Boating and fishing with a myriad of rivers originating from the spiritual lands of Uttarakhand is only normal to expect that some of the best hill stations reside here. While these hill stations in Uttarakhand offer amazing views of snow clad mountains in winters, the same places serve as summer escapades; away from the scorching summer temperature in the plains.
These destinations in the Uttarakhand hills are bordered by Tibet in the north, Nepal in the east, Himachal Pradesh in the west, and the Ganga plains in the south. And the thrill quotient is always high, thanks to the plethora of adventure activities. From trekking to mountain biking, from rappelling to paragliding, and from camping to jet skiing; Uttarakhand offers all of these and more.
41 Famous Hill Stations In Uttarakhand
So, to familiarize you with the famous as well as the unexplored hill stations of Uttarakhand, we bring to you a hand-picked list. It includes from all the popular as well as the newly added places that are the perfect holiday abodes for many. You can learn about several of these top hill stations in Uttarakhand and get to know those few that might spin a surprise in your head. Regardless of which, you will enjoy reading about all of these:
- Nainital- Witness The Scenic Beauty
- Mussoorie- Gorgeous Snow Ranges
- Dehradun- Plenty of Wildlife Havens
- Auli- Ski Around
- Chaukori- Explore The Tea Gardens
- Dhanaulti- Explore The Temples
- Jageshwar- Tour The Indian Sculptures
- Kausani- Alluring Views
- Khirsu- A Fascinating Place
- Pauri- Stunning Sceneries
- Ranikhet- A Soothing Escape
- Lansdowne- Enthralling Place
- Pangot- Watch The Birds
- Almora- Serene Paradise
- Bhowali- A Hidden Gem
- Chopta-‘Switzerland of India’
- Harsil- Panoramic Views
- Bhimtal- Pristine Lakes
- Binsar- Lush Greenery
- Chakrata- Try The Thrilling Activities
- Chamba- Breathtaking Views
- Devprayag- Absolute Serenity
- Karnaprayag- Spectacular Backdrops
- Guptkashi- Visit The Temples
- Abbott Mount- Gorgeous Churches
- Askot- Tour The Valleys
- Gangolihat- Explore The Caves
- Gwaldam- Trek Around
- Ramgarh- Perfect For Nature Lovers
- Kanatal- Paradisaical Village
- Uttarkashi- For Adventure Seekers
- Yamunotri- Gushing Waterfalls
- Tehri- A Peaceful Paradise
- Munsiyari- Astonishing Environment
- Bageshwar- Covered With Mountains
- Mukteshwar- Dense Forests
- Champawat- A Sacred Place
- Gangotri- Ideal For Trekkers
- Dwarahat- Astonishing Architecture
- Gwaldam- Tour The Pine Forests
- Joshimath- A Place For Pilgrims
1. Nainital- Witness The Scenic Beauty
Nainital is, without a doubt, the most popular name that you’ll find in this list of famous Uttarakhand hill stations. Situated at an elevation of 1,938 m above the sea-level, Nainital is the quaint and the best hill station in Uttarakhand that is best known for the Naina Devi temple & the Nainital Lake that lies amidst a forested valley.
How To Reach:
- By air: Pantnagar Airport (65 km away)
- By rail: Kathgodam Railway Station (34 km away)
Places to visit: Raj Bhavan, Naini Lake with boating facilities, Tiffin Top, Nainital Zoo, Naina Devi Temple, Hanuman Garhi, and ropeway rides
What’s nearby: Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal, Sattal, and Ranikhet
Places To Stay: The kumaoni karavan, Conifers Villa, J Resort Dolmar Nainital, Fern Villas, Pragati Resort
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
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2. Mussoorie- Gorgeous Snow Ranges
Thanks to the well-developed state tourism board and the safe routes, there are numerous Uttarakhand hill stations that most North Indians have heard of, if not visited already. One such name is of Mussoorie hill station. With an expanse of commanding snow ranges to its northeast and gorgeous Doon Valley & Shivalik ranges to the south, Mussoorie is the best hill station in Uttarakhand that appears like a little fairyland to the tourists.
How To Reach:
- By air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (54 km away)
- By rail: Dehradun Railway Station (33 km away)
Places to visit: Kempty Falls, Landour Clock Tower, Lal Tibba, Gun Hills, Library Point, Sir George Everest House, Cloud’s End, boating in Lake Mist, and paragliding around Mussoorie Lake
What’s nearby: Rajaji National Park, Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, and Benog Hill with Jwala Ji Temple atop
Places To Stay: Hotel Nand Residency, The Dolina, Mussoorie Honeymoon Inn, Fortune Resort Grace, Rock Villa
Things To Do: Trekking, Paragliding, Rafting
Best Time To Visit: September to June
3. Dehradun- Plenty of Wildlife Havens
Mussoorie and Dehradun hill stations are two hill places in Uttarakhand that are often named together; mainly because the two lie only a few miles apart. And just like Mussoorie, Dehradun too invites couples, families, & solo travelers alike. The destination, highlighted by the scenic backdrop of Garhwal Himalayas, offers religious attractions, tourist points, and wildlife havens.
