Binsar Trek
Inclusion:
Accommodation
Meals
All Permits
Expert Trek Leader & Guide
Binsar Trek — Guide, Dates & Cost
Binsar Trek is a 2-day easy trek in Almora, Uttarakhand, reaching 2,250 m (7,382 ft). It covers about 20 km on foot and starts at Binsar and ends at Jageshwar. Best time: September to June. Trekkaro price: ₹3,600 per person + 5% GST, with Free Trekking Gear (Decathlon shoes, -10°C jacket, poles, gaiters and microspikes; ₹3,000 refundable deposit + ₹200 washing). Next batch: 24 Oct 2026 (40 upcoming batches).
Updated
District: Almora
Duration: 2 Days
Difficulty Level: Easy
Highest Altitude: 2,250 m / 7,382 ft
Trekking Distance: 20 Km
Temperature: Autumn (Sep-Nov): Day 15°C to 24°C, Night 5°C to 12°C | Winter (Dec-Feb): Day 8°C to 15°C, Night -3°C to 4°C | Spring/Summer (Mar-Jun): Day 15°C to 27°C, Night 6°C to 15°C
Binsar is the kind of forest you hear before you see: the call of a barking deer, wind moving through old oak, a flock of laughingthrushes chattering somewhere below the path. This short Kumaon trek walks you through the heart of the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary and on to the temple town of Jageshwar, with the snow wall of Nanda Devi, Trishul and Panchachuli appearing between the trees. Two days, one night, and a very different Himalaya from the crowded trails of Garhwal.
The Binsar trek lies in Almora district, Uttarakhand, in the Kumaon hills about 30 km north of Almora town. It is a 2-day, one-way trek of about 20 km. Day 1 starts inside the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary at about 2,250 m (7,382 ft) and descends 7 km through forest to the village of Dhaulchina at 1,860 m (6,102 ft). Day 2 climbs to the hilltop shrine of Vriddha Jageshwar at about 2,250 m (7,382 ft) and comes down through deodar forest to the ancient stone temples of Jageshwar at 1,870 m (6,135 ft). Pickup and drop are at Kathgodam Railway Station.
The Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary was set up in 1988 to protect the oak and rhododendron forests of the Jhandi Dhar hills, and covers about 45 km². It is home to leopard, Himalayan goral, barking deer and more than 200 species of birds. Jageshwar, at the far end of the trek, is a cluster of more than 125 stone temples dedicated to Shiva beside the Jata Ganga stream, one of the great pilgrimage sites of Kumaon. Between the two lie small Kumaoni villages, terraced fields and long ridgeline views of the high Himalaya.
Forests, Peaks and Temples – What Makes the Binsar Trek Unmissable
Most visitors to Binsar drive in, look at the view and drive out. On this trek you walk through the sanctuary instead, on forest paths where the only traffic is a villager with a bundle of fodder or a herd of goats. The oak forest here is old and dense, its trunks covered in moss and ferns, and in March and April the rhododendrons turn whole hillsides red. Walk quietly and you have a fair chance of seeing barking deer, goral on a grassy slope or a bright flash of a Himalayan bird crossing the trail.
What lifts the walk is the skyline. The ridges of Binsar face straight onto the Kumaon and Garhwal Himalaya, and on a clear morning the peaks line up for well over 200 km: Chaukhamba and Kedarnath far to the west, then Trishul, Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot and the five summits of Panchachuli to the east. The view from the high ground near Vriddha Jageshwar on Day 2 is one of the finest on the route, an open arc of snow above the forest.
And then the trek ends at Jageshwar. After a day and a half of forest and villages, you walk down through tall deodars into a valley filled with carved stone temples, some of them centuries old, with bells ringing and the stream running past. It is a rare thing for a weekend trek to finish somewhere so full of history, and it makes Binsar much more than a nature walk.
The Trail Itself
The Binsar trek follows old forest and village paths rather than a single marked trail. Day 1 is a gentle descent of about 400 m through oak and rhododendron forest inside the sanctuary, then out past fields to Dhaulchina, where the group spends the night. Day 2 is the longer day: a gradual climb of about 400 m through mixed forest and hamlets to Vriddha Jageshwar, followed by a long, gradual descent through pine and deodar to Jageshwar. There are no exposed sections and no steep scrambles; in winter, frost and the occasional patch of snow on the higher ground make the shaded paths slippery. Water is available from village taps and springs along the way, and your trek leader will tell you where to refill; carry two bottles, as the forest stretch inside the sanctuary has none.
Who Is This Trek For?
