Top 23 Hill Stations in Uttarakhand

Last Updated on October 30, 2023 by admin

Are you planning a tour to Uttarakhand? What will you choose to do when you’re on vacation at Hill Station? Is it camping, hiking, skiing, yoga, river rafting, pilgrimages, or wildlife tours? All these are a few things you can do in Uttarakhand’s lovely state. The most incredible thing is the astonishing range of hill towns! Yes, the hill stations of Uttarakhand are on many people’s bucket lists during a long or short journey. You are at the correct place if you’re looking for the best hill stations in Uttarakhand.

Due to the numerous attractions to see surrounding it, Uttarakhand is a treat for every traveller. You can find the natural grandeur of the Himalayas in Uttrakhand! Almora, Nainital, Mussoorie, and Ranikhet are among the top 23 hill stations in Uttarakhand worth visiting. Uttarakhand’s lesser-known tourist destinations include Auli and Lansdowne. Also, trekking enthusiasts should pay a visit to the Valley of Flowers.

Explore Top 23 Hill Stations in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is full of natural beauty and offers a variety of hill stations within the state. Let’s read about the top of them:

1. Auli

Firstly, this picturesque location is one of India’s most well-known skiing resorts, located in the Chamoli district in the Garhwal area. When you get to Auli, go straight to Joshimath. It is the focal point for all of Auli’s tourist attractions. All mountaineering excursions begin here, whether on a ropeway to Auli or a walk to Badrinath. It also has the famed Chenab Lake, which offers stunning views. Another Auli attraction is the Chhatra Kund, a lovely tiny lake surrounded by pine, deodar, and oak trees. The hill station in Uttarakhand also provides a spectacular perspective of Nanda Devi, India’s second-highest peak. Isn’t it fantastic? You can also easily hire a taxi service at affordable fares to explore the area. Bharat Taxi will offer a fleet of taxis for family or solo trips, as well as local and outstation trips.

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2. Rishikesh

Rishikesh is a tiny town in Uttarakhand’s Dehradun district, adjacent to Haridwar, located in the foothills of the Himalayas, along the confluence of the Ganga and Chandrabhaga Rivers. It (also spelled Hrishikesh) is recognised as the “Yoga Capital of the World” for adventure activities, old temples, and popular cafes. In addition, Rishikesh is a pilgrimage town, one of Hinduism’s holiest destinations, and the gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas.

The Beatles visited Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram in Rishikesh in the 1960s, and the city became famous worldwide. As it is now known, the Beatles Ashram attracts tourists from all over the world. The serene town has long been a spiritual centre, but it’s also known for whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, mountain biking, and camping beside the Holy Ganges. It is also the starting point for several Himalayan treks. Book a taxi service in Rishikesh to explore all the local sightseeing places.

Rishikesh has long been a centre for Sadhus (saints), with a slew of ashrams teaching spirituality, yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda cropping up along the sacred banks of the Ganga. Non-vegetarian food and alcohol are forbidden here because it is a devout town. Rishikesh hosts the most stunning nightly aarti on Ganga’s banks, which is not as crowded as its contemporaries in Varanasi and Haridwar. In the first week of March, the International Yoga Festival takes place here, attracting yoga practitioners worldwide.

Visit Another Blog: Tourist Places to Visit in Rishikesh- A Religious Tour to Uttarakhand ***

3. Almora

The spacious town of Almora is a lovely hill station set against the backdrop of Uttarakhand’s snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Almora is famed for its rich cultural legacy, unique handicrafts, excellent cuisine, and gorgeous wildlife and is easily accessible from Delhi and other major towns in North India. The Koshi (Kaushaki) and Suyal rivers run through this town (Somali).

Thousands of pilgrims visit popular pilgrimage sites like Nanda Devi and Jageshwar each year. In addition, backpackers flock to Almora because of the hostels and cafes in Kasar Devi, a nearby village.

Many routes leading deeper into the Himalayas begin in Almora, and there are additional day and weekend treks close by. Mountain biking is also famous in Almora, and because it is easy to get to and is located at a low altitude, it does not require any training. You may rent bikes by the hour or the day from several businesses and resorts, and you can also cycle over the steep mountain paths.

