5 Hidden Gems In Uttarakhand

Join Whats App Channel

These 5 Hidden Gems In Uttarakhand provide a different and peaceful experience away from the typical tourist attractions:

Ready to start Lets go:

1.Munsiyari: Hill Station Of Uttarakhand

The sub-division headquarters, a collection of revenue villages, is known as Munsyari (Kumaoni: Munsyar). The term also denotes the entire region, Munsiyari Tehsil and Sub Division in the Pithoragarh District of Uttarakhand, India.

At an elevation of roughly 2,200 meters (7,200 feet), it is a hill station that serves as the beginning point for a number of treks into the heart of the great Himalayan mountain range.

Adventure and Trekking:

For those who wants adventure,Munsiyari offers a lot of trekking opportunities popular trails include:

• Milam Glacier Trek:A energetic walk that passes through charming towns and thick forests before arriving at the spectacular Milam Glacier, which is renowned for its breathtaking views.
• Ralam Glacier Trek:This trek offers a mix of photogenic beauty and adventure, leading through lush meadows and dramatic landscapes.
• Khaliya Top Trek:Beginners can enjoy this very easy hike that offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan range.

Trekkers can explore the culture of the nearby settlements as well as the natural beauty of the area by following these paths.

Best Time To Visit:

The ideal time to visit munsiyari is from march to june and september to november.During these months the weather is good making it perfect for outdoor activities and in winter((December to February) brings snowfall.

Transportation:

Munsiyari is accessible by road, with the nearest major town being Pithoragarh, approximately 130 kilometers away. The nearest railway station is in Kathgodam, about 275 kilometers away, while the closest airport is Pantnagar Airport, around 315 kilometers away. From these points, local taxis and buses are available to reach Munsiyari.

2.Chopta:A Trekker’s Paradise

Chopta is a part of the Kedarnath wildlife sanctuary in Uttarakhand state, India, Chopta is a tiny area of meadows and evergreen forest that serves as a starting point for treks to Tungnath, the third temple of Panch Kedar, which is approximately 3.5 kilometres away. An elevation of more than 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) is reached at Chandrashila, a hill 1.5 km from Tungnath.

Chopta is located in the foothills of Uttarakhand, Chopta is a untouched natural location that provides breathtaking views of the towering Himalayan range, which includes Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Chaukhamba. At 2,709 meters above sea level, it is situated. Surrounded by pine, deodar, and rhododendron forests, Chopta village boasts an abundance of flora and animals, including uncommon bird species and musk deer.

Activities:

The chopta-Tungnath-Chandrashilla trek is a destinations for trekkers.The Chopta region has many treks and trails cutting through jungles and grasslands.Chandrashilla, Tunganath and Devariyatal are the best known trekking routes in the Chopta region.

Some activities in chopta:

• Camping and trekking, yoga, survival activity.
• Snow trekking and snow skiing.
• Photography of rare Himalayan species of monal bird,musk deer and pika mouse.
• Rock craft and Rock climbing.

Climate:

From March to May, Chopta has a usually cold and pleasant climate, with temperatures ranging from 10 °C to 30 °C. The monsoon season, which begins in July and finishes in October, follows. From November to March, Chopta has snowfall, with minimum temperatures of -15 °C and maximum temperatures of 15 °C. November is when it begins to snow, and the amount of snowfall grows daily. There is a 4-to 7-foot-thick blanket of snow by January. In the winter, it is completely covered with snow, and parts of the roads leading to Chopta are closed down at the same time. An alternate path from Deoria Tal, which is a 10- to 12-kilometer hike from Deorial Tal, leads to Chopta.

Transportation:

• By Air: Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun) is the closest airport, about 240 km away from Chopta.
• By Train:The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, around 210 km away.
• By Road:You can drive or take a bus to Chopta, passing through places like Rishikesh and Rudraprayag.

3.Kausani:Canvas of Beauty

Kausani is a beautiful hill station in the bageshwar district of Uttarakhand,India.It is known for its scenery and its 300 km-wide panoramic view of Himalayan peaks like Trisul, Nanda Devi and Panchuli Mahatma gandhi called this place the ‘Switzerland of India’, due to similarity in landscapes.

History:

Kausani was located in the Almora District during India’s 1947 Independence and remained there till September 15, 1997, when the Almora District was divided into the Bageshwar District. The districts of Uttar Pradesh that border the Himalayas and the northwest were combined to form the State of Uttarakhand on November 9, 2000.

Treks near kausani:

• Pindari Glacier Trek
• Kafni Glacier Trek
• Sunder Dhunga Trek
• Kafari

Transportation:

• By Road=Regular state buses,Private buses and taxis connect kausani with cities Delhi ,Nainital ,Almora etc
• By Train=The nearest railway station is at Kathgodam, about 132 km from Kausani. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Kausani.
• By Air=The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, approximately 150 km away. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to Kausani.