The Binsar trek is graded easy, and we recommend it for first-time trekkers, families with children who walk well, birdwatchers, photographers and anyone who wants a quiet weekend in the Kumaon forests. The harder day is Day 2: about 13 km and 5–6 hours on foot, with a gradual climb to Vriddha Jageshwar and a long descent to Jageshwar, followed by the drive to Kathgodam. Day 1 is a 7 km, 3–4 hour forest walk after a 5-hour drive. We recommend three to four weeks of preparation, with brisk walks of 8–10 km and some stair climbing. Children aged 8 and above can join with a parent or guardian. Above 60: a doctor’s fitness certificate is needed, and an ECG or TMT report is recommended. Season: September to June, with a break for the monsoon in July and August.
Key Highlights of the Binsar Trek
- A walk through the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary – dense oak and rhododendron forest, protected since 1988
- A long Himalayan skyline – Chaukhamba, Kedarnath, Trishul, Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot and Panchachuli on clear days
- Wildlife and birds – barking deer, goral and more than 200 bird species recorded in the sanctuary
- Vriddha Jageshwar – a small hilltop shrine at about 2,250 m (7,382 ft) with open views of the snow peaks
- The temples of Jageshwar – more than 125 stone temples to Shiva in a deodar valley beside the Jata Ganga
- Kumaoni villages – slate-roofed houses, terraced fields and a night in the village of Dhaulchina
- Rhododendrons in spring – red blooms across the forest in March and April
- A one-way route – new ground every hour, from sanctuary to temple town
Best Time to Do the Binsar Trek
The Binsar trek runs from September to June and pauses during the monsoon, when leeches, landslides on the mountain roads and thick cloud take the joy out of the forest. Each season brings out a different side of Binsar, from crystal-clear snow views to rhododendron forest in bloom.
September to November – Autumn (Clearest Views)
Autumn is the season for mountain views. The monsoon has cleared the air, the forest is still green and the peaks stand sharp against a deep blue sky, especially in October and November. Days are 15°C to 24°C and nights in Dhaulchina 5°C to 12°C, perfect weather for walking. We consider this the finest window for the Binsar trek.
December to February – Winter (Snow Views and Frosty Mornings)
Winter brings the cleanest skies of the year, frost on the fields and, after a western disturbance, a layer of snow on the higher ridges of the sanctuary and around Vriddha Jageshwar. Days are 8°C to 15°C and nights drop to -3°C to 4°C, so pack properly warm clothes. The snow peaks look closer than ever in the clear winter air.
March to June – Spring and Summer (Rhododendron Season)
In March and April the rhododendrons bloom across the sanctuary and the forest fills with birdsong, making spring a favourite with photographers and birdwatchers. May and June are warmer, and haze can blur the distant peaks, though mornings are clear. Across the season, days range from 15°C to 27°C and nights from 6°C to 15°C, a welcome escape from the heat of the plains.
Binsar Trek Cost and Booking in 2026
The Binsar trek costs ₹3,600 + 5% GST per person, for 2 days from Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary to Jageshwar, with Free Trekking Gear: Decathlon trekking shoes, a -10°C jacket, trekking poles, gaiters and microspikes. Meals, stays, permits and a certified trek leader are included; transport from Kathgodam is not included in the trek fee: we help the group book shared cabs, paid directly to the driver and split among trekkers. Book online on this page by choosing a batch date. Booking closes at 5 PM on the day before the trek, and you can reschedule once, free of charge, up to 8 days before departure.
📅 Best months for the Binsar Trek: most of the year (September to June). Still choosing dates? Compare all treks in October, treks in November, treks in December and treks in January.
🏃 Am I ready for the Binsar Trek? Take the free 2-minute fitness test and get your readiness score and a personal training plan.
Take the test →Trek Itinerary
Transport is not included in the trek fee: we help the group book shared cabs, paid directly to the driver and split among trekkers, from Kathgodam Railway Station at 06:00 AM to Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. Your trek coordinator will confirm the cab fare.
Day 1: Kathgodam to Binsar Sanctuary, Trek to Dhaulchina
Route Details:
Drive: Kathgodam → Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary (130 km, about 5 hrs) | Trek: Binsar → Dhaulchina | Distance: 7 km | Duration: 3–4 hrs | Altitude: 2,250 m → 1,860 m
We meet at Kathgodam Railway Station at 06:00 AM, in time for the overnight trains from Delhi. The shared cab climbs out of the plains past Bhimtal and on along the Kosi valley towards Almora, then turns north into the hills. It is a drive of about 130 km and 5 hours, with a breakfast stop on the way. Past Almora the road enters the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary and winds up through thick forest.
We start walking at about 2,250 m (7,382 ft), inside the sanctuary. After a briefing, pulse and oxygen checks and a short stretch, the trail sets off through old oak and rhododendron forest, with moss and ferns on the trunks and dry leaves underfoot. The path descends gently most of the way, so the walking is easy, and there is plenty of time to stop and look around.