How To Reach:
- By air: Jolly Grant Airport (in Dehradun)
- By rail: Dehradun Railway Station
Places to visit: Mindrolling Monastery, Zonal Anthropological Museum, Robber’s Cave, Tapkeshwar Temple, Malsi Deer Park, Lachhiwala, and other places to visit in Dehradun
What’s nearby: Chakrata hill station, Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Kalsi
Places To Stay: Ramada Dehradun Chakrata Road, Hotel Sumangalam, Hotel Relax, Tapasya Home Stay
Things To Do: Paragliding, Go trekking
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
Hold on! Did you really think that we’d just keep shooting the names that you already know?
Maybe, in that case, what you’re looking for is a list of popular places to visit in Uttarakhand. But just-in-case you are looking for a quieter getaway in the Uttarakhand hills, the ones that follow may appeal more to you.
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4. Auli- Ski Around
Auli in Uttarakhand is one of the top Uttarakhand hill stations that is more popular for its winter sports. The ski slopes – ranging between 2,500 m & 3,500 m above sea level – are among the best options for snowboarding and skiing in India. Furthermore, it lies adjacent to the shrine of Badrinath. It also offers panoramic views of some high Himalayan peaks including Nanda Devi, Kamet, Mana Parvat, and Dunagiri. Auli is a great place to witness snow hill station in Uttarakhand.
How To Reach:
- By air: Jolly Grant Airport (279 km away)
- By rail: Rishikesh Railway Station (250 km away)
Places to visit: Auli artificial lake, ski resort, Auli ropeway, and Gurso Bugyal
What’s nearby: Badrinath, Joshimath, Chattra Kund lake, Chenab Lake, Nanda Devi peak, Trishul peak, and Vishnuprayag
Places To Stay: Dwarika , Barahbeesh Villa, Kanasar Ecolodge, Apple Farm Stay, Zostel Homes Kotkhai
Things To Do: Camping, Skiing, Cable Car Ride
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
5. Chaukori- Explore The Tea Gardens
Chaukori hill station is one of those unexplored hill stations in Uttarakhand that offer unique views of both sunset & sunrise; something that can be attributed to its totally unpolluted environs. Located at a moderate elevation of 2,010 m above the sea level, this hill station offers a forest cover rich in pine, oak, & rhododendron trees, cornfields, and orchards. And then there are massive tea gardens to explore.
How To Reach:
- By air: Pantnagar Airport (205 km away)
- By rail: Kathgodam Railway Station (180 km away)
Places to visit: Arjuneswar Shiva temple, Kalinag, Bashukinag, Feninag, Pinglenag, Mostamanu temple, and Harinag temple
What’s nearby: Patal Bhuvaneshwari cave, Kapileshwar Mahadev temple, Nakuleshwar Temple, and Ghunsera Devi Temple
Places To Stay: The Misty Mountains, Hotel Border Way And Restaurant, Hotel Sunrise, Hardik Resort, Geetanjali Homestay
Best Time To Visit: October to March
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6. Dhanaulti- Explore The Temples
Dhanaulti is slowly catching up on the ‘fame’ scale with other famous hill stations in Uttarakhand, thanks to the easily available weekend getaway packages from Delhi. The serene hill town, nestled beautifully amid the lofty Himalayas, offers a range of opportunities to the travelers. While forts & temples make for decent sightseeing options, camping & other adventure activities cater to the nature lovers and the adventure junkies.
How To Reach:
- By air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (85 km away)
- By rail: Dehradun railway station (60 km away)
Places to visit: Surkanda Devi temple, Dashavatar temple, Deogarh Fort, eco-parks of Amber & Dhara, Barehipani & Joranda Falls, and Aloo Khet
What’s nearby: Tehri, Kanatal, Dehradun, and Mussoorie
Places To Stay: HOTEL PINE DHANOLTI, Ransuli Resort, ROCK GARDEN CAMP, Hotel Drive Inn, Garden Cottage
Things To Do: Trekking, Valley Crossing, Sky Walking
Best Time To Visit: September to June
7. Jageshwar- Tour The Indian Sculptures
Famous or not, Jageshwar is the best hill station in Uttarakhand that holds importance on both historical and religious grounds. Over 125 temples, nestled amid the deodar forest, can be found here. Some of these date back to as early as the Gupta ages. These depict ancient Indian sculpture and have inscriptions from various ages.
How To Reach:
- By air: Pantnagar Airport (150 km away)
- By rail: Kathgodam Railway Station (125 km away)
Places to visit: Mrityunjay temple, Dandeshwar temple, Jageshwar Archaeological Museum, Jageshwar Mahadev temple, Jhanker Saim Mahadev temple, Lakulisa shrine, Mirtola Ashram, Kuber temple, and Airavat Gufa
What’s nearby: Almora, Gwaldam, Chitai Temple, Binsar, Ranikhet, and Kausani
Places To Stay: Jageshwar Inn, Jai Maa Tulsi Guest House, Thikalna Himalayan Retreat, Binsar Oak Paradise
Best Time To Visit: Aprril to June, September to November
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8. Kausani- Alluring Views
Many of you might argue that there are other hill stations of Uttarakhand that deserve the said title more than Kausani. But the destination truly is beautiful and inspired Mahatma Gandhi to make the comparison for a reason. It offers alluring views of Bandarpoonch, Trishul, & Panchachuli peaks. Temples and other tourist attractions offer great sightseeing options. Furthermore, travelers can go for short treks & hikes from Kausani.
