The Offbeat Kumaon Route
Kathgodam / Delhi Arrival Mukteshwar (2 Nights) Binsar (2 Nights) Kausani (2 Nights) Kathgodam / Delhi Departure
Tour Overview
Escape the commercial tourist crowds and immerse yourself in the untouched tranquility of the Himalayas with our 06 Nights / 07 Days Offbeat Kumaon Hills Tour Package. This itinerary is meticulously crafted for nature lovers, bird watchers, photographers, and those seeking a peaceful retreat amidst pristine mountain air and spectacular landscapes.
Your journey begins in the fruit orchards of Mukteshwar, known for its pleasant weather and commanding 180-degree views of the majestic Himalayan range. From here, we venture into the dense oak and rhododendron forests of Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. Binsar is a haven for exotic flora and fauna, offering serene walking trails and a deeply immersive forest experience.
The tour concludes in the picturesque town of Kausani, historically famously dubbed the "Switzerland of India" by Mahatma Gandhi. Known for its lush tea estates and the spectacular sunrise over the 300 km-wide stretch of snow-capped peaks including Nanda Devi and Trishul, Kausani provides the perfect, relaxing end to your offbeat Himalayan getaway.
Boutique Stays, Eco-Tourism & Expert Hill Navigators
We prioritize authentic experiences by partnering with boutique, nature-immersed resorts and eco-friendly stays that offer local Kumaoni hospitality. Navigating the secluded roads of Binsar and Mukteshwar requires high expertise; hence, we provide highly experienced, background-verified local drivers and robust AC SUVs (AC off in hills) to ensure a safe, comfortable, and seamless journey through the winding mountain terrain.
Sightseeing & Monuments Highlight
- Witness breathtaking 180-degree Himalayan views and sunset panoramas from Chauli Ki Jali in Mukteshwar.
- Seek blessings at the ancient, 350-year-old Mukteshwar Dham Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Enjoy guided nature walks and bird-watching deep inside the pristine Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Trek to the famous Zero Point in Binsar for an unmatched, unobstructed view of the Nanda Devi peak.
- Explore the serene Anasakti Ashram (Gandhi Ashram) in Kausani, where Mahatma Gandhi penned his treatise.
- Marvel at the intricate stone carvings of the 12th-century Baijnath Temple Complex along the Gomti River.
7 Days Detailed Itinerary
Your offbeat Himalayan journey begins with a warm welcome by our representative at Delhi Airport/Railway station or Kathgodam Railway station. From here, we embark on a scenic uphill drive toward Mukteshwar.
The Journey:
- En-route Vistas: Enjoy the transition from the bustling plains to winding hill roads, passing by the serene Bhimtal lake and thick pine woods.
- Check-in & Relax: Arrive at your boutique resort/cottage in Mukteshwar. The town is famous for its fruit orchards and tranquil environment.
Spend your first evening at leisure, soaking in the crisp mountain air. Dinner and overnight stay in Mukteshwar.
Wake up to a beautiful morning. After breakfast, head out to explore the unspoiled beauty and spiritual heritage of Mukteshwar.
Places to Explore:
- Mukteshwar Dham Temple: Visit this ancient, 350-year-old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, sitting at the highest point of the town.
- Chauli Ki Jali: Located right behind the temple, these overhanging cliffs offer spectacular, vertigo-inducing views of the valley and the majestic Himalayan peaks. It is an absolute paradise for photography.
- Bhalu Gaad Waterfalls: (Optional) Take a short, exciting trek to this hidden gem waterfall, surrounded by dense greenery.
Return to your resort in the evening to enjoy a peaceful sunset. Dinner and overnight stay in Mukteshwar.
After breakfast, check out and drive towards the highly secluded and protected Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, passing through the cultural hub of Almora.
En-route Highlights:
- Chitai Golu Devta Temple: Stop at this unique temple near Almora, famous for the thousands of bells hung by devotees whose wishes have been fulfilled.