This is the richest stretch of the trek for wildlife and birds. Walk quietly and listen for the sharp bark of a barking deer, or watch the open slopes for goral. Where the trees open up, the first views of the snow peaks appear to the north. Your trek leader will point out the peaks and help you spot birds; keep a packed lunch and water handy for a break in a clearing along the way.
Lower down, the forest gives way to fields and the first village houses, and after about 7 km and 3–4 hours you reach Dhaulchina at 1,860 m (6,102 ft). The night is spent in a simple guesthouse or homestay in the village. Evening tea, a walk to watch the sunset over the hills and an early, hot dinner round off the day.
What to Expect:
- 06:00 AM pickup at Kathgodam Railway Station
- Scenic 5-hour drive via the Kosi valley and Almora
- A gentle forest descent through the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Chances to see barking deer, goral and Himalayan birds
- First views of the snow peaks of Kumaon
- Overnight: guesthouse or homestay at Dhaulchina
Day 2: Dhaulchina to Jageshwar via Vriddha Jageshwar, Drive to Kathgodam
Route Details:
Trek: Dhaulchina → Vriddha Jageshwar → Jageshwar | Distance: 13 km | Duration: 5–6 hrs | Altitude: 1,860 m → 2,250 m → 1,870 m | Drive: Jageshwar → Kathgodam (about 125 km, 5 hrs)
Day 2 starts early, with breakfast at 06:30 AM and boots on by 07:30 AM, as there is a long walk and a long drive ahead. From Dhaulchina the trail climbs gradually through mixed forest of oak, pine and rhododendron, passing small hamlets and terraced fields where villagers are already at work. The gradient is gentle but steady; settle into a comfortable rhythm and take short breaks.
After about 3 hours you reach Vriddha Jageshwar at about 2,250 m (7,382 ft), a small, quiet shrine on the high ground above Jageshwar. Its name means ‘old Jageshwar’, and local belief holds that it predates the temples in the valley. On a clear day this is the main viewpoint of the trek, with Trishul, Nanda Devi and the peaks of Kumaon spread across the northern horizon. We stop here for a packed lunch.
From Vriddha Jageshwar the trail descends gradually for the rest of the day, first through open forest and then into tall deodar, the tree most closely linked with the Jageshwar valley. The path can be loose and dusty in dry months and frosty in winter, so trekking poles are useful. Your trek leader keeps the group together on the descent.
In the early afternoon the trees part and the temples of Jageshwar appear below, more than 125 stone shrines dedicated to Shiva beside the Jata Ganga stream. Take time to walk among them before the trek ends. From Jageshwar the shared cab drives back via Almora to Kathgodam, about 125 km and 5 hours, reaching the station between 06:30 PM and 07:30 PM depending on traffic and weather.
What to Expect:
- An early start and a gradual climb through village and forest
- Himalayan views from Vriddha Jageshwar at about 2,250 m (7,382 ft)
- Long, gentle descent through deodar forest
- The ancient stone temples of Jageshwar beside the Jata Ganga
- Evening drive back to Kathgodam, arriving 06:30–07:30 PM
- Overnight: no stay (trek ends at Jageshwar)
How To Reach
Nearest airport: Pantnagar Airport (PGH), about 30 km / 1 hr from Haldwani and Kathgodam, with direct flights from Delhi. The pickup is at 06:00 AM, so fly in the day before and stay near Kathgodam or Haldwani.
From Kathgodam to Binsar: 130 km, about 5 hrs by road via Bhimtal and Almora. Transport is not included in the trek fee: we help the group book shared cabs, paid directly to the driver and split among trekkers, from Kathgodam Railway Station at 06:00 AM. Your trek coordinator will confirm the cab fare.
Return: The trek ends at Jageshwar on Day 2, and the cab (not included in the trek fee) takes about 5 hrs, reaching Kathgodam between 06:30 PM and 07:30 PM. Book your flight home for the next day.
Nearest railway station: Kathgodam (KGM), which is also the pickup point, with direct trains from Delhi. For the 06:00 AM pickup, an overnight train from Delhi on the night before Day 1 is the easiest option.
- Ranikhet Express and other overnight trains – from Delhi, arriving early in the morning.
- Kathgodam Shatabdi and day trains – take them the day before the trek and stay near the station.
Check current timings before you book.
From Kathgodam to Binsar: 130 km, about 5 hrs by road via Bhimtal and Almora. Transport is not included in the trek fee: we help the group book shared cabs, paid directly to the driver and split among trekkers, from Kathgodam Railway Station at 06:00 AM. Your trek coordinator will confirm the cab fare.
Return: The cab (not included in the trek fee) is expected at Kathgodam between 06:30 PM and 07:30 PM on Day 2. Plan your train home for after 09:00 PM or the next day.
