Top 14 Unknown Destinations of Uttarakhand

Many people around the country love visiting Uttarakhand for its scenic mountains and lush green forests. Especially during the harsh summer months, you would want to pack your bags and head straight to one of the beautiful hill stations. Most of us choose hill stations like Manali, Nainital or Mussorie. But sadly after so many years, these hill stations have started to become overcrowded. Therefore, you would not enjoy the true beauty of Uttarakhand that you might be hoping for. Hence, we have curated a list of some places that would act as the most ideal spot for you to enjoy the view and calmness that you will certainly enjoy away from the harsh heat and usual hustle-bustle.

Manila

The tiny village of Manila is located at a distance of around 87 kilometres from Ranikhet in Almora. It is the native place of Manila Devi who is the family goddess of Katyuri clan from where the region got its name. Settled at an elevation of 1,820 metres in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, Manila is a favourite among people who have a love of exploring the offbeat places in Uttarakhand. The place is enveloped in incredible energy and calmness that is surrounded by a dense forest range along with a wide view of mighty Himalayas from Trishul to Panchchulli, including Nanda Devi peaks. Manila is uncrowded most times of the year as it is not known to many.

Munsiyari

Nestled in the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas Munsiyari, the town of Munsiyari is one of the most beautiful offbeat spots in the state of Uttarakhand. The name Munsiyari translates into a ‘place of snow’. It is also adjudged as ‘Little Kashmir’ by the locals. The place offers one of the most splendid views of the Himalayan peak that will surely leave you mesmerized. It is located at an altitude of 2298 m above sea level. Munsiyari is the starting point of various treks that lead to Milam, Ralam Glaciers and Nanda Devi peak. Munsiyari also falls on the ancient salt route from Tibet. It is also the entrance of the Johar valley that extends along the path of the Gori Ganga River to its source at Milam Glacier.

Chaukori

Chaukori is one of the dreamiest locations to witness un the state of Uttarakhand. The town is surrounded by the tall Himalayan peaks that give one a stunning view of the beautiful Nanda Devi, Panchchuli and thick green forests. An approximately 173 kilometres away from Nainital, Chaukori is located at an elevation of 2010 meter. It is marked a sone of the few places where you will get to witness tea gardens in abundance. The town Chaukori has been named after its unique shape that resembles a bowl that has been cupped within the splendid Himalayas. It is an ideal place to explore for its natural beauty, fruit orchards, Pine, Oak and Rhododendron forests. The perfect weekend getaway in Northern India,  the Pithoragarh district of the Kumaon Hills of Uttarakhand is where you ought to travel next.

Binsar

Located at an altitude of 2,420 meters, Binsar is one of the most stunning spots of the Kumaon Himalayas. The town is located 95 km away from Nanital that offers one of the most majestic 360-degree views of the snowy Himalayas that can be spotted from the Binsar Zero point. The mesmerizing ranges of Chaukhamba, Trishul, Nanda Devi, Shivling and Panchchuli are more than enough to attract people all around especially for those that love discovering new walking trails and valleys. A true trekkers paradise, Binar allows you to discover towering mountain trails,  Oaks and Rhododendrons. The lace is also home to a vast wildlife sanctuary that has various rare animals, birds and wildflowers.

Gwaldam

Gwaldam is located on the border of Garhwal and Kumaon. Located around the apple orchards and green woods, the town is at an altitude of 1700 meters. The town is around 40 kilometres away from Kausani. It offers one of the fascinating views of the Himalayan peaks Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nanda Ghunti. The place is one of the most relaxing and peaceful spots to enjoy in Uttarakhand. When touring or trekking around the region you will be able to spot wide pine forests, lakes and orchards that enhances the whole experience. Trekkers looking to visit here should definitely experience the Roopkund Lake Trek. Visit here if you wish you wish to explore and enjoy an area full of tranquillity.

Lohaghat

Lohaghat is a small town in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand that has been famously called a little heaven. Located in the Champawat district, the town was once the cultural capital of the Chand dynasty. Situated on the banks of the river Lohawati, the town is known among few for its historical and mythological significance. In the nineteenth century, the British wanted to develop it as the summer capital of the then British empire. Surrounded by tall Deodar trees and snowy peaks of the Himalaya, Lohaghat is the perfect weekend gateway.  One can always opt for fishing and water sports activities from the town to Pancheshwar.

Harsil

Though there are many unknown places in Uttarakhand for one to explore. But one such place that you should definitely visit in the state is the beautiful Harsil. Just a few kilometres away from Gangotri, the village is popular among campers who wish to stop at a place that is peaceful and offers beautiful views of the Himalayas. For a long time, Harsil was unknown to tourists visiting the state of Uttarakhand. It was only a couple of years back that earned some popularity among the tourists for its scenic and serene charm. Harsil is surrounded by snowy peaks of the Himalayas, pine-forests and flourishing flora and fauna.

Khirsu

Located around 15 kilometres away from Pauri Garhwal, Khirsu is known for its scenic beauty. The mesmerizing wide views of the Himalayas which include the Trishul, Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot and Panchchuli peaks are beyond breathtaking. It is surrounded by the tall trees of pine, oak and deodar. Khirsu is located at 1,900 meters above sea level. It is majorly famous for its abundance in apple orchards. If you want to visit a place that is quiet, peaceful and not visited by a large crowd of tourists then Khirsu is where you need to be. The place is slowly making its way up into the hearts of many tourists.

