An unparalleled experience awaits you as you explore the top offbeat places to visit in Uttarakhand. Known as the Land of the Gods, Uttarakhand is popular for its lush green forests, snow-clad mountains, pristine lakes and streams, and calming ambiance.
Discover an unseen side of one of Uttarakhand as you head to lesser-known hilly retreats, vibrant culture, and ancient sites.
So, plan your next trip with Thrillophilia’s Uttarakhand tour packages and prepare to be awed by the unmatched charm of Uttarakhand.
1. Kausani
Kausani is situated amidst the snow-clad Himalayan peaks of North India. It ranks among the top offbeat places to visit in Uttarakhand. The cozy little town offers magnificent 360-degree views of Mt Nanda Devi, India’s second-highest peak, and the Panchachuli peak. Be it the lush greenery of summer or the impressive snow cover of winter, Kausani offers a lot to travelers.
Popular Attractions: Sacred Baijnath Temple, Anasakti Ashram, and the natural wonders of Rudradhari Falls and Kausani Tea Estate. Moreover, if you wish to experience adventures beyond sightseeing, the town offers unparalleled trekking, mountain biking, and camping opportunities.
Accessibility: The nearest railway station from Kausani is Kathgodam. From there you can take a four-hour drive to reach this hilly destination.
2. Munsiyari
Munsiyari is one of the famous offbeat places to visit in Uttarakhand that deserves to be on every mountaineer’s itinerary. It is renowned as the base camp for treks like Milam, Namik, Chiplakot Bugyal, Ramalam, Khalia Top, and Khalika Pass.
Popular Attractions: Some prominent attractions to visit in Munsiyari are Panchachuli Peak, Maheshwari Kund, Kalamuni Top, and Birthi Falls. Trekking, nature walking, and birdwatching are some popular activities to do.
Accessibility: Munsiyari is approximately 275 kilometers away from Kathgodam.
3. Peora
Situated in the lap of the Kumaon Himalayas, Peora is one of the high-altitude offbeat places to visit in Uttarakhand. It lies between Nainital and Almora and is a must-visit for those who seek to rejuvenate and relax amidst nature. With seemingly endless apple and plum orchards and dense forests, Peoria is an ideal destination for eco-tourism in North India.
Popular Attractions: Stroll through the mountainous pathways that crisscross through the town and admire Peora’s beauty with your loved ones. Popular experiences on offer here include birdwatching, photography, trekking through forest trails, and witnessing the sunrise beyond snow-clad mountains.
Accessibility: Peoria is located a quick 23 kilometers away from Almora, which offers road connectivity to several major towns. It is also easily accessible from the nearest railway station at Kathgodam.
4. Khirsu
Ranked high on the list of offbeat places to visit in Uttarakhand, Khirsu is a much-recommended hilly destination for travellers escaping the rush of city life. The town offers breathtaking views of the Garhwal Himalayas and is surrounded by dense deodar and oak forests. From visiting holy pilgrimage sites to embarking on nature trails with your loved ones, Khirsu has a lot on offer for visitors.
Popular Attractions: Sightseeing attractions include the ancient temples of Ghandiyal Devi and Kandoliya Devta. You can also trek up to Ulka Ghari and be rewarded with unmatched views of the Himalayan peaks and valleys.
Accessibility: While Kotdwar is the nearest railway station to Khirsu, Jolly Grant Airport provides aerial connectivity to the town.
5. Chakrata
For those looking to indulge in the adrenaline rush of trekking and river rafting, Chakrata is the destination for you. Chakrata offers a calming ambiance amidst the dense forests and mountains, along with many breathtaking views. Chakrata is also known for its sacred pilgrimage sites and ancient caves that can be explored during your visit here.
Popular Attractions: Some of the most well-known attractions include Tiger Falls, Chilmiri Neck, Deoban, and the Budher Caves. You can try adventurous activities, camping, skiing, and cave tours along with trekking and river rafting are on the cards here.
Accessibility: The nearest railway station from Chakrata is Dehradun, while Jolly Grant is the nearest airport.
6. Binsar
Among the offbeat places in Uttarakhand, Binsar is an unmissable hub of wildlife and natural adventures. The beautiful town is best known for its panoramic views of four major Himalayan peaks: Nanda Devi, Trishul, Shivling, and Kedarnath.
Popular Attractions: Binsar is also home to the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can spot numerous wild species in their natural habitat. Explore Zero Point, Golu Devta Temple, and Kasar Devi Temple as you embark on birdwatching and trekking adventures here.
Accessibility: You can drive here from Kathgodam, the nearest railway station, or Pantnagar, which is the closest airport to Binsar.
7. Chaukori
Admire the mesmerizing views of some of the most renowned Himalayan peaks at Chaukori, one of the offbeat places to visit in Uttarakhand. The Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba and Panchachuli peaks form the backdrop of this stunning hill station, which offers unparalleled sunset and sunrise views.
