Trekking in Nainital
Nainital Trekking
If you are reeling from your hectic life and the scorching summer heat, head to Nainital for a mini sojourn and experience the most breathtaking vistas of the snow-capped Himalayas. Nainital, also known as the Lake District of Uttarakhand is a tranquil hill station at an average altitude of 1938 meters.Situated in the midst of seven hills, Nainital is a perfect destination to explore the beauty of the Himalayas on foot. Nainital proves to be excellent to explore some of the most exhilarating places in Uttarakhand and escape far away from the maddening crowds of cities. The town which is situated all around the beautiful Naini Lake has emerged to be a popular for adventure junkies offering the best trekking tours in Nainital.
There are some popular trekking trails around the hilly terrain of Nainital. The Nanda Devi trek is a tiring and challenging trek which offers a view of the snow laden peaks of Banderpunch and the most mesmerizing view of the town below. Today, many people trek to China Peak in order to avail themselves an extra dose of adventure. The trek is an easy one, where you will pass through thick Deodar, Cypress and Pine forest. Tiffin top is a short trek of around 3 kms from Nainital and gives an incredible perspective of the Himalayas and the town.
The trail is brimming with woodpeckers, birds, thrushes, songbirds and so forth. Visitors can also trek to snow view point from Nainital. The panoramic view through the trek is perfect to find some solace amidst the verdant forests and enjoy the exquisite vistas of the Himalayas. Take a trek in Nainital and explore for yourself the state of pure wilderness and sheer beauty of the gorgeous Himalayas. If you are in Nainital, opt for a trekking tour and enjoy the delight of being up close with nature and feel the adrenaline rush. Start packing your bags and go on to have an experience to remember for a lifetime. Pick out the best trekking tours in Nainital here.
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Nainital Trekking FAQs
What are the best places for trekking in Nainital?
1. Nanda Devi trek: Imagine trekking up to the second highest peak in the country which is also a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It may take around 9-12 days and you can witness the beautiful and snow-clad Himalayan peaks as you trek up to the Nanda Devi peak.
2. China Peak trek: Experience a bird’s eye view of Nainital from the China Peak. Due to the altitude and the gorgeous forest path, this trek is the favourite amongst travellers and locals of Nainital.
3. Tiffin Top trek: Enjoy the view of lush green forests and gigantic mountain peaks as you take on the Tiffin Top Trek. Also known as Dorothy’s Peak, this trek is 4 km long and starts from the center of the city. You can also take a shorter route if you’re pressed for time and take a trolley car up to the base.
4. Pangot trek: Pangot Trek or Naini Peak is the highest peak in all of Nainital sitting proudly at 2611 meters. As you finish the 14 km trek, you can bask in the views of the lovely town and the Naina Devi Temple that is surrounded by the mighty Himalayan ranges.
5. Kunjakharak trek: If you want to enjoy a naturist trek, the Kunjkharak is definitely going to impress you. A 36 km long trek goes through a forest trail and is accompanied by the Kosi river so you can take a dip in anytime!
6. Sattal trek: Sattal translates to ‘Seven Lakes’ and you will observe picturesque biomes of natural water as you trek up. This trek is the ideal location to spot rare birds like kingfishers, plum head parakeet, fish eagles and red-billed blue magpie.
Which are some famous winter treks in Nainital?
1. Brahmatal trek: If you’re a winter baby and you’re in Nainital, you have to try out the Brahmatal Trek. Witness the snow-covered mountains right before you as you head on to your winter summit. The freezing temperatures along with the natural beauty of the hills will be an experience of a lifetime.
2. Har Ki Dun trek: Explore the unexplored with Har Ki Dun Trek. Located between Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, this trek will offer a myriad of beautiful views like green stretches of land, fresh water glaciers and beautiful meadows. This is the perfect trek for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers.
3. China Peak trek: If you’re a sucker for a scenic view, you can’t miss the China Peak in the winter. It is one of the famous tourist spots and viewpoints of Nainital and for good reason. It offers an amazing view of the city, the mountains and the expansive Kumaon region.