Sitlakhet

Hidden in the district of Almora, Uttarakhand lies an unknown hill station known as Sitlakhet. The town is a lesser-known spot that can be spotted just 24 kilometres ahead of Ranikhet. The town sits at an elevation of 1900 meters on the kaleidoscopic Syahi Devi hills. The view of the stunning Chaukhamba peaks can easily be enjoyed from this place. Adding to it are the beautiful surrounding that comprises of tall hills and rich flora and fauna. Sitlakhet has a few hiking trails and offers camping opportunities too. As the place is still untouched by commercialization, you will be able to spot some natural ethnicity too. There are just a few houses here, hence for accommodation, you will have to find tents to stay.

Pangot

Just a mere 15 kilometres ahead of Nanital lies the serene Pangot. It is a fairly unknown and undiscovered spot of the Uttarakhand. But it is well known among the people who love nature and wildlife. Pangot has numerous jungles and birds making it a true paradise to witness. The town comprises of almost three hundred bird species that are just beyond amazing to witness. While touring the vicinity, you will also be able to spot some Oak, Pine and Rhododendrons too. Pangot is also famous for some adventurous activities like mountain biking and trekking. The trekking trail begins from here and ends at the Naina peak and the other at the Corbett National Park.

Mana Village

Mana village is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is often referred to as the last inhabited village of India. Situated at the distance of 24 km from the Indo-Chinese border, the village lies closely next to the Hindu Pilgrimage Char Dham Sites and the holy Badrinath Temple. The village has an impeccable history that not many people know. The great Hindu epic, Mahabharata’s traces can be spotted all over the place.  The famous 5000 years old Vyas Guha cave outside the village attracts numerous tourists. It is said that sage Vyas composed the Mahabharata with the help of Lord Ganesha in the cave.  Just near the Vyas Cave, lies another famous attraction known as Bheem Pul. It is an arc-formed stone bridge that rests over the Saraswati River. It is believed to be existing from the Puranic times when Pandava brothers crossed through Mana Village while on their way to heaven.

Landour

Landour is a small cantonment town that lies 35 kilometres away from the popular hill station of Mussorie. It is located at an elevation of 1,500 feet above Mussoorie. Lying amidst the  Lower Western Himalayas, both the towns of Mussoorie and Landour, together were earlier well-known British Raj Era hill stations of northern India. During the olden times, the Britishers had set up a rejuvenation centre to enjoy the wonders of the town and its surroundings. During the Raj, it was a common practice to give nostalgic English, Scottish, Welsh or Irish names to homes that reflected one’s ethnicity. The town is also popular for its serenity that it gets from the Garhwal Himalayas. One will definitely enjoy the mesmerizing sight of the Swargarohini, Banderpooch, Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and other peaks.

Dharchula

Dharchula is a small town that is located in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. The place is fairly remote as compared to other spots of the state. The town was once an ancient trade route. Surrounded by towering hills, Dharchula lies on the Kailash Mansarovar and Chota Kailash route. Situated at an elevation of 915 meters, the place is flourished with a large variety of flora and fauna. It comprises of Oak, Pine, Apple and Deodar trees. One can also spot animals such as dears, fox, leopard and bear. Some of the main attractions that tourists should surely visit include the Narayan Ashram, Mansarovar Lake, Chikrila Dam, Kali River and Om Parvat.

Chakrata

The mesmerizing hill station of Chakrata is located at an elevation of 2,118 metres above the sea level. One of the unknown spots of Uttarakhand, the town is perfect to spend a weekend with your gang of friends. It is surrounded by thick and luscious forests that offer the perfect naturistic views. Chakrata was earlier known as Jaunsar bawar, a small hamlet of the Jaunsari tribe. It was developed as a summer retreat for the high executives of English East India Company. Chakrata is 90 km away from the city of Dehradun, hence it can also act as a perfect pit stop for tourists. The place is however ideal for mountain climbing, trekking and skiing. The Kharamba peak is the highest mount in Chakrata with an altitude of about 10,000 ft that should surely be visited.

Bhimtal

Bhimtal, a lake city that is named after Bhima, the popular mythological character of Mahabharata. The town is popular for its stunning naturistic beauty. Located at an altitude of 1,370 metres above sea level, the lake town is slowly gaining popularity due to its closeness to the popular hill station of Nainital. Bhimtal surrounds itself in a tranquil charm that leaves many mesmerized. One of the perfect ways to enjoy Bhimtal is by going paddle boating or birdwatching. Another great reason to visit the Bhimtal lake is the island that sits in the middle. The Bhimtal Island was earlier a restaurant that now houses an aquarium created by the Nainital Lake Development Authority. The town consists of dense forests that comprise of oaks, pines and shrubs. It also houses a few ancient temples. The 17th-century Bhimeshwar Temple is a must-visit when visiting this part of the state of Uttarakhand. As Bhimtal is well connected by road, you can choose to visit here for a weekend.