Highlights
- Naini Lake and Naina Devi temple
- Kainchi Dham on the way up
- Ranikhet's pine forests and Jhula Devi temple
- Sunrise over Trishul and Nanda Devi from Kausani
- Anasakti Ashram, where Gandhi stayed in 1929
- Baijnath temples
This is the Kumaon trip for people who want to slow down. After two nights at Nainital, the road climbs into quieter country: Ranikhet for a night of pine woods and army-town calm, then two nights at Kausani, where the hotel window faces the snow peaks. It’s the format we suggest for honeymooners, and for anyone who finds Nainital itself too crowded.
Day-wise itinerary
Day 1: Kathgodam to Nainital
Pickup at Kathgodam and the drive up to Nainital. Boating on Naini Lake, Naina Devi temple and the Mall Road in the evening.
Day 2: Nainital and Bhimtal
The ropeway to Snow View or a pony ride to Tiffin Top in the morning, then Bhimtal and Naukuchiatal in the afternoon.
Day 3: Nainital to Ranikhet via Kainchi Dham
An early start to reach Kainchi Dham before the crowds, then on to Ranikhet. Afternoon at the Jhula Devi temple and the pine walks around the cantonment, with a stop at the golf course at Upat.
Day 4: Ranikhet to Kausani
A short drive to Kausani. Visit the Anasakti Ashram in the afternoon and watch the sunset on the peaks from your hotel.
Day 5: Kausani sunrise and Baijnath
Up early for sunrise over Trishul and Nanda Devi, the reason to come to Kausani. Later, the Baijnath temples by the Gomti river and a tea estate nearby.
Day 6: Kausani to Kathgodam
The long drive back to Kathgodam, about a day’s hill driving, for an evening train to Delhi. If you’d rather not travel the same day, we can add a night at Bhimtal.
Seeing the peaks from Kausani
The snow line is clearest from October to early December and on cold winter mornings. From April to June it’s often hazy by mid-morning, and in the monsoon the peaks can stay hidden for days. If the mountains are the main reason you’re going, pick October or November.
What's included and what isn't
Included
- Hotels for 5 nights (2 Nainital, 1 Ranikhet, 2 Kausani) with breakfast and dinner
- Private car with driver, Kathgodam to Kathgodam
- Pickup and drop at Kathgodam station
- Naini Lake boat ride
- Kainchi Dham registration if it becomes compulsory
Not included
- Train or flight tickets to Kathgodam (quoted on request)
- Ropeway, pony and entry fees
- Lunches
- Honeymoon extras such as cake or room decoration (on request)
- Extra nights from landslides or road closures
- Tips and personal expenses
Visa, costs, best time and travel tips: Nainital, Corbett and Kumaon Tour Packages.