How To Reach:
- By air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (170 km away)
- By rail: Kathgodam Railway Station (135 km away)
Places to visit: Anashakti Ashram, Lakshmi Ashram, Sumitranandan Pant Museum, Kausani Tea Estate, and Rudradhari caves & falls
What’s nearby: Gwaldam, Pinnath, Baijnath temple, Bageshwar, and Binsar
Places To Stay: Aliya himalyan village, Hotel Deepraj, Xomotel Sunita Himalayan Paradise, Hotel Vishwanath
Things To Do: Dine at the Garden restaurant, Visit Temples
Best Time To Visit: April to June, September to December
9. Khirsu- A Fascinating Place
Situated at an elevation of 1,700 m above the sea level in the Pauri Garhwal district, Khirsu is undeniably one of the most beautiful hill stations in Uttarakhand. The mountain peaks are covered in forests of Oak & Deodar trees. The destination fascinates travelers with the views of the central Himalayas and the numerous temples found in & around the hill town.
How To Reach:
- By air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (145 km away)
- By rail: Rishikesh Railway Station (132 km away)
Places to visit: Ghandiyal Devta temple, Pauri, Devalgarh, Dhari Devi, and Ulkha Garhi
What’s nearby: Garhwali Srinagar, Jwalpa Devi temple, Dhari Devi temple, Rudraprayag, Devprayag, and Adwani
Places To Stay: Rishikesh Stay1, Hotel Hillson, IvyTop Resort, Riverside Resorts
Best Time To Visit: March to June
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10. Pauri- Stunning Sceneries
Pauri is, perhaps, a slightly more popular brother of Khirsu. Just like Khirsu, this Garhwali hill station too has many revered temples. Its picturesque setting includes skyscraping mountains that remain covered in snow for many months. And when the rays of the sun first fall on these snowy peaks, the view so generated is beyond compare. Moreover, the destination offers many short hikes and some of the best Himalayan treks including the Binsar Mahadev trek, the Tara Kund Trek, and the Dudhatoli trek.
How To Reach:
- By air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (133 km away)
- By rail: Kotdwara Railway Station (101 km away)
Places to visit: Ransi Stadium, Kandoliya temple, Nagdev temple, Chaukhamba viewpoint, and Kyunkaleshwar Mahadev temple
What’s nearby: Khirsu, Devalgarh, Jwalpa Devi temple, Satpuli, and Danda Nagraja temple
Places To Stay: BSR Farms, Hotel Hillson, IvyTop Resort, Riverside Resorts
Best Time To Visit: November to April
11. Ranikhet- A Soothing Escape
Ranikhet is one of the enchanting and less crowded hill stations in Uttarakhand and yet a perfect spot where you can spend time exploring famous places and relishing popular food. It is a destination with a popular golf course, church, and other spots, where you can spend time with your family. So, head to the Land of Queens on your trip and get ready to have the best time of your life.
How To Reach:
- By rail: Rishikesh Railway Station
Places to visit: Golf Ground, Chaubatia Garden, Ashiyana Park
Places To Stay: Him Darshan Vatika, Elation Guest House & Musafir cafe, Meraki – Entire 3BHK Villa With Himalayan Views, Hostie Sharanam – Mountain Villa
Things To Do: Visit Temples
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
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12. Lansdowne- Enthralling Place
Looking for offbeat hill stations in Uttrakhand? Lansdowne is a place for people who like to run away from the hustle and bustle of the city and spend time amidst nature. While exploring the town, you can visit the famous war memorial museum named Darwan Singh Sanghralaya or the scenic Bhullatal lake. Do visit the pristine town where you can find tranquillity and serenity.
How To Reach:
- By rail: Rishikesh Railway Station
Places to visit: Darwan Singh Sanghralaya, Bhullatal lake
Places To Stay: Vacation Rental Lansdowne, The Alpine Resort, Hills of Adventure, Samskara & Samsara Resort , The Valley View
Things To Do: Camping, Nature Walk, Tip N Top Hiking
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
13. Pangot- Watch The Birds
A mere 15 km ride away from the gorgeous Nainital district, Pangot is known for its bird watching activity that most tourists come here for. Over 150 different species Himalayan birds are said to nest in this lower region during the winter months and therefore is the best time to visit this place. You can always stay in the exclusive lodges which have these birds in the close proximity.
How To Reach:
- By air: Pantnagar airport is situated 58 kms from this place
- By rail: Kathgodam is the closest railway station which is 20 kms away
Places to visit: Eco Cave Gardens, Naini Lake, Snow View Point, Khurpa taal, Kainchi Dham and Kilbury road
Places To Stay: The kumaoni karavan, The Nest Cottages, Silver Cloud Resort, Hotel Monal Inn, Srkheavens Inn
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
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14. Almora- Serene Paradise
One of the most renowned hill stations in Uttarakhand, India is Almora. If you haven’t been to this serene paradise to soak in the absolute bliss and tranquility that the views provide, you’re surely missing out on something. Also having a few temples like Nanda Devi and Golu Devta, Almora hill station offers a laid back and soothing stay to all kinds of travelers.