4. Land’s End: As the name suggests, beyond the peak of this trek, you will be greeted with nothing other than picturesque views of the Himalayan valleys and lakes. It is a 4 km hike and you can easily take a day picnic at the top if you’re with your friends or loved ones.
Which are some famous summer treks in Nainital?
1. Tiffin top trek: Make your Bollywood dreams come true with the Tiffin Top Trek. A part of the Bollywood film, Koi Mil Gaya was filmed here. This trek has a long route and a short route. Fitness enthusiasts love to take the long route. But if you’re looking for a day trek, pick the shorter route and take the 4 km trek up to the peak.
2. Naini peak: The Naini Peak trek is 14 km long and usually takes 2 days to complete. Trekkers take a good night’s rest in the village of Pangot which is nearly halfway to the peak. Resting at 2611 meters, this peak offers a breathtaking view of the town below.
3. Snow view peak: The reason why Snow View Peak is the perfect summer trek is because it’s great for beginners and the distance is only 3 km. On a clear summer day, the peak allows you to observe nearly 350 km beyond the peak.
4. Nanda devi trek: The difficulty level of this peak is high, but the experience is worth it. You can trek up to the sister peaks of Nanda Devi East and West from the base camp. Being one of the popular treks in Uttarakhand, there are plenty of trekking groups that you might meet taking up the trek just like you!
What kind of fitness am I expected to have for trekking in Nainital?
The difficulty level also depends on the pathway of the trek. Nainital has treks that go through forests, water bodies and hilly regions. For these treks, a fitness level may be required and you can get that information while you’re booking the trek. You can also speak to your trek advisor for fitness details for longer or more difficult treks.
When is the best time to visit Nainital for trekking?
The monsoons are slightly cooler with temperature ranges of 10-18 degrees with rain showers occasionally. But if you’re a winter baby, we recommend you try out their winter treks but the temperatures can go down up to the freezing point. If you’re opting for the winter trek, make sure you are carrying protective gear and you have first aid available.
Will we stay in camps during trekking in Nainital?
Nainital trekking offers various camping packages depending on the number of days and nights that you want to stay. The treks can include meals, camping, and other activities like rappelling, wildlife exploration etc. Go through a list of trekking camps and their offerings before you make a choice.
Spending a night inside a camp can be slightly tricky owing to the weather conditions in Nainital. If you are camping in hilly regions or forests, you may have to bring warm clothes or protective gear. Usually the trek advisor discloses this information while booking. Read through all the details mentioned for a particular trek so that you can make an informed decision.
What kind of medical arrangements will be there during trekking?
Is there a chance of facing wild animals while trekking in Nainital?
Do we need a walking stick on trekking?
Ideally for short trails, you won’t be needing the walking sticks. But if you’re going for a long trail that passes through water bodies and higher rock formations, we recommend carrying a walking stick.
Name the hardest trail of Nainital?
Although the trek is hard and challenging, the view from the top is simply gorgeous. You trek through the snow-clad mountains of Bandarpunch and witness the beautiful hilly town of Nainital below.
Which is the easiest trek in Nainital?
Is Nainital worthy enough to have a trekking trip?
Is it safe for a solo female to trek in Nainital?
Yes. Nainital is mostly safe for solo female travellers. The locals of Nainital are extremely friendly and warm. It is relatively safe for a solo female to trek in Nainital. As a solo female, we would recommend not to camp alone while trekking or you can travel with a group of campers on longer treks.
There are plenty of hotels and homestays that you can spend the night in and then continue with your trek.
How can I reach Nainital?
-By Air: The nearest major airport is Delhi airport. Another one being the Dehradun airport. Pantnagar airport is just 65 kms away from Nainital and is well connected to New Delhi and Mumbai, but mostly caters to private chartered flights.
-ByRoad: Nainital is well connected with major destinations of North India.
-By Rail: The nearest railway station is Kathgodam which is 41 kms from Nainital but the major one is Delhi railway station. Other stations being Dehradun, Haldwani, Howrah and Lalkuwani.
Is it safe to trek in Nainital?
Yes, it is safe to trek in Nainital. Nainital is perfect for adventurers who wish to explore hilly terrains. However basic precautions must be kept in mind. Don’t take unnecessary risks.
