Summary
Meetup Location: Kathgodam
Duration: 2 Days
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: Rs. 5,000 per person
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Story
Binsar is a scenic destination, situated in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand (2350m). The main attraction of Binsar is 300 kms of majestic and panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks from Zero point. Binsar Hill is well known as Jhandi Dhar and offers excellent views of Almora - the nearest town,the Kumaon hills and the Greater Himalayan Valley. It's an ideal destination for writers, nature lovers, adventure lovers and bird watchers - bird watching is a popular activity in Binsar considering it is a wildlife sanctuary.
Zero point inside the sanctuary provides a wide panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountains including Kedarnath, Shivling, Trishul and Nanda Devi. The museum at Jageshwar is famous for some of the antiques housed there.
For those interested in mythology, it is said the Chand kings, who ruled over Kumaon, from 11th to 18th centuries enjoyed their summers here. It was their capital and famous for mythological warfare between the King of Binsar and Golu Devta. In the battle, Golu Devta was beheaded and his trunk fell at Gairad Dana Golu near Binsar National Park and his head fell at Kaparkahan near Binsar. Both the places have temples of Lord Golu.
BINSAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY: Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1988. Spread over 45 sq. km at an altitude varying from 900m to 2500m, it has a wide range of flora and fauna. The sanctuary has been declared as an "Important Bird Area By Bird Life International" . There are more than 200 Bird species here. Look out for Fork tails, Barking Deers, Himalayan Bears, Leopards, Foxes, Porcupines and Flying Squirrels! -
Itinerary
Day - I, Kathgodam to Binsar National Park and trek to Jawalbanj:
Kathgodam is the meeting point of the trek. The best way to get to Kathgodam is the Ranikhet Express but one needs to book early to get reservations. As you get to Kathgodam the inviting views of the lower Himalayas welcome you. A drive of around 4 Hrs leads to Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, the start point of the trek. One can take a small detour to the old Sapteshwar Mahadev Temple.
The walk from Deora should take no more than 1-1.5hrs heading into the valley which lies to the north-west. About an hour into the valley, a small tea shop brings in hot cups of tea and beautiful vistas. From here the road turns gently to the north-east, ascending slowly through thick oak and rhododendron forests. 2-3hrs later glinting white houses of Jawalbanj squint from the North West view with the great Himalayan views. A gradual descent on a well defined track takes you to Dhaulachina and Jawalbanj.
Day - II, Jawalbanj to main Jageshwar temple
In the morning wake up to incredible viewsof the Central Himalayas, right from Neelkanth in Garhwal to the Nampa in Nepal - especially from the rock garden. Weather and energy permitting, see if you can climb the hill behind the guesthouse for the 360-degree views. The climb takes about 30 min to an hour.
The track back has a couple of points where enormous boulders provide perfect picnic spots, so if you don't like early breakfasts you could pack some food and have yourself a little picnic on the rocks. The dense temperate jungles are the first signs of being in the vicinity of Vridh Jageshwar. The drive back to Kathgodam marks the end of the trip.
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Requirements
This trek is meant for people above 14 years of age only. Prior trekking experience is not essential, but good physical fitness is mandatory. Additionally, persons suffering from injuries or recovering from injuries or operations are strictly prohibited from participating in this trip.
What is included in the cost?
Meals : All meals (vegetarian only) during the expedition
Accommodation : All accommodation during the trek, be it guest house, home stay or camping
Guide: A qualified and professional English speaking expedition guide and support staff.
Equipment: All trekking equipment such as tents (sharing on a 2/3 people per tent), crampons, sleeping bags, mattresses, cooking utensils and crockery, mules or porters for luggage if required.
Fees: This includes all park entrance fees and trekking permits
First aid: A first aid medical kit, stretcher and oxygen cylinder
Transport: Transport from Kathgodam to Binsar and back
What is excluded from the cost?
Personal expenses
Food costs before or after the start of trek
Insurances like, but not limited to, medical and travel insurance
Mules or porters to carry personal luggage. Please note that each member of the trip is expected to carry his/her own luggage. If a porter or a mule is desired, the customer will have to inform us prior to booking the trip and pay for the extra costs
Anything which is not specifically mentioned as being included in the cost
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Booking and cancellation
Trek size: This trek has a minimum group size of 5 persons and a maximum size of 12 persons. The trek can be customized for a smaller group at reasonable extra cost. Please contact us for customization.
Cancellation policy: if a customer books places in the trek and cancels later, the following charges will be applicable depending on when the cancellation is done.
- 30 days or more before departure - no charges
- 30 to 15 days before departure - 10% of invoice
- 14 to 7 days before departure - 25% of invoice
- 7 to 3 days before departure - 50% of invoice
- 2 days or less before departure - 100% of invoice
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Map
Triund Hill, Bhagsunag Trail to SnowLine Cafe
Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176219