Naukuchiatal, the serene nine-cornered lake of Kumaon, is a tranquil Himalayan haven near Bhimtal and Nainital. Its peaceful waters, lush forests, cool breezes, and understated beauty charm travelers seeking a respite from crowded hill stations. Traveling from Mussoorie—Uttarakhand’s Garhwali “Queen of Hills”—to this Kumaoni gem is an engaging cross-regional trip, best experienced with thoughtful planning and a sense of adventure.
This guide offers a practical, in-depth journey plan (over 1,000 words) for seamless travel including route options, modes of transport, unique stops, tips, and must-know FAQs.
Distance and Overview
- Road Distance: Approximately 320–356 km, depending on the specific route and detours.
- Travel Time: 8–10 hours by car/taxi (may stretch to 12+ hours with bus/train combinations or during monsoon/holiday traffic).
- No direct train/flight: All journeys blend road travel and, optionally, train legs.
- Route Terrain: Mix of expressways, national highways, winding hill roads; the trip traverses both Garhwal and Kumaon segments of Uttarakhand.
Major Routes from Mussoorie to Naukuchiatal
1. By Road (Taxi, Car, or Self-Drive) — Most Flexible
Recommended Route:
- Mussoorie → Dehradun → Haridwar → Najibabad → Kashipur → Haldwani → Kathgodam → Bhimtal → Naukuchiatal
Segment Breakdown
| Segment | Distance (km) | Est. Time (hrs) |
|---|---|---|
| Mussoorie → Dehradun | 34 | 1.5 |
| Dehradun → Haridwar | 55 | 1.5 |
| Haridwar → Najibabad | 110 | 2.5 |
| Najibabad → Kashipur | 85 | 2 |
| Kashipur → Haldwani/Kathgodam | 70 | 1.5 |
| Haldwani → Bhimtal → Naukuchiatal | 22 | 0.75 |
| Total | ~320–356 | 8–10 |
Road Highlights
- The drive alternates between broad highways (faster but sometimes busy) and hilly, scenic state roads.
- Kashipur, Haldwani, Kathgodam are main urban checkpoints before you start the final 30–40 km of lake country.
Taxi/Car Rental & Fare
- Approximate taxi fare: ₹7,000–₹10,000 (one way; sedan) from Mussoorie; slightly higher for SUVs or luxury vehicles.
- Hire through Mussoorie or Dehradun taxi unions, or online apps (confirm fixed fare).
- Tips: Confirm luggage allowance, night/return surcharges, and hill-season timing (hill traffic often slows in the evening).
Advantages
- Door-to-door travel – No baggage transfers required.
- Flexibility – Stop in Haridwar, Corbett area, or Bhimtal, as you wish.
- Scenic ride – First, the Doon Valley; later, Kumaoni hills, bamboo forests, lake vistas.
2. By Train + Road — Budget-Friendly and Scenic
Main Train Segment
- The nearest railhead is Kathgodam (44 km from Naukuchiatal).
- Trains: Multiple daily from Dehradun, Haridwar, and Delhi to Kathgodam.
- Sleeper/AC available; overnight trains are restful and space-saving.
Sample Itinerary
- Mussoorie → Dehradun
- 34 km, 1.5 hours by taxi/bus.
- Dehradun/Haridwar → Kathgodam (by train)
- 8–9 hours (overnight or day journey).
- Kathgodam → Naukuchiatal
- 44 km, 1–1.5 hours by taxi/bus (plenty of local/shared cabs, especially in holiday season).
- Train Fare: ₹350–₹1,400 (sleeper to 2A AC).
- Taxi fare Kathgodam–Naukuchiatal: ₹1,000–₹1,800.
Why This Route?
- Restful for families, students, budget/backpack travelers.
- Convenient for combining with Nainital/Bhimtal stops (Kathgodam is the main hub for all lake towns).
3. By Bus + Shared Jeep
- No direct Mussoorie–Naukuchiatal bus.
- Segment your trip: Mussoorie to Dehradun (bus/shared jeep), Dehradun to Haldwani/Kathgodam (state/Volvo/ordinary bus), then taxi/bus to Naukuchiatal.
- Bus ticket total: ₹800–₹1,400.
- Takes 12–15 hours with all transfers, but is the thriftiest option.
What to See En Route
- Haridwar & Rishikesh: Spiritual havens, riverside ghats, yoga schools.
- Corbett Tiger Reserve Corridor (optional via Ramnagar): India’s oldest tiger park lies just off the main route.
- Haldwani/Kathgodam: Shopping, local eateries, gateway to Kumaoni hill towns.
- Bhimtal: Boating, hill-top cafés, birding.
- Nainital (30 km from Naukuchiatal): Steeped in colonial hill station vibe, famous Naini Lake.
Naukuchiatal Arrival: What Awaits
- Naukuchiatal Lake: Boating, kayaking, quiet picnics; famed for its nine corners and deep-blue waters.
- Cycling & Walking: Serene lakeside and forest trails.
- Cafés & Resorts: Boutique properties, homestays, and lake-view cafes.
- Adventures: Paragliding, kayaking, ziplining available in season.
- Nearby Attractions: Hanuman Temple (with massive statue), Jungliagaon for birdwatching, Bhimtal aquarium, Sattal lake cluster.
Local Tips & Travel Essentials
- Best Season: March–June and September–November (October for crystal-clear weather and photography).
- Packing: Light woolens for evenings, rain gear July–August, warm jackets in winter.
- Booking: Hotels fill fast in summer, long weekends, and autumn. Reserve in advance for lakeside properties.
- ATMs, Fuel: Available in Haldwani, Kathgodam, Bhimtal. Limited nearer Naukuchiatal.
- Health & Food: Carry bottled water and essential meds. Popular restaurants and local chai stalls cluster around the lake and market area.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can the journey be done in a single day?
A: Yes, an early-morning start from Mussoorie enables you to reach Naukuchiatal by evening/night, even with scenic breaks.
Q: What’s the fastest and most comfortable option?
A: Private taxi or car, door-to-door, with maximum flexibility for family or group travel.
Q: Cheapest way to travel?
A: Split journey by bus/train to Kathgodam + shared jeep to Naukuchiatal. Advance booking secures cheaper fares.
Q: Is Naukuchiatal suitable for elderly or young children?
A: Very much so—gentle climate, clean air, easy walks, and safe for families.
Q: Are there unique experiences on this route?
A: Try a day in Corbett (if detouring), breakfast at Bhimtal, or sunset paragliding at Naukuchiatal on arrival.
Fast Facts Summary Table
| Segment | Approx. Distance | Travel Time (hrs) |
|---|---|---|
| Mussoorie → Dehradun | 34 km | 1.5 |
| Dehradun → Kathgodam (train) | ~320 km | 8–9 |
| Kathgodam → Naukuchiatal | 44 km | 1–1.5 |
Conclusion
Traveling from Mussoorie to Naukuchiatal is a classic cross-Uttarakhand experience—winding down from Garhwal’s colonial promenades to Kumaon’s tranquil lakesides, crossing lush valleys and lively market towns. Whether you opt for a speedy car/taxi ride, a scenic train segment from Kathgodam, or a stop-start bus adventure to save money, you’ll find the journey as rewarding as the destination itself. Book early in peak times, carry your adventure spirit, and prepare for Naukuchiatal’s cool air, lakeside charm, and peaceful Himalayan embrace.