Popular Attractions: Chaukori is also popular for its tea estates, fruit orchards, and dense alpine forests. Apart from witnessing the spellbinding sunrise and sunset from Chaukori, you can also participate in numerous thrilling treks here. Some of the best treks include trails leading to Musk Deer Park, Patal Bhuvaneshwar, Berinag, and Dharampur.
Accessibility: Hop off at Kathgodam railway station or take a flight to Pantnagar Airport for connectivity to Chaukori.
8. Mandal
When on the way to Chamoli’s iconic pilgrimage of Rudranath Temple, remember to make a quick stopover at Mandal. A small village with no internet and mobile connectivity, Mandal is among the top offbeat places to visit in Uttarakhand. Enjoy a digital detox like no other amidst the Himalayas as you relax, rejuvenate, and stroll through the streets here.
Popular Attractions: Although the main highlight of Mandal is its laidback ambiance away from the bustle of cities, the village also has two prominent pilgrimage sites. Explore the old Anusuya Devi Temple and Atri Muni Ashram as you listen to fascinating tales associated with them from the locals.
Accessibility: The nearest railway station from Mandal is Dehradun, while Jolly Grant is the nearest airport.
9. Khati Village
Step away from the commercialized tourist destinations of the Himalayas and head to Khati. Situated on the Pindara River, this quiet village is the last inhabited stop before the Pindari Glacier. It is home to dense rhododendron and oak forests.
Popular Attractions: Best way to explore Khati is through cycling, nature walking, and mountain biking. If you are up for a thrilling adventure, you can trek and camp along the Pindara River.
Accessibility: Kathgodam is the nearest railway station, from where you would get a cab to travel to Khati.
10. Bhimtal
If you are looking for a fun Himalayan experience without the crowds but also not in a very isolated destination, Bhimtal is perfect for you. Even though the town is well-known, it ranks among the offbeat places to visit in Uttarakhand owing to its unparalleled solace and privacy.
Popular Attractions: The main highlight of Bhimtal is the Bhimtal Lake, which is named after Bhima from the Mahabharata.
Various adventures await at Bhimtal, ranging from boating, folk culture museum, and Hidimba Parvat. You can also try out dirt biking, paragliding, and stargazing during your stay here.
Accessibility: Kathgodam is the closest railway station to Bhimtal, with regular cabs available to cover the route.
11. Kanatal
Among the offbeat places to in Uttarakhand on the way from Chamba to Mussoorie, Kanatal needs to be on every adventurer’s travel itinerary.
Kanatal offers stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas and is ideal for a relaxing vacation from busy life. From exploring pilgrimage sites to venturing into lush forests, there is something on offer for every kind of traveler.
Popular Attractions: Surkanda Devi Temple and Kodia Forest are the main sightseeing attractions in Kanatal. The town offers unmatched opportunities for camping, rock climbing and trekking. You can also participate in offbeat activities like rappelling and valley crossing here.
Accessibility: Kanatal is located 77 kilometers from Dehradun and is easily accessible by bus and cab.
12. Chopta
Chopta is a popular trekking trails of Chandrashila and Tungnath and one of the mesmerizing offbeat places in Uttarakhand. Witness the refreshing snow-clad mountains, lush green meadows, dense forests, and sprawling valleys with your family.
Even though Chopta is famous for its location on important trek routes, it also has a lesser-known trekking trail where you can embark on an adventure amidst fewer crowds.
Popular Attractions: Tungnath, Chandrashila, Deoria Tal, Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary and Ukhimath.
Accessibility: Chopta is approximately 100 kilometers from Dehradun railway station and Jolly Grant Airport and can be reached via road
13. Dharchula
Witness the charming natural beauty of the Himalayas as you visit Dharchula, one of the unmissable offbeat places to visit in Uttarakhand. Situated on the famous trek route of Kailas-Mansarovar and Chhota Kailash, this hill station lies on the banks of River Kali.
Dharchula offers spellbinding views of Panchachuli Peak and provides a glimpse into the unique lifestyle of the Kumaoni and Shauna tribes.
Popular Attractions: As you visit Dharchula, be prepared for an unforgettable trekking adventure untouched by fellow enthusiasts. You can also visit sightseeing attractions here like the Om Parvat, Narayan Ashram, Chikrila Dam and Mansarovar Lake.
Accessibility: The closest railway station to Dharchula is Tanakpur, which is situated 218 kilometers away. The nearest base providing air connectivity to the hilly retreat is Pantnagar, which is located 218 kilometers away.
14. Mana Village
Known as the last Indian village, Mana lies on the Indo-Tibetan border. It ranks among the best offbeat places to visit in Uttarakhand. The village is popular for its mythological connections to the Mahabharata and is also said to be the place where you can witness the River Saraswati.
