Binsar valley – Arboreal Hang Out at a ‘No Electricity – No Network’ Zone
- toursandjourneys
- Sep 17, 2018
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 9, 2020
A personal travel blog by Ms. Reetwika Banerjee
(Connect with her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reetwika.banerjee)
Binsar valley was the second penultimate stopover in our Kumaon tour itinerary with a two-night’s stay plan. We planned to start a little late as the distance was comparatively lesser and the road was also better. We had to check pass a forest entry gate before entering Binsar forest. Beginning the onward journey by 11 am, we reached our destination by 3 pm.
Binsar forest entry check post
The most stunning thing of Binsar the disparate flavor of the place. Located at an altitude of 8000 feet above sea level, Binsar hosted a wildlife sanctuary on top of the Jhandi Dhar hills and the KMVN forest resort was located right inside the natural reserve. We were welcomed by a wild bull sitting lazily in front of the hotel entrance which set the tone of our thrilling night out at the forest bungalow.
Binsar KMVN forest bungalow
Wild Bull in front of our forest rest house
Binsar used to be the summer capital of the Chand Kings during the early 11th to 18th centuries AD. It was later declared as an eco-friendly conservation center of broad-leafed Oak forest in 1988. Since then, with the sole intention of not disturbing the residing wildlife with artificial sounds and lights, electricity connections have not been strictly installed inside the sanctuary. There are a few solar panels used to lit up the rest house only during dinner time, that too just for a couple of hours.
A symbol of Kumaon leopard frequently hunted by Chand Kings
KMVN campus and rooms
In-house Solar panels
Rooms were very ordinary, neither spacious nor airy. Also, cleanliness was a concern for the ground floor rooms we were in. They were so soggy. However, the resort was just in the lap of mother nature and hence lodging shortcomings could be easily overlooked. There was nothing much to do in the room – no lights, no TV, no music, no electricity to charge batteries, no mobile networks. It was meant to purely enjoy the landscape around. However, the weather turned severely chilly as the winds started blowing in the afternoon.
The Ground floor hotel lobby
Compared to the quality of the rooms, the restaurant services were better here. In our entire trip, it was the only KMVN resort which offered buffet dinner as complimentary services. And the food tasted really yummy, especially the starters. The menu was not very wide, but the taste was worth appreciating. It was served hot and fresh right on the table. Enjoying steaming foods in an icy cold climate under low voltage solar lights was a different experience altogether.
We woke up very early the next morning. Tourists visiting Binsar valley were likely to enjoy the natural isolation of the place far from the bustling human inhabitations. Binsar valley was also a trekker’s paradise. A narrow non-motorized rocky road disappeared among the towering Binsar greens tempting us for a lifetime nature walk at the dawning hours.
Sunrise amidst Binsar greens
View from our balcony
Early morning nature walk in Binsar forest
There is a popular local belief surrounding a particular species of moth available in the Kumaon region; if any wish is prayed while it sits on a person’s palm, the wish gets divinely granted. Every Kumaoni child believes in the folklore, but with time as the harsh truths of life engulf their childhood, their beliefs to start waning.
Jungle trail to the Zero viewpoint
Rhododendron blooms on the way
Glimpses of Jhandi Dhar nature walk
Towards Zero Point
Morning view of Binsar from Zero Point
The walking trail was not so steep like Birthi Falls and Chaukori Musk Deer Park. We went up to Zero Point – a flattened hilltop with resting chairs available along the cliff. Luckily it was a crystal-clear weather best for sighting a panoramic view of Kedarnath, Shivling, Trishul Parbat and Nanda Devi peaks.
Trishul Parbat as viewed from Binsar
Shivling Peak as viewed from Binsar
View of Kedarnath Peak from Binsar
It took us lesser time to come back to the hotel. Breakfast was ready by the time we arrived. It consisted of a delectable palate of bread omelet and cut fruits served with refreshing Buransh followed by hot beverages. Weary of the tour fatigue, we preferred to take a lazy break for the rest of the day. I would recommend a trip to Binsar valley to every nature lover.
Rest at the hotel for the rest of the day
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