Kumaon/Binsar Sanctuary Walking Holiday
Overview
Available languages
5 days
Mobile ticket
This walking holiday in Binsar wildlife sanctuary in Kumaon in Uttarakhand, India is a great option for those looking for an easy trek in the Himalayas. While it is a simple one that any reasonably-fit person can undertake, it lets one sample a slice of local culture (village life, places of archaelogical importance etc.) and learn about the flora and fauna of the lower Himalayas besides enjoying breathtaking views of snow-clad mountains.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What To Expect
Kathgodam - Gaunap Village, Binsar
Accommodations
Overnight at Idyllic Haven homestay in Gaunap, a comfortable place with all basic amenities and clean western toilets.
Food and Drinks
DINNER
Dinner
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
You will be picked up from Kathgodam railways station at around 9 am, after breakfast. The scenic drive from there to Binsar Tourist Rest House takes around 5 hours including a stop for lunch en route. From Binsar TRH, it is a 1.5 hour easy, downhill trek (3 km) to Gaunap village. Binsar wildlife sanctuary, spread over 47 sq km, is one of the smaller sanctuaries in India. While it is popular for commanding, panoramic views of the Greater Himalayas and its bird diversity (200+ species of birds have been spotted here), mammals such as leopard, four species of deer, flying squirrel, pine martens are also found here.
Hikes in and around Gaunap Village
Accommodations
Overnight in Idyllic Haven homestay in Gaunap village, Binsar
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
The morning begins with a sunrise walk to the village temple which also serves as a vantage point to view the mermerizing 270 km panorama of Uttarakhand Himalayas. Post breakfast, you will go on a guided walk of the village which is home to all of 8 families! Also included in the walk is a bird watching session during which you get to spot a few of the 200+ species of birds found in Binsar. The activity for the afternoon is a nature walk led by a local nature guide. Get a broad idea of the flora and fauna of Binsar wildlife sanctuary.
Gaunap - Dhaulchhina
Accommodations
You will stay at Anandamayee guesthouse, a lovely, clean place with lovely view of the Sivalik mountain ranges.
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
The 8.5 km trail from Gaunap to Dhaulchhina at the edge of the sanctuary passes through stands of pine and mixed forests. It's an easy hike that offers great views of snow-clad peaks and terraced fields, and should take around 4 to 5 hours. Towards evening, you can trek up to Anandamayee ashram, a serene spot from where you can catch great views of Nanda Devi if the weather is clear.
Dhaulchhina - Shaukyathal
Accommodations
Overnight at a guesthouse/homestay with great views of the Siwalik ranges
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Jageshwar Dham
You will set off on a 9.5 km, flattish walk to Shaukyathal after breakfast. The trail passes through pretty villages and pine forests. Shaukyathal is on a ridge leading to Vriddh Jageshwar, a temple of religious importance to Hindus. One side of the ridge offers a panoramic view of the high peaks of Uttarakhand Himalayas and the other side, great views of the Sivaliks (lesser Himalayas).
Shaukyathal - Jageshwar - Kathgodam
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Jageshwar Dham
After breakfast, set off on the route to Jageshwar - walk up to Vridhh Jageshwar (1.5 km on a metal road) and then take the downhill trail to Jageshwar that passes through lovely chir pine and cedar forests. At Jageshwar stop to visit an interesting cluster of 200-odd temples (many of them dedicated to the Hindu god, Shiva) built from 7th to 12th century AD by rulers belonging to Katyuri and Chand dynasties.
Options
Kumaon/Binsar Sanctuary Walking Holiday
What‘s Included
Porter charges for personal luggage
Forest entry fee for vehicle
Transportation of personal luggage
Air-conditioned vehicle
Guide charges
Personal expenses - room service, bottled water etc.
Tips
Forest entry fee
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Reviews
40 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Dream or reality
Discover50598601810,May 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We just came back from an amazing Himalaya holiday. Hosted by Outdoers where staff members pampered us, took care of all our needs and made us feel at home. We had not done a trek in some time and were a bit skeptic to begin with. But Mr. Mahesh (our guide) gave us the confidence and we felt held and safe. The proprieties where we stayed had all the comforts including hot water but still had an organic and rustic feel. I am already looking forward to my next trek with Outdoers. Thank you for such a wonderful experience. It sometimes feels like a dream..
