The Delhi to Nainital road trip has been on my bucket list ever since I bought my Avenger 160CC. I like to call it my Iron Bull but jokes aside, I just haven’t found the perfect time to get started because shortly after I bought it, I had an accident, and since then, I’ve been afraid of going on long bike trips. However, I managed to overcome my fear, and one fine day, while I was reminiscing about my early adventurous journeys, I suddenly felt a surge of adrenaline rush through my veins which gave me confidence hence I packed my stuff and set off for the long-awaited Delhi to Nainital road trip by bike.

Route Selection: I opted for the following route, known for its scenic beauty and smooth roads:

• Delhi to Moradabad: 165 km
• Moradabad to Kaladhungi: 70 km
• Kaladhungi to Pangot: 35 km
• Pangot to Nainital: 15 km
• Nainital to Kainchidham: 17 km
• Kainchidham to Mukteshwar: 45 km

This route covers approximately 347 km and can be completed in stages, allowing for ample time to explore each destination.

Bike Preparation: Ensuring the bike is in top-notch condition is crucial:

• Oil Change: Ensured the engine oil was fresh and at the correct level.
• Tires: Checked for wear and tear, ensuring proper pressure.
• Brakes: Verified the brakes were functioning correctly.
• Lights: Confirmed all lights, including indicators, were working.

Delhi To Nainital Road trip – Pangot – Nainital – Kainchidham – Bhimtal

When I started my journey and planned the trip from Delhi to Nainital Road the travel itinerary was only for one day, I had only intended for a one-day trip to Nainital. But as I revved my bike, I felt my mind racing too. I stopped the bike when I reached Moradabad, checked the map, and realized it would be a waste to go to Nainital and return the next day. So, I decided to take the adventure to the next level. My new plan included Pangot, then Nainital, followed by Sattal Lake, Kainchi Dham, Mukteshwar, Bhimtal, and finally back to Delhi so the road trip which was unplanned now abruptly turned into a planned road trip which is going to include many other tourist attractions too for my memories, for your surprised I also planned for Hanuman Garhi too.

Back to Delhi Day One – Delhi – Kaladhungi – Pangot

To avoid traffic, I started my journey around 4 am from the heart of Delhi, Connaught Place. My first halt was at Moga Punjabi Dhaba, established in 1969, near Amroha, Moradabad around 5:15 am.

I covered almost 118 km and had some snacks like chai with pakoda. I started again around 5:35 am. The next stop was at the Jim Corbett Museum, Kaladhungi. I covered approximately 140 km this time and had breakfast there. I reached the Jim Corbett Museum around 7:10 am. So far, the Delhi to Nainital road trip was going well. I took some pictures and videos, then started again directly to Pangot. Guys, I would not recommend the TANDA > Bazpur route to reach Kaladhungi. It is in terrible condition. Although I was riding a bike and it was early in the morning, I expected to reach Kaladhungi by 6:30 am, but due to the bad condition of the road, it took almost 3.5 hours to get there from Delhi.

The Tanda > Bazpur road is a single lane with many potholes, so plan your trip accordingly. This route is in terrible condition, and I would not recommend it. Instead, you can take the Moradabad > Haldwani route. Although it will add more miles to your journey, this route is much better than the one I took. I reached Pangot around 9:30 am and I hoped to reach much earlier till 8.00 am.

I took my first halt at Pangot on this Delhi to Nainital road trip. You will need to take a left turn after Suicide Point in Nainital. The route to Pangot is a single-lane road, and I would not recommend it during the rainy season. However, the entire route offers beautiful scenic views with dense forests around, so drive carefully while enjoying the journey.

Once you take a left turn, you will be on a road called Kilbury Road, which leads to Pangot. This route is famous for many sightseeing options such as Nainital View Point, Snow View Point, Himalayan Darshan Point, Satyanarayan Temple, and Snow Valley.

