Gwaldam is a sleepy little town, on the border of Garhwal & Kumaon hills. Set amidst green woods and apple orchards, it is located at an altitude of 1629 mt. 40 Km from Kausani, Gwaldam offers a fascinating view of Himalayan peaks Nanda Devi (7817 mt), Trishul (7120 mt) and Nanda Ghuti (6309 mt).

Gwaldam is 22 km beyond Baijnath, The highway that goes to Bageshwar, branches off to take you through a fascinating route amidst thick pine forests, against the backdrop of the Himalayas.

From Gwaldam, the road winds it’s way through dense forests and terraced fields dotted with cottages of Tharali and Narain Bagar upto the Ranikhet-Pandukholi road.

 

It’s the starting point for some of the most exciting trekking routes in the Himalayas and the base fro the trek to Roop Kund. The place has many apple orchards and one could go about exploring roads which wing their way through dense forests and terraced fields dotted with rustic cottages of small towns known as Tharali and Narayan Bagarh to meet the Ranikhet-Pandukhal road at a place called Simli, which is 8 km short of Karnaoprayag. This place too can be visited any time of year.

As one looks up, one sees the snow capped peaks. The valley which stretches for miles has the river Pindari flowing through it. This small hamlet with its far spreading feild is one of nature’s paradise.

How to Reach

Air- The nearest airport is Pant Nagar, at a distance of 250 km’s.

Rail- The nearest rail head is Kathgodam, at a distance of 160 km’s.

Road- Gwaldam is well connected by roads from road from all sides. It is 36 km from Kausani, 22 km from Baijnath, 45 km from Bageshwar and only 149 Km’s from Nanital.

Where to Stay

• Tourist Rest House-GMVN : Ph- 01363-274244
• Private Hotels are also available.

What to See

Gwaldam with its salubrious weather and unspoilt serenity is a little heaven, nestling in the woods. The entire area up to Talwari is full of orchids. A 3 km track amidst bewitchingly beautiful nature in the company of nameless flowers, endless springs and countless birds will take you to Badhangarh temple, perched on a narrow ridge. From here you can have a glimpse of the never seen marvels of the Himalayas.

If you are adventurous enough, Gwaldam is the base of the trekking route to Roop Kund. You will come across the beautiful sleepy villages Mandoli, Debal and Wan on your way to Roop Kund. The Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra, the most revered religious journey in the region, takes place in every twelve years follow this route.

Beyond Gwaldam

Baijnath- The famous temple complex is on the bank of local Gomti river. This group of temples was built by the Katyuri rulers in the 13th century. The main Temple houses a beautiful idol of goddess Parvati. It is believed that Shiva and Parvati were married here.

Kausani- 40 km from Gwaldam, this picturesque hill station, nestled amidst dense pine forests, offering a closer view of the Himalayan splendour, specially the Nanda Devi Mountain range. Gandhi ji stayed here for some time. The Anashakti Ashram is built here in his memory.

Bageshwar- It is located at a distance of 45 km on the conflunce of local Gomti and Saryu rivers. It is an ancient Pilgrimare centre. The famous Baghnath temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This is also the bade for treks to Pindari, Kafni and Sundardhunga glaciers.

Roop Kund– Roop Kund is situated at a height of 4800 mt, in the midst of Trishul Massif. It is referred to as the mystery lake, due to the finding of hundreds of frozen human bodies and skeletons, which are believed to be the remains of royal expedition Aries, lost in their way to a hill pilgrimage. The route to Roop Kund passes through delightful, alpine, pasture land and snowfeilds, offer magnificient views of the Trisul, Nanda Ghunti and Chaukhamba peaks.