How To Reach:
- By rail: Kathgodam is the nearest railway station, around 91 kms away
- By air: Pantnagar is the nearest airport, around 125 kms away
Places to visit: Nanda Devi temple, Chitai Golu Devta temple, Kasar Devi temple
Places To Stay: Stars & Pines, Hotel Kausani Retreat, Kasar Himalaya Holiday Home, Shukun Homestay, Home Stay in Uttarakhand
Things To Do: Trekking, Shopping
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
15. Bhowali- A Hidden Gem
Bhowali is one place that you can refer to as a secret hill station in Uttarakhand. Not only does this hidden gem in Uttarakhand offers all kinds of hill station activities like horse riding, rock climbing, trekking and relaxing nature walks, you can also go for a lazy picnic at the Dorothy’s Seat here if you wish to just pass you time doing absolutely nothing!
How To Reach:
- By rail: Kathgodam is the nearest railway station only 34 kms away.
Places to visit: Naini peak, Tiffin top, and Nainital lake
Places To Stay: Mistletoe House, Le Reve Valley, Hotel Vista, Aqua De Vida Resort
Best Time To Visit: February to April, September to October
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16. Chopta- ‘Switzerland of India’
Crowned as the ‘Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand’, Chopta is a famous hill station in Uttarakhand one cannot afford to miss. Along with some of the most adventurous activities on board, the Tungnath Trek, covered with thick and soft snow throughout is a must-try in this area. The views that you get to witness on this trek will leave you spellbound and without the proper snow trek gear, you might fall here too. So, be careful.
How To Reach:
- By rail The nearest station is in Rishikesh, which is 209 kms away
- By air: Jolly Grant Airport, located in Dehradun is the nearest airport which is 226 kms away
Places to visit: Kartik Swami temple, Koteshwar Mahadev, and Tungnath temple
Places To Stay: Villotale Chopta CHC, Akashdeep Resort Chopta, Hotel Govind, Dwarahat house
Things To Do: Trekking, Camping
Best Time To Visit: March to June
17. Harsil- Panoramic Views
Yet another offbeat place in Uttarakhand is Harsil, which will give you a picture-perfect holiday filled with lots of snow during the winter months of January till March. It is the most charming place to witness spectacular apple orchids filled with freshly ripe apples. You can surely try trekking from Harsil to the serene Chitkul via Lamkhaga Pass if you’re looking for an adventurous time!
How To Reach:
- By air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun
- By rail: Rishikesh is the nearest railway station
Places to visit: Mukhwas village, Dharali, Gangnani
Places To Stay: Prakriti Retreat, Home Stay Himalaya Vista, Krishna Villa Resort
Best Time To Visit: April to October
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18. Bhimtal- Pristine Lakes
Situated at an elevation of 1371 meters above sea level, Bhimtal is one of the unknown hill stations in Uttrakhand. The place features some ancient temples, lush mountains and pristine lakes. Bhimtal Lake is a highlight of this place, with a small island in the middle of it. The dense pine and oak forest beauty the landscape even more.
How To Reach:
- By air: The nearest airport is Dehradun
- By rail: Dehradun Station is the nearest railway station
Places to visit: Bhimtal Lake, Aquiarium on Bhimtal Island, Hanuman Garhi, Vistoria Dam
Places To Stay: Neelesh Inn, The Prince, The Verandah, The Fern Hillside Resort, TAG Resorts Lavanya
Things To Do: Boating, Fishing, Camping and Stargazing
Best Time To Visit: March to June, September to December
19. Binsar- Lush Greenery
Binsar is the highest hill station in the Kumaon region, situated at an elevation of 7600 feet above sea level. The location of Binsar also makes it one of the coldest hill station in Uttarakhand. The serene hills of this place are carpeted with dense forests of oak, pine, and deodar trees. The Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary located at an altitude of 900 meters to 2500 meters is a major highlight of this place.
How To Reach:
- By air: The nearest airport is Dehradun
- By rail: Dehradun Station is the nearest railway station
Places to visit: Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Bineshwar Temple, Zero Point, Golu Devata Temple
Places To Stay: Binsar Adventure Camp, Simba cafe & lodge, Binsar Forest Retreat, The Kumaon
Things To Do: Trekking, Paragliding, Bird Watching
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
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20. Chakrata- Try The Thrilling Activities
Chakrata is a small hill station of Uttarakhand, popular for its adventure scenes including skiing and trekking. Situated at a height of 7000 feet above the sea level, the town looks down on the Yamuna valley. The Kharamba Peak trek at 10, 000 ft. is a popular trek in Chakrata. You can also enjoy bird-watching in this region of Uttarakhand.
How To Reach:
- By air: The nearest airport is Dehradun
- By rail: Dehradun Station is the nearest railway station
Places to visit: Tiger Falls, Deo Ban, Budher Caves, Chilmiri Neck, Ram Tal Horticulture Garden.
Places To Stay: Hotel Himalayan Foxhole, Stunning Hills, Asmarh, Water valley resort gwasapull, Vertical Valley Resort
Things To Do: Camping And River Rafting
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
21. Chamba- Breathtaking Views
Chamba is one of the most picturesque hill towns in Uttarakhand. It is located on the Himalayan foothills, 1676 meters above the sea level. Breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayas and slopes covered with pine and deodar trees makes it a dream destination. River Bhagirathi adds more charm to the whole landscape.