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4. Chamoli

Chamoli, which sits in the midst of nature, is known as the “Abode of Gods” because of its robust spiritual ties, as evidenced by local tales. It is a blessed area where natural beauty meets interesting cultures to create serenity. The locals are content to live in the midst of the incredibly magnificent mountains and gorgeous, dense valleys.

This picturesque community, which has temples everywhere, is also known as the birthplace of the Chipko Movement. This community, rich in flora and fauna, offers breathtaking panoramic panoramas that demonstrate depth and devotion to the environment. But, unfortunately, people here rely on tourism and other small businesses to make ends meet.

This beautiful hill station attracts adventurers and nature lovers due to its natural surroundings. Chamoli’s natural pathways and laid-back attitude make it an ideal getaway for anyone looking to escape the comforts of excessively commercialized locations. Mana, the neighboring community, has a similar vibe, an encouraging environment, Hindu shrines, and some excellent hiking paths.

5. Chaukori

Chaukori, a bowl-shaped town in Uttarakhand, is at a height of 10 meters in the Himalayas. The lusciously green tea gardens, the majestic snow-capped peaks of Nanda Devi and Panchachuli, the serene sunrises and sunsets, or the jewelled night skies with the light of a million stars—all offer breathtaking vistas as a tourist destination.

Chaukori is one of those places that can become a part of your yearly getaways to purify your mind and body from the stresses of city life. First, imagine every morning looking out your window at the Himalayan beauty. Then, with days spent exploring the outdoors, bird watching, and walks in the beautiful meadows, or planning a day trip to one of the town’s spiritual retreats, Chaukori allows you to relax and let the beauty and warmth speak for themselves.

The benefit of retreating to this location, which receives most of its visitors from Kolkata and Delhi, is that business is not the lifeblood of everyone.

6. Chopta

Consider a snow-covered hamlet surrounded by decreasing pine, oak, deodar, and rhododendron forests. A quiet spot away from the crowds, with snow reflecting the sun’s rays and a gentle breeze blowing through, it offers true natural beauty. Sightseeing, walking, camping, bird watching, photography, and even yoga and meditation are all possible at Chopta. You can find anything by simply naming it. Have you ever considered going on a solo trip? It’s a fantastic idea, and you can get started right away.

7. Dhanaulti

Do you ever feel that all the locations you visit are packed, and all you want is to go somewhere calm and quiet? Dhanaulti is a peaceful haven away from the city’s commotion. Rhododendron, deodar, and oak forests characterise the landscape. Nearby, there are wooded slopes, the Himalayas, and everything lovely. It is getting increasingly popular, yet it is still relatively unknown, making it an ideal weekend vacation destination. This is unquestionably the most excellent hill station in Uttarakhand.

8. Kausani

Kausani is a hill station in Uttarakhand’s Bageshwar district, 51 kilometres from Almora. The peaks of Trisul, Nanda Devi, and Panchuli dominate the Himalayan panorama from Kausani.

Kausani is great for honeymooners, nature lovers, and travellers and is located at an altitude of 1890m with pine tree forests and a flowing creek. During the winter, Kausani receives snowfall. Previously known as Valna, this location is blessed with numerous attractions and a breathtaking sunset that will leave you utterly delighted. Adi Kailash walks, the Base Kausani trek, and the Bageshwar-Sunderdhunda trek are some of the most popular trek routes from Kausani. The massive, towering mountains surrounding the glitzy town are covered with oak and deodar pine trees, making for a lovely scene.

9. Binsar

Binsar, Uttarakhand, is a small hamlet famed for the surreal splendour of the snow-covered Himalayan peaks. It is located 33 kilometres from Almora. Binsar is known for its gorgeous green meadows, temples, and the famed Binsar wildlife sanctuary, nestled among the oak, pine, rhododendron, and deodar trees.

Binsar has a zero point that affords a 360-degree vista of the Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, Kedarnath, Shivling, and Trishul, making it a trekker’s heaven. The Zero Point can be reached after a 2-kilometer hike. Sunrise and sunset are two things that everyone should do at least once.

Binsar’s weather is pleasant all year because it is situated at 2420 metres. The Kasar Devi temple, Bineshwar Mahadev temple, and Binsar wildlife sanctuary are worth a visit.

