There’s something romantic about planning a spontaneous mountain getaway, especially when the plains start to feel like a giant oven. For me, that escape came in the form of a weekend trip from Delhi to Nainital. I ditched my usual train bookings and booked a zingbus overnight ride. The plan? Sleep through the highway, wake up in the hills.
And for the most part, it was smooth sailing.
I heard that the last 60 minutes are bad for motion sickness, especially while travelling with buses, not with the zingbus.
Let’s rewind.
The Journey Begins: Easy, Breezy Highway Vibes
The trip starts off with that classic Delhi-exodus energy. zingbus picked me up right on time (shoutout to real-time tracking!) and I was in my seat with earbuds in and a bag of chips ready. The bus was clean, air-conditioned, and comfortable enough to catch a solid nap.
Highways? Pretty straightforward. We glided past Ghaziabad, Hapur, Moradabad… the kind of drive that makes you think, “Why don’t I do this more often?”
Then around Kathgodam things got interesting.
The Last 60 Minutes: Buckle Up
If you’ve done this route before, you already know.
From Kathgodam to Nainital, the hills begin. And I mean hills. Sharp turns. Hairpin bends. A steady climb through misty pine-covered roads with jaw-dropping drops on one side and dense forest on the other.
The road winds and winds and winds. Every five seconds it’s like, “Wait, didn’t we just pass that tree?”
The bus handles it like a pro—but your stomach? That’s another story.
Motion Sickness Is Real (But You’ll Survive)
Look, I’ve done my share of road trips. But something about those last 30–60 minutes really tested my equilibrium. My co-passenger popped a Dramamine before we hit the hills, and honestly? Genius move.
That said, if you’re not usually prone to motion sickness, you’ll be fine. Just avoid scrolling through your phone or downing a samosa right before the ascent.
Also: sit on the left side of the bus for some stunning valley views (and fewer gut-turning visuals of the drop).
But Here’s the Thing… It’s So Worth It
As you curve around the last few bends, Nainital slowly reveals itself, that first glimpse of the lake, the rooftops peeking through the hills, the crisp morning air seeping in through the window.
Suddenly, the nausea fades. The bus rolls to a stop. And there it is: the hill town dream you’ve been craving.
You step off the bus, stretch your legs, breathe in the cool pine-scented air, and all the twisty chaos of the last hour? Forgotten.
Why I’d Still Choose Bus Over Anything Else
Despite the rollercoaster finish, doing this trip by zingbus was still a no-brainer. Here’s why:
- Overnight travel = save a day of leave
- No driving fatigue = more energy to explore
- Comfy seating, charging ports, and AC that actually works
- Affordable tickets compared to cabs or trains
- zingprime membership gives extra discounts, Complimentary Insurance, and free cancellations
- Female-friendly seating and safety-first protocols
Suggested Weekend Itinerary: Delhi to Nainital by zingbus
Friday Night: Depart from Delhi
- Book a zingbus leaving between 9 PM – 11 PM from Kashmiri Gate or Anand Vihar
- Sleep comfortably through the night
Saturday Morning: Arrive in Nainital
- Reach by 6–7 AM
- Grab breakfast by the lake or check into your hotel (many allow early check-in)
Saturday: Explore Local Gems
- Naini Lake boat ride
- Visit Naina Devi Temple
- Ropeway to Snow View Point
- Lunch at Café Chica or Zooby’s
- Evening stroll on Mall Road
Saturday Night: Dinner with a View
- Head to The Woods or Sakley’s for a cozy dinner
- Return to hotel for a good night’s rest
Sunday Morning: One Last Adventure
- Early trek to Tiffin Top or Naina Peak
- Quick brunch
Sunday Afternoon/Evening: Head Back
- Catch your zingbus around 2 PM – 4 PM
- Arrive in Delhi by 10 PM – refreshed and happy
Can You Handle It?
The last hour of the Delhi to Nainital bus ride is not for the faint of stomach—but it’s also part of the magic. It’s the literal and emotional climb into hill station mode. You trade four-lane monotony for mountain adventure.
And that first look at the lake, when the bus finally pulls into town?
100% worth every twist and turn.
Ready to ride?
- Book your Delhi – Nainital zingbus route
- Opt for zingbus Plus for perks like early boarding and free seat selection
- Consider zingprime if you’re a frequent traveler
- Don’t forget your motion sickness pill (just in case)
- And trust the journey—you’re headed somewhere beautiful.
See you in the hills.
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