How To Reach:
- By air: The nearest airport is in Dehradun
- By rail: Rishikesh is the nearest railway station
Places to visit: Apple orchards, Bhagirathi River, Tehri Dam
Places To Stay: H2O House, Himalayan Canvas, Krish Homestay, Rafi’s House , Shan-e-chamba
Things To Do: Trekking, Boat Ride
Best Time To Visit: October to June
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22. Devprayag- Absolute Serenity
Located at an elevation of 830 meters above sea level, the divine town of Devprayag is one of the lesser known hill stations in Uttarakhand. Not many people know it but Devprayag is the last holy confluence of the Alaknanda River. The little hill town is also the seat of the pandits of Badrinath Dham. Devprayag is blessed with some natural beauty and serenity that attracts a lot of tourists from Delhi and other nearby cities.
You must try to avoid Devprayag during monsoon as the water level rises during these months, making it difficult to drive through the town.
How To Reach:
By air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (88 km away)
By rail: Dehradun Railway Station (113 km away)
Attractions of the hill station: Temple of Raghunathji, Mata Bhuvneshwari temple, Dhaneshwar Mahadev temple, Danda Naggaraja (Lord of Snakes) temple and Chandrabadni temple.
Places To Stay: Banyan By The Ganges, Riverside Resorts, Mandala, Motel Dev
Things To Do: Sightseeing, River Rafting, Cliff Jumping
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
23. Karnaprayag- Spectacular Backdrops
One of the holy Panch Prayags, Karnaprayag is located on the confluence of river Pindar and Alaknanda. Popular among frequent tourists, Karnaprayag is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the state. The place boasts a spectacular backdrop of lofty mountains and the silvery gushing river that runs through its mountains.
How To Reach:
By air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (187 km away)
By rail: Dehradun Railway Station (212 km away)
Attractions of the hill station: Adi Badri, Uma Devi Temple, Nauti Village, and Chandika Devi Simli
Places To Stay: Luxurious Loft House, Saket Hotel, Diwa Resort, Nandu Peace Life Home Stay
Best Time To Visit: October to June
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24. Guptkashi-Visit The Temples
Situated at an elevation of 1,319 meters above sea level, Guptkashi is only 47 km far from Kedarnath. The little hilly town is located on the west side of the Mandakini river valley and houses ancient temples like Vishwanath temple and Ardhnarishwar temple. The little town has a small reservoir called, Manikarnik Kund. It’s the place where two streams of Yamuna and Ganga meet.
How To Reach:
By air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (198 km away)
By rail: Dehradun Railway Station (223 km away)
Attractions of the hill station: Vishwanath Temple, Manikarnik Kund, and Mandakini River
Places To Stay: Chopta Meadows Camps, MAHARASTRA MANDAL, Kedar camp resorts, Krishna Lodge
Best Time To Visit: March to June, September to November
25. Abbott Mount- Gorgeous Churches
Snuggled in the Kali Kumaon region of Champawat district lies a cluster of 13 cottages that few know by the name of Abbott Mount Uttrakhand. The tiny hamlet, spread across mere 5 acres of deodar & pine woods, lies at an elevation of 6,400 ft above the sea level. Haunted cottage, old church, and base camp for Pancheshwar trek can be found here.
How To Reach:
- By air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (221 km away)
- By rail: Kathgodam Railway Station (163 km away) and Tanakpur Railway Station (80 km away)
Places to visit: Mukri Kothri (claimed to be haunted), Abbott Mount Church, Lohaghat, and Advait Ashram (also known as Mayawati Ashram)
What’s nearby: Banasur ka Kila and Pancheshwar Mahadev Temple
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
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26. Askot- Tour The Valleys
Despite its history as an erstwhile princely state, Askot remains to be one of the lesser known hill stations of Uttarakhand. Numerous rulers have ruled this region in the past; including Doti Kings of Nepal, Rajbars, Chands, Gorkhas, Katyuris, and the British. In fact, the name too has been derived from Assi Kot or eighty forts that once stood in the region. Sadly, most of them are now in the Dharchula district of Nepal.
How To Reach:
- By air: Naini Sani airport in Pithoragarh (60 km away)
- By rail: Tanakpur railway station (204 km away)
Places to visit: Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary, Panchuli ski range, and Chiplakot ski range
What’s nearby: Pithoragarh, Dharchula, Munsiyari, Mount Abbott, Jamtadi, and Ghangdura
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
27. Gangolihat- Explore The Caves
It is surprising to know that Gangolihat is still a lesser known name in this list of hill stations of Uttarakhand. After all, it is a divine land that is blessed with a number of ancient temples and underground caves to explore. And the panoramic view of the Himalayas from the Vaishnav Mandir atop Shail Parvat never fails to mesmerize those who visit the hill town.
