Route library · Camping · Camping
Delhi to Pangot Forest Camp
Pangot sits in dense oak-and-rhododendron forest above Nainital at about 2,100 m, a small hamlet built almost entirely around birding — over 200 species recorded in the surrounding hills, from Himalayan woodpeckers to the occasional pheasant. It is a genuine ride-and-camp trip rather than a lake-town weekend.
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At a glance
- Round trip
- About 620–660 km
- Riding time
- 8–9 hours each way
- Nights
- One night is enough for a taste of the birding; two lets you do a proper dawn and dusk circuit
- Start point
- Delhi (via Kathgodam and Nainital)
- Highest point
- About 2,100 m at Pangot
- Difficulty
- Moderate. Good hill roads to Nainital, then a narrower, quieter forest road for the last stretch.
- Surface
- Sealed to Nainital; the Pangot approach narrows but stays paved
- Best season
- October to June for riding conditions; birding itself is good most of the year, with winter (November–February) and spring migration the standout windows.
The ride
Delhi → Kathgodam → Nainital → Pangot, a straightforward climb to the lake town followed by a quieter forest road that peels away from the crowds almost immediately. The last stretch through oak and rhododendron is where the character changes — genuinely still, genuinely wild-feeling.
Camp or take a forest lodge at Pangot itself, and spend the early mornings on the birding trails — this is one of the more reliable spots in the Kumaon hills for a serious birder, and rewarding even for a casual one. Kilbury, a short ride further, extends the same forest and the same birding quality.
Day by day
Delhi to Pangot
Delhi → Kathgodam → Nainital → Pangot (8–9 hours). Settle into camp and take an evening walk if there's light.
The birding circuit
A full dawn-to-dusk day on the forest trails around Pangot and Kilbury. This is the point of the trip — go slow.
Pangot to Delhi
Back through Nainital and Kathgodam. Start reasonably early to clear the plains before afternoon heat.
Fuel & services
- Fuel is easy to Nainital — Kathgodam and Nainital both have pumps.
- Pangot itself has no fuel — top up fully at Nainital before the final approach.
- Pangot has a small number of forest lodges and camps geared specifically toward birders; book ahead in peak season (October–March).
Road & conditions
Sealed to Nainital in good condition; the road on to Pangot narrows and quietens noticeably, still paved but slower going with tighter bends through the forest. This route sees far less traffic than the main Nainital circuit, which is most of its appeal.
Bike, fuel & getting help
- Suggested bike
- Fine on a well-maintained 150–200cc commuter.
- Fuel gap
- Longest dry stretch is short — a normal tank covers it with margin if you fill up at Nainital.
- Spare fuel
- None needed for this route.
- Emergency & logistics
- The nearest well-equipped hospital is the valley/district town, one to two hours off; signal is patchy above the bazaar; carry the group lead's number and an emergency card.
Best time to ride
October to June for the ride itself. For birding specifically, winter (November–February) brings a good mix of resident species and some winter visitors, while spring (March–May) adds breeding activity and colour. The monsoon is lush but wet, with reduced visibility on the forest trails.
What to add to your kit
Beyond the standard ride kit: binoculars, camping gear if you're not booking a lodge, and a warm layer for forest evenings. Nothing technical for the ride.
Ride this with a group
We run Pangot as a ride-and-camp weekend for riders who want a genuine forest camp rather than a lake-town stay — bring binoculars if you have them.