Top 10 MUST VISIT Offbeat Places in Uttarakhand 2026 – Kumaon & Garhwal

Are you tired of the same old crowded hill stations in Uttarakhand? Nainital, Mussoorie, Rishikesh, and the Char Dham circuit see millions of visitors every year, and honestly, some of these places have lost the charm they once had. If you are someone who wants to escape the tourist rush and experience the real, quieter side of Uttarakhand, then this article is for you.

Over the years, I have traveled extensively through both the Kumaon and Garhwal regions of Uttarakhand. I have personally visited many of these offbeat places, and some I have recommended to friends and family who came back with incredible stories. In this guide, I am sharing my top 10 must-visit offbeat places in Uttarakhand that you can reach in a day or two from Delhi/NCR. Most of these require about 12-14 hours of driving, similar to what you would spend reaching Manali or Dharamshala.

What Are the Best Offbeat Places in Uttarakhand Near Delhi?

The best offbeat places in Uttarakhand include Manila, Munsiyari, Chaukori, and Binsar in the Kumaon region, and Harsil, Gwaldam, Khirsu, Chopta, and Malari in the Garhwal region. All of these can be reached within a day’s drive from Delhi and offer peaceful, less commercialized experiences compared to popular hill stations.

Here is a quick preview of all 10 offbeat destinations I will cover in this guide.

How Much Does an Offbeat Uttarakhand Trip Cost in 2026?

Before diving into each destination, here is a rough budget breakdown for an offbeat Uttarakhand trip from Delhi. Keep in mind that these numbers are per person estimates, assuming you travel in a group of 3-4.

KMVN (Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam) and GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam) guesthouses are available at most of these destinations. As of 2026, KMVN guesthouse rates start from around Rs 750 per night, and GMVN rates are similar. These are the most budget-friendly options in remote areas where private hotels may not exist.

In case you haven’t, then do not forget to check my list of Top 12 MUST VISIT Offbeat Places in Himachal Pradesh.

Which Are the Best Offbeat Places in Kumaon, Uttarakhand?

Let us first start with the lesser-known places in the Kumaon region. The Kumaon region of Uttarakhand is home to well-known destinations like Nainital, Ranikhet, and Jim Corbett National Park. However, take one turn off the main highway, and you will find villages and hill stations that most tourists have never heard of. The beauty of Kumaon lies in how much of it remains unexplored.

1. Manila, Almora

It does not get more offbeat than this. Manila is a tiny village in the Almora district, sitting at about 5,970 ft, roughly 85 km from Ranikhet. This is one of those places where the best thing to do is simply exist. Walk around the village, watch the sunset paint the Himalayan range in shades of gold and crimson, and let the silence do its work.

You can expect snowfall during winter when temperatures drop close to zero degrees Celsius, so plan accordingly. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam (145 km), and the closest airport is Pantnagar (170 km). I suggest spending at least 2-3 days here to truly unwind.

If you want a short trek, the confluence of three rivers (Ramganga, Gagas, and Norara) at Bhikiyasain is about 13 km on foot and 35 km by road from Manila. A KMVN Rest House is available about 3 km from the village, and there are a couple of basic homestays in the area. A dhaba near the KMVN guesthouse serves decent local Kumaoni food.

2. Munsiyari, Pithoragarh

About 16 hours from Delhi, Munsiyari sits at the base of the Himalayan range near the glaciers of Milam, Ralam, and Namik. Often called “Little Kashmir” thanks to the jaw-dropping views of the Panchachuli Peaks (literally meaning “five chimneys”), this is the place for anyone who wants to feel genuinely close to the high mountains without doing an extreme trek.

Two popular treks originate from here, namely the Namik Glacier trek and the Panchchuli Peaks trek. During March and April, the entire forest turns red with rhododendron blooms, making it one of the most beautiful times to visit. Keep in mind that Munsiyari is remote, so be well prepared with your own camping gear if you plan to trek.