4.Dhanachuli:A Hidden Paradise in the Himalayas

Dhanachuli is a tiny village located in dhari region of Nainital district in uttarakhand. It is situated at an altitude of 7,000 feet above sea level.

History:

• Geographical Significance:Dhanachuli is situated at a height of about 2,300 meters, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas. Its location has historically made it a favorable spot for trade routes and cultural exchanges.
• Cultural Heritage:he area reflects the traditional Kumaoni lifestyle, with its beautiful architecture, customs, and festivals. The village is primarily populated by the Kumaoni people, who have maintained their unique identity through generations.
• Colonial Era:During the British colonial period, Dhanachuli gained attention for its satisfying climate. The British established several bungalows and residences, which attracted tourists.
• Post-Independence:After India gained independence in 1947, Dhanachuli remained relatively untouched by modern development.

Attractions:

• Natural Beauty:The surrounding landscapes include dense forests, terraced fields, and fascinating views of the Himalayan peaks.
• Local Temples:The village has many ancient temples that shows the spiritual heritage of the region.
• Trekking and Nature Walks:Dhanachuli serves as a base for trekking and exploring the nearby hills and forests.

Transportation:

• By Air:The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, approximately 70 kilometers away. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Dhanachuli.
• By Train:The closest railway station is Kathgodam, about 60 kilometers away. From Kathgodam, you can find taxis, auto-rickshaws, or local buses to reach Dhanachuli.
• By Road:Dhanachuli is well-connected by road. It’s around 350 kilometers from Delhi, taking about 9-10 hours by car. You can take NH9 to reach Haldwani, and then follow local roads to Dhanachuli.

5.lansdowne:A Tale of Shadows

Lansdowne is a cantonment town in pauri garhwal is a district in the indian state of Uttarakhand.

History:

Originally known as Kaludanda after Kalu (Black) and Danda (hills) in Garhwali, Lansdowne was founded and named after then Viceroy of India (1888–1894), Lord Lansdowne in 1887, and by 1901 it had a population of 3943. Lansdowne was developed by the British for catering for the Recruits Training center of the Garhwal Rifles. Lansdowne was a major place of the activities of freedom fighters from British Garhwal during British period. Nowadays, the famous Garhwal Rifles of the Indian Army has its regimental center here.Since the British arrived in India, Lansdowne, one of the country’s most peaceful hill stations, has gained popularity. Unlike other hill stations, Lansdowne is rather hidden but has good access to motorised roads. Situated in the Pauri Garhwal area of Uttarakhand state, it is encircled by dense woods of blue pine and oak at an elevation of 1,706 meters above sea level.

The first battalion of the Garhwal Rifles moved from Almora to Lansdowne on November 5, 1887. In the late 1870s, Lansdowne was the sole city remaining after Almora. Following its rise to popularity, people from all states and cultures flocked to Lansdowne to conduct business. The Lansdowne church and buildings were constructed during the British era, which is when the country was not yet independent. Because Lansdowne has been meticulously maintained by the Garhwal Rifles and the Uttarakhand government, it is a prime destination for ecotourism. Between Jaiharikhal and Lansdowne lies a route known as Cool route which was exclusively designed for Europeans during the British colonial era and was off-limits to Indians. Indians used a secondary path that ran beneath this one for transportation.

Attractions:

• Lansdowne Theater:This historic theater, built in 1927.It has undergone renovations and hosts various performances, film screenings, and community events.
• Lansdowne Public Library:A beautiful, historic building that provides resources, programs, and events for all ages, fostering community engagement and literacy.
• Smedley Park: A large park that offers trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas. It’s a great spot for outdoor activities and relaxation.
• Lansdowne Farmers Market: Held seasonally, this market features local produce, crafts, and artisanal goods, providing a taste of the community’s agricultural offerings.
• Lansdowne Arts Board: This group organizes art shows and cultural events, highlighting local artists and bringing the community together through creativity.

Transportation:

• By Train:The nearest railway station is Kotdwar at a distance of 44 km situated at an elevation of 370m.
• By Air:The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradunat a distance of 152 km via the Kotdwar-Haridwar Road.
• By Road:Another route to Lansdowne is by road from Delhi via Meerut ,Bijnor ,Najibabad, Kotdwar to reach Lansidowne.

Conclusion:

These hidden gems in Uttarakhand provide unique opportunities to experience the natural beauty and rich culture of the region, away from the hustle and bustle of the more frequented tourist spots.

FAQ about 5 Hidden Gems In Uttarakhand