Things To Do
in Katarmāla

9th-century temple with intricate stone carvings and dramatic angles—excellent for architectural detail shots and atmospheric morning light.

Terraced farmland with seasonal crops and traditional houses—ideal for golden-hour landscape and pastoral scenes.

Nearby ridges provide unobstructed views of the outer Himalaya, great for wide panoramas and sunset/sunrise photography on clear days.

Forested trails offer intimate nature shots, seasonal rhododendron blooms (spring) and birdlife photography opportunities.

A traditional black soybean curry from Kumaon—rich and tangy, commonly found at local homes and dhabas in Almora and nearby villages.

Must-Try!

Dry spiced potatoes with local herbs, a ubiquitous side dish served in roadside dhabas and family kitchens.

A protein-rich dal made from roasted gram, typical in Kumaoni households and sometimes available at regional specialty restaurants.

A famous Kumaoni sweet made from khoya and coated with sugar balls, best bought from sweet shops in Almora and Kausani.

Busy market where you can sample local snacks, buy bal mithai, singori (sweet wrapped in leaves), spices and pickles; good for street-side pakoras and chai.

Small dhabas on the Almora–Kausani roads serve local thalis, lentil dishes and aloo ke gutke—great for affordable, authentic meals.

Dress modestly—shoulders and knees covered are appreciated in villages and temples. Traditional attire is respected.

Remove footwear before entering temples, speak softly, and follow any local rituals or boundaries; ask permission before taking photos of people.

Greet people with 'Namaste' and show respect to elders; polite, patient behavior goes a long way in small communities.

If visiting a home, small gifts like sweets, tea or packaged items are appreciated—avoid alcohol unless you know the family well.

Tipping is appreciated but modest—5–10% in restaurants if no service charge is included, small tips (₹20–₹100) for drivers, guides and porters depending on service and duration.

Cash (Indian rupees) is preferred in Katarmal and nearby villages; Almora and Kausani accept cards at larger hotels and some cafes. Mobile UPI payment apps are widely used in towns but connectivity can be spotty in remote spots—carry sufficient cash for village purchases.

Late March to June is pleasantly cool (compared with the plains), ideal for hiking and sightseeing; expect clear skies but occasional rain in late summer.

July to September brings heavy rains that make narrow hill roads slippery and increase the risk of landslides—scenic but travel can be disrupted; carry waterproof gear.

October–November is one of the best times: post-monsoon clarity, crisp air and excellent views of the Himalayan peaks; comfortable temperatures for walks.

December–February can be cold with nighttime frost and occasional snowfall at higher elevations—pack warm layers; some remote guesthouses may close for the season.

Network of trails through oak and rhododendron forests with viewpoints (including Zero Point) offering Himalayan panoramas and birdwatching opportunities; trails vary from easy to moderate.

Gentle ridge hikes around Kausani tea gardens and viewpoints—excellent for sunrise/sunset photography and panoramic mountain views.

Short circular walks that pass through the temple complex, terraced fields and adjacent hamlets—great for cultural observation and easy trekking.

Walks along the Almora ridgeline visiting temples and viewpoints—easy to moderate with rewarding town and mountain vistas.

The closest regional airport serving Kumaon; from Pantnagar you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Almora/Katarmal (journey around 2–3 hours depending on road and traffic).

Major international gateway with frequent flights; from Delhi, road or rail+road options connect to Almora and Katarmal—expect a long drive (6–8+ hours) or a combination of train to Kathgodam plus road transfer.

Vegetarian food is widely available and easy to find—many dishes are naturally vegetarian. Inform cooks about preferences and ask for less oil or spice if needed.

Veganism is possible but more limited—avoid ghee, paneer and yogurt and request vegetable-based preparations; carry snacks if you have strict requirements.

Rice, lentils and millet-based dishes are common and suitable for gluten-free diets, but bread (roti/chapati) contains wheat—communicate clearly with vendors.

Stick to cooked hot food, bottled water or boiled water, and fresh fruit you can peel to reduce the risk of stomach upsets.