By bus: Overnight buses run from Delhi Anand Vihar ISBT to Haldwani, about 7–8 hrs. Prefer Uttarakhand Roadways (government) buses, and from Haldwani bus stand take an auto or cab to Kathgodam Railway Station, about 6 km and 15–20 min, in time for the 06:00 AM pickup.
From Kathgodam to Binsar: 130 km, about 5 hrs by road via Bhimtal and Almora. Transport is not included in the trek fee: we help the group book shared cabs, paid directly to the driver and split among trekkers, from the station. Your trek coordinator will confirm the cab fare.
Return: The cab (not included in the trek fee) reaches Kathgodam between 06:30 PM and 07:30 PM on Day 2. Plan your bus home from Haldwani for late night on Day 2 or the next day.
Things To Carry
Binsar is a short, low trek, so pack light, but Day 2 is a long walk followed by a 5-hour drive, and winter mornings in Dhaulchina are frosty: carry snacks, two water bottles and a warm layer that is easy to reach.
- Trekking shoes – Provided free with Trekkaro’s Free Trekking Gear (one refundable deposit of ₹3,000 + ₹200 washing charge covers the whole kit); your own broken-in pair with ankle support is welcome too.
- Trekking poles – Provided free with Trekkaro’s Free Trekking Gear; they save your knees on the descents.
- Microspikes and gaiters – Provided free with Trekkaro’s Free Trekking Gear, for the snow sections.
- Backpack (30–40 L) – with a rain cover.
- Day pack (20–30 L) – needed if you offload your main backpack; carries water and a warm layer.
- Two water bottles (1 L each) – an insulated one in the cold months.
- Headlamp – with spare batteries, for early starts and camp evenings.
- Lunch box – reusable, for packed lunch on the trail.
Nights at Dhaulchina are 5–12°C in autumn, 6–15°C in spring and summer and -3 to 4°C in winter: one fleece over thermal inners is enough in most months, while from December to February you need thermals, two fleece or woollen layers and the padded jacket.
- -10°C padded jacket – Provided free with Trekkaro’s Free Trekking Gear; your main warm layer at camp and on the high sections.
- Thermal inners (top and bottom) – 1 set, for camp and the night.
- Fleece jackets or woollen sweaters – 1 in the warmer months, 2 in the cold months.
- Rain jacket or poncho – for sudden showers or wet snow.
- Trek pants x2 – quick-dry, no jeans.
- Quick-dry collared T-shirts x2–3 – full sleeves protect from sun.
- Socks – 3–4 pairs: sports socks for walking and woollen socks for the night.
Keep these handy for the bright open sections and the cold evenings.
- Sun cap – for the open ridges and meadows.
- Woollen cap – covering the ears.
- Balaclava or buff – a balaclava in winter, a buff or scarf in other months.
- Gloves – a woollen pair plus a waterproof pair (essential in snow).
- UV sunglasses – for sun and snow glare.
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ and lip balm – for the exposed sections.
- Quick-dry towel and toiletries – small and light; no wet wipes, as they are not biodegradable.
- Plastic or ziploc bags – for wet clothes and to carry back your waste.
- Snacks – dry fruits, energy bars and chocolates for the trail.
- Power bank – there is no charging point on the trail.
- Personal medicines – and a small first-aid pouch; tell the trek leader what you carry.
- Cash in small notes – cards are not accepted on the trail.
- Original government photo ID – Aadhaar, passport, driving licence or voter ID, with a photocopy.
- Medical certificate signed by a doctor – download the format from your booking.
- Signed disclaimer form – from your booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Binsar Trek is a 2-day easy trek in Almora, Uttarakhand, reaching 2,250 m (7,382 ft). It covers about 20 km on foot and starts at Binsar and ends at Jageshwar. Best time: September to June. Trekkaro price: ₹3,600 per person + 5% GST, with Free Trekking Gear (Decathlon shoes, -10°C jacket, poles, gaiters and microspikes; ₹3,000 refundable deposit + ₹200 washing). Next batch: 24 Oct 2026 (40 upcoming batches).
The Binsar trek is in Almora district in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, about 30 km north of Almora town. It starts inside the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary at about 2,250 m, crosses the forest to Dhaulchina village for the night, and ends at the temple town of Jageshwar via Vriddha Jageshwar. Trekkaro’s pickup is at Kathgodam Railway Station at 06:00 AM on Day 1, followed by a 5-hour drive to the sanctuary.
The Binsar trek takes 2 days and 1 night from Kathgodam to Kathgodam. Day 1 is a 5-hour drive to the sanctuary and a 7 km, 3–4 hour forest walk to Dhaulchina. Day 2 is a 13 km, 5–6 hour walk via Vriddha Jageshwar to Jageshwar, then a 5-hour drive back to Kathgodam, arriving between 06:30 PM and 07:30 PM. The total trekking distance is about 20 km, so the whole trek fits into a weekend.
