5-Day Tanakpur, Uttrakhand Nature Itinerary

1. Day 1: Purnagiri Temple
   10 minutes (2.5km) from Tanakpur Railway Station

   Start your morning with a visit to the Purnagiri Temple, located on a hilltop, offering a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains. Spend the afternoon exploring the nearby forest area with a guided nature walk and spot some rare bird species. Enjoy the evening watching the sunset at the Tanakpur Barrage.

2. Day 2: Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple & Jhulaghat
   30 minutes (14km) from Purnagiri Temple

   Begin your day by visiting the Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Spend the afternoon at Jhulaghat, located on the banks of the Kali River, offering an excellent view of the Himalayan Range. Enjoy the cool breeze and the serene surroundings while swimming in the river or basking in the sun. End the day with a bonfire and a delicious dinner at the riverside campsite.

3. Day 3: Askot Wildlife Sanctuary
   2 hours (63km) from Jhulaghat

   Wake up early and drive to Askot Wildlife Sanctuary, home to some of the rarest and endangered species such as the Snow Leopard, Musk Deer, and Himalayan Black Bear. Spend the day exploring the sanctuary and trekking through the dense forest. End the day with a bonfire and barbecue dinner at the forest rest house.

4. Day 4: Abbott Mount & Mayawati Ashram
   1 hour 30 minutes (45km) from Askot Wildlife Sanctuary

   Start your day with a visit to the peaceful Mayawati Ashram, situated amidst lush green forests, and overlooking the Himalayan range. Spend the afternoon exploring the scenic Abbott Mount, surrounded by apple orchards and oak and deodar trees. Take a leisurely walk around the hill and enjoy the beautiful sunset.

5. Day 5: Banbasa Range Forest & Meetha Pani
   1 hour 30 minutes (62km) from Abbott Mount

   Take a morning drive through the Banbasa Range Forest, situated on the banks of the Sarda River, and admire the diverse flora and fauna. Afterward, head to Meetha Pani, a natural spring that is famous for its sweet-tasting water. Spend the afternoon picnicking and relaxing by the crystal clear stream. End your day with a visit to the Tanakpur market for some local shopping and souvenirs.

Recommendations

If you have an extra day, consider visiting the famous Jim Corbett National Park, located 2 hours (76km) from Tanakpur. You can also go for a scenic drive along the Pithoragarh-Tanakpur Road, which offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Don't forget to try the local delicacies such as Kumaoni Raita, Bhatt ki Churkani, and Aloo ke Gutke.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Purnagiri Temple (2 hours, free)
• Nature Walk (3 hours, INR 1000)
• Tanakpur Barrage (2 hours, free)
• Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple (1 hour, free)
• Jhulaghat (4 hours, free)
• Riverside Campsite (overnight, INR 2000)
• Askot Wildlife Sanctuary (5 hours, INR 2000)
• Mayawati Ashram (2 hours, free)
• Abbott Mount (4 hours, free)
• Banbasa Range Forest (3 hours, INR 1000)
• Meetha Pani (2 hours, free)
• Tanakpur Market (2 hours, price varies)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 6000