Binsar is a protected forest of oak, rhododendron and pine on the Jhandi Dhar hills, about 33 km from Almora. It is a wildlife sanctuary, so there is no town or market, only a few stays among the trees. The highlight is Zero Point (about 2,400 m), reached by a 2 km forest walk, from where you see a 300 km stretch of the Himalaya: Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Trishul, Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot and Panchachuli. Binsar is ideal for nature lovers, birdwatchers and anyone who wants silence.
Binsar at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| District | Almora, Kumaon |
| Altitude at Zero Point | About 2,400 m |
| From Almora | About 33 km, 1 to 1.5 hours |
| From Kathgodam | About 110 km, 4 hours |
| From Nainital | About 95 km, 3.5 hours |
| From Delhi | About 380 km |
| Entry fee (2025) | About ₹150 per person and ₹250 per vehicle |
| Best time | October–November and April–June |
| Days needed | 1 to 2 nights |
What to see in Binsar
1. Zero Point
The main viewpoint, at the top of the hill. A gentle 2 km walk through dense forest from the KMVN Tourist Rest House leads to a watchtower with the full Himalayan panorama. Go at sunrise or about 1 to 2 hours before sunset for golden light. On a clear October morning you can see peaks from Kedarnath in the west to Panchachuli in the east.
2. Forest walks and birdwatching
Binsar has more than 200 bird species, including the Himalayan monal (Uttarakhand's state bird), koklass pheasant, woodpeckers and many laughingthrushes. Walk quietly on the forest trails in the early morning. Mammals such as barking deer, goral and leopard live here, though sightings are rare.
3. Bineshwar Mahadev Temple
An old stone temple of Lord Shiva inside the sanctuary, linked to the Chand kings who once had their summer capital in these hills.
4. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary Museum
A small museum near the entrance with information about the forest, birds and animals.
5. Nearby: Jageshwar and Almora
Combine Binsar with Jageshwar Dham (about 40 km) and Almora town. See our Almora travel guide.
Entry fee and rules
- Entry fee: about ₹150 per person and ₹250 per vehicle (2025 rates), paid at the sanctuary gate. Confirm the current rate at the gate.
- Gate timings: usually daylight hours only. If you are staying inside, tell the gate staff your booking.
- Do not litter, play loud music, feed animals or go off marked trails.
- No plastic. Carry a bag for your waste.
- Fire is not allowed in the forest; forest fires are a serious risk in April–June.
How to reach Binsar
By train: Kathgodam is the nearest station, about 110 km away. Drive via Bhimtal, Bhowali and Almora.
By air: Pantnagar airport, about 140 km.
By road: from Almora, take the Bageshwar road and turn off for Binsar. The last stretch inside the sanctuary is narrow and through forest. Shared jeeps do not usually go inside, so hire a taxi from Almora.
Best time to visit Binsar
| Season | Months | Temperature | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | March to April | 5 to 20°C | Rhododendron in bloom, birds active |
| Summer | May to June | 12 to 25°C | Pleasant; haze can reduce views; forest fire risk |
| Monsoon | July to September | Rainy | Lush; leeches; views hidden |
| Autumn | October to November | 5 to 18°C | Clearest views; best season |
| Winter | December to February | -2 to 12°C | Cold; occasional snow; very clear days |
Where to stay in Binsar
- KMVN Tourist Rest House (inside the sanctuary): closest to Zero Point, budget to mid-range, simple rooms with great views.
- Private forest lodges and heritage estates: a few upscale properties inside or at the edge of the sanctuary, with meals included.
- Almora: stay in town and do Binsar as a day trip if you prefer more facilities.
Inside the sanctuary, electricity can be limited and stays use solar power or generators for fixed hours. Carry a power bank and a torch, and expect slow or no mobile network.
Suggested 2-day plan
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Kathgodam or Almora to Binsar. Museum. Sunset walk to Zero Point. |
| 2 | Sunrise at Zero Point; early birdwatching walk; Bineshwar temple. Drive to Jageshwar or Kausani. |
What to carry
- Warm layers (nights are cold all year)
- Walking shoes
- Binoculars for birds
- Torch or headlamp and a power bank
- Snacks and water for the Zero-Point walk
- Cash; there are no ATMs or shops inside
Plan your Binsar trip with Gokeys
We add Binsar to Kumaon trips with Almora, Kausani and Jageshwar, and can book stays inside the sanctuary. Contact us.