You will find a few camping options and budget guesthouses with limited capacity. The main market has some interesting shopping for authentic hand-woven carpets and Himalayan saplings. Food is available at guesthouses and roadside dhabas serving Kumaoni as well as Tibetan cuisine.

3. Chaukori, Pithoragarh

Chaukori is a bowl-shaped village in the Pithoragarh district, surrounded by dense forests and Himalayan peaks on all sides. With views of Nanda Devi and Panchchuli peaks as a backdrop, along with some of the most beautiful sunrise and sunset views I have seen in Kumaon, Chaukori is well worth the effort it takes to reach.

The village also has tea gardens that give you pre-independence British era feels. North of Chaukori is Tibet, and to the South lies the Terai region. The Chin waterfall, about 10 km from the village with a height of about 160 ft, makes for a great camping spot if you carry your own gear. A visit to Patal Bhuvaneshwar cave temple from Chaukori is a must for any visitor.

Dheeraj Sharma

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Do try the local Kumaoni cuisine here, especially Sisunak Saag, Kappa, and Chainsoo. These are traditional dishes you will not find in the plains, and they are genuinely delicious.

4. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Almora

If you want to hide away from the world for a few days, Binsar is your place. Located about 33 km north of Almora, the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary sits at 7,940 ft and has a place called Zero Point from where you can see Kedarnath Peak, Shivling, Trisul, and Nanda Devi. Once the summer capital of the Chand Kings, today it is home to over 200 bird species, making it excellent for birdwatching.

The sanctuary is surrounded by dense forests of oak, pine, and rhododendron, and offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and nature walks. Binsar is one of those places where you can genuinely disconnect from the world, and the views from almost every guesthouse here are incredible.

The Binsar Forest Retreat has some of the best views I have come across in Kumaon, and the Grand Oak Manor offers great food and friendly staff. KMVN guesthouses are also available. Food is only available at hotels inside the sanctuary, so prepare accordingly. If you need more options, Almora is just 33 km away.

5. Lohaghat, Champawat

Lohaghat lies on the banks of the Lohawati River in the Champawat district of Uttarakhand. Known for the many ancient temples scattered across this hill town, it is also just 7 km from Abbott Mount, which has some charming colonial-era cottages. The Advaita Ashrama here, a branch of Ramakrishna Math, was founded in 1899 and is an excellent place for meditation and yoga.

Situated at about 5,725 ft, Lohaghat enjoys pleasant weather through most of the year and is one of the least explored spots in the Kumaon hills. During spring, the mountains turn red with rhododendron blooms, and the setting is genuinely stunning. This is also a great destination for anyone interested in spirituality and connecting with their inner self.

Not a lot of stay options exist in Lohaghat itself, but a KMVN guesthouse is available along with some local properties. Some comfortable cottages are also available in Abbott Mount, about 7 km away. Roadside dhabas serve local Kumaoni food and Tibetan dishes.

These were our top five must-visit offbeat places in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. Now, let us move to the Garhwal side.

Which Are the Best Offbeat Places in Garhwal, Uttarakhand?

Garhwal, literally meaning the land of many “garhs” or forts, has a rich history and is filled with offbeat places that will make any nature lover and adventure enthusiast happy. While the region includes well-known destinations from Haridwar to Uttarkashi, there are many hidden corners that most travelers never reach. If adventure and nature are what you seek, then head out to these offbeat locations in the Garhwal Himalayas.

The Garhwal Himalayas form some of the most important trekking and pilgrimage destinations in Northern India. From the Char Dham Yatra circuit to the Valley of Flowers trek, the region has something for everyone. However, the places I am listing below are the ones that still remain under the radar. Whether you love trekking in the Himalayas or simply want peace and quiet, these Garhwal destinations will not disappoint.

6. Harsil, Uttarkashi

Harsil is a stunning village on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, falling on the way to Gangotri, about 12 hours from Delhi by road and roughly 220 km from Dehradun. Sitting at 7,860 ft, this is one of my favorite offbeat destinations in Uttarakhand. The village is surrounded by dense deodar forests, and the setting is so pure that you genuinely feel like you have stepped into another world.

