11 Best Treks in Nainital: Trails and Trekking Routes

One of the best treks in Nainital Uttarakhand is the Naini Peak, also called China Peak. This is the highest point in Nainital, standing at about 2,615 meters. The trek to Naini Peak is relatively easy and offers amazing views of the whole town and the distant snow-covered Himalayan mountains. The path is surrounded by beautiful forests of tall trees like rhododendrons, deodars, and cypresses. It is one of the best places to visit in Nainital. 

Another popular trek is to Snow View Point. This trek is easier and great for families and casual walkers. At the top, you get a stunning view of the famous Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nanda Kot. If you want a peaceful trek, try the Tiffin Top trek, also known as Dorothy’s Seat. This moderate trek gives you lovely views of the hills and valleys around Nainital.

The Land’s End trek is a good choice for those looking for a bit more adventure. This short but steep trek leads to a cliff with a clear view of Khurpatal Lake below, surrounded by thick forests and hills. Lastly, the Pangot and Kilbury trek is perfect for bird lovers. This trail goes through dense forests filled with oak, pine, and rhododendron trees and is home to many different kinds of Himalayan birds.

Whether you want an easy walk or a challenging hike, Nainital has something for everyone. Pack your bags, put on your hiking shoes, and get ready to explore the best treks in Nainital with our Uttarakhand Tour Packages

Best Treks in Nainital

• Naini Peak
• Snow view point
• Dorothy’s Tiffin Top
• Land’s End
• Pangot and Kilbury Trek
• Guano Hills
• Cave Garden Trek
• Kunjkharak Trek
• Binayak Trek
• Bara Pathar Trek
• Nainital Zoo Trek

1. Naini Peak (China Peak)

The trek is moderately easy, making it great for both beginners and experienced trekkers. As you go up, the air becomes cooler and fresher. You might even see some local wildlife like birds, squirrels, and deer along the way. The path is clear and easy to follow.

At the top, you get a 360-degree view of Nainital. You can see the whole town and its lovely lakes. On clear days, you can also see the snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas, including Nanda Devi, the second-highest mountain in India. Many people start the trek early in the morning to catch the sunrise from the top. The early morning light over the mountains and lakes is beautiful and perfect for photos. You might also like to check the best things to do in Uttarakhand for your next visit. Some trekkers bring a picnic to enjoy at the top. It’s a peaceful and rewarding place to relax after the hike. It is among the best Treks in Nainital Uttarakhand.

• Length: Approximately 6-7 km one way
• Time Taken: 4-5 hours round trip
• Difficulty Level: Moderate

2. Snow View Point

At Snow View Point, you get a stunning view of the Himalayan ranges. You can see peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nanda Kot, which are often covered in snow. The trek is gentle, allowing you to enjoy nature without much effort. 

The forest is full of the sounds of birds, making the walk very pleasant. There are several resting spots along the way where you can take a break and enjoy the surroundings. At the top, there’s a viewing platform with binoculars for a closer look at the mountains. You can also find small tea stalls where you can enjoy a hot drink while taking in the view. It is among the best Treks in Nainital Uttarakhand.

• Length: Approximately 3 km one way
• Time Taken: 2-3 hours round trip
• Difficulty Level: Easy

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3. Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat)

The path to Tiffin Top winds through forests of oak, deodar, and pine trees. The fresh air and peaceful environment make the trek delightful. You can hear birds and see different plants along the way. It’s also a great place for bird watching.

There are many viewpoints on the way to Tiffin Top. Each one offers a different view of the landscape, from rolling hills to deep valleys. The light and shadows on the land are especially beautiful in the morning or afternoon.

At the top, Tiffin Top offers a 360-degree view of Nainital and the surrounding areas. There’s a large, open space where you can sit and relax. Many trekkers bring lunch or snacks to enjoy here, which is why it’s called Tiffin Top. It’s a perfect place to rest and enjoy the views. It is among the best Treks in Nainital Uttarakhand.

