Trekking in Kumaon Himalayas

Trekking in Kumaon Himalayas has gained a huge popularity due to their refreshing and stress relieving environs. For those who get fascinated by the unexplored, breathtaking and enthralling trekking trails, the Kumaon region in the Himalayas awaits your visit. There are bountiful of trails and treks of varied difficulty levels to choose from. With its limitless options, trekking in Kumaon Himalayas is sure to compel you to come back for more. Binsar trek in the Kumaon valley is an ideal destination that a die-hard trekker could fantasise about.

Popular Treks in Kumaon Himalayas

Binsar Trek in Kumaon: Located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, Binsar is a scenic trek at an altitude of 7913 feet above sea level. Starting from Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, which was established for conserving the diminishing oak forests, this trek offers a picturesque view of Almora and the Kumaon hills. Also referred to as Jhandi Dhar, this trek takes you through the landscape of plush pines, cedars and serene mountain streams. This trek also presents a panoramic view of the 300 km long stretch of renowned peaks – Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, Chaukhamba, Kedarnath, Trishuli and Panchachuli, and that too in a single stretch of snow. While undertaking this trek during your trekking in Kumaon region, you can also get an insight about the local culture by visiting some of the nearby Kumaoni villages.

A new dimension of divinity can be added to the exciting journey on this scenic trail by paying a visit to the famous Jageshwar temples. This grand temple complex is known to house about 100 small and large temples, most of which showcases the idol of Lord Shiva. According to Hindu scriptures and mythological legends, this place is a home to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas (pillars of light).

Engulfed amidst lush alpine flora, ferns, mosses, wild blossoms, rhododendrons and oak, this trail is filled with exquisiteness, and explorers will be left spellbound by this pristine beauty of nature. With the panoramic and majestic view of the Great Himalayas from Zero Point, Binsar trek is in no doubt the most prominent trekking destination in the Kumaon region.

Best Time to Go Trekking in Kumaon

Travellers can go for trekking in Kumaon throughout the year but the best time to make the most from your adventure tour is from April to June and September till November. During this period, the weather is mostly clear with some snowfall. With some of its parts glittering in emerald green and the others draped in white snow, the region looks at its best in this season. Thus, trekking this region during these months allows you to witness the beauty of the place in the best possible way.

Flora and Fauna of Kumaon Himalayas

Flora: The flora of this region can be broadly classified into four categories.

• Temperate coniferous moist forests with blue pine and deodar
• Oak and moist mixed deciduous forests
• Sub-alpine scrub and pasture
• Sub-alpine birch, fir and spruce forests

At lower levels, there are dense pine forests while at the higher altitudes are teeming with rhododendrons and oaks. Alpine flora, pteridophytes, bryophytes, wildflowers and hanging mosses are found in abundance in this region.

Fauna: With trekking in Kumaon packages, you can also visit the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is an abode to numerous high altitude species of birds and animals.

   • Wildlife: The main wild species of the region include leopard, goral, chital, serow, musk deer, jungle cat, black bear, fox, langur, porcupine, red fox and flying squirrel.

   • Bird life: With over 200 species of avifauna, this sanctuary has been declared as an Important Bird Area by Bird Life International. The colourful bird life of this region includes parakeets, blackbirds, tits, eagles, magpies, woodpeckers, forktail and nuthatches.