Trek and Wildlife Safari in the Kumaon Himalayas

Destinations: Pangot, Naina Peak, Kilbury, Pangot
Duration: 05 Nights and 06 Days
Nature of Trek: Moderate (Children below 8 years are not encouraged for this trek.)
Tour Code: 836

We start our day early at 0630hours with a hot cup of coffee/ tea at the dining deck. The area near the dining deck also serves as a feeding ground for the birds that turn up every day without fail. Sit back and take time to finish your tea/coffee as you watch the birds feed and soak in the fresh mountain air.

After breakfast, we start our trek from the lodge and first arrive at Pangot Village. It is just about 150 meters away, and is a small village made up of a few houses, local shops, and a post office. As we pass through the village, we get to watch local people getting on with their daily routine and get a glimpse of the humble local culture, ways, and mannerisms. One such house is of Mrs Kanti Budhlakoti, an old army widow, from whose house a magnificent view of Corbett National Park and the villages around, like Kotabagh and Pawalgarh, where Jim Edward Corbett killed 10ft long tiger, which was called " Bachelor of Pawalgarh", can be seen. The last house on our way out of the village is extremely attractive with its unique architecture. After walking for about 1.5 km, we reach DHAMDHAMIYA, from where the views of the Himalayan mountains and the nearby villages are a treat to the eyes. From this point, on the right-hand side, under the thick oak forests, we see the Kilbury Forest rest house camouflaged with its green tin roof. We will make our way there on our way back from Naina Peak.

Moving ahead, we reach AKHORWADI, where we take a short 10-minute break. In the earlier days, this place was used as a shelter for traders who used to travel from one place to another. Its name, "Akhorwad," comes from the fact that it is home to a lot of walnut trees. There is also a drought tree that we come across here, which was known for its height but has been reduced to half due to a lightning strike a few years ago. This place is also a birdwatcher’s playground, and we can spot many, such as the Himalayan Woodpecker, Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker, Brown-fronted Woodpecker, Common Kestrel, Crested Serpent Eagle, and many more species.

Along the trek, we also find a lot of diverse landscapes, flora, and fauna. There are deep ravines created in the monsoon season and small spring water streams along the way. Ghorgatti has a small, thin spring where many animals turn up to have a drink. Salimdhar (Salim is the name of a type of grass) is beautiful and is especially spectacular when the fog covers the whole area, giving it a cloud-like feel.

Up to this point, we have done about 5km, and are another 2km short of reaching the highest point of Nainital. Another 30-40 minutes and we reach a height of 2311m, i.e., 8622 ft above sea level, known as Naina Peak, where the wireless centre of the Forest Department is located. This place offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks, which you can also view with the help of a powerful telescope. The centre run by the forest department generates electricity through solar panels. As we walk a little further down, we get a view of Lake City "Nainital'', with its lake, various buildings, and playgrounds. With this picturesque backdrop, we stop to have our packed lunch and tea/coffee. We take a break for an hour before we head back to Pangot via Kilbury.

After a much-needed break, we trek back to Pangot through the Kilbury forest, covering a distance of 7km. Initially, you walk down about a kilometer and a half towards Nainital, and then turn left towards Kilbury forest. This forest is full of trees, mainly oak and rhododendron. This is also a good path to spot many bird species like Koklass and Kalij Pheasants, Common Kestrel, Grey-winged Blackbird, Black Redstart, Bar-tailed Treecreeper, etc., or even Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, civets, porcupine, Spotted, Barking, and Sambar Deer, Wild Boar, etc. We can also spot the village folk in the forest collecting fodder for their cattle and firewood for their homes. The scenic beauty around reduces your tiredness as you quickly take a 5-minute break.

The Kilbury Rest House is just another 3km. The walk is a little fast-paced as it is downhill, and from the forest rest house, we soon walk down to the main road, leaving the forest behind. The main road is also covered with trees on both sides. Another 40 minutes, and we arrive back at Pango,t where we are handed out warm, wet towels to freshen up before we are served tea/coffee with cookies. Retire to your rooms and rest before the bonfire in the evening, where the experiences of the trek are shared.

Things to carry: Good trekking/ hiking shoes, water bottle, walking stick (if you require the support), a small backpack, pen and diary to note down your observations or just scribble your thoughts, Binoculars for a closer look, and, of course, your camera!

Grade - Easy - moderate. Children below 8 years are not encouraged to take this trek.