Trek Overview
When it comes to Weekends, a few treks offer the perfect blend of adrenaline rushes for adventurer in you and a relaxed itinerary to let you go back to work on a Monday. Binsar Sanctuary to Jageshwar Trek in the Kumaon region of Himalayas ensures that you make the most of your weekend. Starting at the picturesque Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, the trek includes walks through pine forests accompanied by the music of tiny rivulets of clear water, spotting a few rare flora and fauna and camping amidst thick deodars to reminisce about the (literally and factually) breathtaking Himalayas. Besides the natural beauty, Kumaon invites you to enjoy the local culture and traditions.
Their ancient temples and splendid architecture leaves you in a state of amazement. The itinerary begins at Delhi, where Ranikhet Express leads you to Kathgodam at the dawn and then a drive through the twirling roads drops you at Almora. Frankly, if you are not too tired of the rail and road journey, you can begin the trek right here. At approximately 2500 meters, the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to barking deer, himalayan black bear, leopard, serow, sambhar and a few rare species.
For the tree lovers, the sanctuary is lined with oaks, rhododendrons and cedars among others. The best time to visit Binsar is from October to March as the clear weather lets you soak in the beauty of snow clad peaks like Nandadevi, Trishul, Nandaghunti, Panchachuli massif and the entire Kumaon Himalayas range. On a human front, the locals are warm and welcoming. An elaborately detailed chat gives you a window into their lives, cultures and customs. And if they really like you, they open a treasure of ancient stories cherished over generations.
These stories and the steadily rising moon are the perfect companions as you retire for the day. The dawn of the next day brings in even more splendid destinations like the Jageshwar temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. This temple, rather the temple city, dating 9th to 13th century AD is a cluster of 124 exquisitely crafted stone temples, believed to be renovated by Adi Shankaracharya. The peaceful walks through the mighty Himalayas, a glimpse into the locals’ lives, architectural marvels like the Vridh (Old) Jageshwar leave you wanting for more. And after such enchanting experiences we’re are sure you will have a tough time fighting the Monday blues at work.
Trek Highlights
- Binsar is a protected wildlife area comprising oak, rhododendron and pine forests on a mountain rising up to 8000 ft. It is situated 30 kilometres north east of Almora in the Kumaon region of the state of Uttarakhand in North India.
Quick Itinerary
Day 1: Kathgodam to Dhaulchina via Binsar Sanctuary Trek
- Drive Distance: 120 km (approx. 4-5 hrs)
- Trek Distance: 6 km (approx. 3-4 hrs)
- Highlights: Scenic drive, wildlife sightings in Binsar Sanctuary, stunning Himalayan views
- Stay: Guesthouse/Camping in Dhaulchina
Day 2: Dhaulchina to Jageshwar and Drive to Kathgodam
- Drive Distance: 100 km (approx. 4 hrs)
- Highlights: Visit to ancient Jageshwar temple complex, serene pine forests
- Return: Evening drop-off at Kathgodam
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Kathgodam to Dhaulchina via Binsar Sanctuary Trek
Arrive at Kathgodam and drive to Binsar National Park, a 4-hour scenic journey through the Kumaon hills. Begin the trek to Dhaulchina, passing through serene forests, picturesque hamlets, and ancient temples.
Visit the Sapteshwar Mahadev Temple and enjoy a tea break at a local teashop before continuing through pine and oak forests. Walk along irrigation channels and cross a pucca bridge over a stream before ascending gently towards Dhaulchina.
Enjoy breathtaking Himalayan views and spend the night at an eco-camp or guesthouse.
Drive Distance: 120 km (approx. 4 hrs) | Trek Distance: 8-10 km (approx. 5-6 hrs) | Stay: Eco Camp/Guesthouse
Day 02: Dhaulchina to Jageshwar and Drive to Kathgodam
Wake up early to witness a spectacular sunrise over the Central Himalayas, with views extending from Neelkanth in Garhwal to Nampa in Nepal. Optional: A short 30-minute climb to the hilltop offers a stunning 360-degree view.
Descend towards Jwalabanj and continue trekking towards Jageshwar, passing through dense temperate forests and charming Kumaoni villages. Stop at Vridh Jageshwar, an ancient temple complex surrounded by cedar forests.
After exploring Jageshwar, drive to Kathgodam via Nainital, enjoying the picturesque route. Board an overnight train or continue your journey back to Delhi.
Trek Distance: 6-8 km (approx. 4 hrs) | Drive Distance: 100 km (approx. 4 hrs) | Return: Train/Bus to Delhi
Inclusion / Exclusion
Inclusions:
- Accommodation (Guest house, Home stay, Camping).
- Meals while on trek (Veg. + Egg).
- Trek equipment (Sleeping bag, mattress, kitchen & dining tent, crampon, utensils, tent).
- All necessary permits and entry fees.
- First aid medical kits, stretcher, and oxygen cylinder.
- Mountaineering qualified & professional trek leader, guide, and support staff.
Exclusions:
- Any kind of personal expenses.
- Food during the transit.
- Insurance.
- Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
- Anything not specifically mentioned under the inclusions.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Change/Cancellation of Booking by the Participant
Process
The cancellation process is completely automated. Please log in to your Mountain Hike account and follow the instructions on your dashboard. You can choose between Instant Refund or Cash Refund as per the policy below.
Replacement of Participants
Participants can be replaced through the Mountain Hike dashboard if the booking status is “Paid” and at least 5 days remain before departure. If you face issues, email themountainhike@gmail.com with a screenshot of the error. The new participant must submit a signed undertaking form.
Note: Any Volvo/Train transport booked for the original participant will be automatically canceled and is non-transferable.
Cash Refund Policy
Cash refunds apply only for bookings made without promotional codes or vouchers. Refund amounts will be deducted as follows:
- 30+ days before departure: 5% deduction
- 15-30 days before departure: 50% deduction
- Less than 15 days before departure: No Refund
Refunds will be processed to the original payment method and are based on the Base Price of the trek, excluding transport, insurance, and portage fees.
Voucher Refund Policy
Voucher refunds are available for all types of bookings, including promotional offers. Refund amounts will be:
- 5+ days before departure: No deduction
- Less than 5 days: No Refund
Vouchers are valid for 10 months from the date of issue. The refunded voucher amount does not include service tax paid during the original booking.
Cancellation or Change Initiated by Mountain Hike
We reserve the right to modify or cancel an event due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions, natural disasters, low participation, or any force majeure events. If this occurs, you will be given the choice of:
- A replacement event of equivalent value
- A full refund (processed as a voucher valid for 6 months)
If cancellation is due to low participation, participants can choose between a cash refund or a voucher.
Changes/Cancellation After Departure
Due to Force Majeure
No refund will be provided for cancellations due to force majeure after departure.
Other Reasons
If cancellations occur for reasons other than force majeure, we will attempt to arrange alternative services or provide a refund in the form of a 6-month voucher (or cash, if preferred).
Participant Dropout During the Event
No refund will be provided if a participant voluntarily drops out of the trek. Any additional costs incurred for return arrangements will be borne by the participant.
Early Return from an Event
If a participant returns early due to force majeure or an event ending sooner than planned, additional expenses (extra nights, transport) must be covered by the participant.
Emergency Evacuation
In case of a medical emergency, we will arrange evacuation to the nearest hospital. Any costs for porters, vehicles, ambulance services, or hospitalization must be covered by the participant.