I spent almost the entire day at Pangot while visiting all of the nearby sightseeing options, visiting the bird sanctuary, as I love birds, and enjoying the views of the Himalayan range. Then I moved on to Nainital around 3.30 P.m. This “Delhi To Nainital Road Trip” boosted my confidence, and I felt so blessed. I would like to thank my family for believing in me.

If you plan a Delhi to Nainital road trip and visit Nainital first, you will need to plan the other sightseeing spots around Nainital separately. However, if you follow my suggestion and visit Pangot first, take Kilbury Road to reach Pangot. This route covers many of the sightseeing spots, that you won’t need to plan separately in your Nainital tour package later. This way, you won’t have to come back or make separate plans. One  most spectacular places I would recommend if you visit pangot then it would Brahmsthali Temple, I show why,

You will have the most mind-blowing view and nature there. Hence if you are planning a Delhi to Nainital road trip then must visit this temple.

I reached Mallital around 4.00 pm and, at first I thought to have a walking tour of Nainilake from Mallital to Tallital, Nainital but as I was tired from the whole day’s journey so dropped the plan, I must say, I never imagined this Delhi to Nainital Road trip was going to be life-changing for me.

As I did not plan anything before so I searched a lot for the best budget stay in Nainital but I couldn’t find one cheap stay in Nainital on Delhi to Nainital road trip, hence I opted for Dharmshala stay which was at Nainital – Haldwani road, “Lalaparma shiv all Dharamshala which cost me only 135 Rs for one night stay and for lunch, dinner or snacks they too have one small shop, Thali rate start from 80 Rs so this may help for those who are like me “NomadPunjabiTraveler”

Once I got settled and kept my luggage in my room at the Dharamshala in Nainital, I had lunch and then went straight for a boat ride at Nainital Lake. It was such a peaceful experience, and it cost me around 320 Rs. After that, I checked out Mall Road in Nainital, A walking tour of Nainilake, Mall Road Nainital.

As I was very tired from the whole day’s journey and sightseeing, I went to bed around 8:00 pm, the night of Nainital.  For the rest of the trip, I would suggest the Delhi to Nainital road trip route: Delhi > Moradabad > Kaladhungi > Pangot > Nainital.

Day 2 Nainital 

On the second day at Nainital, I woke up around 6.00 Am, freshened up, and went to Naina Devi mandir, Nainital for darshan, and then had breakfast. One more important thing I would like to mention is that budget travelers can also stay at Nainital Gurudwara Sahib, you need to pay 300/- per person and submit the Aadhar card Hence you have another budget stay at Nainital in your Delhi To Nainital Road trip also I would say plan your trip itinerary in such way that you need not to carry extra burden in your bags.

This Nainital trip from Delhi till now was so good, I visited almost all the famous places at Nainital. Trek lovers also enjoy the trek to Tifin top, Naina Peak the highest point of Nainital. Now the time to move forward to the next destination none other than our beloved deity Lord Hanuman, Shree Hanuman Garhi, Nainital, continuing my Delhi to Nainital road trip I reached Hanuman Garhi around noon. I felt so much blessed. Hanuman Garhi Mandir, Nainital is just 3 km away from Tallital,Nainital. One can opt for the motorable way to reach the mandir or opt for the trekking path too once you reach there.

To reach Hanuman Garhi Mandir either a shared taxi or a local roadway buses are available, as locals told me Shree Neem Karori Baba first visited this place and established this mandir then he moved to kainchidham.

After visiting the Mandir, I went to the most famous place near Nainital “Kainchidham Mandir, Shree Neem Karori Baba” The Distance from Hanuman Garhi, Nainital to Kainchidham was approx 20 Km which took only 40 minutes to bike ride. Now the time was 2.30 Pm. I went for darshan and then had lunch there at dhaba. One can stay here, there are many homestays which will cost you 700- to 2500 per night else if you are coming to kainchidham via train or roadways bus than can stay at Haldwani or Kathgodam because from there it will hardly take the 1-hour journey and you will reach here by sharing a cab or local transport. As it was already 4.15 pm, I decided to stay at kainchidham and planned to move in the next morning for Mukteshwar so then I could extend my Delhi to Nainital road trip.