Mana lies close to the iconic Badrinath pilgrimage site and is visited by worshippers on their way to the temple.
Popular Attractions: As you admire the mountains and forests surrounding Mana, you can also explore the Vyas Gufa, a prehistoric cave associated with Mahabharata. Another attraction is the Bhim Pul, an ancient wooden bridge over the gushing stream of the Saraswati River.
Accessibility: The nearest railway station from Mana is Haridwar, from where you can travel by road through Joshimath and Badrinath.
15. Gwaldam
Gwaldam is one of the many offbeat places to visit in Uttarakhand. Known for its luxuriant tea gardens that cover the Himalayan slopes, the town offers a serene ambiance like nowhere else. Gwaldam’s beautiful landscapes promise a break from your daily life and also offer adventures like nature treks and birdwatching tours.
Popular Attractions: Popular attractions in Gwaldam are the scenic views of the Himalayas from the Buddhist Monastery and Trishul Peak. A quick 3-kilometer walk from here takes you to Talwari, which is home to numerous Himalayan birds.
Accessibility: Haldwani is the closest railway station to Gwaldam, from where you can take a cab to reach your destination.
16. Pangot
Situated near Nainital, Pangot is an emerging destination and one of the top offbeat places to visit in Uttarakhand. The town offers solace from the buzz of crowds and the rush of city life with its laid-back ambiance. Pangot also promises breathtaking panoramic views of iconic Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, India’s second-highest mountain, and Chaukhamba Peak.
Popular Attractions: The most famous attraction here is the Naina Devi Bird Reserve, where you can witness several local bird species in their natural habitat. Other attractions in Pangot are the Kainchi Dam, Himalaya View Point and Himalaya Botanic Garden.
Accessibility: The closest railway station Kathgodam is located 50 kilometres away. The nearest airport at Pantnagar is 98 kilometres from Pangot.
17. Khurpatal
Khurpatal is one of the mysterious offbeat places to visit in Uttarakhand. It is located 11 kilometers from Nainital. Known for its high altitude and scenic natural beauty, Khurpatal witnesses very less crowds which adds to its soothing vibe. Khurpatal also has a vast pristine lake, where numerous local varieties of fish can be found.
Popular Attractions: Khurpatal offers sightseeing locations like Kilbury Road and Sariyatal. The main highlight of the town is its charming postcard-like beauty. Spend memorable time with friends and family as you sit along the lake and loosen up on stress.
Accessibility: Connectivity to Khurpatal is from Kathgodam, the nearest railway station, and Pantnagar, the closest airport in the area.
18. Mukteshwar
Mukteshwar captures the essence of traveling through North India and is among the offbeat places to visit in Uttarakhand. The quiet hill station is ideal for a summer journey as well as for a winter adventure in the snow. You can explore Mukteshwar’s apple orchards, ancient temples, waterfalls and much more as you spend a few relaxed days here.
Popular Attractions: Some of the top sightseeing attractions at Mukteshwar include Mukteshwar Dham, Shaolin Ki Jaali and the numerous waterfalls that dot the landscape. A popular activity in the hills of Mukteshwar is stargazing, which is possible due to low lighting and clear skies.
Accessibility: Kathgodam is the nearest railway station to Mukteshwar. The distance between the two destinations can be covered by road.
19. Ranikhet
You might have heard of Ranikhet owing to its proximity to Nainital. It ranks among the top offbeat places to visit in Uttarakhand. Even though the destination is famous, not many people visit here which lets you explore its beauty in a relaxed atmosphere. Ranikhet is best known for its sprawling meadows, apricot orchards and stunning views of the Himalayan peaks around.
Once popular among the British as well as a shooting location for Bollywood films, Ranikhet today offers numerous sightseeing adventures.
Popular Attractions: During your visit, you can explore the ancient Mankameshwar Temple, the pilgrimage site of Jhula Devi, and the fun Ashiyana Park.
Accessibility: Ranikhet is situated close to Kathgodam railway station, which is connected to numerous Indian cities and has cab services to connect it to the destination.
20. Mori
Located on the banks of the Tons River, Mori ranks among the most stunning offbeat places to visit in Uttarakhand. The small village is steeped in history and cultural traditions and offers breathtaking natural experiences like nature walks and birdwatching. Mori’s unique landscape has connections to the mythological stories of Mahabharata, which you can learn from the friendly locals here.
Popular Attractions: During your visit don’t forget to visit the ancient Duryodhana Temple, named after one of the protagonists of the Mahabharata. Other sightseeing attractions here are Lunagad Creek and Netwar, apart from the rushing waters of the Tons River.
Accessibility: Dehradun is the closest railway station to Mori. You can take a bus to Purola and then get a cab for the remaining journey.