Bhimtal sits at the centre of what's often called Kumaon's lake district — a cluster of lakes, forests, and hill trails all within a short drive of each other. Most visitors plan on Bhimtal Lake itself and stop there, which is a shame, because two or three of the best experiences in the region are barely twenty minutes away. Here's how to spend a couple of days properly.
Bhimtal Lake Start Here
Bhimtal Lake is the largest in the Kumaon lake district, and a boat ride out to the small island at its centre is the obvious first stop — the island has a modest aquarium and makes for an easy, scenic hour on the water. Early mornings are quieter and better for photographs; by midday the lake gets its share of day-trippers from Nainital.
Naukuchiatal ~4 km
A short drive from Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal is the place to go for paragliding — the launch points here offer some of the best views in the region, with the valley and lakes spread out below. It's also a good spot for boating if you'd rather stay on the water than above it.
Sattal ~3 km
Sattal is a cluster of seven interconnected freshwater lakes tucked into dense pine and oak forest, and it's the best stop in the area for birdwatching — the region draws birders for its variety of species, especially in the early morning. It's a quieter, more forested feel than Bhimtal itself, and worth half a day on its own.
Hidimba Parvat ~5 km
For a shorter, more active outing, Hidimba Parvat offers an easy trek with views back down over the valley — a good option for an afternoon that doesn't need a full day set aside.
Bhimtal Town In Town
Closer to home, Bhimtal's own market street is worth a slow walk — local handicrafts, fruit stalls, and the Bhimeshwar Temple near the lake are all within easy reach on foot, and it's a good way to spend an evening without planning anything at all.
The real appeal of this region isn't any single attraction — it's how close together they all sit. Three good days here rarely feel rushed.
A Simple Two-Day Plan
- Day one, morning: Boating on Bhimtal Lake and the island aquarium.
- Day one, evening: A walk through Bhimtal market, dinner back at the villa with the valley in view.
- Day two, morning: Paragliding or boating at Naukuchiatal.
- Day two, afternoon: Birdwatching at Sattal, or the short trek up Hidimba Parvat if you'd rather stay active.
If you'd rather keep the evenings closer to home, a few experiences — live music, a bonfire, a private barbeque — can be arranged directly at Whispering Pines. You can see the full list on our Featured Attractions page.