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Go beyond Shimla, Mussoorie! Explore these offbeat places in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh for a serene winter getaway | Journey
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Go beyond Shimla, Mussoorie! Explore these offbeat places in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh for a serene winter getaway | Journey

With the winter season comes the excitement of planning your next getaway. Although popular places like Shimla, Manali, Dehradun and Mussoorie often come to mind, they can quickly become overcrowded. tourists. If you’re craving a more peaceful retirement, it’s time to explore the offbeat destinations of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. These lesser-known gems remain untouched by urbanization and offer a serene escape.

Explore the lesser-known hill stations of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand (Unsplash)
Explore the lesser-known hill stations of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand (Unsplash)

Imagine yourself surrounded by hidden waterfalls, pristine lakes, lush forests, rolling hills and abundant wildlife: sounds dreamy, doesn’t it? So, pack your bags and get ready to explore these hidden gems for a serene winter getaway. (Also read: Kareena Kapoor to Bipasha Basu: Bollywood returns in a big way to Maldives as bitterness between countries eases )

Unusual places of Uttarakhand

Kanatal

With its magnificent green forests, apple orchards, fruit trees and breathtaking hills, Kanatal is a charming hill station off the beaten track. This charming village is perfect for those looking for peaceful nature walks and is dotted with an abundance of wildflowers.

Munsiyari

Munsiyari, a picturesque village in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, is often called ‘Little Kashmir’. It is known for both its daring treks and its panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayas.

Peora

A hidden gem near Nainital, Peora is nestled in the Kumaon hills. This charming little village is surrounded by pine forests and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Stroll through the apple orchards to experience Peora’s old-world charm.

Naukuchiatal

Those looking for peace and quiet under the cover of unspoiled nature could visit Naukuchiatal, a charming little lakeside hamlet. Its nine-cornered lake, 1 km long and 40 m deep, is its best-known feature.

Harsil

Less known to tourists, Harsil is the ideal refuge for those seeking seclusion and tranquility. Apple orchards adorn Harsil, which is nestled in the Himalayas and surrounded by dense pine and deodar forests, with the Bhagirathi River gushing through the area. Numerous hiking trails are another reason to visit this place.

Hidden treasures of Himachal Pradesh

Sangla

Sangla Valley, located in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, provides a serene getaway from the chaos of the city. Surrounded by steep mountain slopes, lush forests and snow-capped peaks, this charming valley is known for its red apple orchards and brightly colored cherry trees.

Shoja

A small village Shojha lies peacefully amidst countryside and nature. Its unspoilt splendor may be just what you need to unwind. The village is surrounded by several wooden temples and is located in the middle of the Banjar valley.

Narkanda

Nestled in Shimla district, Narkanda is a charming town known for its winter skiing and stunning natural beauty. At 9,000 feet above sea level, it is surrounded by apple orchards, tropical forests and majestic hills, making it a must-visit offbeat destination in Himachal Pradesh. Don’t miss the peaceful Tannu Jabar Lake, one of the city’s main attractions.

Malana, Kullu

Situated on a remote and picturesque plateau on the banks of the Malana River in Himachal Pradesh, Malana is an ancient and isolated village. Malana Nala is located in the Parvati Valley, a charming region far from the outside world. The strong culture and beliefs of the people, who adhere to its rules with utmost tenacity, are one of the distinctive features of this unusual place in Himachal Pradesh.

Barot

Barot is a small village in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, which is part of the Uhl river valley. Known as a gem amid a rugged landscape, the Barot Valley was originally created for a hydroelectric project on the Uhl River and is today a popular destination for mountain-hungry tourists. Travelers looking to satisfy their need for adventure will find plenty of activities in the Barot Valley. Fishing, hiking and camping are some of the most popular activities in the Barot Valley.