The highest point of the Binsar trek is about 2,250 m (7,382 ft), reached twice: at the start of the trail inside the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary on Day 1 and at Vriddha Jageshwar on Day 2. The night is spent lower, at Dhaulchina (1,860 m / 6,102 ft), and the trek ends at Jageshwar (1,870 m / 6,135 ft). At this altitude Acute Mountain Sickness is very unlikely, which makes Binsar a comfortable first trek.
The Binsar trek is graded easy. It follows forest and village paths with gentle gradients, no exposed sections and no steep scrambles. The harder day is Day 2: about 13 km and 5–6 hours, with a gradual climb of about 400 m to Vriddha Jageshwar and a long descent to Jageshwar, followed by a 5-hour drive. With three to four weeks of brisk walking and stair climbing, most healthy beginners complete it comfortably.
The best time for the Binsar trek is October and November, when the post-monsoon skies give the clearest views of Nanda Devi, Trishul and Panchachuli. The trek runs from September to June:
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): sharp views and pleasant walking.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): clear skies, frost and snow on the higher ridges after a snowfall.
- Spring/Summer (Mar–Jun): rhododendrons in March and April, warmer days later.
We do not run it in July and August.
Yes, the Binsar trek can have snow from December to February, after a western disturbance brings a snowfall to the Kumaon hills. The snow settles on the higher ground of the sanctuary and around Vriddha Jageshwar and melts within days on sunny slopes, while frost lingers on shaded paths. Snow is not certain on any given weekend. Microspikes and gaiters come with Free Trekking Gear, and the snow peaks are visible all season on clear days.
Night temperatures at Dhaulchina on the Binsar trek range from -3°C to 15°C depending on the month:
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): day 15°C to 24°C, night 5°C to 12°C
- Winter (Dec–Feb): day 8°C to 15°C, night -3°C to 4°C
- Spring/Summer (Mar–Jun): day 15°C to 27°C, night 6°C to 15°C
Winter mornings are frosty, so start Day 2 with your warm layers on.
The minimum age for the Binsar trek is 8 years, for children who already walk regularly. Trekkers under 18 must come with a parent or guardian.
There is no upper age limit. Trekkers above 60 are welcome if they are fit and in good cardiovascular health; along with the medical certificate signed by a doctor that each trekker brings, we recommend an ECG or TMT report.
The Binsar trek pickup is at Kathgodam Railway Station at 06:00 AM on Day 1. Overnight trains from Delhi reach Kathgodam early in the morning, and overnight buses run from Delhi Anand Vihar ISBT to Haldwani, about 6 km from the station. The nearest airport is Pantnagar, about 30 km from Haldwani. Transport is not included in the trek fee: we help the group book shared cabs, paid directly to the driver and split among trekkers, and your trek coordinator will confirm the cab fare.
The Binsar trek costs ₹3,600 + 5% GST per person, for 2 days from Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary to Jageshwar. It includes Free Trekking Gear (Decathlon trekking shoes, a jacket rated to -10°C, trekking poles, gaiters and microspikes, against a ₹3,000 refundable deposit and ₹200 washing charge), a guesthouse or homestay night at Dhaulchina, all meals from Day 1 lunch to Day 2 lunch, sanctuary entry and permits, a certified trek leader and local guide, and safety equipment. Backpack offloading (₹800) is optional.
You can book the Binsar trek online on this page: choose a batch date, add the trekkers and any add-ons, and pay securely. Booking for a batch closes at 5 PM on the day before the trek starts.
- Price: ₹3,600 + 5% GST per person, with EMI options shown in the price box
- Pickup: Kathgodam Railway Station at 06:00 AM
- Free Trekking Gear: shoes, -10°C jacket, poles, gaiters and microspikes, with a ₹3,000 refundable deposit + ₹200 washing charge
- Change of plans: one free reschedule to another batch, a booking transfer or a 100% TrekCash voucher (valid 1 year), up to 8 days before departure
After booking you get a confirmation with the batch details, the medical certificate format and the packing list.
Mobile signal on the Binsar trek is patchy. Jio and Airtel work in Kathgodam, Almora and Jageshwar, but inside the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary the signal is weak or absent, and in Dhaulchina it comes and goes. The last reliable ATMs are in Haldwani, Kathgodam and Almora; there is none in the sanctuary or at Dhaulchina. Carry enough cash in small notes for tea, snacks and temple offerings, as cards are not accepted in the villages.
