Have you ever heard about the offbeat destinations in Uttarakhand that can easily challenge the beauty of Nainital and Mussoorie? Brimmed with raw natural beauty and serenity, these hidden gems have the power to captivate travelers around the country.
Uttarakhand’s offbeat destinations are the perfect getaways for those looking for tranquil destinations to explore. Of course, these destinations are less explored; they offer the kind of serenity you are yearning for. They represent the different faces of the Himalayas and satiate the travelers looking to spend their time amidst the beautiful and quiet areas.
From Musiyari to Khirsu and Kanatal, Uttarakhand has no dearth of such places that continue to amaze tourists with their untouched landscapes and unrivaled beauty.
These offbeat destinations in Uttarakhand are the best for slow travelers, bird watchers, and the ones who have a deep interest in capturing photos of less-wandered places. These places are highly preferred by solitude seekers as they can get their own share of peace here. Some of the offbeat tourist destinations in Uttarakhand are as follows:
Kanatal
The charm of Kanatal lies in its lush landscapes, peace, and the splendid views of the Himalayas it offers. Named after a lake, this hill station is a suitable place for travelers seeking mental peace. Situated at a height of 2600 meters, Kanatal offers a plethora of activities for adventure enthusiasts.
Climbing rocky terrain, zip lining, and rappelling are a few activities you can try here. Apart from that, tourists can also enjoy water sports at this hill station. The jungle trails of this region offer breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and hills to the trekkers.
Kanatal means ‘one-eyed lake’ in the Hindi language. People say that a lake existed at this site a few years ago. That lake is now dried up. However, this is the reason why the place is named ‘Kanatal.’
This beautiful hill station is less crowded and is a great place for spending your valuable time amidst the scenic natural surroundings. Kanatal leaves an indelible mark on visitors due to its raw beauty and serene places.
Don’t miss spending your time at camps once you are here. Many camping sites in Kanatal offer jaw-dropping views of the hills. A few camping accommodations in Kanatal include Little Jaguar, Camp Carnival, and Little Jaguar. The best time to visit it is between October and March. During this time, Kanatal’s beauty is at its best.
Peora
Nestled between the Kumaon Hills of Uttarakhand, Peora is a tranquil place that captivates travelers with its unexplored beauty. Located at 6000 feet, Peora is the right place to visit if you want to escape from the stressful life of the city.
The simple lifestyle of the Peoria people and the traditional tiled roofs of the houses transport you into another world. Green meadows, fruit-laden trees, snow-capped mountains, and unique flora and fauna—all of them make Peora a perfect getaway for tourists.
Admire the beautiful snow-clad peaks of the Himalayas. Peora is also a photographer’s paradise, as there is so much to capture here. Walking in the trails of Peora will amaze you, as the path is less crowded.
Plus, you can experience the untouched beauty and quiet nature of this place during your visit. You can visit Peora throughout the year. In the summer season, the days are warm. However, mornings and evenings are cooler here. The winter season is quite cold and is the ideal time to visit this place.
Khirsu
Situated at a short distance from Pauri Garhwal, Khirsu is a village wrapped with scenic spots and orchards. It is a peaceful retreat for those who are in search of a secluded place to spend their time.
Located at a height of 1800 meters, this hill station is undoubtedly a paradise for nature lovers. Wrapped with lush greenery, Khirsu is a less-explored destination in Uttarakhand. It is one of the offbeat places in Uttarakhand to get rejuvenated. The place is slowly gaining popularity among tourists who want to visit secluded and offbeat destinations in Uttarakhand.
Khirsu is a small, charming town that you can explore easily on foot. While exploring it, you will meet locals and learn about their way of living. Tourists trek on diverse trekking trails and spend their quality time in sun-kissed forests. Khirsu lets you get an understanding of the rustic life of the hilly regions. If you are a food lover, you can enjoy traditional cuisines here, such as chainsoo, kappa, and aloo ke gutka.
Munsiyari
Located at a height of 2298 meters, this beautiful town is best known for its trekking trails and snow-capped peaks. Also known as “Little Kashmir,” Munsiyari is a small town situated in the Pithoragarh district and one of the top offbeat destinations in Uttarakhand.
The weather in Munsiyari remains good throughout the year. During your visit to this town, you can see Panchachuli, Nanda Kot, and Nanda Devi peaks. Located on the banks of the Goriganga River, this place is one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in Uttarakhand. It is used as a base camp for many people, such as high-altitude trekkers, glacier enthusiasts, and mountaineers. Munsiyari is the best spot for adventure enthusiasts who have the opportunity to trek on moderate- to high-altitude treks.
The best time to visit Munsiyari is from November to mid-March. During this time, couples as well as honeymooners visit this place. The cold climate gives you respite from the scorching heat of the sun. During this time, you can enjoy river rafting, trekking, and hiking trails.
Patal Bhuvaneshwar
Situated at a height of 1350 meters, Patal Bhuvaneshwar is also one of the less-wandered places in Uttarakhand. Renowned for the Shiva Temple Cave, this is considered a spiritual place among the Hindu devotees. According to a legend, the cave is home to approximately. 33 crore gods as well as goddesses.
People believe that this place was discovered by Rituparna, who was the king of the Sun dynasty. The best time to visit Patal Bhuvaneshwar is between April and June. The weather remains pleasant during this time, which helps people explore this place.