• Length: Approximately 4 km one way
• Time Taken: 3-4 hours round trip
• Difficulty Level: Moderate

4. Land’s End

The trail to Land’s End starts from the outskirts of Nainital and goes through thick forests. The path is well-worn and easy to follow, though it can be slippery after rain. Good hiking shoes are recommended. As you climb, the forest gets denser and the air cooler.

The forest is full of different trees, plants, and animals. You might see birds, small animals, and even deer. The forest is beautiful in the spring when the trees and plants bloom.

At the top, Land’s End offers a spectacular view of Khurpatal Lake, deep in the valley. The clear blue lake against the green hills is a beautiful sight. It’s a great place to sit and relax, enjoying the peace. It is among the best Treks in Nainital.

• Length: Approximately 2-3 km one way
• Time Taken: 1-2 hours round trip
• Difficulty Level: Moderate

5. Pangot and Kilbury Trek

The trail starts from Nainital and heads to the small village of Pangot. The path is clear and winds through beautiful forests, offering many chances to see birds and other wildlife. Over 580 bird species live here, including the Himalayan griffon, blue-winged minla, and rufous-bellied woodpecker.

Walking through the forest, you’ll hear birds singing and leaves rustling. The fresh air and peaceful environment make the trek delightful. There are several viewpoints along the way where you can stop and enjoy the scenerary.

The trek continues to Kilbury, another great spot for bird watching. Kilbury is known for its bird sanctuary, which attracts bird lovers from all over the world. The sanctuary is home to many rare and exotic birds. It is among the best Treks in Nainital.

The trail then loops back to Nainital, making a circuit that offers a wonderful mix of natural beauty and wildlife. The Pangot and Kilbury trek is a great way to enjoy the biodiversity of the area. It is among the most sought-after 1-day trek in Nainital.

• Length: Approximately 15-20 km round trip
• Time Taken: 6-8 hours
• Difficulty Level: Moderate

6. Guano Hills

The trail to Guano Hills goes through thick forests of oak, bamboo, and deodar trees. The path is clear and offers plenty of shade. The forest is home to many animals, including birds and small mammals. 

Bird watching is one of the highlights of the Guano Hills trek. The forest is home to birds like the black-chinned babbler and the grey woodpecker. The peaceful environment and bird songs make the trek enjoyable.

At the top, there’s a clearing with a stunning view of the hills and valleys. It’s a great spot to sit and relax. Many trekkers bring a picnic to enjoy at the top. The trek back to Nainital follows the same path, offering a different view on the return journey. The Guano Hills trek is a wonderful way to enjoy nature and a peaceful walk through the forest.

• Length: Approximately 5-6 km round trip
• Time Taken: 2-3 hours
• Difficulty Level: Easy

7. Cave Garden Trek

The trail to the Eco Cave Gardens starts from the center of Nainital and goes through a forested area. The path is well-maintained and easy to follow. As you walk, you’ll enjoy the fresh air and peaceful sounds of nature.

The Eco Cave Gardens have six interconnected caves, each representing a different animal. The caves are well-lit and safe, though some passages are narrow and require crawling. Exploring the caves is fun, especially for kids.

After exploring the caves, you can continue to a nearby viewpoint that offers a beautiful view of Nainital and the hills. The viewpoint is a great place to sit and relax. Many trekkers bring a snack or picnic to enjoy while taking in the view.

The trek back to Nainital follows the same path, offering a different perspective on the return. The Cave Garden Trek is a fun way to experience Nainital’s natural beauty and attractions. It is among the best Treks in Nainital.

• Length: Approximately 2 km round trip
• Time Taken: 1-2 hours
• Difficulty Level: Easy

8. Kunjkharak Trek

The trail to Kunjkharak starts from Nainital and heads into the forested hills. The path is well-marked but steep in places, making it a challenging trek. The forest is home to many animals, including birds and small mammals.

