to trek for 23km.Accomodation facilities are available as Tourist Bungalow, Public Work Department, Rest House.
Gala-Budi: The trekking commemorates from Gala. To reach Budi you will have to cover a distance of 20km.Accomodation facilities are available as Tourist Bungalows, Public Work Department, and Rest House.
Budi-Gunji: The trekking begins from Budi .To reach Gunji you need to trek for 17km.Accomodation facilities are available as Tourist Bungalow, Public Work Department, Rest House.
Gunji- Nabi Dhang: The trekking commemorates from Gunji. To reach Nabi Dhang you will have to cover a distance of 20km.Accomodation facilities are available as Tourist Bungalows, Public Work Department, Rest House.
Lipulekh: The journey ends here as you trek further down for 7km.
Namik Trek, Bageshar
- Location: Kumaon Hills
- Base: Bageshwar
- Trek duration: 8-10 days
- Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate
- Max altitude: 3600 meters
- Best time to visit: April to June & September to October
In the trek of Bageshwar Namik glacier one can enjoy the view of the Namik Glacier and the stream coming down from Anargal which meets the main stream after going through Jogi Udiyar the ascent of Penthang and Bhindawadi. The Namik glacier is situated on the Kumaon Himalayas which has an attitude of 3,600 metres.
The trek is a one way trekking of 45 kms which starts from Bageshwar to Song which is at a distance of 40 kms by road, and the arrangement of lunch, dinner and night halts is done at the private hotels which are locally available. Then the second day journey starts from Song to Dhakuri which is 14 kms by trek and the accommodation facilities and lunch and dinner facilities can be arranged in the tourist bungalows, Public Works Department Rest House or the tourist rest house available in the area.
Then from Dhakuri it moves on to Khati which covers a distance of 8 kms by trek the accommodation and lunch, dinner facilities are being made in either the tourist bungalows, Public Works Department Rest House or the tourist rest house or the private hotels of the area. Then the journey from Khati to Dwali starts which is at a distance of 11 kms by trek, accommodation, lunch and dinner facilities are arranged in one of the following like the tourist bungalows, Public Works Department Rest House or the tourist rest house or the private hotels of the area.
Then the journey of Dwali to Kafni Glacier starts which is at a distance of 12 kms and accommodations, lunch and dinner facilities can be availed at the tourist bungalows, Public Works Department Rest House or the tourist rest house or the private hotels of the area. Kafni glacier is the place which combines tranquillity with the scenic beauty which is located in the district of Bageshwar with Kumaon region of the Uttarakhand state.
Nainital Binayak Trek
- Region: Kumaon Himalayas, Uttarakhand
- Base: Nainital
- Duration for trekking: 3 days
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Max altitude: 2225 meters
- Best time to visit: March to June & September to November
Nainital Binayak trek is one of the well-known treks and is the finest for the people who are new to trekking. It is a trek of small period which is around for 3 days. During this 4 day short trek one can enjoy the attractive and charming sites with their relatives and associates.
The Duration for the Trek is for 3 Days
The first day starts from Nainital till Kilbury which is at a distance of around 10 kms by trek. It is located at an elevation of around 2194 m.
The second day of the trek starts from Kilbury till Binayak which is at a distance of 8 kms by trek. It is located at a height of 2225 m.
The third day is from Binayak to Nainital which is at a distance of 18 kms by trek.
Nainital Kainchi Trek
- Region: Kumaon Himalayas, Uttarakhand
- Base: Nainital
- Duration for Trekking: 1 or 2 days
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Max altitude: 2000 meters
- Best time to visit: March to June & September to November
The first day starts from Nainital till Kainchi which is at a distance of around 12 kms by trek. It is located at an elevation of around 1900 m. The trekkers have to take a halt at night in Kainchi.
The second day of the trek starts from Kainchi to Nainital which is at a distance of 18 kms by bus. It is located at a height of 1938 m.
Nainital Kilbury Trek
- Region: Kumaon Himalayas, Uttarakhand
- Base: Nainital
- Duration for Trekking: 3 days
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Max altitude: 2194 meters
- Best time to visit: March to June & September to November
The first day starts from Nainital to Kilbury which is at a distance of around 12 kms by trek. It is located at an elevation of around 2194 m. The route of Pangot is used here. And the same day return to Nainital.
