Naukuchiatal–Mukteshwar Getaway: 3 Nights / 4 Days in the Lake & Hills of Kumaon
When it comes to travel in Uttarakhand, names like Nainital, Almora, or Ranikhet often dominate the scene. But tucked away in quieter corners of Kumaon are two destinations that combine serenity, beauty, and adventure—Naukuchiatal, the enchanting nine-cornered lake, and Mukteshwar, a hilltop village famous for its 350-year-old temple, orchards, and sweeping Himalayan views.
This 3 Nights / 4 Days trip takes you through these gems, blending lakeside calm with the charm of high-altitude villages, forest walks, cultural encounters, and panoramic Himalayan vistas. Unlike crowded tourist hubs, Naukuchiatal and Mukteshwar still retain their quiet charm, making them perfect for travelers who want peace, yet don’t want to miss out on experiences.
If Nainital is about buzz and boating, then Naukuchiatal is about tranquility and depth. If Almora is about history, Mukteshwar is about mountain serenity. Together, they create a short yet fulfilling Himalayan escape.
Highlights of Naukuchiatal–Mukteshwar Trip
Naukuchiatal Lake (4,000 ft): A mystical nine-cornered lake surrounded by pine forests, perfect for boating, paragliding, and nature walks.
Adventure Activities: Kayaking, ziplining, paragliding, and short hikes.
Mukteshwar Temple (7,500 ft): An ancient Shiva shrine perched on a hilltop, offering spiritual calm and expansive mountain views.
Chauli Ki Jali: Rocky cliffs near Mukteshwar known for breathtaking sunsets and thrilling rappelling or rock-climbing.
Orchards & Local Life: Apple and peach orchards, village walks, and glimpses of Kumaoni culture.
Panoramic Himalayan Views: On clear days, witness the towering Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Panchachuli ranges from Mukteshwar’s ridges.
Starry Night Stay: Crisp air, minimal light pollution, and a chance to stargaze by the lake or hilltop.
Blend of Leisure & Exploration: A perfect mix of relaxation by the lake and exploration in the mountains.
Detailed Itinerary (3 Nights / 4 Days)
Day 1: Arrival at Kathgodam – Drive to Naukuchiatal (35 km / 1.5 hrs) – Lakeside Stay
Altitude: 4,000 ft
Your journey begins as you arrive at Kathgodam Railway Station, the gateway to Kumaon. A comfortable drive through winding pine-clad roads and mountain valleys brings you to Naukuchiatal, a serene lake believed to have nine corners, giving it its name.
By noon, check in to your lakeside resort or homestay. After lunch, enjoy your first experience at the lake. Options include boating, kayaking, or just sitting on the banks, watching the reflections of pine and oak trees on the water.
In the evening, you may explore nearby Hanuman Temple with its 52-ft statue, or stroll through the small local market for handicrafts and homemade pickles. As dusk settles, the calm of Naukuchiatal deepens—the perfect place to slow down, sip tea by the lake, and stargaze.
Stay: Resort/hotel in Naukuchiatal
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Highlights: Lakeside walks, boating, and a relaxed introduction to Kumaon
Day 2: Adventure & Leisure in Naukuchiatal – Explore Bhimtal & Sattal
Altitude: 4,000–4,500 ft
Wake up to mist floating over the lake and birdsong echoing from the surrounding forests. After a hearty breakfast, the day is open for both adventure and exploration.
Start with paragliding over Naukuchiatal, where you glide above the shimmering lake and rolling hills, an unforgettable experience for thrill-seekers. For those preferring softer adventures, opt for kayaking, fishing, or even a guided forest walk.
By mid-day, take a short drive to Bhimtal, larger and livelier, where the island in the middle of the lake holds an aquarium. Have lunch at a lakeside café. Later, continue to Sattal, a cluster of seven interlinked lakes, famous for birdwatching.
Return to Naukuchiatal in the evening for a quiet dinner by the lake.
Stay: Resort/hotel in Naukuchiatal
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Highlights: Paragliding, Bhimtal excursion, Sattal birdwatching
Day 3: Drive from Naukuchiatal to Mukteshwar (45 km / 2 hrs) – Temple & Chauli Ki Jali
Altitude: 7,500 ft
After breakfast, bid farewell to the lake and begin your ascent to Mukteshwar, perched high in the Kumaon hills. The road passes through oak and pine forests, apple orchards, and villages with slate-roofed houses.
On arrival, check in to a charming homestay or mountain resort. After lunch, head out to explore the town’s highlights:
Mukteshwar Temple, a 350-year-old Shiva shrine that crowns the hilltop.
Chauli Ki Jali, a dramatic cliff with natural rock formations and awe-inspiring views of the valley. A place of legends, it’s also popular for rappelling and rock-climbing.
Spend the evening wandering through the village lanes, sampling fresh fruit, or simply soaking in the crisp mountain air. On a clear day, watch the sunset light up the Trishul and Nanda Devi peaks in golden hues.
Stay: Resort/hotel in Mukteshwar
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Highlights: Temple visit, Chauli Ki Jali, village walks, Himalayan sunset
Day 4: Sunrise Views – Return to Kathgodam (60 km / 3 hrs) – Departure
Altitude: 7,500 ft to 1,500 ft
Rise early to catch the sunrise over the snow-clad Himalayas—a memory that will stay with you long after the trip. After breakfast, bid goodbye to Mukteshwar and begin your drive down to Kathgodam. En route, stop at fruit orchards or local handicraft shops for souvenirs.
By afternoon, reach Kathgodam Railway Station for your onward journey, carrying with you the essence of Kumaon—the stillness of Naukuchiatal’s waters, the thrill of adventure, and the high Himalayan spirit of Mukteshwar.
Meals: Breakfast
Highlights: Sunrise views, farewell drive through Kumaon
Why Choose Naukuchiatal–Mukteshwar?
While most visitors crowd around Nainital, this itinerary offers the same Kumaoni charm in a more serene, intimate setting. You’ll get:
Balance of leisure & adventure: Lake activities + mountain exploration.
Rich local flavor: Homestays, Kumaoni cuisine, and village walks.
Breathtaking Himalayan views: From snow peaks to rolling valleys.
Manageable duration: A compact 4-day escape that doesn’t feel rushed.
Essential Trip Information
Duration: 3 Nights / 4 Days
Maximum Altitude: ~7,500 ft (Mukteshwar)
Trip Grade: Easy–Moderate (ideal for families, couples, and leisure travelers)
Best Season:
March–June: Pleasant weather, blooming forests, and adventure activities.
September–November: Clear skies and best Himalayan views.
December–February: Snowfall in Mukteshwar (for those seeking a winter wonderland).
Nearest Railhead: Kathgodam (connected to Delhi, Lucknow, Kolkata)
