Uttarakhand is a state of India that is blessed with natural beauty, cultural diversity, and spiritual significance. It is home to the majestic Himalayas, the holy Ganges, and the sacred Char Dham. It is also known as the “Land of Gods” and the “Dev Bhoomi” because of its numerous temples and shrines.
However, Uttarakhand is not only about the popular tourist attractions that everyone knows about. There are many hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path destinations that most tourists don’t know about. These places offer a unique and authentic experience of Uttarakhand’s culture, nature, and adventure. If you are looking for some unconventional and unexplored places to visit in Uttarakhand, here are some of the best ones that you should not miss:
Munsiyari
Munsiyari is a small town in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, situated at an altitude of 2,200 meters above sea level. It is also known as the “Little Kashmir” because of its scenic beauty and snow-capped mountains. Munsiyari is a paradise for nature lovers, trekkers, and birdwatchers. It offers a panoramic view of the Panchachuli peaks, which are five snow-clad mountains that resemble the five Pandavas from the Mahabharata. Munsiyari is also the base for many treks to the Milam Glacier, Ralam Glacier, and Nanda Devi East Base Camp. Munsiyari is a place where you can enjoy the tranquility and serenity of nature, away from the crowds and noise of the cities.
Chopta
Chopta is a small village in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, located at an elevation of 2,680 meters above sea level. It is also known as the “Mini Switzerland” of India because of its lush green meadows, dense forests, and stunning views of the Himalayas. Chopta is a part of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary and is rich in flora and fauna. It is also a popular destination for camping, birdwatching, and stargazing. Chopta is also the starting point for the trek to Tungnath, which is the highest Shiva temple in the world, and Chandrashila, which is a summit that offers a 360-degree view of the Himalayan peaks. Chopta is a place where you can experience the beauty and adventure of Uttarakhand in its purest form.
Binsar
Binsar is a hill station in the Almora district of Uttarakhand, situated at an altitude of 2,420 meters above sea level. It is also known as the “Crown Jewel of Kumaon” because of its scenic splendor and historical significance. Binsar is surrounded by the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to more than 200 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and butterflies. Binsar also offers a spectacular view of the Nanda Devi, Trishul, Nanda Kot, Panchachuli, and Kedarnath peaks. Binsar is also famous for its ancient temples, such as the Bineshwar Mahadev Temple, which was built by King Kalyan Chand in the 16th century. Binsar is a place where you can immerse yourself in the culture and heritage of Uttarakhand.
The Best Offbeat Places To Visit In Uttarakhand For Nature Lovers
These are some of the best off-the-beaten-path travel spots in Uttarakhand that most tourists don’t know about. These places will give you a different perspective of Uttarakhand and will make you fall in love with this state even more. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and explore these hidden gems of Uttarakhand.