10. Mukteshwar

Are you a fan of adventure sports? Whether it’s rock climbing, paragliding, trekking, or camping, there’s something for everyone. You name it, and Mukteshwar will provide you with anything you desire. Its surreal beauty enticed even legendary hunter Jim Corbett. This spectacular location may have a 180-degree view of the Himalayan ranges. It is also stated that after a fierce battle, Lord Shiva granted demons immortality, which became the reason for the location’s name. In addition, it is home to several old Hindu temples. So, whether you’re looking for action or spirituality, Mukteshwar is the place to be!

11. Mussoorie

It’s a well-known hill station in Uttarakhand with a variety of natural beauties. Plan a romantic date, a solo excursion, or even enlist the help of your friends to participate in this thrilling adventure. After witnessing it with your own eyes, you won’t regret it. The Shivalik hills and the Doon valley may be seen to the south. What else could there possibly be? You may stroll down Camel’s Back Road, visit Kempty Falls, or shop on Mall Road for local items. The hill station is home to some of the state’s most significant educational institutions and many excellent cafés. Also, you can see here the Old pubs, estates, churches, etc. Mussoorie is all you need for a fantastic honeymoon or a weekend break!

12. Nainital

Nainital is a lively little town that is one of Uttarakhand’s most popular tourist destinations. Take a boat ride or stroll around Nainital’s marketplaces. Everyone who visits the Lake District will find something to enjoy. It is essential to visit Jim Corbett National Park, Naina Devi Temple, and the Snow Viewpoint. It transforms the traveller’s soul into a dreamscape with its abundance of all things fabulous. So, add this tiny gem to your bucket list because a journey to Uttarakhand would be incomplete without a stop in Nainital.

13. New Tehri

Beautiful vistas and lovely holiday retreats abound in Tehri, Uttarakhand’s only planned city. It features an emerald water reservoir that might fully submerge the old town. Isn’t it incredible? It is home to one of the world’s most significant hydropower projects. Plus, there’s more. For Hindus, New Tehri is a sacred site. Tourists come to find consolation and an escape from the misery and suffering of everyday life. People travel to Tehri in search of spiritual growth and tranquilly. Make sure to include this town on your itinerary!

14. Pauri Garhwal

Pauri Garhwal is a haven that encapsulates the many hues of nature in one location. This place oozes beauty and charm, from the snow-capped Himalayan peaks and thickets of lush green forests to the deep-rooted culture and warm-hearted people.

Pauri is the seat of the same-named district and is located at 1814 metres above sea level. There are numerous temples here, but the sunset is what attracts the most visitors. With its fantastic combination of colours and the burst of bright orange, this most magnificent sunset enthrals everyone. Visit this lovely location on the northern slopes of the Kandoliya Hills for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. During the winter, there is also snowfall.

15. Pithoragarh

A tiny, tourist-heavy urban settlement is a superb illustration of nature’s raw beauty and is affectionately known as ‘Little Kashmir.’ This village acts as a stopover for pilgrims on their route to Kailash Mansarover and as an entrance to the Himalayan Range.

Pithoragarh, located in the magnificent Soar valley and bordered on the east by Nepal and the north by Tibet, promises a fantastic journey. This place is a blessing in disguise for travel fans, with the River Kali flowing through the town, which is prettily ornamented with serene temples, towns, forts, lush green woods, and natural resources.

16. Ramgarh

Nestled in the Himalayan foothills of Uttarakhand’s Nainital district, Ramgarh is known for its unspoiled natural beauty and old-world charm. It’s positioned at 1789 metres above sea level and is a beautiful site for all you nature lovers. Ramgarh, known for its green orchards of apples, plums, peaches, and apricots, is the “Fruit Bowl of Kumaon.” Rabindranath Tagore and the famed poet and social worker Narain Swamy were fans of the book. Once a British cantonment, Ramgarh is unique in its splendour, seclusion, and allure. A breathtaking sunrise or sunset is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. So if you’re seeking a unique approach to satisfy your wanderlust, this is the place to go.

Ramgarh is a small hill settlement nicknamed the Kumaon Fruit Bowl, is perched at 1789 meters above sea level. Peaches, apples, plums, pears, strawberries, and apricots are just a few of the exotic fruits grown here. Such orchards abound throughout the area, delighting the senses of visitors. This location, which once functioned as a British Army Cantonment, is now a relaxing and refreshing retreat for guests. Rabindranath Tagore and Narain Swamy, whose ashrams are located here, were not spared the allure of the place’s alluring beauty and calm. If you visit this hill resort, you must see the enchanting spell created during sunrise and sunset, adding to the town’s beauty.

