Offbeat places in uttarakhand

Offbeat Locations in Uttarakhand: Hidden Gems for Adventurers

Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Uttarakhand is a treasure trove of natural beauty and spiritual richness. While the state is known for its popular destinations like Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Mussoorie, there are also several offbeat locations waiting to be explored by intrepid travelers. These hidden gems offer a serene escape from the bustling tourist spots, providing unique experiences and a chance to connect with nature and culture in a more profound way.

Western Uttarakhand

Chakrata

Location and Accessibility: Chakrata is situated in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand and is easily accessible from Dehradun by road.

Highlights

• Tiger Falls: A pristine waterfall hidden in the wilderness, perfect for a refreshing dip.
• Budher Caves: Explore the mysterious underground world of Budher Caves.
• Deoban: Enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks from this tranquil forest.

Unique Experiences

• Village Homestays: Immerse yourself in the local culture by staying with warm and welcoming villagers.
• Bird Watching: Chakrata is a haven for bird enthusiasts with its diverse avian population.

Munsiyari

Location and Accessibility: Munsiyari is located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand and can be reached by road from Kathgodam.

Highlights

• Khaliya Top Trek: Embark on a scenic trek to Khaliya Top for breathtaking views of the Panchachuli peaks.
• Birthi Falls: Witness the beauty of Birthi Falls surrounded by lush forests.
• Nanda Devi Temple: Pay your respects at this ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Nanda Devi.

Unique Experiences

• Panchachuli Base Camp Trek: Challenge your adventurous spirit with this high-altitude trek.
• Meeting the Johari Tribe: Interact with the indigenous Johari tribe and learn about their traditions.

Central Uttarakhand

Binsar

Location and Accessibility: Binsar is situated in the Almora district of Uttarakhand and can be reached by road from Almora.

Highlights

Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary: Explore this haven for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

• Zero Point: Enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas from Zero Point.
• Kasar Devi Temple: Visit the famous Kasar Devi Temple known for its spiritual energy.

Unique Experiences

• Camping in the Forest: Spend a night under the stars in the heart of Binsar’s wilderness.
• Yoga and Meditation Retreats: Rejuvenate your mind and body with yoga and meditation retreats.

Kausani

Location and Accessibility: Kausani is located in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand and can be reached by road from Almora.

Highlights

• Tea Gardens: Discover the aromatic tea gardens of Kausani.
• Rudradhari Falls and Caves: Explore the natural beauty of Rudradhari Falls and Caves.
• Anasakti Ashram: Visit the ashram where Mahatma Gandhi stayed and wrote the ‘Anasakti Yoga.’

Unique Experiences

• Stargazing: Witness the mesmerizing night sky and celestial wonders.
• Attending Cultural Programs: Immerse yourself in local culture by attending traditional Kumaoni cultural programs.

Eastern Uttarakhand

Chopta

Location and Accessibility: Chopta is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand and can be reached by road from Rishikesh or Dehradun.

Highlights

• Tungnath Temple: Visit the highest Shiva temple in the world.
• Chandrashila Trek: Embark on a trek to Chandrashila Peak for stunning panoramic views.
• Deoria Tal: Enjoy a tranquil lakeside view surrounded by lush forests.

Unique Experiences

• Camping in the Meadows: Camp in the picturesque meadows of Chopta.
• Bird Watching in the Forest: Explore the diverse bird species of the region.

Pithoragarh

Location and Accessibility: Pithoragarh is located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand and can be reached by road from Kathgodam.

Highlights

• Pithoragarh Fort: Explore the historical Pithoragarh Fort.
• Askot Wildlife Sanctuary: Discover the rich biodiversity of Askot Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Ralam Glacier: Embark on a challenging trek to Ralam Glacier.

Unique Experiences

• Visiting Tribal Villages: Interact with the indigenous tribal communities and learn about their way of life.
• Exploring Hidden Waterfalls: Discover the hidden waterfalls that dot the landscape of Pithoragarh.

Northern Uttarakhand

Tehri

Location and Accessibility: Tehri is located in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand and can be reached by road from Rishikesh or Dehradun.

Highlights

• Tehri Dam: Visit the impressive Tehri Dam, one of the tallest in India.
• Chamba: Explore the charming town of Chamba with its scenic beauty.
• New Tehri: Discover the modern side of Tehri with water sports and adventure activities.

Unique Experiences

• Water Sports on Tehri Lake: Indulge in thrilling water sports like jet skiing, kayaking, and more.
• Trekking in Nearby Hills: Explore the nearby hills and trekking trails for an adventure-filled experience.

Nelong Valley

Location and Accessibility: Nelong Valley is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand and requires special permits to visit.

Highlights

• High-Altitude Desert Landscape: Witness the unique desert landscape of Nelong Valley.
• Kuppar Bugyal: Explore the beautiful alpine meadows of Kuppar.

Unique Experiences

• Restricted Area Permit: Obtain the necessary permits to explore this restricted area.
• Wildlife Spotting: Spot rare wildlife species that inhabit this remote valley.