Yes, entering the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary needs a forest department entry permit, and Trekkaro arranges it as part of the trek fee, along with the vehicle entry charge for the sanctuary road. You need to carry an original government photo ID (Aadhaar, passport, driving licence or voter ID) and the medical certificate signed by a doctor, and complete your trekker profile before the trek so the permit can be issued. Foreign nationals should carry their passport and a valid Indian visa.
Yes, the Binsar trek is well suited to beginners and families: the altitude is moderate, the paths are gentle and the route passes through villages. Trekkaro keeps batches to 20 trekkers, with a NIM-certified (or equivalent) trek leader, daily SpO2 and pulse checks, a first-aid kit, oxygen and a stretcher with the group. The real risks are slippery frosty paths in winter, the long Day 2 with a drive afterwards, and wildlife; stay with the group in the sanctuary and never feed animals.
For the Binsar trek, Free Trekking Gear covers Decathlon trekking shoes, a -10°C jacket, trekking poles, gaiters and microspikes. You should bring:
- A 30–40 L backpack with rain cover
- Two 1-litre water bottles
- Thermal inners and one fleece (two in winter)
- Quick-dry T-shirts and trek pants
- Woollen cap and gloves in winter
- Sun cap, sunscreen and sunglasses
- Binoculars for birds, if you have them
- Personal medicines and a headlamp
On the Binsar trek you spend one night in a simple guesthouse or homestay at Dhaulchina village, in shared rooms with beds and blankets, rather than in tents. Food is freshly cooked vegetarian meals: lunch on the trail on Day 1, evening tea and snacks, a hot dinner, breakfast and a packed lunch on Day 2. Kumaoni dishes appear on the menu when the hosts cook them. Tell your trek coordinator in advance about any dietary needs.
Terms & Conditions
1. Free Trekking Gear (FTG)
- Decathlon trekking shoes
- Decathlon jacket rated to -10°C
- Trekking poles, gaiters and microspikes
- No rental fee: ₹3,000 refundable deposit + ₹200 washing charge
2. Accommodation
- Day 1: guesthouse or homestay at Dhaulchina village, on a sharing basis
3. Meals
- All meals on the trek, from Day 1 lunch to Day 2 lunch
- Simple, freshly cooked vegetarian food
- Tea, coffee, soup and snacks on the trail and at camp
4. Permits & Camping Fees
- All forest permits and entry charges for the trek
5. Safety Equipment
- First-aid kit on the trek
- Pulse oximeter and blood-pressure checks during the trek
6. Trek Team
- Certified trek leader and local guide throughout the 2-day trek
- Cook, helpers and support staff
1. Transport
- Not included: Kathgodam to the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary on Day 1, and Jageshwar back to Kathgodam on Day 2
- Transport is not included in the trek fee: we help the group book shared cabs, paid directly to the driver and split among trekkers. Your trek coordinator will confirm the cab fare.
- Travel to and from Kathgodam, arranged by you
2. Food During Transit
- Meals on the drive between Kathgodam and Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
3. Backpack Offloading (optional)
- ₹800 + 5% GST for the entire trek
- Maximum weight: 9 kg; no suitcases, trolleys or duffel bags
4. Personal Equipment
- Your backpack, clothing and other personal gear (trekking shoes, jacket, poles, gaiters and microspikes come with Free Trekking Gear)
5. Trek Insurance
- Travel insurance is mandatory and not included. It must cover high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.
6. Anything Not Mentioned Under Inclusions
- Personal expenses and tips
We know that cancelling a trek can be genuinely disappointing. Plans change, life intervenes, and sometimes the mountains have to wait. That is why Trekkaro has designed one of the most trekker-friendly cancellation policies in the industry — to reduce the financial impact on you and give you real options when things do not go as planned.
Important: Bookings made on trekkaro.com are cancelled online from My Bookings. Bookings made offline with our team must be cancelled in writing by e-mail by the person who originally booked the trek. Requests over the phone, via WhatsApp, or through third parties are not accepted.
How to Cancel Your Trek
Booked online on trekkaro.com:
- Log in and open My Bookings.
- Choose Cancel Booking on the trek you want to cancel.
- Pick a refund (as per the charges below) or Get TrekCash Voucher instead — the voucher is issued instantly and appears under My TrekCash Vouchers.
Booked offline with our team:
- Compose an e-mail from the registered e-mail ID used at the time of booking.
- Attach a copy of your tax invoice to the e-mail.
- Send both to info@trekkaro.com.
- Your cancellation is effective from the date Trekkaro receives and acknowledges your e-mail.
How to Reschedule Your Trek (Free)
- Once per booking, to another batch of the same trek, free of charge. A request we decline doesn’t count.
- Up to 8 days before departure, also in the 8–14-day window when there is no cash refund. The new batch must start at least 7 days after the day you ask.
- Subject to seat availability for every trekker on the booking.
- Not available for bookings paid fully or partly with a TrekCash Voucher.