While Harsil is gaining some popularity as a rest stop for Gangotri pilgrims, I would strongly urge you to visit it as a standalone destination. In case you have time, you can always go beyond Gangotri for a trek to Gaumukh, the source of the Ganges.

Things to do in and around Harsil:

• Dharali Village (6 km from Harsil) is famous for its Rajma Chawal, thanks to the extensive Rajma cultivation in the region, as well as beautiful apple orchards.
• You can also travel to Nelong Valley from Harsil, one of the most restricted and beautiful valleys in the state.
• Wilson Cottage, built in 1864 by a British Army deserter who befriended the Raja of Tehri, is a charming historical attraction. The locals love sharing stories about Mr. Wilson and his wife, Gulabi.
• During winter when Gangotri is snowed out, Goddess Ganga is relocated to Mukhba Village, just 1 km from Harsil.

Being an offbeat location, stay options are limited. A few guesthouses and GMVN guesthouses are available. For food, roadside dhabas serve north Indian as well as authentic Garhwali cuisine.

7. Gwaldam, Chamoli

Gwaldam is a sleepy hill town sitting at about 5,577 ft on the border of the Kumaon and Garhwal regions. It is just 39 km from Kausani, another beautiful hill station, and roughly 12 hours from Delhi. This place does not feature on any “top ten” tourist lists, which is exactly why the serious traveler will love it. The entire area is filled with apple orchards, nameless flowers, countless springs, and birds of all kinds.

The sunrise and sunset views of Trishul Peak from Gwaldam are something I will not forget. A 3 km trek takes you to Badhangari Temple atop a narrow ridge with views that are hard to describe in words. Other treks from Gwaldam include the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra and the famous Roopkund Lake trek.

Must-visit places near Gwaldam:

• Macchi Tal, a lake created in 1928 by the British for fish cultivation, makes a lovely picnic spot.
• The Buddhist Khamba Temple, about 1.5 km from the main village area.
• Trishul Peak viewpoint for sunrise and sunset, which is genuinely spectacular.

A GMVN guesthouse is available along with a few local lodges. Being at the intersection of Kumaon and Garhwal, the blend of cuisines and cultures here is beautiful to experience.

8. Khirsu, Pauri Garhwal

Khirsu is a calm hill station in the Pauri Garhwal region, draped in deodar and oak forests. Recently, Khirsu has gained some popularity thanks to its gorgeous views and stunning sunsets, but it remains far less crowded than places like Mussoorie or Nainital. Two important places of interest here are Ulkha Giri and Pauri. There is also an ancient temple dedicated to Ghandiyal Devi that is worth visiting.

The thick forests of pine, oak, and deodar surrounding the Himalayan peaks create a setting that is hard to leave. Nature walks along tiny forest trails are the highlight here. The forests suddenly open up into clearings that make perfect picnic spots. This is the kind of place where you slow down and let mother nature take over.

9. Chopta and Sari Village, Rudraprayag

Chopta is often called the “Mini Switzerland of India” (though I feel every other hill station in India claims this title). Whatever you want to call it, Chopta is genuinely a beautiful location surrounded by meadows and forests. Deoria Tal is an important trekking destination located close to Chopta, and the Deoria Tal to Chandrashila Peak trek is one of the most rewarding weekend treks you can do from Delhi.

This town is the base for Tungnath and Chandrashila as well as the Panch Kedars pilgrimage. With unobstructed views of Trisul, Nanda Devi, and Chaukhamba, Chopta is perfect for anyone who loves solitude with a view. Although visitor numbers are increasing, the Sari Village area near Chopta still feels genuinely offbeat.

Must-do activities near Chopta:

• Rohini Bugyal, a gorgeous alpine meadow hidden in thick forests with views of surrounding peaks. It also falls en route the trek to Deoria Tal.
• Bisurital, another beautiful lake worth visiting.
• Chitra Gufa, about 15 km from Chopta, is an interesting cave worth exploring.
• Birdwatching is excellent here, with hundreds of species. I suggest wearing muted colors to avoid scaring the birds away.