How To Reach:
- By air: Naini Saini airport (5 km away) and Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun (370 km away)
- By rail: Kathgodam railway station (65 km away)
Places to visit: Haat Kalika Mandir, Chamunda Mandir, Vaishnav Mandir, Ambika Dewaal temple, Shaileshwar Gufa, Patal Bhuvaneshwar, Mukteshwar, Pataleshwar Gufa, and Shaktee Pithas of Hat kalika or Goddess Kali
Places To Stay: Patal Bhuvaneshwar Homestay , OAK’S NATURE HOME STAY , The Misty Mountains, Hotel Himalaya Darshan Berinag
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
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28. Gwaldam- Trek Around
There are so many interesting but lesser known hill stations in Uttarakhand, India that one can explore. One such secluded landscape is of Gwaldam. Its wooded vicinity is home to myriad birds and multicolored flowers. Also, the destination is also a base camp for numerous treks; including Lord Curzon trail (Kuari Pass), Nanda Devi Raj Jat trek, and Roopkund trek.
How To Reach:
- By air: Pantnagar Airport (205 km away)
- By rail: Kathgodam Railway Station (170 km away)
Places to visit: Badhan Garhi temple, Talwari, Angora farm, Buddhist Khamba temple, Machhi Taal, and Gwalnaag
What’s nearby: Roopkund Lake
Places To Stay: SaffronStays Tridiva, Parashar ResortHotel Hill Palace, Hotel Vishwanath
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
29. Ramgarh- Perfect For Nature Lovers
Ramgarh serves as a perfect destination for those who love nature & solitude. Devoid of all the city rush, the region is calm and serene. Its sprawling fruit orchards of apricots, apple, peach, & pears form the backbone of the tourism of this hamlet in the Uttarakhand hills. And the views of the majestic Himalayas from these orchards further enhance the travel experience.
How To Reach:
- By air: Pantnagar Airport (76 km away)
- By rail: Kathgodam Railway Station (45 km away)
Places to visit: Ramgarh orchards and Nathuakhan village
What’s nearby: Mukteshwar, Nainital, Bhimtal, and Naukuchiatal
Places To Stay: Seclude Ramgarh, Divine living home stay, Levitate at Ramgarh, Soulitude, Neemrana’s – Ramgarh Bungalows
Best Time To Visit: October to May
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30. Kanatal- Paradisaical Village
Image Credits: Yogendra Singh Negi for Wikimedia
Welcome to a hill station of Uttarakhand that is full of sceneries and mountains that you used to draw in your childhood. Kanatal is a paradisaical village with a picture-perfect setting that contains rivers, valleys, a dam and lush forests. Mussoorie being a close to the village attracts most of the tourists visiting Uttarakhand while they skip the ultimately charming Kanatal. And here is your chance to explore this fascinating destination.
How To Reach:
- By air: Jolly Grant Airport (90 km away)
- By rail: Dehradun railway station (42 km away)
Attractions of the hill station: Surkanda Devi temple, Tehri Dam, Jai SemNagraja Temple, Dobra Chanti Bridge
What’s nearby: New Tehri, Chamba, Dhanaulti, Mussoorie
Places To Stay: Himalayan Roots, The Hermitage Kanatal, The Goat Village
Best time to visit: April to September
31. Uttarkashi- For Adventure Seekers
Image Credits: Atudu for Wikimedia
This hill station of Uttarakhand is also popular as “Devbhumi” while another of its important characteristics is its stunning natural beauty. The area is flooded with temples and while you can spot the devotees any time of the year, Uttarkashi also serves as a region attracting adventure seekers in the form of trekkers, mountaineers and other adventure sports. And let’s not forget the immense natural vegetation that overcasts the region.
How To Reach:
- By air: Jolly Grant Airport (168 km away)
- By rail: Rishikesh railway station (143 km away)
Attractions of the hill station: Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Kuteti Devi Temple, Someshwar Mahadev Temple, Bhagirathi River
What’s nearby: Harsil, Gangotri, Dayara Bugyal
Places To Stay: Hotel KNB Heritage, GMVN Tourist Rest House, Shivlinga Resort
Best time to visit: March to November
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32. Yamunotri- Gushing Waterfalls
Set amidst the paradisiacal charm of the Garhwal Himalayas, Yamunori is another of those Uttarakhand hill stations which mostly attracts pilgrims. The high mountains stand tall in the region as you can see the massive terrain touching the temple tops. The place is also the source of river Yamuna located near the Yamunotri glaciers. The awesome shrubs and gushing waterfalls cascading down will surely impress you.
How To Reach:
- By air: Jolly Grant Airport (210 km away)
- By rail: Dehradun (175 km away)
Attractions of the hill station: Bali Pass, Manduka Bugyal, Yamunotri temple
What’s nearby: Raithal, Uttarkashi, Hanumanchatti, Jankichatti, Barkot
Places To Stay: Yamunotri Cottages, Hotel Yamuna Kriti Cottages,
Best time to visit: May to June, September to November
33. Tehri- A Peaceful Paradise
Image Credits: Jayanti Mazumder for Pexels
Tehri is a beautiful and the only hill station of Uttarakhand which is thoroughly planned. At an elevation of 2000 meters above the sea level, the town sits at the confluence of rivers Bhagirathi and Bhilangna. Ohh, the valley that surrounds these rivers is just gorgeous and while the mammoth size of the hills may spook you at night, the peaceful paradise during the day seems to overpower your vacation time in Tehri.