- No fee or price difference; add-ons and the number of trekkers stay as booked.
Booked online: My Bookings → Reschedule free → pick a batch. Our team confirms by e-mail and your booking moves once approved. Booked offline: e-mail info@trekkaro.com.
How to Transfer Your Booking
You can give your booking to another trekker up to 8 days before departure. E-mail info@trekkaro.com from your registered e-mail ID with your booking ID and the new trekker’s name, age, phone number and ID proof. The new trekker must meet the fitness, age and document rules of the trek. We confirm the transfer by e-mail.
Cancellation Charges
| When you cancel | Cash refund | Other options |
|---|---|---|
| 30 days or more before departure | 70% refund (30% cancellation charge) | Or instead: a 100% TrekCash Voucher (valid 1 year), a free reschedule or a transfer |
| 15 to 29 days before departure | 50% refund (50% cancellation charge) | Or instead: a 100% TrekCash Voucher (valid 1 year), a free reschedule or a transfer |
| 8 to 14 days before departure | No cash refund of the trek fee | You can take a 100% TrekCash Voucher (valid 1 year), a free reschedule (once per booking) or a transfer to another trekker |
| 7 days or less before departure, or no-show | No refund of the trek fee | None: no voucher, reschedule or transfer |
A 100% voucher instead of a refund. From the day you book until 8 days before departure, you can take a TrekCash Voucher worth 100% of the amount paid, valid for 1 year on any Trekkaro trek. This works in every slab above, including 8–14 days, when there is no cash refund. Online bookings take the voucher from My Bookings → Cancel Booking (issued instantly). Offline bookings ask for it by e-mail to info@trekkaro.com.
If you paid the FTG security deposit and the washing charge, both are refunded in full when you cancel before the trek starts, in every slab.
Cancellation of Voucher-Based Bookings
- The standard cancellation policy applies to voucher-based bookings in the same way it applies to direct bookings.
- Any remaining balance after the applicable cancellation charge has been deducted will be credited back to your Trekkaro account as a new voucher.
- If your voucher has already expired at the time of cancellation, no refund, credit, or extension will be issued under any circumstance.
- If a voucher is set to expire on a Sunday or public holiday, it must be redeemed before the expiry date.
Additional Terms
- Free Rescheduling: Switching to a different batch of the same trek is free of charge once per booking, up to 8 days before departure, subject to seat availability. Not available for bookings paid with a TrekCash Voucher. See “How to Reschedule Your Trek” above.
- Trek Transfers: You can transfer your booking to another person up to 8 days before departure, by e-mail. The new trekker must meet the fitness, age and document rules of that trek. See “How to Transfer Your Booking” above.
- No Refund Post-Commencement: Once the trek has commenced from Day 1 of your confirmed itinerary, no refunds or TrekCash Vouchers will be issued for any reason, including early exit, illness, or dissatisfaction with services.
- Policy Changes: Trekkaro reserves the right to amend or withdraw this cancellation policy at any time without prior notice. The version in effect at the time of your booking confirmation governs your booking.
Early Exit or Removal from Trek
A trekker may be required to leave the trek before completion for health concerns (AMS, hypertension, cardiac symptoms, or fitness that poses a safety risk), rule violations (alcohol or non-prescribed drugs on trail, smoking in prohibited zones, reckless behaviour, or misconduct), or by their own decision. In all cases of early exit or removal, no refund, partial refund, or TrekCash Voucher will be provided, and any additional transport or exit expenses are the trekker's responsibility. The trek leader's decision on health and safety grounds is final.
If Trekkaro Cancels Your Trek
In rare circumstances beyond our control — natural disasters (extreme snowfall, avalanche, floods, landslides, earthquakes) or unforeseen civil events (government curfews, lockdowns, political unrest) — Trekkaro will issue a TrekCash Voucher for the full trek fee paid, valid for 12 months on any trek listed on Trekkaro.com. If the new trek costs more, the difference is payable by the trekker. The voucher is sent to your registered e-mail within 10 working days and may be transferred to another person who meets Trekkaro's eligibility requirements.
Refund Processing
Refunds are processed within 10 working days of cancellation approval and credited to the original payment method only (credit card, debit card, net banking, UPI, or wallet). Your bank may take another 3–5 business days. Office hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM IST.
The full policy is part of our Terms & Conditions (Section 09).
