Explore Kumaon, the alternative destination in the Himalayas

The natural skylines

Yes, you will have something to admire in the small cities and rural areas in the daytime, but at night you will have something more interesting to see and this is the lights from the homes or other buildings, which give you the impression of fireflies in a cave. Though most people prefer to drive around in the daylight as there are no lights on the curvy roads in the mountains to guide you as you drive at night. What you will enjoy as you travel in your vehicle is no traffic, giving you the impression of driving on empty roads. This can be therapeutic for those tired of driving on roads crowded with vehicles, with traffic lights to be observed every few kilometers.

Trekking in a different Himalayas

As for international tourists, most will be interested in trekking or hiking in the mountains. They will have preferences for the heights they want to trek and the length they will be hiking over. You will always find guides to assist you with this guiding you to the scenic locations for this. If you are a backpacker looking to spend the minimum, you can walk along the river trails, so you don’t lose your way and track your way back to the starting point. You can also choose the times of the year, like the summer or the winter months, according to what you wish to see and you should avoid the rainy monsoon months, with the risk of slipping and low visibility.

Add some thrill with exciting activities

Nainital listed above is not the only town with a lake, there are numerous others and some lakes have no settlements around them. Those lakes with the population close to them will give you boat trips and paddle boating opportunities. Then there are the rivers where you can go rafting with your group or with a group of other people, learning to bond and look after each other at difficult points, with fast-flowing waters or the rocks that you have to navigate around. You can even try paragliding here if you enjoy the heights and have always wanted a flying experience where you are in command, though you can have a professional to assist you if you prefer playing it safe.

The mountain culture

In this Himalayan region, more people live in the countryside than in the cities and most of them stay engaged in agricultural activities throughout the year, so if you are able to find accommodations in the villages, you can expect fresh cow milk and meals prepared from veggies fresh from the farms. The natives here are strict Hindus, so you will find plenty of temples, large and small, though you must ask if you will be permitted inside. As for the local cuisine, it mostly has vegetarian items, though in the restaurants here you will find items from Indian and international cuisines.

Wildlife in nature and captivity

There was a time when the colonial rulers came here to hunt for game which was plentiful and now there are national parks to make sure that this doesn’t happen to them. You can go for safari trips here and there are bird sanctuaries where you can hear the birds chirping. If you are a keen photographer or looking for something unique to share on your social media accounts, you will find rare animals here roaming around in their natural habitat, though you should avoid the areas with the dangerous ones, you will find signboards indicating this. Of course, you will find mountain vegetation and rocks with rare minerals. If you don’t have enough time but still wish to see these life forms, you will find some zoos with steep roads here.

How to Reach Kumaon Himalayas from USA

All this will interest those who are ready for a break with some physical effort and not those who just wish to relax. The former can always prepare an itinerary to plan their expedition according to what interests and captivates them.

1. Fly to India (Delhi or Mumbai)

Book an international flight from the USA to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi or Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai. Delhi is closer to the Kumaon region and is the preferred entry point.

2. Domestic Travel to Kumaon

Option 1: By Air (Quickest Option)

Take a domestic flight from Delhi to Pantnagar Airport (PGH), the nearest airport to the Kumaon region. Airlines like IndiGo and Alliance Air operate flights on this route. Pantnagar is about 60-100 km from major Kumaon destinations like Nainital, Bhimtal, and Almora.

Option 2: By Train

From Delhi, take a train to Kathgodam, the nearest major railway station to Kumaon.
Popular trains: Ranikhet Express, Shatabdi Express. Kathgodam connects to towns like Nainital, Almora, and Ranikhet via road.

Option 3: By Road (Scenic but Longer)

Hire a private taxi or take a bus from Delhi to Kumaon.
Distance: Approximately 300–400 km (6–10 hours depending on the destination).
Buses to Kumaon towns like Nainital and Almora are available from ISBT Anand Vihar in Delhi.

3. Local Travel in Kumaon

• Private Taxis: Available for inter-city and regional travel.
• Buses: Local and state-operated buses connect major towns and villages.
• Self-Drive: Renting a car from Delhi or nearby areas is also an option if you prefer driving.

4. Popular Destinations in Kumaon

• Nainital: Famous for its lake and pleasant weather.
• Almora: Known for its cultural heritage and panoramic views.
• Ranikhet: A charming hill station with a military cantonment.
• Mukteshwar: Scenic spots and adventure activities.
• Binsar: A wildlife sanctuary with breathtaking vistas.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: March to June (pleasant weather) and September to November (post-monsoon beauty).
• Altitude Preparation: Some areas in Kumaon are at high altitudes; stay hydrated and take precautions if you're not accustomed to such climates.
• Pack Wisely: Carry comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear for trekking and exploring.

The end or the start

All this will interest those who are ready for a break with some physical effort and not those who just wish to relax. The former can always prepare an itinerary to plan their expedition according to what interests and captivates them.