Keep your documents handy while travelling, majorly your passport.Always carry a map even when you are with a guide. Do not leave cash or valuables in cars or taxis and majorly do not trust strangers.
Can I do Roopkund Trek? What sort of a trek is it?
Roopkund trek is not to be missed by an avid adventurer. It starts from Lohajung and ends at Roopkund. While crossing the mountains you can witness the amazing view of valleys, mountains and cross mixed forests. It requires a good amount of strength and stamina to climb up these mountains.
Roopkund is famous for its Glacial Lake where more than five hundred human skeletons are found on its edge. Elevated at a height of 16,499 ft. above the sea, situated between two peaks, Trishul and Nanda Ghunti and is covered with ice for most of the months.
What sort of trek is Kunjakharak Trek? How much will it cost me?
The Kunjakharak trek is recommended for beginners.This trail winds through the Corbett reserve forest and offers a variety of terrain from the foothills to about 6,500 feet near Nainital. Through the trek, you can feel the forest beneath your feet, towering over your head and you are sure to run into the rich wildlife of the region.
The cost will be approximatelyRs 7,500. Best time to plan a trip to Kunjakharak trekking trail is between October to June as this is a pleasant season with amazing temperature and great views. This is about a 5 hour drive.
Can I do Naini Peak Trek? What is the difficulty level?
Naini Peak is the highest peak of Nainital which provides challenges to the most avid trekkers. It is a difficult trek. It is a 3 Km trek from Tanke Band base having elevations changing from 45 degrees to minus 45 degrees.
It is recommended to hike to Naina Peak during the day time. It also has a forest with wild animals and the temperature falls as one moves uphill. Naina Peak is a highest peak in Nainital, also known as China Peak and Cheena Peak.
Is it worth doing Pangot Trek? What sort of a trek is it?
Pangot trek is one of the to do treks. Pangot is full of oak and rhododendron trees, it’s a great area to spot many birds like Koklas, Khalij Pheasants, Common Kestrel, Grey Winged Blackbird, Black Red Star, Bar-Tailed Tree Creeper etc. You may also spot some animals like Leopards, Himalayan Black Bear, Civet Cat, Porcupine, Deer and Wild Boar etc.
Trekking through the forests, you can see lovely sights of traditionally dressed villagers collecting fodder for their cattle and firewood for their homes. A bonfire is the perfect end to the evening, around which the experiences of the trek can be shared.
What sort of tents will be availabe there?
Tents will be spacious enough to accommodate up to 3 people. The tents will be waterproof, lightweight and equipped with comfortable sleeping mats or beds, compost toilets and hand basins. Stay in tents with insulated mats and sleeping bags, experience bonfire and music in the evenings.
What all things must I carry while going for trekking in Nainital?
You must be really well equipped with all your essentials while going for trekking. The things you must carry while going for trekking in Himachal Pradesh include:
- Walking stick
- Map
- Binoculars
- Sleeping bag
- Hiking shoes : lightweight and hard sole boots
- Woolen clothes
- Water, juices and energy drinks
- Easy to eat snacks
- Electric torch
- Scissors
- Sunglasses
- Medical kit : equipped with medicines for motion sickness, fever and food poisoning
- A good compass
- An extra pair of clothes
- Toiletries
What kind of sleeping bags will be availabe during the trek?
You will be provided with proper and comfortable sleeping mats. These will be long foamed mats on which a person can sleep with ease. Moreover, if you are already familiar with heat and insulation, these mats will help insulate your body from the cold ground. Further, you can carry your own sleeping bag during the trek.
Where is the Nainital Lake located? What can I do there?
Nainital Lake is a kidney shaped natural freshwater body situated amidst the township of Nainital. It is famous for boat rides and very alluring scenic surroundings as it is surrounded by 7 hills. The beautiful Naini Lake is surrounded by other small lakes and is a hill station of Nainital.
The nearby area is famous for shopping among tourists.However, the most awaited festival of Nainital is organised here, which brings out the local cultures and traditions is organized every year during the winter months of October and November.
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