As the summer begins to hold its grip on the cities, we all look for an escape in the hill stations. Some of us want people around while some prefer to be accompanied by nature. A trip to Pangot will help calm your city stressed senses and enable you to spend some peaceful time in mother nature’s lap. A 15 km drive from Nainital towards Pangot offers astonishing views of the valleys and the Himalayas. Rich oak and rhododendron forests can be seen on both sides of the road.
Pangot with approximately 500 species of birds is surely a paradise for bird watchers and nature photographers. Kilbury and Snow View Point are the two most preferred locations for bird watching and photography. Even if you don’t enjoy birding, the flitting and chirping of birds will surely draw your attention and entice you to adore them. Some of the birds that you can get to see here are grey and red jungle fowls, flycatchers, cheer, pheasants, fork tails and koklas. Animals like Indian deer, barking deer and Himalayan goat are the easily sighted ones.
Trek to Brahamasthali
One of the most popular and easiest trekking trails in the region is in Brahamasthali, which is 12 km ahead of Pangot. This 2 km long trek is surrounded by lush greenery on both sides. It is located at an elevation of approximately 9,000 ft and offers mesmerising views of the surroundings. There is a small temple at the top of the peak, which makes the place look even more divine. There are many more walking trail options in Pangot, which you can explore. Don’t forget to take your hiking shoes and DSLR with you when you leave for trekking.
How to Reach Pangot
By Road
If you are taking a taxi from New Delhi to Nainital, you can take NH 24 to Rampur en route Hapur and further NH 87 from Haldwani to Nainital. From there you can book a cab and reach Pangot. There are a large number of A/C and non A/C buses that ply from Delhi to Nainital on a daily basis. Travellers can book bus tickets online using ixigo app and avail great offers.
New Delhi – Hapur – Moradabad – Rudrapur – Haldwani – Nainital – Pangot
By Air
The closest airport to Pangot is the Pantnagar Airport, which is around 75 km away. Every week, 6 flights are scheduled at this airport. Taxis are easily available from the airport, which will cost you around INR 1,300.
By Train
The nearest railway station is the Kathgodam Railway Station. The station is almost 50 km from Pangot. The two main trains from Delhi to Kathgodam are Ranikhet Express and Sampark Kranti. It is suggested that the bookings be done in advance.
Best Time to Visit
The best months to plana trip to Pangot will definitely be March and April as the Rhododendron that blooms in this season covers the whole valley and it looks simply mind-blowing. You can also choose to visit this hill station during winters to see the snowflakes settle in the window pane while enjoying a cup of tea. Birding can’t be enjoyed during winters as most of the birds migrate to different locations.
Corporate Activities
The pristine environment and lush greenery have made Pangot a famous hub for corporate activities. Ashoka’s Naini Chalet Resort, Nainital is one of the famous places to host such activities. A number of team-building activities like trekking, camping, rappelling and wildlife tours are organised by the hotel. Bird watching tour is among the most famous activities and is loved by all.
Places to Eat
It is preferred that you dine in the hotel or resort you are staying in as there are not much options in Pangot. One food option other than your guest house will be Country Kitchen, which offers a wide menu of Continental, Chinese and Kumaoni cuisine. You will find a number of tea stalls across the region. The tea stall close to the post office also offers Maggi and the earthenchulha makes it taste even better.
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Places to Stay
The Jungle Lore Birding Lodge is one of the most preferred places to stay in Pangot. It is among the finest and oldest birding lodges in the country. Kafal House is another place where you can enjoy a stay in this hamlet.
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Nearby Attractions
Guano Hill
Guano Hill is the best place to enjoy nature walks in this region. Make your way through the thick forests of bamboo, oak and deodar trees and treat your eyes to the mind-blowing view of the surroundings. You can partake in photography, birdwatching and meditation during a visit to this pristine hill.
Nainital
Located an elevation of 1938 ft above the sea level, Nainital is one of the most popular hill stations of the country. There are a plethora of places to visit and things to do in Nainital. You can enjoy a stroll in the Mall Road or just enjoy a boat ride in Naini Lake with your family and friends.
Sattal
A cluster of seven freshwater lakes, Sattal is definitely a paradise for nature lovers. It is located at a distance of approximately 24 km from Pangot at an elevation of 1,370 m above the sea level. The lakes, nestled amidst dense forests of pine and oak trees, look immensely beautiful and will make you gape in awe.
Almora
Approximately 80 km from Pangot is the pristine hill station of Almora. Widely appreciated for its immense natural beauty, this unexplored gem of Uttarakhand is worth a visit. Among the most popular places to visit in Almora are counted the Bright End Corner, Chitai Mandir, Sai Baba Temple and Kasar Devi. You can explore more than 6 hill stations in 6 days if the trip is planned wisely.
Note: You will be devoid of phone networks in Pangot. Also, don’t forget to carry sufficient cash with you as there are no ATM’s in Pangot.
Pangot – A little haven hidden in the lap of Himalayas is a must-visit for all those who understands the value of being close to nature. Plan a trip to Pangot this weekend to understand how it feels to not hear any honking of the vehicles and listen to the chirping of birds instead.
About the Author
Kanika Agarwal is an avid traveller and likes to express simply by words of her experience. She admires natural beauty and her dream is to explore the unexplored.
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