- Kasar Devi Temple: (Optional) Visit this spiritually charged temple known for its positioning on the earth's Van Allen Belt, attracting seekers from across the globe.
Enter the quiet, dense forests of Binsar in the afternoon. Check into your nature resort. Dinner and overnight stay in Binsar.
Today is dedicated to completely disconnecting from city life and immersing yourself in the raw nature of the Binsar Sanctuary.
Nature Activities:
- Zero Point Trek: Take a short, highly rewarding 2 km walk/trek to Zero Point. From here, you get an unparalleled, 300-km wide panoramic view of peaks like Kedarnath, Shivling, Trishul, and Nanda Devi.
- Bird Watching & Jungle Walks: The sanctuary is home to over 200 species of birds. Spend hours walking through the oak and rhododendron trails listening to the sounds of the forest.
Enjoy the serene silence of the evening at your resort. Dinner and overnight stay in Binsar.
After a peaceful breakfast amidst nature, check out and drive towards the idyllic hill station of Kausani, famous for its sweeping Himalayan vistas and lush tea gardens.
Evening Explorations:
- Anasakti Ashram: Check into your Kausani hotel and visit this quiet ashram where Mahatma Gandhi spent time writing his commentary on the Anasakti Yoga. It also serves as a brilliant sunset viewpoint.
- Kausani Tea Estate: Take a leisurely stroll through the aromatic, rolling tea gardens that make Kausani unique in the Kumaon region.
Enjoy dinner with a view of the starlit sky. Overnight stay in Kausani.
Wake up early to catch the magical sunrise over the Himalayas right from your hotel/viewpoint. The changing colors on the snow-capped peaks are a sight to behold.
Heritage Visits:
- Baijnath Temple: Drive down to the town of Baijnath (approx 20 km) to visit this beautifully preserved 12th-century temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva, located right on the banks of the Gomti River.
- Kausani Shawl Factory: Learn about the local weaving techniques and shop for authentic, high-quality woolen shawls and local handicrafts.
Return to your hotel and spend the final evening of your trip relaxing. Dinner and overnight stay in Kausani.
Enjoy your final mountain breakfast. Capture some last-minute photos of the serene landscapes.
Check out from the hotel and board your vehicle for the picturesque drive back down to the plains. We will drop you at Kathgodam Railway Station or Delhi Airport/Railway Station for your onward journey, marking the end of a deeply rejuvenating offbeat holiday.
Package Inclusions
- 06 Nights Accommodation in Boutique / Nature Resorts
- Daily Breakfast & Dinner (MAP Plan)
- Private AC Vehicle for the entire circuit (AC off in hills)
- Highly experienced local driver well-versed with offbeat terrains
- All toll taxes, state taxes, parking & driver allowance
- Pick-up & Drop-off from Delhi / Kathgodam
Package Exclusions
- Flight or Train tickets
- Entry fees for Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary (Direct payment)
- Entry fees for Monuments, Museums, and Parks
- Lunches and Personal expenses (Laundry, Tips, Beverages)
- Guide fees and Travel Insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
The Nainital-Corbett circuit is beautiful but highly commercialized and crowded. This Offbeat Kumaon tour focuses on pristine, untouched locations (Mukteshwar, Binsar, Kausani) offering absolute silence, dense pine/oak forests, and uninterrupted panoramic views of the high Himalayas.
Yes, the roads in the Kumaon region are generally well-maintained. We ensure utmost safety by providing premium vehicles and strictly employing hill-certified local drivers who know every turn of these specific routes.
Absolutely. Kids usually love the open spaces, the fruit orchards in Mukteshwar, and spotting wildlife/birds in Binsar. However, note that places like Binsar require short treks (like the 2km walk to Zero Point), so comfortable walking shoes are necessary.
For lush greenery and pleasant weather, March to June is ideal. For crystal clear Himalayan views and the chance of snowfall in Mukteshwar/Binsar, visit between October and February.
