Pangot is a village in Nainital’s Kosiyakutoli tehsil in Uttarakhand. Situated at an elevation of 1,980 metres, Pangot is located 13 km from Nainital and serves as a popular hill station for tourists looking to beat the crowd in Nainital. With more than 580 different bird species in the village, it is one of the most popular spots in the state for bird watchers. While travelling to Pangot from Nainital, you’ll mass through the forested area of the Naina Peak range. Pangot offers a spectacular way of the magnificent Nanda Devi. A hub for tourism and adventure activities, Pangot is a must visit a place in Uttarakhand.
Why Visit Pangot?
Pangot is a very famous bird watching destination. The weather here is tourist friendly throughout the year and the snow-clad mountain peaks act as natural scenery, making the village look like a painting.From adventure seekers to honeymooners, Pangot is an ideal tourist spot for everyone. The peaceful atmosphere here will make you forget about the tiring city life. Guarded by thick Oak and Pine forests, Pangot is all about mountains, freshwater streams and greenery.
Things to do in the beautiful Pangot?
You can explore the village in 2-3 days and during this stay, there are several things you can try to make your trip even more enjoyable. Here are some of the activities you can indulge in while exploring Pangot.
- Trekking: Being in a mountainous region, Pangot is not devoid of trekking routes or hiking trails. There are some adventurous treks that pass through lush green forests that go all the way down to the valley. One of the most famous treks in the village is from Pangot to Naina Peak. Besides this, there are several other moderate-level treks that you can choose from depending upon the time you have in your hands. The trek to Corbett National Park is another very famous trek.
- Bird Watching: Bird Watching is what makes Pangot so special. Myriads species of birds inhabit the region with more than 500 different species being recorded here. The birds that inhabit the region include the blue-winged minla, lammergeyer, Himalayan griffon and khalij peasant.
- Camping: Camping in the mountains is something that you’ll never get tired of. The view of the clear sky with millions of sparkling stars in the night and the mesmerising sunrise early morning will help you discover yourself. There’s nothing better than sleeping under the clear sky surrounded by thick forests and the majestic Himalayan ranges with delicious food and a soothing campfire.
Also Read, A Beautiful Hamlet that is yet to be Discovered
Even if you are a solo traveler, there are a lot of things that you can enjoy in Pangot. The place treats every traveller well.
Despite being just 13 km away from Nainital, Pangot doesn’t attract much crowd as it remains hidden from the eyes of regular tourists. This is the reason that makes Pangot a must visit a place for anyone looking for solitude and a peaceful stay. The rich flora in the region makes it a heaven for nature lovers.
How To Reach Pangot?
The best way to reach Pangot is by road. The distance between Delhi and Pangot is 340 kms and the journey time is nearly 7.5 hours. NH 24 and NH 87 are the two highways that you’ll need to take to reach Pangot. The Cheena Peak Range will fall on the way from Delhi to Pangot. You can also stop to visit the Snow View Point and Kilbury before reaching the village. While the distance between Nainital and Pangot is 13 km it may take several hours to cover the distance– not because of the road condition but because of the mesmerising views that fall on the way.
The best way to explore Pangot is by walking. It is a small hill village with a lot of landscapes and natural views. But if you want to visit the adjoining area, you can easily find taxis in Pangot. There are a lot of adventurous activities to indulge in the village. Mountain biking, trekking and camping are among some of the adventurous activities to enjoy in the village.
There are a lot of homestays in Pangot where you can enjoy a peaceful stay. You can either book them online or book a stay upon arriving in the village.