A road trip around “the Devbhoomi”, Uttarakhand, is the best way to experience the state’s geography and culture. With countless temples, sacred rivers, and glaciers Uttarakhand is home to some of the most frequently visited places in the country. Uttarakhand has something to offer to every type of traveler, from marvelous high-altitude treks to stunning camping grounds, to sites of pilgrimage, leisure and adventure sports destinations. You will definitely find something that catches your fancy here.
Also read: 24 Off-Beat Places In Uttarakhand Where Nature Is At Its Best
If you are looking for a relatively less crowded and peaceful road trip, then we have the perfect circuit and itinerary planned for you and your squad: Delhi – Kausani – Munsiyari – Binsar – Delhi
Delhi – Kausani
Sitting proudly at the top of the hills in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, Kausani is a picturesque village that has not yet been hit by the wave of commercialism. It offers stupendous panoramic views of the snow clad Himalayan ranges. The Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Panchuli peaks being the most prominent ones. Kausani was dubbed as the ‘Switzerland of India’ by Mahatma Gandhi because of its similarity to the Swiss Alps. From Delhi, you can drive, or hire a cab, or take a bus to Kausani. Buses are slow, but they are reliable, and you may face some difficulty in navigating your car uphill.
The 400+ km journey from Delhi is long and arduous but your patience will be rewarded by the warm milieu and astounding natural beauty of this quaint hill town. There are many treks that begin in villages and towns near Kausani including the Pindari and Kafni Glacier treks and the Sunderdhunga trek. Kausani will have you pumped for the next destination in this itinerary.
Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Munsiyari
Located approximately 160 km from Kausani, Munsiyari falls in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. This pristine town is usually blanketed by clouds, and lush forests surround it. Munsiyari is a hidden paradise, that will take you extremely close to nature and Kumaoni culture. You can leave from Kausani at the break of dawn. The road journey can be covered in around 5-6 hours.
Drive slow and enjoy the serene hill roads, roaring gorges, dense forests and contrasting clear blue skies on the road to Munsiyari. Do visit the Birthi Falls situated just outside of Munsiyari. The place offers some of the most beautiful views of the Himalayas and the sunsets at Munsiyari are extremely beautiful and romantic. You could also plan your trek to Khaliya Top near Munsiyari to get the best views and panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges and witness the Panchachuli ranges in its full glory.
Image Credits: Krisnendu Sar (Flickr)
Roads from Birthi Falls to Munsiyari. (Image Credits: The Unruly Traveler)
Binsar
Binsar is located about 170-175 km from Munsiyari and is a quaint hill town nestled among the dense evergreen forests of the Kumaon hills. The journey to Binsar from Munsiyari is truly marvelous and you will cross lush meadows and magical forests lined with gurgling streams and wildflowers.
You can visit the Binsar Wildlife sanctuary or just take a long leisurely stroll on the streets of this picturesque hill town. Binsar also offers great views of the mighty snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. It is the perfect place to unwind and wrap up your road trip. From Binsar you can drop down to Kathgodam on your way back to Delhi.
Image Source: Partha Chowdhury (Flickr)
You will have to say goodbye to the places on this road trip circuit reluctantly and head back home. This Uttarakhand Road Trip circuit is best explored in the months of spring when the snow starts melting and the flowers start to bloom making the entire region resonate with a certain vibrancy and a mystical aura. Autumn is also a very good time for this road trip.
Do make the most out of this road trip with your squad and let us know about your experience in the comment section below.
