Trek to a serene place: Karkotak Peak

As per the locals, once in a while, the naag devta (serpent god) appears before themselves. They also told that the naag devta (serpent god) resides in Karkotak for 6 months, and rest 6 months in Maa Kachula Devi Temple (माँ कचुला देवी मंदिर) on the Bhimtal Lake littoral. On every Rishi Panchami (the next day after Ganesh Chaturthi day in Bhadrapad month of the Lunar calendar) thousands of people visit the temple and worship the Nag Karkotaka Maharaj.

The Journey

Trek starts

The trek starts from the next left turn uphill from the name board. Since I was on scooter I further rode 1 km uphill to reach the base. If you are on a car or are coming through public transport, you can start the trek right from the name board.

The hill of Karkotak is densely vegetated with bushes which makes it suitable home to snakes. Although there are number of path to reach the Karkotak Peak, we followed the one through Pandey Gaon (पांडेय गाँव). Pandey Gaon is located at 10 kms from Bhimtal Daant (भीमताल डाँठ), on Bhimtal – Naukuchiyatal road. From Pandey Gaon a 2 km trek is needed to reach the peak.

Although a cemented pathway is under construction for two wheelers (motor bike and scooters) from Pandey Gaon to Karkotak peak, but it gives no adventure and sense of satisfaction to reach the peak. Also the purpose (walking with pure mind) remains incomplete.

Walking through narrow pathways and through dense bushes, we saw a panoramic view of Bhimtal, naukuchiyatal, and Haldwani city in one frame.

On reaching the peak the vegetation changes from bushes to Cedrus Deodara (Deodar) and Quercus Leucotrichophora (Banj Oak), which gives the peak a cold climate and peaceful environment. The roots of the Banj oak and Deodar help in absorbing rainwater so that a continuous flow is maintained in the water source.

It took me around 40 minutes to reach the top. The trek is steep and narrow making it quite adventurous. On reaching the top it was like we were on cloud 9.

The cold climate and peaceful environment will rejuvenate one's mind and soul. Also after drinking the spring water from the roots of Banj Oak, one can achieve Nirvana.

On fine weather day(usually after rain when sky is clear and there is almost no smog, fog, or pollution) one can see Himalayas to the North, Haldwani city to the South, Naukuchiyatal to the east, and Bhimtal Lake to the west. The best 360 degree view one can get.

Conclusion

It took me around 5 hours to complete the whole trip (Haldwani - Karkotak - Haldwani). Karkotak Peak trek is worth as it lets you to walk along with the nature while seeing the calmness and beauty of the Lake. As it is easy to get there and also the trek is not too long which makes it a perfect getaway for nature lovers

A humble request: After visiting the peak, please make sure that no waste is left and that no vegetation and wildlife are damaged. Please leave the environment and serenity of the forests unaltered.)

(एक विनम्र निवेदन: चोटी पर जाने के बाद, कृपया सुनिश्चित करें कि किसी प्रकार का कूड़ा या कचड़ा न छूटे और कोई भी वनस्पति और वन्यजीव क्षतिग्रस्त न हुआ हो । कृपया जंगलों के पर्यावरण और शांति को अनछुए के रूप में छोड़ दें ।)