Major city · India
Bhimtal
Spend 1–2 days in Bhimtal: a half‑day on the lake plus a quick trip to Sattal or Naukuchiatal.
Bhimtal is a small lakeside town in the Kumaon hills. The lake and nearby temples can be seen in a few hours; a second day lets you visit Sattal or Naukuchiatal, both reachable by taxi in under an hour.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- INR
- Best months
- Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
- avoid Jul–Aug (monsoon landslides)
- Airport
- PGH
- Nights
- 1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 6
- South Asia ↗Trekking regions, border districts and several Indian states need separate permits on top of the visa; check the permit before you book transport into them.
- South Asia ↗Remove shoes (and in many Jain and Hindu temples, leather) before entering; cover shoulders and legs; ask before photographing people or rituals.
- India ↗Apply for the e-visa only on the official government portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in); lookalike sites charge extra. Check the current rules, fees and how far ahead to apply.
- India ↗Do not follow anyone who says your hotel is closed, the station ticket office is closed or a road is shut; use the prepaid taxi counter, the metro or an app car.
- India ↗Carry Indian rupees in small notes (10, 20, 50, 100); change for 500 is often refused.
- India ↗Parts of the Northeast, Sikkim, Ladakh, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and all border belts need a Protected or Restricted Area Permit or an Inner Line Permit for foreigners; check before you book the route.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Bhimtal100 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Bhimtal, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Indian rupees (INR, ₹) in small notes for autos, street food, tips and entry tickets.India-wide
- SIM or eSIMJio, Airtel and Vi sell tourist SIMs at airport counters and their shops; passport, visa and a photo needed; activation can take a few hours.India-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap.India-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 5–10% if no service charge is on the bill.India-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/D/M. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.India-wide
- SafetyGenerally safe for tourists; main risks are monsoon‑related road conditions and lake‑boating safety – stay alert and follow local guidance.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets in hotels, malls and airports; squat toilets with a water jug or hose in stations and villages.India-wide
- Emergency numbers100 police · 101 fire and ambulance · 112 General emergency (all services) (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysThe Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays; many museums close on Mondays; banks close on the second and fourth Saturdays…India-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportPGH Pantnagar Airport (Nearest airport, 30 km (19 mi) road to Bhimtal).PGH Pantnagar Airport (Nearest airport, 19 mi (30 km) road to Bhimtal).
- Getting aroundWalk around the lake (15 min loop).
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeTea or coffee at a lakeside café₹30–₹60 (≈ under US$1)
- Street or quick mealSnack (samosa, pakora)₹20–₹50 (≈ under US$1)
- Budget bedGuesthouse or budget hotel, a night, per person₹800 (≈ US$10)
- Mid-range bedLake‑front resort room, a night, per room₹3,500 (≈ US$40)
- High-end bedLake‑front resort room, a night, per room₹5,000 (≈ US$60)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ₹1,200 (≈ US$14) · Mid ₹2,000 (≈ US$25) · High ₹3,500 (≈ US$40)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- PGH Pantnagar Airport (Nearest airport, 30 km (19 mi) road to Bhimtal)PGH Pantnagar Airport (Nearest airport, 19 mi (30 km) road to Bhimtal)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Feb
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Mar
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Apr
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
May
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Jun
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jul
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Aug
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Sep
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Oct
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Nov
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Dec
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Best: Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)), coolest Jan (5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C) low), wettest Jul (18 rain days), driest Feb (4). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Bhimtal: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
5 rd
Feb
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
4 rd
Mar
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
6 rd
Apr
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
8 rd
May
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
12 rd
Jun
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
15 rd
Jul
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
18 rd
Aug
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
18 rd
Sep
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
12 rd
Oct
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
8 rd
Nov
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
6 rd
Dec
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Walk around the lake (15 min loop). Auto‑rickshaws or shared taxis for Sattal, Naukuchiatal or Nainital; hire a taxi for flexible trips.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Sattal
goDoor to door: ≈ 45 min total
Taxi from Bhimtal, about 20 min
Cluster of small lakes, good for short walks.
Naukuchiatal
goDoor to door: ≈ 1 h
Taxi, about 30 min
Larger lake with paddle‑boat rentals.
Nainital
cautionDoor to door: ≈ 1 h
Bus or taxi, 30–40 min
More crowded; consider only if time permits.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Lake‑front hotels
Close to boating and restaurants; good for 1 night
Hill‑side guesthouses
Quiet, a short walk to the lake
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ₹800–₹1,200 (≈ US$10–14) excl. bed
- Mid
- ₹1,200–₹2,000 (≈ US$14–25) excl. bed
- High
- ₹2,000 (≈ US$25)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Guesthouse or budget hotel2 × 1 night × ₹1,200 | ₹2,400 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × ₹2,000 | ₹4,000 |
| Taxi from Pantnagar Airport to Bhimtal (round‑trip)2 × ₹1,200 · check | ₹2,400 |
| Boat rental on Bhimtal Lake (2 hrs)2 × ₹300 · check | ₹600 |
| eSIM data for 7 days2 × ₹800 · check | ₹1,600 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ₹1,100 |
| Trip total≈ ₹6,050 per person per day, bed included | ₹12,100≈ US$140 |
2026 estimate in INR; flights and long‑distance train passes excluded.
Prices of common things
| Tea or coffee at a lakeside café | ₹30–₹60 (≈ under US$1) |
| Snack (samosa, pakora) | ₹20–₹50 (≈ under US$1) |
| Boat ride (per person, 30 min) | ₹150–₹300 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Auto‑rickshaw (short ride) | ₹30–₹70 (≈ under US$1) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Monsoon rains make hill roads slippery and can trigger landslides – check road conditions.
- Boating safety: follow local instructions, wear life jackets.
- Limited bus frequency in off‑season – plan transport ahead.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 100
- Fire and ambulance
- 101
- General emergency (all services)
- 112
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
BhimtalBhimtal
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
कृपया इस पते पर ले जाएँTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police100
- Fire and ambulance101
- General emergency (all services)112
Embassy
Indian foreign missions list: US consulate in Delhi; nearest Indian embassy for foreign nationals in New Delhi.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Pantnagar → Bhimtal (taxi): ≈ ₹1,200 one way (check)
- Bhimtal → Sattal (taxi): ≈ ₹300 each way (check)
Say or show
- माफ़ कीजिए — Excuse me / Sorry (maaf kijiye)
- धन्यवाद — Thank you (dhanyavaad)
- यह कितना है? — How much is this? (yeh kitna hai?)
- झील कहाँ है? — Where is the lake? (jheel kahaan hai?)
- पानी मिल सकता है? — Can I have water, please? (paani mil sakta hai?)
- मुझे टैक्सी चाहिए — I need a taxi (mujhe taxi chahiye)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Bhimtal. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov · avoid Jul–Aug (monsoon landslides) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add a taxi‑to‑airport package from Pantnagar.
- Create a combined lake‑and‑temple walking guide.
- Link to Sattal and Naukuchiatal day‑trip pages.
Sources
- secondaryWikidata – Bhimtal
- secondaryWikivoyage: Bhimtal, revision 5338520 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
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