In the Kumaon region, in the state of Uttarakhand, is located a scenic little hill station known as Binsar. It is 2,412 meters above sea level. In Binsar from zero point, your eyes will be feasted by the 300 meters of the majestic Himalayan peaks of Nanda Devi, Kedarnath Shivling and Trishul. The forests of Binsar are full of oak and rhododendrons.
Binsar is often visited by poets, writers, nature lovers and film makers. The town of Almora is seen from Binsar. Wildlife photographers and bird watchers often visit Binsar. It is a peaceful abode where you can enjoy undisturbed walks admiring the beauty of nature.
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
The Sanctuary is spread over an area of 45.59 sq km. The flowing waters have given Binsar a sloppy terrain. The altitude of the sanctuary varies from 900 to 2500 meters. The flora and fauna are fantastic. The BirdLife International has named this Binsar sanctuary as an “Important Bird Area”. It has within its periphery almost 200 bird species and a number of animals. There is an entry fee per person and for the car.
Temperate to sub-arctic climatic conditions prevails in the sanctuary. Binsar was enjoyed by the Chand Kings of Kumaon. It was their capital. The sanctuary is on Jhandi Dhara hills. It is 33 kilometers north of Almora town.
Kausani
It is at an elevation of 1890 meters above sea level. Kausani is a popular hill station. It is 48 kilometers from Binsar. It is surrounded by mountain peaks. Kausani is endowed with scenic beauty.
Bageshwar
This place derives its name from a famous temple called Bagnath. It is a temple devoted to Lord Shiva. Devotees throng here at Mahashivratri. It holds a fair on 14th January on Makar Sankranti day. It is 60 kilometers from Binsar. It lies at the confluence of Saryu and Gomti rivers. This place has immense religious significance. Bageshwar is used by trekkers as a base camp for Pindari Trek.
Treks from Binsar
Pindari Glacier
Pindari Glacier is the most accessible one. It is about 3.2 kilometers in length and 15 kilometers wide. A mountaineer can make it up to the glacier in about 6 to 7 days. This glacier is between the peaks of Nanda Devi and Nandakot. You trek through dense forests alongside streams. It is located at an altitude of 3.35 meters above sea level. The trek to this glacier is easier as compared to other glacier treks of India.
Pindari Glacier is the source of Pindari River. The trekkers traverse through the southern wilderness of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary. You just cannot take away your gaze from the snow-capped peaks of Parwati Dwar and Mainktoli. Pindari glacier trek is not a very difficult one for even an amateur climber.
Kafni Glacier
This glacier is to the right of Pindari glacier, at an elevation of 3,860 meters above sea level. The trekkers follow the same route from the base camp for both the glaciers. At Dwali, they bifurcate and continue with their trek to Kafni Glacier. A trek of 12 kilometers from Dwali and you find yourself in an untouched and astounding area located at the foothills of the Nanda Kot peak. The whole atmosphere captivates you, and the mountaineer is lost in this heavenly abode. It is sheer beauty and nothing else up here.
The trekkers are provided with all detailed information about the do’s and don’ts of their treks to Pindari and Kafni Glaciers. This is one by the authorities under whom they take these treks.
How to reach Binsar
By Air – The nearest airport to Binsar is Patnagar airport from Delhi. You can then continue to Binsar by a taxi.
By Rail – The nearest railhead to Binsar is Kathgodam Railway Station. It is located at a distance of 119 kilometers from Binsar. The rail head is well-connected by some major cities of India, like Delhi, Lucknow, Kolkata etc. There are two trains from Delhi to Kathgodam Railway station and vice-versa. Buses and taxis are easily available from Kathgodam to Binsar.
By Road – Binsar is well-connected by good motorable roads as it is the gateway to the Kumaon region.
Accommodation – Binsar has good accommodation facilities for the tourists. There are the guest houses, eco resorts, eco camps, valley resorts, jungle resorts etc.
Climate – Binsar has good climatic conditions throughout the year. Though, in winters it is very cold here. The best time to visit Binsar are during the months of October and November. Carry heavy woolens in winter and even in summer you will feel the need of light woolens.
You will not go hungry in Binsar. Though it is a small place, still you can find eateries of all standard.