Amazing experience
vivekk826,May 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience. This was our first hiking trip. Shyam and team did a fabulous job. We had great company with others in the trip with us. Big shout out to Mahesh Bora - the guide and other local people (Pawan ji, Anand ji, Laxman ji). Everything from logistics, choice of hiking route, timings, rest period, punctuality and food was superb.
Heartwarming!
908nilimas,May 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a soulful trip, quiet time with family and friends and making new ones. It's very well curated, Shyam, Mahesh and team took such good care of us, paying attention to small details which warmed our hearts- like offering a cool wet face napkin and refreshing local drink each time we returned from a hike. The hospitality makes you believe in the part of Indian culture that means to convey 'Atithi Devo bhava'. We felt pampered The food was farm fresh, cooked with patience and served with a lot of affection. A local dish prepared at Gaunap was simmered on low flame for 4 hours to bring out some authentic flavors! I also had my 6 year old with me, and I feel he had the best time over there - jumping around, forest walks, petting animals, picking berries from trees, learning to spot birds and butterflies, befriending new people across different age groups. And, absolutely zero screen time- and not even missing it ! Now, with that, need I say more ?! 😁
Memorable walking holiday in Kumaon
Discover48174696805,May 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful experience of the Kumaon hills for six days. Each one of the three locations was chosen with a great amount of love and care. The food was simple, authentic and wholesome. The staff in all the homestays were extremely helpful and prompt to our needs. Overall, a memorable stay with some great outdoor walks and birding in the kumaon hills.
Authentic Mountain escape and offbeat trials
763keerthir,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00"I just returned from an incredible walking holiday in Kumaon by OUTDOERS COMMUNITY and it was truly a soul-stirring experience. The walks through the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary were unforgettable. Reaching Zero Point for that 360-degree view of the Himalayas—with Nanda Devi and Trishul in full glory—was absolutely breathtaking. The trek from Gaunap to Dhaulchhina offered the perfect mix of ancient oak forests and fragrant pine groves. A massive thank you to the Outdoers team—Shyam, Mahesh, and Sunder—and their wonderful staff. They took such good care of us, guiding our treks with expertise and ensuring every detail was handled. Our stays were the highlight of the trip. Idyllic Haven in Gaunap and Gangeht provided a peaceful, authentic village escape, while Tranquil Peaks in Hartola offered stunning scenery and a perfect place to unwind. Both homestays felt like a home away from home with spectacular, fresh Kumaoni food . Taking away the memories of this places etched In out hearts. Highly recommend 👌
A wonderful trip with gentle hiking in remote areas of North India
U6907EAmichellek,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The four of us had another great experience with Outdoers. Spectacular scenery and thrilling experiences that would be difficult to access without the knowledge and support of the excellent guides. Food was delicious, accommodation comfortable, and logistics very well organised.
Great experience
Guide47616058470,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Well maintained property, excellent view, peaceful environment. Do try their Kaumoni thali, it is absolutely divine. Staff Harish Joshi ji & staff members were courteous and helpful. Made us feel like home
Kumaon walking holidays through Outdoers
cmbharath,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Hello all, Last week, my friend Arvind and I completed the Kumaon Walking Holiday with Outdoers. We walked/ trekked from Ganghet through Shaukythal and Dhaulchinna, finally ending at Gaunap. The journey was filled with highlights. To name a few: stunning glimpses of Nanda Devi and Trishul along the way, beautiful stay locations, delicious Kumaoni cuisine, and trails that kept changing in character. Trekking through Binsar was a treat, with bird sightings, countless viewpoints, ridge walks, and the memorable stay at Gaunap. The sunrise point near Gaunap truly takes the cake. Outdoers arrangements were excellent throughout, and our guide, Mahesh, was outstanding. Thanks Shyam for suggesting this. We’re already looking forward to exploring a different geography and terrain next year through Outdoers.
Best
617nehalt,Jun 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was best experience and hospitality, and we personally thankful to Mr. Rupesh Mehra. And we would like to visit again.
Fabulous scenery and some steady climbs
GrandTour295999,May 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I did this walk with three friends from Australia in March 2025 and we joined two locals. It was a wonderful experience: very comfortable accommodation and delicious food but the highlights were the walks to temples with amazing views of the Himalaya and the knowledgeable guides who showed us the flora and fauna and introduced us to local farmers.
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