Abundant hill stations in North India spread all across the region that makes for a tranquil and picturesque destination for tourists. But most of the hill stations in India have now unfortunately become too commercial crammed with tourists even in shoulder season and not to forget too noisy to find peace anymore. Surprisingly, there were many less-explored destinations in the Himlayas and quite a few in other parts of the country as well.Below are some of them for you who are in no mood of spending their summer vacation 2020 in a chaotic hill station in India.
- Spiti Valley , Himachal Pradesh
Long winding roads and valleys that present unforgettable glimpses of cold desert and snow-crowned mountains welcome you when you set foot into Spiti Valley. Bordered on all sides by the Himalayas, Spiti Valley, located in Himachal Pradesh, has an altitude of 12,500 feet above sea level, and gets just around 250 days of sunshine in the year, making it one of the coldest places in the country. The Spiti Valley Trek is a haven for adventure seekers and trekkers as it offers treks through some of the most unseen, dream-like landscapes, watched over by majestic sceneries.
- Chatpal, Jammu & Kashmir
Chatpal is a town that is so beautiful that words fall short to describe it. Breathtaking stretches of lush greenery which are dotted with yellow and white wildflowers, aroma of pine trees, a clear blue sky and a fantastic, panoramic view of the majestic mountains-that is the town of Chatpal put in words.This offbeat destination in Jammu and Kashmir is everything you and I would want on an unforgettable holiday experience.Imagine spending your vacation by the side of the river of cool waters; you can bask on the lush meadows appreciating the surroundings that is filled with quietude. Chatpal is perfect for family trip or visiting with your partner.
- Kalpa, Himachal Pradesh
Kalpa is a small village in the Sutlej river valley, above Reckong Peo in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, Northern India, in the Indian Himalaya. Inhabited by Kinnauri people and known for its apple orchards. Apples are a major cash-crop for the region. The local inhabitants follow a syncretism of Hinduism and Buddhism, and many temples in Kalpa are dedicated to both Hindu and Buddhist gods and goddesses. You can see the gurgling Sutlej River flowing below through deep gorges, ah, the view is going to make you go weak in the knees. There are a number of treks that you can enjoy around this town in Himachal Pradesh.
- Munsiyari, Uttarakhand
Munsiyari is a comely hamlet situated in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand state, nestled in the snow capped peaks of the Himalayas Munsiyari offers splendid vistas of natural beauteousness. This scenic hill station is perched at an altitude of 2298mts above sea level. Munsiyari literally translated means place with snow, and is also referred as Little Kashmir.
- Rajgundha, Himachal Pradesh
It is a small village lying between the Dhauladhar Ranges, Rajgundha Valley is not connected by any roads. … Situated at a height of approximately 8900 ft, this village is surrounded by majestic mountain ranges and witnesses beautiful sunsets and sunrises every day. Anyone who enjoys a good trek in the Himalayas would fall for Rajgundha in Himachal Pradesh. This secluded village, nestled amidst thick forest and encircled by lofty mountains give you reason why to visit here during your summer break. A vacation here is like a direct conversation between you and nature.
- Nathuakhan, Uttarakhand
Nathuakhan is a village in the Ramgarh block of the Nainital district in the state of Uttarakhand. It is situated at a height of 1940 meters, in the heart of Kumaon Mountains of the central Himalayas, close to the towns of Mukteshwar and Nainital. When you’d reach Nathuakhan, you’ll be like where were you all these years unaware of such a surreal place existing at such a close proximity to Nainital and Mukteshwar.
- Barot, Himachal Pradesh
Barot a village, originally developed in 1920s for Shanan Hydel Project is now a tourist location in Mandi district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Barot was difficult to access until 1975 when a road was opened. It is situated 40 km from Jogindernagar and 65 km from Mandi, the District Headquarter. Boasting unspoilt landscape, Barot is one of the best kept secrets of travellers just like Rajgundha. This sleepy destination at first sight might remind you of Kasol or Mcleodganj but once you’ll start to explore, you’d realize that the place has a different vibe altogether.
- Sanasar, Jammu & Kashmir
Sanasar is the name given to the two small villages of Sana and Sar in Jammu province, Jammu and Kashmir state, India.Named after small local lakes, Sana and Sar are located 20 kilometres (12 mi) west of Patnitop, Ramban district on the national highway 1A. At an altitude of 2,050 metres (6,730 ft), it is the hub for adventure and sport activities in the Jammu region. The area is notable for its scenic views of mountain ranges including the Brammah Massif. This lesser known place in Jammu region will stun you with its beautiful meadows and lush forest. The best experience here is to trek on unknown trails and have a sneak peek at the lives of the locals.
- Gurez Valley, Jammu & Kashmir
Gurez, or Gurais, is a valley located in the high Himalayas, about 86 kilometres from Bandipore and 123 kilometres from Srinagar in northern Kashmir and southern Gilgit-Baltistan. At about 2,400 metres above sea level, the valley is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Gurez is one of the finest unexplored hill destinations in India with crystal clear streams that pave their way through velvety meadows; tall mountains that are often snow-clad; and lush greenery of alpine forest. One thing that is clearly unique in Gurez from any other offbeat hill stations in India, is the razor wire fencing, yes Gurez shares border with Pakistan, but unlike other border sharing destinations in the Valley, this one remains completely peaceful.
- Askot, Uttarakhand
Askot or Askote is a small Himalayan town in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand in India. It is the part of Kanalichhina development Block and Didihat Tehsil. The place is also famous for the Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary dedicated to the conservation of Musk deer. This hill station in the East most region of Uttarakhand, close to the Indo-Nepal Border. Since fewer people know about Askot, you can have this place to all by yourself if you choose this offbeat escape in the Himalayas.