How To Reach:
- By air: Jolly Grant Airport (130 km away)
- By rail: Dehradun (115 km away)
Attractions of the hill station: Tehri Dam, Dobra Chanthi Bridge, Gautam Rishi temple
What’s nearby: Dhaaliyun Gala, Dhanaulti, Devprayag, Sem Mukhem Temple and Narendranagar
Places To Stay: Tehri Himalayan Residency, Tehri Club And Resort
Best time to visit: March to May
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34. Munsiyari- Astonishing Environment
Image Credits: Vipin Vasudeva for Wikimedia
Munsiyari is one of the most offbeat hill stations in Uttarakhand that is sleepy in nature. The splendid hamlet is a true paradise perched at a high altitude of 2300 meters above sea level. You will be offered with stunning views of the Himalayan peaks like Panchchuli, Nandakot, Rajrambha and more. The Namik and Ralam glaciers in Munsiyari make for one of finest routes for trekking in Uttarakhand.
How To Reach:
- By air: Pantnagar Airport (250 km away)
- By rail: Kathgodam railway station (218 km away)
Attractions of the hill station: Tribal Heritage Museum, Khaliya Top, Nanda Devi Temple, Thamri Kund
What’s nearby: Birthi Falls, Madkot Village, Darkot Village, Maheshwari Kund
Places To Stay: KMVN Tourist Rest House Munsiyari, Wayfarer Munsiyari
Best time to visit: March to June
35. Bageshwar- Covered With Mountains
Have you drawn a scenery where a river flows through a town and houses settled near the river? Well, Bageshwar is one those Uttarakhand hill stations that will remind you of the scenery you built in your head. The junction of Saryu and Gomati river just elevates the overall beauty of Bageshwar. The 4 sides of Bageshwar are covered with mountains and the town is very important in terms of religion and history. Do visit some of the holiest temples in Uttarakhand at Bageshwar.
How To Reach:
- By air: Pantnagar Airport (180 km away)
- By rail: Kathgodam railway station (149 km away)
Attractions of the hill station: Baijnath temple, Baghnath Temple, Chandika Temple, Gauri Udiyar Cave, Bigul Village, Kanda
What’s nearby: Chaukori, Berinag, Binsar, Gwaldam
Places To Stay: Hotel Vivek, The Heritage Resort, Hotel Kausani Retreat
Best time to visit: October to May
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36. Mukteshwar- Dense Forests
Image Credits: Mallika for Wikimedia
Mukteshwar is an offbeat full of hilly surroundings complemented by fruit orchards and coniferous forests. If you are looking for a quiet place with your partner, then Mukteshwar serves as one of the best hill stations in Uttarakhand to serve that purpose. In fact, the beautiful cottages in Mukteshwar will definitely make for a cozy stay in the winters. Attain a lot of peace and private time in the secluded hills of Mukteshwar where Lord Shiva attained Moksha.
How To Reach:
- By air: Pantnagar airport (100 km away)
- By rail: Kathgodam railway station (73 km away)
Attractions of the hill station: Chauli Ki Jali, Mukteshwar Dham Temple, Bhalu Gaad falls, Mukteshwar Kumaon Hills
What’s nearby: Haridwar, Dharchula, Nainital, Rudraprayag, Chaukori,
Places To Stay: Ojaswi Himalayan Resort, Chirping Orchard, The Swiss Village
Best time to visit: All throughout the year
37. Champawat- A Sacred Place
Image Credits: Yogesh Rawat for Wikimedia
Is Champawat one of the finest hill stations in Uttarakhand? Or is this an offbeat destination? The answer to both the questions is a big ‘yes’. Champawat is imbibed with glorious history and sacred temples. The town is quite popular for culture preservation as age-old rituals are still being followed. Therefore, the place does not have an active tourism industry which makes it all the more pristine. The town is covered with dense woods which is a major part of its landscape.
How To Reach:
- By air: Pantnagar airport (160 km away)
- By rail: Tanakpur railway station (75 km away)
Attractions of the hill station: Baleshwar Temple, Nagnath Temple, Advaita Ashrama, Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple
What’s nearby: Abbott Mount, Lohaghat, Pati
Places To Stay: KMVN Tourist Rest House, Hotel Mount View, Hotel Sea Hawk
Best time to visit: April to June
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38. Gangotri- Ideal For Trekkers
Image Credits: Arpit Rawat for Wikimedia
Like Yamunotri, Gangotri is one of those few Uttarakhand hill stations that are usually flooded with pilgrims. However, Gangotri is perched at an altitude of 3,100 metres above the sea level and the nearby glaciers serve as a major trek route. The Gaumukh is also located close to Gangotri and known to be the source of river Ganga. Gangotri is one of the most pivotal char dhams of Uttarakhand which attracts a high religious energy.
How To Reach:
- By air: Jolly Grant Airport (250 km away)
- By rail: Rishikesh railway station (243 km away)
Attractions of the hill station: Gangotri Temple, Surya Kund, Bhagirath Shila
What’s nearby: Bhojbasa, Gangnani, Harsil, Dharali
Places To Stay: GMVN Tourist Lodge, Himalaya Sadan, Hotel Manisha
Best time to visit: April to June, September to October
39. Dwarahat- Astonishing Architecture
Dwarahat is a hill station in the Almora district of Uttarakhand nestled within the Kumaon hills. Dwarahat literally means ‘Way to Heaven’ and heaven is what this place is really like. Being one of the most scenic hill stations in Uttarakhand, Dwarahat serves as the perfect place for photography and those looking to cool down for a weekend within the hills. And let’s not forget the several temples that Dwarahat houses signifying astonishing architecture.