The second day of the trek starts from Nainital to Kilbury from a different route which is at a distance of 12 kms by trek. It is located at a height of 2194 m.
The third day is from Kilbury to Nainital which is at a distance of 10 kms by trek.
Nainital Betalghat – Kunjkharak Trek
- Region: Kumaon Himalayas, Uttarakhand
- Base: Nainital
- Duration for Trekking: 4 days
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Max altitude: 2600 meters
- Best time to visit: March to June & September to November
Nainital Betalghat trek is one of the famous treks and is the best for beginners. It is a trek of a short duration which is around 4 days. During this 4 day short trek one can enjoy the beautiful and picturesque spots with their family and friends. You can also go along with your children’s but with special care.
The first day starts from Nainital till Binayak which is at a distance of around 18 kms by trek. It is located at an elevation of around 2225 m.
The second day of the trek starts from Binayak till Kunjkharak which is also at a distance of 18 kms by trek. It is located at a height of 2600 m.
The third day is very interesting with breathtaking spots all over where the trek goes from Kunjkharak upto Betalghat which is at a distance of 12 kms by trek.
The last and the fourth day of the trek is from Betalghat to Nainital which has to be traveled by Bus.
Base Kausani
- Location: Kumaon Himalayas
- Base: Kausani
- Duration: 2 days
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Max altitude: 2760 meters
- Best time to visit: March to June & September to November
For trekking in the Base Kausani there are three routes. The first route starts from Kausani to Garur then to Baijnath then to Bageshwar. The time that is required for this is just two days; this is a short trekking for the people who are just starting with trekking. The second route is the same as the first but has some additional activities in the middle while trekking. Then the third route is the one which starts from Kausani to Chotta Pinath then to Bara Pinath. The time taken to complete this trekking by this route is also 2 days.
All the above routes are the trails which are made to combine the religious aspect of this place. Base Kausani is situated in the district of Bageshwar where it is an idyllic destination of travel for the people who wish to spend a calm and peaceful holiday, away from the hubbub of the cities in the serene nature. A 300km of panoramic view of the Himalayas is offered by the hill top. From here one can also get a view of the Someshwar valley which has on one side Baijnath and Garur on the other side. In terms of unscathed and raw beauty, this is an unparallel place. This place has a similarity with the landscape of Switzerland so Mahatma Gandhi had named it has the “Switzerland of India”.
Bhowali Trek
- Location: Kumaon Himalayas
- Base: Bhowali
- Duration: 4 days
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Max altitude: 2000 meters
- Best time to visit: March to June & September to November
From the Bhowali Trek one can get a good view of the other Northern Himalayan peaks, while going on this trek it is always advisable to take along a pair of binoculars to get a clear view of the other peaks. One can also get a chance of getting a photograph with the Himalayan backdrops with the kumaoni dresses.
The total duration of this trek is for four days the first day of the trek starts from Delhi to Bhowali Trek which covers a distance of 318 kms. The second day the journey starts from Bhowali to Ramgarh then from here to Tagore top, then the departure for Ramgarh after early breakfast, here the trek starts from Ramgarh to Tagore top which covers a distance of 3 kms, here people get packed lunch, and after lunch the trek continues covering a distance of 4 kms to Mahesh Khan then from here it comes back to Bhowali by bus.
On the third day the trek starts from Bhowali to Nainital covering the distance of 11 kms, after breakfast one can start towards getting a snow view by Cable Car. Then the trek extends to the Land’s End to Dorothy’s Seat to Tallital Bus Stand after visiting all this there is the departure for Bhowali by bus, here the night is spent in the tourist rest house.
On the fourth day of the trekking journey there is a short visit at the Naukuchiatal and Bhimtal and then a return journey to Bhowali Trek to Delhi. Bhowali is the most picturesque towns in Nainital. This place is known for the scenic vistas of the mountains here. This place also serves as a major export centre of apples, plums, peaches, strawberries and apricots. It is rich in flora and fauna. This place is also famous for large food bazaar which is well known for pickles, juices and Bal Mithai.
Must Read: 13 Best Treks in Garhwal Himalayas
