Welcome to Tara Guest House
Your Gateway to the Mystical Himalayas in Almora
Book Your Stay Learn MoreAbout Us
A Legacy of Hospitality Since 1980
Tara's Guest House and General Store - an iconic place that has been central to the history of Papersali and Kasar Devi for more than 45 years. Founded by Mr. Tara Datt Tiwari and Family.
Located on the mystical Kasardevi Road in Papersali, Almora, we offer more than just accommodation - we provide a gateway to one of the world's most spiritually significant locations.
Experience the warmth of Kumaoni hospitality, surrounded by deodar and pine forests, with panoramic views of the majestic Himalayas.
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Discover the natural beauty and serene atmosphere of our guest house and the surrounding Himalayan landscape.
How to Reach
By Air
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar (115 km)
Flight connections from Delhi. Taxis available to Almora (âš1600 approx).
Alternative: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (197 km)
By Train
Nearest Station: Kathgodam (83 km)
Well connected to Delhi, Lucknow. Take Ranikhet Express from Delhi.
From Kathgodam: Regular buses and taxis to Almora.
By Road
From Delhi: 361 km (8.5 hours)
From Dehradun: 415 km
From Haldwani: 45 km (1.5 hours)
Regular buses from Anand Vihar, Delhi.
Local Transport
Almora to Kasardevi: 8 km
Shared taxis (âš30-50) and local buses every 30 minutes.
Our Location: Papersali, Kasardevi Road
đ¤ī¸ Best Weather to Visit Almora
đ¸ Peak Season (Mar-Jun)
15-25°C âĸ Perfect for sightseeing
đ Autumn (Sep-Nov)
10-20°C âĸ Crystal clear views
âī¸ Winter (Dec-Feb)
-2 to 12°C âĸ Possible snowfall
đ§ī¸ Monsoon (Jul-Sep)
21-29°C âĸ Lush greenery
Nearby Attractions
đī¸ Kasar Devi Temple
Distance: Walking distance (500m)
Significance: One of only 3 places on Earth within the Van Allen Belt (along with Machu Picchu and Stonehenge).
History: 2nd century CE temple visited by Swami Vivekananda (1890s), then became a spiritual haven for Western seekers.
đ¸ Crank's Ridge - Famous Hippie Hill
Distance: 1 km walk through pine forests
Famous Visitors: Bob Dylan, Cat Stevens, Allen Ginsberg, Timothy Leary, George Harrison, Uma Thurman (named here!).
Why Famous: Timothy Leary wrote his "psychedelic prayers" here in the 1960s.
đī¸ Historic Temples
Jageshwar (37 km): 124 ancient temples, one of 12 Jyotirlingas
Katarmal Sun Temple (17 km): 800-year-old, second most important Sun temple in India
Chitai Golu Devta (9 km): "Temple of Million Bells" - God of Justice
đī¸ Almora Market & Shopping
Lala Bazaar: 200-year-old market with traditional Kumaoni crafts
What to Buy: Copper utensils, Pashmina shawls, woolen clothes, traditional jewelry, local sweets
Local Crafts: Hand-woven carpets, wood carvings, traditional paintings
đĻ Wildlife & Nature
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary (30 km): Wildlife viewing, Zero Point with 300km Himalayan views
Deer Park (Almora): Various deer species, leopards, Himalayan black bears
Bright End Corner: Sunrise/sunset viewpoint
đī¸ Nearby Hill Stations
Ranikhet (24 km): Kumaon Regiment center, golf course
Kausani (52 km): "Switzerland of India"
Mukteshwar (16 km): Adventure activities, orchards
Chaukori (85 km): Tea gardens with Panchachuli peaks view
Suggested Itineraries
đī¸ Perfect 3-4 Day Spiritual & Cultural Experience
Day 1: Arrival & Local Exploration
- Check into Tara Guest House
- Evening visit to Kasar Devi Temple
- Sunset meditation at Crank's Ridge
- Dinner at local German Bakery
Day 2: Almora City & Temples
- Morning: Bright End Corner for sunrise
- Explore Almora markets (Lala Bazaar)
- Visit Nanda Devi Temple
- Afternoon: Chitai Golu Devta Temple
Day 3: Nature & Adventure
- Day trip to Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Trek to Zero Point for panoramic views
- Wildlife spotting and photography
- Evening return via Martola viewpoint
Day 4: Spiritual Journey
- Early morning: Katarmal Sun Temple
- Afternoon: Jageshwar Temple complex
- Final meditation at Kasar Devi
- Departure or extend stay
đī¸ Complete 7-Day Himalayan Experience
Days 1-2: Arrival & Kasar Devi
- Settle in and acclimatize
- Deep exploration of Kasar Devi area
- Meet local and international residents
- Multiple meditation sessions
Days 3-4: Cultural Immersion
- Extensive Almora city exploration
- All major temples and viewpoints
- Traditional craft workshops
- Local cooking classes
Day 5: Adventure Day
- Full day Binsar expedition
- Wildlife safari and bird watching
- Trekking and photography
- Overnight camping option
Days 6-7: Extended Exploration
- Day trip to Ranikhet or Kausani
- Visit to Jageshwar temple complex
- Shopping for souvenirs
- Final spiritual practices
đī¸ Family-Friendly Himalayan Adventure
Family Activities
- Easy nature walks for children
- Deer Park wildlife viewing
- Pony rides and local transportation
- Traditional craft demonstrations
Educational Experiences
- Museum visits with historical context
- Temple architecture learning
- Local culture and tradition exposure
- Mountain ecology education
Comfort Considerations
- Shorter distances, more rest time
- Child-friendly accommodation
- Local cuisine adapted for families
- Emergency medical facilities nearby
Special Memories
- Sunrise viewing from guest house
- Traditional dress photo sessions
- Local sweet tasting (Bal Mithai)
- Handicraft purchasing for home
Contact Us / Inquiry
đ Send us an Inquiry
đ Get in Touch
đ Address
đ Tara Guest House
Papersali, Kasardevi Road
Almora, Uttarakhand
PIN: 263601
đ Check-in/Check-out
â° Check-in: 12:00 PM
â° Check-out: 11:00 AM
âšī¸ Flexible timings available on request
đ Directions
đŖī¸ From Almora Bus Stand: 8 km (20 minutes)
đ Local taxi: âš150-200
đ Shared taxi: âš30-50 per person
đļ Walking trail available through forest
đĄ Travel Tips
âĸ Book in advance during peak season (Mar-Jun, Sep-Nov)
âĸ Carry warm clothes even in summer
âĸ Inform us of arrival time for pickup arrangements
âĸ ATM available in Almora (carry some cash)