Read More: Top 10 Hill Stations Near Nashik

17. Ranikhet

It is a paradise with beautiful pine trees, feral animals in all their beauty, and green hills! Ranikhet translates to “queen’s country,” and it certainly does! It is a year-round tourism destination located in Uttarakhand’s Almora district. Moreover, Ranikhet is said to draw out the best of the Himalayan peaks. So, if you’re looking for a way to go close to the Himalayas, look no further.

18. Abbott Mount

Abbott Mount is a charming medieval town in Uttarakhand’s Champawat district’s Kali Kumaon region. Through a magnificent church and 13 lonely houses over the hill, one can experience the grandeur of a bygone British colonial era.

Abbott Mount was founded in the early twentieth century by a British businessman named John Harold Abbott and has remained mostly unchanged. It’s perched at 7000 feet above sea level, with stunning vistas of the snow-capped Himalayas and peaceful settings while birds chirp through the wispy breeze.

The weather is pleasant throughout the year, making it suitable for outdoor activities such as hiking, angling, bird viewing, and photography. Abbott Mount, rich in flora and fauna and surrounded by thick woods of pine and deodars, is a must-see if you want to get away from the city’s shrieking noises.

19. Munsiyari

Munsiyari, sometimes known as “Little Kashmir,” is a quaint village in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district. The charming tiny hill town, which sits at an elevation of 2298 meters, is famed for its panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan Range and some challenging trekking trails.

Munsiyari, located on the border of India, Tibet, and Nepal, is the home of three glaciers: the Namik, Milam, and Ralam Glaciers. The picturesque settlement is often seen romancing with the gorgeous backdrop of Panchachuli (the five peaks), Nanda Devi, and Nanda Kot throughout the year. Munsiyari, also known as the ‘Gateway to Johar Valley,’ is the beginning of the Johar Valley, which was formerly the ancient trading route between Tibet and India.

20. Lansdowne

In the next step, Uttarakhand’s tranquil hill station, Lansdowne, is known as “The Home of Garhwal Rifles.” It was named for Viceroy Lord Lansdowne and had historical significance. If you enjoy history, you should visit this place and see what more it has to offer. It provides a relaxing atmosphere and scenic beauty to its visitors and a variety of activities. You can book a taxi in Haridwar for travelling to Lansdowne, it’s a 3-hour drive.

Whether you are a solitary traveller or a group of friends, if you enjoy nature or history, practice mindfulness or holistic well-being, or are a nature lover or adventure seeker, Uttarakhand is the appropriate state for you!

21. Chakrata

This quiet town is a visual feast for the eyes. The crimson light pouring like droplets in the snow mountains and coating it in a profusion of gorgeous colours transports one’s senses into a fantastic dreamscape. Isn’t it poetic? Chakrata is surrounded by coniferous forests and boasts cascading waterfalls that captivate visitors and leave a lasting impression. It also features excellent activities, such as mountain climbing, a popular sport in this area.

22. Valley of Flowers

The Valley of Flowers is located in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli region (near Badrinath), around 300 kilometers north of Rishikesh. For its wild, untamed blooms surrounded by white peaks, the Valley of Flowers is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is open every year from June to September.

The valley of flowers, found by Mountaineer Frank S Smith in 1931 at the meeting point of the Himalayan ranges, Zanskar and the Western and Eastern Himalayas, has been recognized as a world heritage site for its wild, untamed blooms surrounded by white peaks. The valley of flowers, famous for its unique types of medicinal herbs, is also where Hanuman searched Sanjivani for the sick Lakshmana. A fantastic spot to relax and take in the scenery, including numerous Himalayan waterfalls, streams, and paddocks.

23. Bhowali

In addition to the others above, Bhowali is a small hill station near Nainital, Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal, Ramgarh, Sattal, Mukteshwar, and several other notable hill stations in Uttarakhand.

Bhowali’s strategic location has made it a renowned tourist destination and a Nainital District junction point. Bhowali, situated at an altitude of 1706 meters above sea level, is a town with panoramic views and abundant natural resources. It is a retreat where one can find peace and joy, especially with mild and healthy weather year-round. Before independence, this lovely location was popular as a health resort; today, it is a significant export hub for exotic fruits such as apples, peaches, strawberries, plums, and apricots.