In terms of food, options are limited. Hotels have in-house dining, and there are a few dhabas along the road. I suggest carrying some snacks and water when heading out for treks.

10. Malari Village, Chamoli

Last on the list, but perhaps the most remote and rewarding of all. Malari is a village near the Tibet border, part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve in the Chamoli district. Getting here from Delhi takes about 15-16 hours of driving, and the village sits at approximately 10,500 ft.

This is important to note: Malari is not suitable for winter travel. The inhabitants themselves move to lower Himalayan regions during the harsh winter months when heavy snowfall makes the area inaccessible. The best time to visit is April through June and September through November.

Some popular places to visit in and around Malari include Dronagiri Mountain (believed to be the hill from which Hanuman brought the Sanjivini herb to cure Laxman), Nanda Devi Temple, Nanda Devi National Park, and Joshimath. The village is inhabited by the Indo-Mongolian Bhotia tribes, and the rustic way of life here is an experience in itself.

Finding accommodation in Malari can be difficult, so I always suggest carrying your own camping gear just in case. There are a few budget guesthouses, but availability is not guaranteed, especially during peak season.

These were our top five must-visit offbeat places in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand.

Dheeraj Sharma

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What Should You Keep in Mind When Visiting Offbeat Places in Uttarakhand?

Traveling to offbeat destinations in Uttarakhand is different from visiting established tourist spots. Here are some practical tips that will help you plan better.

• Cash is king. Most of these offbeat places do not have ATM facilities nearby. Always carry enough cash for your entire stay. UPI may or may not work depending on mobile network availability.
• Keep your fuel tank full. Petrol pumps may not be available nearby, so top up whenever you see one. Carry an extra jerry can if you are on a bike.
• Be medically prepared. Carry a basic first-aid kit. The nearest hospital could be hours away from remote villages.
• Carry your own camping gear. For non-trekking locations, you might not be able to rent tents at the destination. If you plan to camp, come prepared.
• Mobile connectivity. BSNL and Jio generally work better in the hills, but do not expect reliable data at most of these places. Download offline maps before you leave.
• Road conditions. As of 2026, the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway is expected to be fully operational, cutting travel time significantly. However, roads to remote villages can be rough, especially during monsoon (July-September). A high-clearance vehicle (SUV or at minimum a hatchback with good ground clearance) is recommended for most of these destinations.
• Respect local customs. Many of these villages have deep cultural and religious significance. Dress modestly at temples, ask before photographing locals, and do not litter.

How to Plan Your Offbeat Uttarakhand Trip from Delhi?

If you are planning your first offbeat trip to Uttarakhand, here is what I suggest. For a 4-5 day trip from Delhi, pick 1-2 destinations from this list. Trying to cover too many places defeats the purpose of an offbeat trip, which is to slow down and soak in the experience. Here are two sample plans.

Plan A (Kumaon side, 5 days): Delhi > Binsar (Day 1-2) > Manila or Gwaldam (Day 3-4) > Delhi (Day 5). This covers about 350 km one way.

Plan B (Garhwal side, 5 days): Delhi > Khirsu (Day 1-2) > Chopta/Sari Village (Day 3-4) > Delhi (Day 5). This covers about 280 km one way.

For a longer trip of 7-8 days, you can combine a Kumaon destination with a Garhwal one, or combine Harsil with a visit to Gangotri and the Gaumukh trek.

What Are Some More Offbeat Destinations in Uttarakhand?

Apart from the 10 places listed above, Uttarakhand has several other offbeat destinations worth exploring. If you have already visited some places on this list and want to go deeper, consider these options.

• Kasar Devi near Almora, known for its cosmic energy and the famous Crank’s Ridge where Bob Dylan and Cat Stevens once visited.
• Sattal, a cluster of seven interconnected lakes near Nainital, excellent for birdwatching.
• Mukteshwar, a quiet hill station known for its 350-year-old Shiva temple and paragliding opportunities.
• Auli, while becoming more popular, remains a fantastic destination for skiing in winter and meadow walks in summer.
• Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that blooms spectacularly between July and September.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most offbeat place in Uttarakhand?

