Leave at 09:00 for Kirtikhal and walk about 2 km up to Bhairavgarhi Temple, back at the cab by about noon. Then Bhulla Tal, lunch in town, Santoshi Mata Temple and Tip-in-Top by mid-afternoon. It is about 47 km by cab and back by about 16:00. No stop closes on a weekday, so it works on any day.
Leave town at 09:00 for Kirtikhal, about 18 km up the Gumkhal road, and walk the forest path to Bhairavgarhi Temple while it is cool. Back in town, Bhulla Tal, then lunch, the steps up to Santoshi Mata Temple and the view from Tip-in-Top. About 47 km by cab, back in the bazaar by about 16:00 with the hill roads. Works on any day.
A temple to Bhairav, the guardian of Garhwal, on a hilltop above Kirtikhal village, about 18 km from Lansdowne by road. You walk up a forest path of about 2 km from the road, and the top looks out over the ridges on every side.
Tip: The cab waits at Kirtikhal. Wear proper shoes and carry water; the path is steep in places. Allow about 2.5 hours there and back with time at the top.
A small lake in a garden, built and still looked after by the army. There are paddle boats, ducks and a short path round the water. Bhulla means younger brother in Garhwali, a name for the young soldiers of the regiment.
Tip: There is a small entry fee and boats cost extra. It is calm on weekdays and busy with families at weekends.
A small temple on a hilltop at the edge of town, reached by about 150 to 200 steps from the Tip-in-Top side. The view from the top takes in the town and the valley below.
Tip: The cab stops on the road below and you climb the steps. Take your shoes off at the top.
Lansdowne's best viewpoint, on a ridge at the edge of the cantonment, also called Tiffin Top. On a clear day you see a long line of snow peaks to the north, and the valleys fall away below.
Tip: There is a small entry fee and a parking fee. The peaks hide in haze on many summer afternoons; October to February is clearest.
Drive times come from road routing without traffic, which drives hill roads at plains speed. The roads round Lansdowne are narrow and winding, and the cantonment roads are one-way in places, so allow more time than shown. Opening hours marked ? are not yet confirmed, so check them before you go.
Call or message a local Lansdowne operator with this plan. Tell them your hotel and dates, and they send a price for the car and driver.
We are still listing Lansdowne operators. Write to [email protected] and we will put you in touch.
The hours we planned around. Check before you go on a public holiday.
| Place | Open | Best time | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bhairavgarhi Temple | About 08:00 to 18:00? | Morning, before the sun is high on the climb. | 2 h 30 min |
| Bhulla Tal | About 09:00 to 17:00 (listings give 08:00 or 09:00 to 17:00 or 18:00)? | Midday or early afternoon, when it is warm by the water. | 1 h |
| Santoshi Mata Temple | Open all day; planned in daylight? | Afternoon, on the way to Tip-in-Top. | 40 min |
| Tip-in-Top | About 08:30 to sunset; planned to 17:30, the winter sunset? | Late afternoon, or early morning when the snow peaks are clearest. | 30 min |
Yes. The town is small and the main sights fit in one easy day with time for lunch. A second morning lets you add Tarkeshwar Mahadev, about 36 to 38 km away, or the walk on from Bhairavgarhi to Langoorgarhi.
About 2 km each way on a forest path that is steep in places. Most people take 2 to 2.5 hours there and back with time at the top. Wear proper shoes and carry water. If you skip it, the day ends by lunch.
It is cooler in the morning and the views are clearer before the afternoon haze. Bhulla Tal and Tip-in-Top are easy stops that suit the afternoon.
Yes, if it is open: about 09:00 to 13:00 and 16:00 to 18:00. Fit it in after Tip-in-Top, from 16:00. Ask the driver for the gate.