10 Amazing Offbeat Places in Uttarakhand

Dotted with countless temples, lakes, and mystical corners, Uttarakhand is one of the most beautiful tourist places in India, and among the must include places in Uttarakhand tour packages. Often called “Dev Bhoomi”,  the dreamy paradise offers spellbinding treks, bird sanctuaries, wildlife habitats, and of course, jaw-dropping views of the mighty Himalayas. The famous religious destinations Badrinath & Kedarnath, and stunning hill stations like Nainital, Mussoorie, Haridwar, Rishikesh, etc. are some of the most prominent Uttarakhand tourist places that are always packed with tourists. Are you tired of being visiting these commercialized, and crowded tourist places and want to go for a quiet, secluded, and peaceful place where you can spend quality time with your family, and friends? There are many offbeat places in Uttarakhand that offer absolute tranquillity, rejuvenation, and peace of mind.

Munsiyari

Situated at an altitude of 2298 m, Munsiyari is a cozy hamlet located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. This pretty little hill town is one of the most scenic offbeat destinations that one must visit as part of Uttarakhand tour packages. Often referred to as “Little Kashmir”, Munsiyari is known for its panorama of snow-capped Himalayan Range, luxuriant forests, serene nature, vantage points, excellent weather, scenic trails, and breathtaking landscape. Perched between the borders of India, Tibet, and Nepal, Munsiyari is a base for three glaciers namely Namik, Milam, and Ralam Glaciers. This Kumaon hill town is the perfect place for those who want to feel close to mountains, and are interested in trekking, skiing, hiking, mountaineering, etc., all the while enjoying unspoiled nature. Also, Munsyari is the starting point of Johar Valley which was the ancient trade route between Tibet and India.


Chopta

The second on our list of offbeat places in Uttarakhand is Chopta, a scenic hill station in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Fondly called the ‘Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand’, this idyllic and tranquil getaway engulfed with verdant forests, sprawling meadows, valleys, and snow-laden mountains make a great setting for a relaxing vacation. Tungnath, Deoria Tal, Ukhimath, Chandrashila, and Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary are the famous places to visit in and around Chopta. If you are keen on adventure, this spot offers several trekking trails in which Deoria Tal to Chandrashila Peak trekking is the most prominent one. Besides, this tiny hamlet is famous for camping, birdwatching, yoga, and meditation. Providing unobstructed views of Trisul, Nanda Devi and Chaukhamba Peaks, snowfall in Chopta is the most conventional view in winters.

                     Also Read : Top Places to Visit in Kedarnath

Chaukori

Chaukori is a beautiful kaleidoscopic beautiful village located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. Placed at a height of 2,100 m in the western Himalayan Range, this bowl-shaped town is encapsulated by aromatic tea estates, luxuriant deodar, and alpine forests, and fruit orchards. With the splendid view of Nanda Devi, Panchachulu Peak as a backdrop, and surreal sunrise and sunset views, Chaukori is one of those offbeat places that can become a part of your Uttarakhand packages.  With dense forests & fruit orchards all around, Chaukori is blessed with tonnes of flora and fauna along with some of the most unique birds.

                                   Must Visit : Pilgrimage Sites in Uttarakhand

Peora

Tucked at an elevation of 6,600 ft between Almora and Nainital, Peora is another charming lesser-known place to visit in Uttarakhand. This hidden gem is famous for mighty Kumaon Himalayan ranges, dense forests,  green meadows, and sprawling fruit orchards of apples and plums. Untouched by commercialization, Peora is a perfect place to enjoy some peaceful moments away from the stressful city life. This place is even perfect for solo tripping souls. Peora can be visited along with Nainital tour packages.


Jageshwar

Jageshwar is a small holy town located in the Almora district of Uttarakhand. Situated at an altitude of 1870 m in the lap of Kumaon hills, this is one of the least explored places in Uttarakhand, and among the must-visit Almora tourist places. This small town comprises a cluster of 124 temples including Dandeshwar Temple, Chandi Temple, Jageshwar Temple, Kuber Temple, Mritunjaya Temple, Nanda Devi, or Nava Durga, Navagraha temple, a Pyramidal shrine, and Surya Temple. Of these, Mrityunjaya Temple is the oldest shrine and the biggest shrine is the Dandeshwar Temple.  These temples range in the period from the 8th century (early Katyuri Dynasty) to the 18th century (Chand Dynasty). If you’re an archaeological geek, with a thing for exploring the deeply seated mythological beliefs that for the root of the Indian culture, the place will leave you feeling enchanted, with an unquenchable thirst for exploring beyond.

