The Seven Sister Lakes- "Sat Tal"

The Cluster of seven Lakes situated in the Lakes District of Nainital.
Journey Haldwani to Bhimtal to Mehra Gaon to Sat Tal Would suggest that you take your own vehicle as the road is quite good, however cabs can be hired from Haldwani, book a cab for the entire day if you don't intend to stay overnight, unfortunately Government Bus Services are not available for the region.
Tourist buses ply from Nainital but are not recommended. Distance from Haldwani to Sat Tal via Bhimtal is around 35km and one travels through one of the most picturesque surroundings of the area.



The climb to Bhimtal around 24km one reaches the Lake town dedicated to one of the brothers of Pandava "Bhim" hence BhimTal Boating is one of the most common activity of the Lake District but a visit to the newly built "Aquarium" is a must, it boasts of international varieties of fish.














For the Fish Lovers Bhimtal is famous for it Cold Water Mahasheer, known for its tastes, one can try some at the local market, there are some good restaurant in the town. Bhimtal to SatTal is approx 30 minutes journey, however the road condition is quite bad.

The lakes are at the altitude of 1370 meters , the area was also well-known for its orchards, none survive now.

The 7 lakes are

1. Garud Tal
2. Nal-Damyanti Tal
3. Purna Tal/Panna Tal
   
4. Ram Tal
5. Sita Tal
6. Laxman Tal
7. Sukha Tal

Its surrounded by the dense forests of Oak and Pine Trees, well known for its wildlife and varieties of Birds.

It Boasts of around 500 varities of birds and a huge variety of Butterflies,

There is a rich butterfly museum built by Frederic Smetacek at Jones Estate, which has over 2,500 butterfly and moth specimens and 1,100 species of insects that are found in this region Panna Tal presents a beautiful surrounding and an Idea location for Camping, take enough water as only lake water is available. Request -Please do not litter For those who decide to stay at Sat Tal , there are a series of Resorts available at a distance from the lakes. KMVN provides descent accommodation including couple of Log Huts , if planning to stay with KMVN do book in advance. Those returning back the same day do ask the cab driver to show you the Om shaped light reflections from Nainital.

Ghumakad-Mushafir: Munshyari- The Him Nagar

Ghumakad-Mushafir: Munshyari- The Him Nagar: Travel Haldwani to Munshyari Distance- approx 300km I had always been fascinated by the stories of the views from Munshyari, the Panchachu...

Munshyari- The Him Nagar

Travel Haldwani to Munshyari
Distance- approx 300km

I had always been fascinated by the stories of the views from Munshyari, the Panchachuli looks just a stone throw away, i finally got a chance to travel to the place.

Here is a narration based on the experience .

Munshyari is approx 300 km from Haldwani, to hectic a journey not recommended to be taken in one stretch, I would recommend that you take the following circuit.

Start early, hire a cab, this will eat most of your finances as cabs are expensive here, one can hire from Alto to Shafari based on your budget , will however suggest a vehicle with good road clearance

Day 1-Haldwani to Kausani. Distance-150km approx

A small but beautiful hill station known for the views of the Majestic Himalayas, one can gaze at the beauty of Nanda Devi, Nandakot, Panchachuli. The sunrise is out of the world experience.
Kausani has some small yet beautiful Tea Gardens worth a visit.
SOme 15 Km from Kaushani is Garur known for its Baijnath Temple.
Kausani is also known for its Gandhian link, Aana Shakti ashram is worth a visit.

Kausani has some good Hotels a rest house run by Jila Panchayat, Gandhi Ashram, I would recommend staying at KMVN but do your reservations in advance to avoid problems.
Oh yes its a "no alcohol" belt so carry some along if you want.

Day 2- Chaukori Distance 90km approx

Chaukori some years back was known for its Tea Grdens now the tea gardens have given way to resorts, its a small Hill station again known for the Majestic view of Himalayas.
While at Chaukori one can visit Haat Kalika ancient temple devoted to Goddess Kali at Gangolihat and Patal Bhubneshwar know for its Limestone caves.

Day 3- Munshyari Distance -90 km approx

From Chaukori Mynshyari is around 90 km but the road is quite bad, for those who are not used to drive in Hills its a big "NO" road is a single road with space for only one vehicle to pass.
You can try simple Machli Baath at Thal which is situated on the banks of River Goriganga.
The journey will take approx 4-5 hrs.
Birthi Fall - a huge waterfall around 125m is located at Birthi just close to the KMVN rest house very picturesque indeed.
Munshyari had some good hotels i would recommend KMVN or "Pandey Lodge" during the season time make sure to book your accommodation in advance.
Munshyari has Majestic views of Panchachuli peaks, a local museum is also worth a visit and a temple dedicated to Goddess Nanda Davi. Make sure you take plenty of warm clothes.

Day 4- Lohaghat Distance - 204 km

Leave Munshyari early and go to Pithoragarh that ias around 140km night stay at Pithoragarh is not advisable not much to do there, proceed to Lohaghat one the way one can get mouth watering Machlee Bhath at Ghat , Lohaghat is known for its views, a trip to Mayawati Ashram is worth a visit.

Day 5- Proceed to Haldwani.