How To Reach:
- By air: Pantnagar Airport (112 km)
- By rail: Kathgodam railway station (88 km away)
Attractions of the hill station: Dunagiri Temple, Lakhanpur Temple, Pandukholi, Mahavatar Babaji Cave
What’s nearby: Bunga, Bageshwar, Ranikhet, Majkhali, Someshwar, Kausani
Places To Stay: Hotel Mayank Resort, Dunagiri Retreat
Best time to visit: March to June
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40. Gwaldam- Tour The Pine Forests
Image Credit: Biswajit Majumdar for Wikipedia
This is a beautiful yet sleepy village which is located in Garhwal, Kumaon in Uttarakhand. Appearing to be just out of a fairytale, the place has a surreal vibe. This is one of the offbeat famous hill stations in Uttarakhand which is surrounded by lakes and forests. Settled at a height of 1700 meters above sea level, this hill station is adorned by pine forests and apple orchards.
How To Reach: Pantnagar Airport is the nearest airport/ Kathgodam is the nearest railway station
What’s Nearby: Angora Farm, Buddhist Khamba Temple, Bhandhangarhi Temple
Places To Stay: SaffronStays Tridiva, Nature’s Treat Resort, Chevron Eco Lodge
Best Time To Visit: March-June, October-January
41. Joshimath- A Place For Pilgrims
Image Credit: ArmouredCyborg for Wikipedia
Also called Jyotirmath, this is among the highest hill stations in Uttarakhand which rests at a height of 6150 feet in the Chamoli district of the Garhwal region. This town is particularly known for its religious importance which is visited by many Hindu pilgrims. The hill town rests overlooking the Alaknanda and Dhauliganga rivers at Vishnu Prayag. Surrounded by the snow-capped Himalayas, this place is also called the ‘gateway for trekking’.
How To Reach: The nearest railway station is Joshimath
Places to visit: Vishnuprayag, Gorson Bugyal, Vridh Badri Temple
What’s Nearby: Bhavishya Kedar Temple, Nanda Devi National Park
Places To Stay: The Tattva Resort, Blue Bells Cottage, Himalayan Abode Luxurious Home Stay
Best Time To Visit: April-November
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Many might have expected to find more famous hill stations in Uttarakhand in this list. But we’ve made a conscious effort to include most of the untrodden ones. Let us know what you feel about the list and where you would want to visit next. Do check these out before booking your trip to Uttarakhand.
For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hill Stations in Uttarakhand
What are the best hill stations in Uttarakhand?
Valley of Flowers, Kausani, Nainital, Bhimtal, Sattal, Mussoorie, Lansdowne, Rishikesh, and Auli are some of the most beautiful places in Uttarakhand. While making your itinerary for Uttarakhand make sure these places are added.
What is the best time to visit Uttarakhand?
If you need some respite from the scorching heat of the cities, you can visit Uttarakhand between May to June. If you want to witness the lush green vegetation of the mountain state, you can visit it between July to September (can be a little risky due to landslides). If you want to experience snowfall, December to February is the best time.
Is it safe to visit the state of Uttarakhand in the upcoming weeks or months?
The tourism industry is slowly reopening, and you can visit most of the above-mentioned places and more if travelling in a small group while following all the guidelines released. But don’t take our word for it: check up on the latest travel advisory, Covid-19 measures, and the number of cases before your departure.
Which is the best city in Uttarakhand?
Dehradun, which is also the capital of Uttarakhand is one of the most beautiful cities. On the way to Mussoorie, you can spend a day exploring Dehradun with your travel buddies.
What is famous in Uttarakhand?
Uttarakhand is known for Badrinath and Kedarnath Yatra. It is also known for its natural beauty in the Himalayas, the Bhabar, and the Terai grasslands and savannas.
Which is the best tourist place in Uttarakhand?
Uttarakhand has plenty of tourist places, but the best ones that you shouldn’t miss include, Auli, Nainital, Bhimtal, Valley Of Flowers, Rishikesh, Mussoorie, Landour, Kausani, Binsar etc.
Which are the most famous temples in Uttarakhand?
Uttarakhand is home to stunning religious places and you can visit the best temples on your holiday. Here is a list of the most famous temples in Uttarakhand:
1. Kedarnath Temple
2. Tungnath Temple
3. Baleshwar Temple
4. Mahasu Devta Temple
5. Baijnath Temple
Which are some weekend getaways in Uttarakhand from Delhi?
Some of the most popular weekend getaways from Delhi are: Uttarakhand are Nainital at a distance of around 335 km, Jim Corbett National Park at a distance of 280 km, Lansdowne at a distance of 288 km, Rishikesh at a distance of 268 and Ranikhet which is around 390 km from Delhi.
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Kushal is a communication strategist, with 5+ years of experience in creating communication for diverse industries. His passion for helping the readers comes from his prior experience of running a travel agency with his dad. And he does that by addressing the actual travelers’ pain points in his blogs. And his work at TravelTriangle has also earned him multiple invites to speak about travel blogging at conferences & seminars. When he is not creating marketing strategies or content, he can be found reading about Harry Potter, DC, Marvel, or other anime. Find him on other social media channels here:
