Camping in Bhimtal
Day 1: Journey to Bhimtal Begins
Our trip started early at 6:00 AM from Gurgaon in our comfortable Toyota Innova, driven by our friendly chauffeur, Ravi. We were a group of five family members, eager for a peaceful escape into the hills. We had recently come across a video showcasing Camp Nirmit and were instantly drawn to its serene setting and welcoming vibe — so we decided to experience it ourselves.
As we hit the road, a gentle drizzle welcomed us out of Gurgaon. After an hour or so of driving, we took our first tea break. Ravi recommended a spot called Haryana Dhaba & Café, a surprisingly well-maintained roadside eatery that felt more like a mini-restaurant than a typical highway stall. We sipped on their special chai with bun maska, and Ravi couldn’t resist ordering their hot aloo parathas.
A few hours later, we took another quick halt near Rudrapur, where we had breakfast at a lovely, clean restaurant named The Himalayan Nest Café, known for its organic options and scenic views. It was located near a small private airstrip, so the area often had a few foreign tourists. We clicked a few photos for memories and, naturally, for our social feeds.
As we continued our journey, the scenery shifted — we knew we had entered the Kumaon hills once we crossed Kathgodam. The roads became winding, the air fresher, and soon enough, we arrived at Camp Nirmit in Bhimtal, where we were warmly greeted by our caretaker Ganesh Singh.
After a refreshing welcome drink, Ganesh showed us to our rooms. The interiors were done properly — large, open space with elegant view, and a spacious common area complete with a nature grass. We chatted with Kamal and learned he was a local, passionate about showcasing Kumaoni hospitality.
Later that afternoon, we set off to visit Neem Karoli Baba Ashram, located about 14 km from the camp site. Though the ashram was quite crowded, the atmosphere inside was tranquil and deeply spiritual. The darshan experience left us all with a sense of peace.
We returned around 7 PM, tired and hungry. Kamal was ready with a traditional home-cooked dinner — a spread of local vegetables, dal, rice, roti, and tangy Kumaoni pickles. We also tried Buransh (rhododendron) juice, a local specialty. Kamal even gifted us a few bottles to take home. His hospitality was heartwarming, and his culinary skills were impressive.
Day 2: Adventure & Relaxation in Bhimtal
We woke up to a beautiful sunrise and a clear view of the mountains. From the camp site balcony, we could see the paragliding take-off point — and that settled it, we were going for it!
After a light breakfast — sandwiches for some, and fenugreek (methi) parathas for Ravi and me — we headed out. Ganesh advised us to leave the car behind due to market traffic. We took a short walk to the paragliding zone, where the cost was around INR 2,000 per person. The experience was incredible — floating above the lake and forested valleys was truly unforgettable.
Post-flight, we visited Bhimtal Lake, just a short walk (300 meters) from the Paragliding point. My younger son, Vivaan, insisted on a boat ride, so we enjoyed a relaxing hour on the calm waters. Nearby, we visited a small temple, perfectly timed with the evening aarti, which added a peaceful vibe to our day.
Lunch was at a quaint restaurant called Lakewood Dine-In, known for its flavorful local dishes and stunning views. Afterward, we explored the local market for some souvenirs before heading back.
Dinner that evening was another highlight — Ganesh served a special Kumaoni thali featuring unique flavors we hadn’t tasted before. We ended our day with cold coffee under the stars, chatting and laughing as we relived the day’s events. Before turning in, we thanked Ganesh for his impeccable service and left him a small tip — though no amount could match the effort he put in.
Luxury Camping in Bhimtal
The combination of top-notch amenities, warm hospitality, and peaceful surroundings made our stay at Camp Nirmit truly luxurious and memorable.
Day 3: Farewell to the Hills
We sipped on our morning tea with a heavy heart, knowing it was time to leave. By 11 AM, we were on the road back to Gurgaon, filled with memories and gratitude. We reached home by 5:30 PM, already planning our next trip to the hills.
Travel Options to Bhimtal:
- By Plane: Delhi to Pantnagar Airport, followed by a 1.5-hour drive.
- By Bus: Delhi to Bhimtal via Haldwani/Kathgodam Volvo buses.
- By Car: Direct drive from Delhi or Gurgaon to Camp Nirmit.
Facilities at Camp Nirmit:
- Spacious, safe parking.
- Full Café/kitchen access.
- Wi-Fi availability.
- Geyser, Heater
- Warm and personalized service.
Big thanks again to Ganesh Singh for making our trip extra special. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a peaceful getaway near of Bhimtal!