Malari Village in the Chamoli district is arguably the most offbeat destination on this list. Located near the Tibet border at 10,500 ft, it is part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve and remains almost untouched by tourism. The village is only accessible from April to November.

Which offbeat places in Uttarakhand are best for families?

Binsar, Khirsu, and Chaukori are the best family-friendly offbeat destinations. They have relatively easier road access, KMVN or GMVN guesthouses for comfortable stays, and do not require any trekking. Binsar is particularly good for families with children who enjoy birdwatching and nature walks.

Can I visit these offbeat places in Uttarakhand during monsoon?

Monsoon (July-September) is generally not the best time for offbeat travel in Uttarakhand. Roads can be blocked by landslides, and remote villages may become inaccessible. However, Binsar and Chopta can still be visited with caution during lighter monsoon months. Always check road conditions before starting your journey.

How do I reach these offbeat places from Delhi without a car?

Most of these destinations are best reached by self-drive. However, you can take a train to Kathgodam (for Kumaon destinations) or Dehradun/Rishikesh (for Garhwal destinations) and then hire a local taxi. UTC (Uttarakhand Transport Corporation) buses also run to some of these areas, though frequency is limited on offbeat routes.

What is the budget for an offbeat Uttarakhand trip from Delhi?

A budget trip to offbeat Uttarakhand costs approximately Rs 1,400 to Rs 2,400 per person per day, including accommodation at KMVN/GMVN guesthouses, food at dhabas, and shared fuel costs. For a 4-5 day trip from Delhi, plan for Rs 7,000 to Rs 12,000 per person on a budget. Mid-range travelers can expect to spend Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 per person for the same duration.

Are offbeat places in Uttarakhand safe for solo travelers?

Yes, Uttarakhand is generally safe for solo travelers. The hill people are known for their warmth and hospitality. However, keep in mind that mobile network coverage can be patchy in remote areas, so always inform someone about your itinerary. Carry basic medicines and enough cash since ATMs may not be available.

Which is better for offbeat travel, Kumaon or Garhwal?

Both regions offer excellent offbeat experiences, but they are different in character. Kumaon is relatively more accessible from Delhi and has a gentler terrain with lake views and rolling hills. Garhwal is more rugged, with higher peaks and better trekking options. If you want peaceful village life and Himalayan views, go Kumaon. If you want adventure and raw mountain landscapes, choose Garhwal. Either way, check out my comprehensive guide to trekking in the Himalayas before you go.

Is a 4×4 vehicle necessary for reaching these offbeat places?

A 4×4 is not strictly necessary for most destinations on this list, but it is recommended for Malari and Munsiyari where road conditions can be challenging. For places like Binsar, Khirsu, Chopta, and Harsil, any car with decent ground clearance (even a Baleno or i20) will manage if you drive carefully. Avoid sedans with low ground clearance on mountain roads.

Conclusion

Uttarakhand is so much more than just Nainital, Mussoorie, and the Char Dham. The places I have listed in this guide are genuinely beautiful, peaceful, and still relatively untouched by mass tourism. Whether you are looking for a quiet weekend getaway from Delhi or a week-long adventure into the deeper Himalayas, these offbeat destinations in both Kumaon and Garhwal will not disappoint.

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I hope this guide helps you plan your next offbeat trip to Uttarakhand. If you have been to any of these places, I would love to hear about your experience. Also, if we missed any offbeat places in Uttarakhand that you absolutely loved, do share them in the comments below. Your recommendations help other fellow travelers too 🙂 …

If you know your friends or family are planning a trip to Kumaon or Garhwal, feel free to share this article with them. It might just help them discover a side of Uttarakhand they never knew existed. For more travel discussions, finding travel partners, and live road updates, do check out the DwD Community from the main menu of the website.

Last Updated: February 2026