Most tourists prefer visiting Patal Bhuvaneshwar in summer. Thus, the place is overcrowded during these months.
Lohaghat
Located on the bank of the Lohawati River, Lohaghat is located 7 km away from Abbot Mount. The place is full of lush greenery, oak forests, and tranquil surroundings. It is also a suitable place for wildlife enthusiasts. They can visit Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is famous for its unique flora and fauna.
If you are an adventure enthusiast, you can enjoy numerous activities here, such as camping, trekking, and hiking. Apart from that, you will get an opportunity to see several peaks and scenic trails here, such as Nanda Kot, Nanda Devi, and Panchchuli. The people of Lohaghat are always ready to share the natural beauty, traditions, and culture of this place.
Unlike the lifestyle of the city dwellers, the people of Lohaghat lead a simple life and celebrate different festivals with great enthusiasm, such as Basant Panchami, Harela, and the Bhitauli festival.
Some of the places that you can explore here include Champawat, Mayavati Ashram, and Abbot Mountain. One of the interesting things to see here is the Bansur ka Qila. Located at approx. 7 km from Lohaghat, this fort was built to pay homage to Banasur, a demon King.
Chaukori
Nestled in the Himalayas, Chaukori is another offbeat destination in Uttarakhand that offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. This bowl-shaped town amazes the tourists with its green tea gardens, breathtaking sunsets and sunrises, and the snow-covered peaks of Panchachuli and Nanda Devi.
Chaukori is a perfect place to detox your body and mind. You can walk in the beautiful meadows and watch the birds here. Adventure enthusiasts can satiate their adventure lust by trekking on Kafni Glacier and Pindari Glacier. Experience the rustic vibe of the villages when you are in Chaukori. The best time to visit this place is between October and March.
Pangot
Situated at a short distance from Nainital, Pangot is situated in the Kosiyakutoli tehsil of Uttarakhand. The village is located at 6,300 feet and is popular for its different species of birds. Some of the birds that you can see here include Slaty-backed Forktail, Khaleej Pheasant, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, etc.
You can also see mammals at this place, such as the Himalayan Goral, Serow, Sambhar, Himalayan Marten, etc. If you are a seasoned bird watcher, visiting this place will be a delightful experience for you. Adventure junkies can also try numerous adventure activities here such as flying fox, rappelling, double rope challenges, etc.
Pangot has numerous ancient temples that you shouldn’t miss when you are here. Visit Mahakali Temple or Kapileshwar Mahadev Temple and admire their unique architecture. They are also the best places for self-reflection and meditation.
Gwaldam
Gwaldam is a quaint village located between Kumaon and Garhwal. While visiting this place, you will feel that you have been transported to a fairyland. It has small lakes and forests that offer visitors a peaceful retreat. From here, you can explore the beautiful views of Trishul, Nanda Ghuti, etc. Gwaldam is just like a small heaven with breathtaking views.
The place has numerous orchids that add charm to it. Gwaldam is not only known for its beautiful flowers but also for its countless birds. If you are an adventure junkie, you will find many treks here. Some of the treks that you can enjoy here include the Kuari Pass, Roopkund Lake Trek, Nanda Devi Yatra, etc. These trekking trails will take you through beautiful rivers and oak and pine forests.
Didihat
Located at a height of 5659 feet, Didihat is a hidden gem full of natural beauty. It is a haven for nature lovers due to its large variety of flora and fauna. You will be amazed to see the picturesque views of the valley when you are here. It lies between the route to Kailash Mansarovar, where you will get to see beautiful snow-clad peaks.
Didihat is best known for its temples and forts and for being a halting point for pilgrims during the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. The place attracts tourists from across the country with its lush greenery, peaceful charm, and beautiful landscapes.
Malla Kings of Sirakot used to rule on Didihat. The town was under the rule of the Doti Kingdom. Later, Rudra Chand of the Chand dynasty defeated the King of Doti and started ruling this region. You can still find many edifices that belong to the bygone era.
Chopta
Located at a height of 2700 meters, Chopta is increasingly popular among tourists. Surrounded by forests, this place offers a breathtaking view of green meadows and the snow-covered Himalayan ranges.
Known as ‘Mini Switzerland’, Chopta has a pristine environment and is full of unique flora and fauna. Chopta is not only known for its lush greenery but also for its trekking opportunities. It is one of the best offbeat destinations in Uttarakhand (especially in terms of hill stations) and is a base for a variety of trekking destinations such as Chandrashila, Tungnath, and so on.
Chopta is less crowded, which is the reason why it attracts tourists from not only India but also from foreign countries. The place is a paradise for bird watchers as they will find many migratory birds here.
Offbeat Destinations in Uttarakhand: Conclusion
Uttarakhand is a treasure trove of uniquely beautiful places that are less explored. The abovementioned offbeat destinations in Uttarakhand attract travelers due to their natural beauty and unique cultural experiences.
From the tranquil charm of Kanatal to the scenic surroundings of Khirsu, each place in Uttarakhand offers breathtaking views of natural surroundings. Whether you are looking for cultural experiences and diverse and beautiful landscapes, Uttarakhand’s offbeat destinations won’t disappoint you. These hidden gems offer you an opportunity to explore the beauty in its purest form. If you are looking for Uttarakhand tour packages, you can count on Shakti India Tours. On this website, you will find a number of tour packages to choose from.