I am sharing the direct contact number for some homestay at Neem Karori Baba, Kainchidham. Even if you don’t want to stay and just want to get refreshed then pay 100 each and can have a bath at any homestay there.

Budget stay in kainchidham

Nirmal Homestay – 9069492482,  Bhagwati Homestay – 9711772981,  Krishna Homestay – 9769113984 / 9690978081,  Maruti Homestay – 9411199131,  Sampuranand Homestay – 953640399,  Tiwari Homestay – 7895319267 , Trishul Homestay – 8126433219

Route Map from Kainchidham > Bhowali > RamGarh > Satbunga > Kasiyalekh > Mukteshwar.

I left Kainchidham early in the morning around 6.00 am and reached Mukteshwar at 7.00 am, you can also check my YouTube video for kainchidham visit . During the ride, I stopped at many points just to take in the scenic views of nature. There are many viewpoints between Kainchidham, Bhowali, and then to Mukteshwar.

While driving, I was thinking that if my Delhi to Nainital road trip was successful, I would plan a Ladakh road trip next. As the tour was successful, I will share my experience with you in the next article, detailing the road trip from Delhi to Ladakh.

Once I reached Mukteshwar, I explored new activities and thought about extending my Delhi to Nainital road trip to Kausani, Karanprayag, Auli, and Joshimath. However, I decided to drop that plan and finalized my next destination as Bhimtal via Sunderkhal, Dhanachuli, Kutani, Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal, and then back to Delhi.

Day 3rd Mukteshwar 

If you are coming from Bhowali to Mukteshwar right road will go straight to Sattal, bhimtal and this left turn will lead to Mukteshwar. Mukteshwar is known for its magnificent scenic views and waterfall and sunset, sunrise points. Have a look at sunset from Mukteshwar.

I also checked Mukteshwar Temple  which is almost 350 years old Lord Shiva Temple, from the temple you can enjoy the Nanda Devi mountain.

One can also enjoy the BhaluGaad waterfall, Chauli ki Jaali famous for paragliding, river rafting, and rock climbing then Tarikhet waterfall, Dhokaney Waterfall, and Rudradhari Waterfall. These are some of the famous points at Mukteshwar. Well after paying my devotion to Lord Siva I went to Bhimtal on the same day then to Naukuchiatal and finally back to Delhi and this Delhi to Nainital road trip reached to it end.

Have a look at Bhimtal

Best Time to Visit Nainital and Nearby Places

The best time to visit Nainital and nearby places is from March to June and September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant with clear skies and cool temperatures. The monsoon season (July to August) brings heavy rainfall, making travel difficult. Winter (December to February) is cold, with occasional snowfall, adding a unique charm.

Conclusion

The Delhi to Nainital road trip on a bike was an unforgettable adventure that helped me a lot lift my fear of riding the bike again after my accident. The journey is filled with beautiful landscapes, serene temples, and adventure activities(I must say instead of doing adventurous activities at Khurpatal, can opt for Sarita tall or at Mukteshwar) and opportunities to connect with nature. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or looking for a weekend getaway, this trip offers something for everyone. So, pack your bags, fuel your bike, and set out on an adventure of a lifetime.

Well, my friends, I’ll conclude my journey here. If anyone has any doubts or wants clear guidance for the Delhi to Nainital road trip, or trips to Kainchidham, Mukteshwar, Saritatal, and Bhimtal, feel free to comment or visit my Instagram or YouTube channel.

Road Map

Creating a road map for the journey helps navigate different routes and plan stops. Here’s a simple road map:

Delhi -> Hapur -> Moradabad -> Tanda -> Bazpur -> Pangot ->Nainital ->Kainchidham -> Mukteshwar -> Bhimtal -> Sattal ->Haldwani -> Moradabad -> Hapur – > Delhi.

If you need any more assistance or have other questions, feel free to ask! 😊