Located in the Lake District of India, Pangot is a picturesque hill station located about 13 km from Nainital in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. The pleasant climate, scenic landscape and laidback charm of Pangot make it a must-visit place in Nainital. The hill station is also an ideal destination for honeymooners as it is less crowded and is blessed with natural beauty. The hill is a popular summer as well as winter holiday destination. Tourists flock to Pangot during the chilling winter months to experience snowfall. Unlike popular tourist destinations in Uttarakhand like Dehradun and Nainital, Pangot is quiet and laidback. Several stunning lakes such as Naini Tal, Saat Tal, Naukuchia Tal,etc. are located around Pangot. The sight of crystal clear water gurgling down the mountains is a sight to behold.
The hamlet of Pangot is a popular place for bird watching too. Over 150 bird species, including lammergeyer, blue winged minla, spotted and slaty backed forktail, rufous-bellied woodpecker, yellow throated Himalayan martens and khalij pheasant can be spotted in the region. Snow View Point and Kilbury are the most popular places for birding in Pangot. Corbett National Park, acclaimed for its association with Jim Corbett, is situated just a few kilometers from Pangot. One can also spot animals such as sambar, gorals, barking deer, leopard, civets, etc.
Pangot also serves as an ideal place to go on short easy treks. One of the most famous trekking trails in Pangot starts from the hill station and leads to Naina Peak via Kilbury. Treks to Namik, Pindari and Nanda Devi are also extremely popular. A lot of treks starting from Nainital either pass through Pangot or end there.
Accommodation options are limited in Pangot. One can find budget and mid-range hotels and lodges. There are no luxury hotels in Pangot. The hotels and resorts offer comfortable stay and quality services. Cottages and resorts offering budget accommodation can also be found in the hill station.
There aren’t too many eating options in Pangot. There are a few restaurants serving local cuisine. One can also find a few street-side stalls serving delicious samosas and pakoras. Pahari tea served in Pangot is extremely tasty. Restaurants attached with hotels serve Indian and Continental delicacies.
Pangot is blessed with pleasant weather round the year. The hill station experiences heavy snowfall during the winter months from November to February. It can get really chilly with temperature dropping as low as minus eight degree Celsius. Summer months are cool with temperature ranging from 10-25 degree Celsius. The peak monsoon season from July to August is best avoided as heavy rains make the place too slippery. March to June and September to November are the best time to visit Pangot.
The average minimum and maximum temperature of Nainital is as given below. The best time to visit Nainital is also specified.