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Description
Pangot is a village situated at approximately 2,000m altitude. The surrounding area offers a diverse mix of oak, pine, and rhododendron forests that support rare Himalayan endemics and altitudinal migrants.
Expert-led excursions and self-guided walks typically follow these key routes: Kilbury Road (Naina Devi Bird Reserve) (1): A stretch between Nainital and Pangot passing through dense forests, ideal for mixed-species "bird waves". Timla Pani to Vinayak Point (2): This scenic trail is the most reliable spot for the Cheer Pheasant and Himalayan Griffon. Woodpecker Point (3): Located about 2 km from Pangot, this is a prime location for the Himalayan Woodpecker and Rufous-bellied Woodpecker. Pokhra Dhar (4): A level 2 km walk via an old British bridle path leading to a shallow pool (Pokhar) that attracts Maroon Oriole and Verditer Flycatcher. Pangot Nalla (5): A perennial stream flanked by rhododendrons, known for Spotted Forktail, Long-billed Thrush and Brown Wood-Owl.
Details
Access
Pangot is located just 15 km from Nainital. The drive from Nainital takes about 45 minutes and passes through the scenic Naina Devi Bird Reserve, Snow View Point, and Kilbury. You can reach Pangot via several modes of transport, typically starting from Delhi (approx. 310–320 km away).
By Road: This is the most common route. From Delhi, the drive takes 7–8 hours via Hapur, Moradabad, and Haldwani. You can take a bus from ISBT Anand Vihar to Haldwani or Kathgodam and then hire a taxi to Pangot.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, approximately 50 km away. Popular trains from Delhi include the Kathgodam Shatabdi (quickest at ~5.5 hours), Ranikhet Express, and Sampark Kranti. From the station, a taxi to Pangot takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
By Air: The closest domestic airport is Pantnagar Airport (PGH), about 58–80 km from Pangot. It has direct flights from Delhi. Taxis from the airport to Pangot take roughly 2.5 to 3 hours.
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , Mountain , Scattered trees and bushes , Plateau , ValleyConditions
HillyCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
Spring , Autumn , WinterBest time to visit
Spring , WinterRoute
Paved roadDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
CarBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
These lodges are specifically designed for birders and often have expert guides on staff:
Jungle Lore Birding Lodge: India's oldest birding lodge, highly recommended by reviewers for its knowledgeable guides (like Kundan and Puran Joshi) and the ability to see 40+ species from the lodge premises.
Kafal House: A valley-facing option praised for its hospitality and proximity to birding trails.
The Nest Cottages: Another popular choice for birding enthusiasts in the region.