Oxygen, first aid, daily SpO₂ checks, trained leaders — tap to read
1. Trained Trek Leaders
- Trek leaders hold NIM (Nehru Institute of Mountaineering) certification or an equivalent qualification
- Their training covers casualty assessment, high-altitude medical response, rope work and evacuation
2. Daily Health Checks
- Blood oxygen (SpO2) and pulse are checked for every trekker every day
- A falling SpO2 reading is acted on early, before it turns into Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
- If you are not fit to continue, the trek leader will ask you to rest or descend; the trek leader’s decision on health and safety is final
3. Emergency Equipment
- Portable oxygen cylinders carried with the group
- First-aid and medical kit with the trek team
- Stretchers for emergency evacuation
- Radio communication across the trek team, as mobile signal is not reliable on the trail
4. Proper Trekking Gear
- Free Trekking Gear, with no rental fee: Decathlon trekking shoes with good grip, a jacket rated to -10°C, trekking poles, gaiters and microspikes
- No one walks in worn-out or wrong gear, the cause of many slips and cold injuries
5. Snow and Steep Sections
- On snow, ice or exposed ground, the trek team fixes ropes and cuts steps where needed and helps you across
6. Risks on the Binsar Trek
- Highest point: about 2,250 m (7,382 ft)
- Day 2 is long: 13 km on foot followed by a 5-hour drive to Kathgodam
- Frost and snow make shaded paths slippery from December to February
- Wildlife in the sanctuary, including leopard: stay with the group and do not walk alone after dark
7. Your Part
- Build your fitness before the trek with running, cycling or swimming
- Tell the trek leader about any medical condition and the medicines you carry before Day 1
- Report a headache, nausea, dizziness or breathlessness to the trek leader at once
- Carry travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation
What a day on the trek feels like — tap to read
1. What You Can Expect From Us
- Safety first on the Binsar trek: daily SpO2 and pulse checks, oxygen cylinders and a stretcher with the group
- Personal attention: batches of up to 20 trekkers, so the trek leader knows each trekker’s health and pace
- NIM-certified trek leaders (Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, or an equivalent qualification), with local guides who know the Binsar route, its weather and its campsites
- An itinerary planned for altitude, with daily distance and height gain set so your body can adjust
- Clear pricing: everything included and excluded is listed under Terms & Conditions, with the price of each optional add-on
2. What We Expect From You
- A willing attitude: cold nights, steep climbs and sudden weather changes are part of the mountains
- Physical preparation: you do not need to be an athlete, but train before the trek so the longest day feels comfortable
- Trust in your trek leader: follow their calls on route, pace, start times and turning back, as they are made for the group’s safety
Last ATM and phone network on the route — tap to read
1. Last ATM
- Last ATM: Haldwani, Kathgodam or Almora, on the drive in
- There is no ATM inside the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary or at Dhaulchina
- Carry small notes: cards are not accepted on the trail
2. Mobile Network
- Jio and Airtel work in Kathgodam, Almora and Jageshwar
- Signal is weak or absent inside the sanctuary and patchy at Dhaulchina
- Make your important calls and tell your family about the limited connectivity before you leave Almora
Related Treks You May Like
What Trekkers Say About Trekkaro
Reviews left on trekkaro.com by trekkers across our treks.
"Winter Kuari Pass trek with the team of Trekkaro. Food was amazing for breakfast, lunch and diner. Views on top and during the track are amazing. Trek in total was completely amazing. Big thanks to all of hard work from trek leader, superhuman cooks, the mule team, our driver."
"I have trek with Trekkaro for kuari pass and it was an amazing experience ,food was excellent and experience trek trainer."
"Trekkaro was simply amazing from the guidance to food to stay everything was very good!!! Local guides and trek leaders where always motivating, fun and made sure entire group had always been together and interacted with each other!!!"
"Had an amazing experience! Thanks for making this an amazing experience - Trekkaro Team"
"Trekkaro has a amazing team capable of leading anyone over a trek. Had an amazing experience!"
"Very amazing experience with Kedartal trek. Awesome views, Trek leaders and coordinators were very helpful."
Why Trekkaro?
Leaders in providing Free Trekking Gear for 8+ years — redefining the way everyone must trek.
World's first free trekking gear company — Decathlon trekking shoes, -10°C jacket, trekking poles, gaiters & microspikes. ₹3,000 refundable deposit + ₹200 washing charge.
Up to 8 days before departure, reschedule to another batch for free or take a TrekCash Voucher worth 100% of your amount — valid for 1 year on any future trek.
Rated 4.9/5 on Facebook & 4.7/5 on Google by trekkers who trekked with us.
We keep you safe from the moment you book to the moment you head home — certified leaders, first aid & emergency support.
Well-planned itineraries balanced with the freedom to make the experience your own — no matter the trek difficulty.
Every decision we make is guided by our commitment to making trekking a force for good — for people and the planet.
Welcome to Trekkaro
Login or create an account to manage your bookings and profile
Login Create AccountTalk to an Expert
Enter your number — we'll call you back shortly.
*Free to use on the trek, returned after · refundable deposit
AI can make mistakes · don’t share personal details · Talk to a person