                               Book Here : Almora Tour Packages

Khirsu

Sitting at a staggering height of about 1700m, Khirsu is a sleepy and peaceful hill village located in the Pauri Garhwal region. Wrapped with lush green Oak and Deodar forests and apple orchards, this is one of the few offbeat places in Uttarakhand that is off the popular tourist trails and is ideal for those people who are looking to escape the hustle-bustle of the favorite tourist spots. The panoramic beauty of the place is breathtaking and so is the exotic fragrance of the wildflowers, herbs, and lush green forests. This picturesque hamlet offers a spectacular 300 km wide view of the snow-clad Himalayas, including Trishul, Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, and Panchchuli peaks. It is one of the best-unexplored places for camping and trekking in Uttarakhand.


Chakrata

Chakrata is another popular offbeat attraction located in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. Located at an elevation of 7000 feet and overlooking Yamuna valley, Chakrata boasts scenic views, thick forests, soothing serenity, gorgeous landscape, and ideal weather throughout the year. This place was a summer retreat for officials of the English East India Company. Chakrata is relatively less visited and also a cheaper alternative to other expensive hill stations of Uttarakhand like Nainital & Mussoorie. It is an ideal spot for nature lovers, bird watchers, adventure lovers, and wildlife enthusiasts. Tiger Falls, Deoban, Hanol Mahasu Temple, and the Lakhamandal are some of the popular places to visit in Chakrata. The place is also popular for trekking, rafting, skiing, and cave tours. Chakrata can be visited along with Mussoorie tour packages.

                  Book Here : Dehradun Tour Packages

Jeolikot

If you are looking for a serene place nestled in the Himalayas, the hidden hill town of Jeolikot is the place for you! Nestled in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, Jeolikot is one of the least explored hill stations in Uttarakhand and among the top places to visit in Nainital. Settled at an altitude of 1219 m, this is known for its crystal clear lagoons and scenic viewpoints. Surrounded by magnificent mountains, lush green deodar, and pine forests, Jeolikot was a favorite haunt of the British during the colonial era. There are many cottages and hotels in Jeolikot, which have been built in colonial style. The house of Warwick Sahib, a retired major of the British army, is one of the main attractions. Jeolikot is an ideal place for those who are interested in floriculture and butterfly catching.

                       Book Here : Delhi Cab Packages

Lohaghat

Lies at an altitude of 1800 m on the banks of the Lohawati River, Lohaghat is one of the secret hill stations in Uttarakhand, and among the top places to visit near Delhi that offers a serene climate. This place is claimed to be the cultural capital of one of the Rajput clans. This ancient town is known for the many temples that lure a huge number of tourists due to its historical and mythological significance. Mayawati/Advait Ashram, Banasur ka Qila, Devidhura temples, and Pancheswar temple are some popular places to visit in Lohaghat. The pleasant climate, stunning landscape, pine and oak trees, and verdant greenery are what beckons people to this exquisite location. It is famous for the carpet of rhododendron flowers that are freshly bloomed in summer. When in Lohaghat, go for a day hike to Abbott Mountain, which still has a 19th century abandoned church and the reportedly haunted Abbott house.


Pangot

Pangot is a small and picturesque hamlet situated quite close to Nainital, yet not as touristy as the same. Perched at an altitude of 6,300 feet, this emerging mountain getaway is well known all across the nation for its rich and exotic birdlife. Pangot also becomes a hub for photography enthusiasts when hundreds of different species of birds flock here during winter. Naina Devi Bird Reserve, Himalaya Botanic Garden, Kainchi Dham, and Himalaya View Point are the prominent places to visit in Pangot. Pangot will offer you glorious views of Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi.  This is the perfect place for those who do not like crowded destinations and wish to spend few days in solace and seclusion. It is nothing less than pure bliss to wake up to the melodious chirping of birds, feel the cool breeze, and rejuvenate your mind and body.

                Also Read : Hill Stations near Delhi

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