The Naina Peak also formerly known as Cheena Peak or China Peak is situated at a short distance of 6 km north of Mallital and is set at a height of 2615 mts above sea level making it the highest point of Nainital town.
For tourists who cannot hike or walk, you can hire a pony from Mallital or Bara-Patthar to ride up here but the best way to enjoy this site is by trekking up through the slopes of this Peak that welcomes you with a beautiful view of the mountains. As you ascend, Naini Lake looks like it is shrinking to form a small pool of water within the clutches of the seven hills that surround this Lake. It emits a pearly emerald green colour that looks like a gem amidst the Himalayan ranges and also looks like the eye of the town. As you walk further up, the town zooms out taking the shape of a bowl and the almost aerial view looks breathtaking at this point.
Also, since the climb can be tiring ensure that you carry water and some snacks to eat while hiking uphill but it is also prohibited to litter the place so make sure that after eating you do not throw the leftovers here but in a dustbin provided by the tourism department of the region.
Once you reach the top, you are faced with the most spectacular view of the snow laden peaks of the Himalayas ranging from Bunder punch Glaciers to Api Peak and Nari Peak in Nepal and an eagle eye view of the bowl-shaped town holding the lake that is a must visit to be able to admire the true beauty of nature in this form. A pair of binoculars can assist you to see the actual grandeur of Nainital and its Lake.