As you climb, the forest gets denser and the air cooler. The path winds through forests of oak, pine, and rhododendron trees. The sounds of birds and leaves add to the peaceful atmosphere.

There are many viewpoints along the way. Each offers a different view of the landscape, from rolling hills to deep valleys. The light and shadows on the land are especially beautiful in the morning or afternoon.

At the top of Kunjkharak, you get a stunning view of the mountains and valleys. The sight of the snow-capped peaks against the blue sky is charming. It’s a great spot to sit and relax, enjoying the peace.

The trek back to Nainital follows the same path, offering a different perspective on the return. The Kunjkharak trek is a wonderful way to enjoy the natural beauty and a challenging adventure in the mountains. It is among the famous 2-day trek in Nainital. 

• Length: Approximately 36 km round trip
• Time Taken: 2 days
• Difficulty Level: Challenging

9. Binayak Trek

The trail to Binayak starts from Nainital and heads into the forested hills. The path is clear but steep in places, making it a challenging trek. The forest is home to many animals, including birds and small mammals.

As you climb, the forest gets denser and the air cooler. The path winds through forests of oak, pine, and rhododendron trees.

There are many viewpoints along the way. Each offers a different view of the landscape, from rolling hills to deep valleys. The light and shadows on the land are especially beautiful in the morning or afternoon.

At the top of Binayak, you get a stunning view of the mountains and valleys. The sight of the snow-capped peaks against the blue sky is mesmerizing. It’s a great spot to sit and relax, enjoying the peace.

The trek back to Nainital follows the same path, offering a different perspective on the return. The Binayak trek is a wonderful way to enjoy the natural beauty and a challenging adventure in the mountains. It is among the best Treks in Nainital.

• Length: Approximately 6-7 km one way
• Time Taken: 4-5 hours round trip
• Difficulty Level: Challenging

10. Bara Pathar Trek

The trail to Bara Pathar starts from the outskirts of Nainital and winds through forests of oak, pine, and rhododendron trees. The path is well-marked and offers plenty of shade, making it comfortable even on sunny days. The forest is home to many animals, including birds and small mammals.

As you walk, you’ll enjoy the fresh air and peaceful sounds of nature. There are several resting spots along the trail where you can take a break and enjoy the surroundings.

At the top of Bara Pathar, there’s a viewpoint offering a view of the hills and valleys. The sight of the rolling hills and green valleys is beautiful, especially in the morning or afternoon light. It’s a great spot to sit and relax, enjoying the peace. It is among the best Treks in Nainital.

The trek back to Nainital follows the same path, offering a different perspective on the return. The Bara Pathar trek is a wonderful way to enjoy the natural beauty of the region and a pleasant walk through the forest.

• Length: Approximately 4 km one way
• Time Taken: 3-4 hours round trip
• Difficulty Level: Easy

11. Nainital Zoo Trek

The trail to the Nainital Zoo starts from the center of Nainital and goes through a forested area. The path is well-maintained and easy to follow, offering a pleasant walk through the trees. As you walk, you’ll enjoy the fresh air and peaceful sounds of nature.

The Nainital Zoo is home to many animals, including Himalayan black bears, snow leopards, and va’rious bird species. The zoo is well-maintained and offers a great chance to see these animals up close. There are several enclosures and viewing platforms where you can watch the animals in their natural habitats.

After exploring the zoo, you can continue to a nearby viewpoint offering a stunning view of Nainital and the hills. The viewpoint is a great place to sit and relax, enjoying the beauty of the landscape. Many trekkers bring a snack or picnic to enjoy while taking in the view.

The trek back to Nainital follows the same path, offering a different perspective on the return. The Nainital Zoo trek is a fun way to enjoy Nainital’s beauty and explore its attractions.

• Length: Approximately 1-2 km one way
• Time Taken: 1-2 hours round trip
• Difficulty Level: Easy