Almora is an old hill town on a ridge in the Kumaon hills, and Binsar, a short drive away, is a protected forest of oak, rhododendron and pine with sweeping views of the Himalaya. Together they’re the peaceful first chapter of our Kumaon tour.
- Almora altitude: about 1,650 m
- Binsar: about 30 km from Almora, inside Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Highlights: Zero Point viewpoint, forest walks, birding, Kasar Devi, Jageshwar
- Our tour: Kumaon Himalaya 7N/8D, ₹24,500 per person
Almora
- Mall Road and Lala Bazaar: an old stone-paved bazaar with copperware and bal mithai, Almora’s famous sweet.
- Kasar Devi temple: a hilltop temple with valley views, associated with Swami Vivekananda’s visit.
- Bright End Corner: a popular sunset point.
- Jageshwar temples: a cluster of more than a hundred stone temples in a deodar forest, about 35 km away.
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
Binsar protects a dense forest that was once the summer capital of the Chand kings.
- Zero Point: a short forest walk leads to a viewpoint with a Himalayan panorama – Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Trishul, Nanda Devi and Panchachuli on clear days.
- Birding: more than 200 species, including the Himalayan monal and many woodpeckers and laughing thrushes.
- Wildlife: barking deer, goral and, rarely, leopards.
- Silence: Binsar has very limited electricity and no noisy town – that’s its charm.
Best time to visit
- October and November: the clearest Himalayan views.
- March to May: rhododendrons in bloom and pleasant weather.
- June to September: monsoon – lush, but views are often hidden.
- December to February: cold, sometimes with snow.
Almora and Binsar in our Kumaon tour
- Day 1: pick-up at Lalkuan and drive to Almora.
- Day 2: transfer to Binsar for a night in the forest.
- Day 3: on to Munsiyari.
The tour continues to Kausani and Nainital.
Tips
- Carry a torch – power cuts are common in Binsar.
- Pay the sanctuary entry fee at the gate.
- Wake early for the best views from Zero Point.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Binsar from Almora?
About 30 km, roughly an hour by road.
What is Zero Point in Binsar?
A viewpoint reached by a short forest walk inside Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, with a wide Himalayan panorama.
Which peaks can be seen from Binsar?
On clear days, Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Trishul, Nanda Devi and Panchachuli among others.
What is the best time to visit Binsar?
October and November for clear views; March to May for rhododendrons.
Is there electricity in Binsar?
Supply is limited inside the sanctuary. Carry a torch and power bank.
What is Almora famous for?
Its old bazaar, bal mithai, copperware, Kasar Devi temple and nearby Jageshwar temples.
Are Almora and Binsar included in your Kumaon tour?
Yes, on Days 1 and 2 of our Kumaon Himalaya tour.
How do I book?
Tap "Book on WhatsApp" on the Kumaon package page or message +91 89102 77805.
