Let’s get this straight: the offbeat places in Uttarakhand are anything but basic, devoid of crowds, and definitely on a seasoned traveler’s bucket list. If you’re that traveller who prefers hidden waterfalls over crowded viewpoints, local chai shops over fancy cafes, and genuine experiences over staged ones, this list is your new bible. Curated for travelers, by travelers, let Explurger be your guide to “dev bhoomi”.
10 of the Best Offbeat Places in Uttarakhand in 2025
1. MUNSIYARI
If you like your mountains dramatic and your mornings frosty, Munsiyari is your jam. This high-altitude gem in the Johar Valley is a gateway to glaciers like Milam, Namik and Ralam. It’s all rhododendron forests, Himalayan peaks (hello Panchachuli), and local wool markets. You’ll meet shepherds, mountaineers, and possibly a few wise old fluffy dogs. Evenings here are for bonfires and exaggerated trek stories. It’s easily one of the offbeat places in Uttarakhand that gives seasoned travellers bragging rights.
How to Reach: Nearest railway station is Kathgodam (275 km). You’ll need to switch to a taxi or local bus for the final leg.
2. CHAUKORI
Tiny, tea-laced, and terrifically peaceful, Chaukori is a ridge town offering soul-stirring views of the Nanda Devi range. It’s one of the most beautiful places in Uttarakhand, especially at sunrise when the sunset makes the peaks look like molten gold. There’s not much to do here, which is exactly the point. Explore the Berinag temples, sip local tea, and enjoy the silence. Easily one of the offbeat places in Uttarakhand for seekers of peace.
How to Reach: Nearest railway station is Kathgodam (198 km). Accessible via Almora and Bageshwar.
3. KHIRSU
Not many people talk about Khirsu, which is exactly why you should go. It’s a Garhwali hamlet surrounded by dense oak and deodar forests, with views of over 300 peaks on a clear day. You can trek to nearby temples like Ulka Devi and Kandoliya, or just hang out with locals who still believe in old-school hospitality. It deserves a spot in the offbeat places in Uttarakhand list, hands down.
How to Reach: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is around 145 km away. Road transport is available from Rishikesh.
4. CHOPTA – TUNGNATH – CHANDRASHILA
Okay, this one’s – famous place in Uttarakhand, but still magical. Chopta is known as the mini Switzerland of India, but who needs comparisons? The trek to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world, is divine (literally). Continue to Chandrashila Peak for Himalayan views that’ll make you believe in rebirth. Try to go off-season to beat the crowds. No list of offbeat places in Uttarakhand is complete without it.
How to Reach: Nearest railway station is Haridwar (225 km). Taxis are available to reach Chopta via Ukhimath.
5. PANGOT
If your vibe is less ‘party’ and more ‘parakeet,’ Pangot is your place. Just a few km from Nainital, this little birdwatcher’s paradise is part of the Naina Devi Himalayan Bird Reserve. With over 250 species of birds, it’s basically a feathered music festival. Stay in eco-lodges, hike forest trails, and disconnect from the noise. It’s an introverted heaven and absolutely belongs among the offbeat places in Uttarakhand.
How to Reach: Nearest railway station is Kathgodam (50 km). Taxis and buses go up to Pangot.
6. LOHAJUNG
Lohajung is a village where every house seems to have a story and a view. It’s the base for treks like Roopkund and Brahmatal, but the village itself is charming as hell. Wake up to distant chants, drink chai on wooden porches, and let the altitude do its therapy. The locals are warm, the pace is slow, and the landscape is jaw-dropping. No questions about it, it’s one of the offbeat places in Uttarakhand.
How to Reach: Nearest railway station is Kathgodam (220 km). From there, shared jeeps and taxis operate to Lohajung. Transport is also available from Rishikesh.
7. RANIKHET
Wanna see the sun set over the Kumaoni range, and the snow glide over the gilded peaks? Wanna walk in a charming little cantonment town that is full of fluffy, friendly dogs and smells of pine forests? Well, let’s take you to one of the offbeat places in Uttarakhand. The sprawling golf course, one of the highest in Asia, is a highlight, while places like the Jhula Devi Temple and Chaubatia Gardens showcase the region’s cultural and botanical richness. Ranikhet offers a perfect escape from hectic city life with its clean air, mild weather, and friendly locals. It’s a quintessential example of the beautiful offbeat places in Uttarakhand where you can soak in nature’s calm and wander through apple orchards and pine forests at your own pace.
How to Reach: Ranikhet is about 60 km from Kathgodam, taxis and buses are available.
8. KANATAL
What makes Kanatal special is its perfect blend of tranquility and adventure, you can go for easy nature walks or get your adrenaline pumping with activities like rock climbing and rappelling. If you’re craving a peaceful weekend or a soulful retreat, Kanatal’s charm lies in its raw, untouched beauty and star-studded night skies. This place is a top pick among those seeking the beautiful places to visit in Uttarakhand that are still under the radar. For nearby Uttarakhand sightseeing, visit the Surkanda Devi Temple perched on a hilltop for stunning spiritual vibes and views.
How to Reach: Kanatal is approximately 78 km from Dehradun. Buses and taxis are available.
9. BINSAR
Binsar is one of the offbeat places in Uttarakhand if you want to dive deep into nature and wildlife without the crowds. Located in the Kumaon region, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary covers dense oak and rhododendron forests, home to animals like leopards, deer, and various bird species. The views of the majestic Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi and Trisul, are breathtaking from the Binsar Zero Point.
How to Reach: Binsar is approximately 30 km from Almora and 110 km from Kathgodam railway station. Buses and taxis are available.
10. TYUNI
Welcome to a rustic little hamlet near the Himachal border. It’s raw, authentic, and largely untouched by tourism’s manicured hands. You’ll see wood-carved temples, vibrant local fairs, and villages that still believe in community over content. A dream for photographers and culture lovers, Tyuni is that blink-and-miss wonder that lingers in your memory forever, a quiet gem among the offbeat places in Uttarakhand.
How to Reach: Best explored by road through Chakrata or Hanol.
- It is the origin source of both Ganga and Yamuna
- Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO site, has over 500 species of plants
- The Chipko Movement, where people hugged trees to save them, started here.
- It’s the only Indian state with Sanskrit as one of its official languages.
- Tehri dam is the tallest dam in India and the 13th tallest in the world.
- The majestic Nanda Devi peak, the second-highest in India, is in Uttarakhand.
Final Thoughts: Best Offbeat Places in Uttarakhand
These are the best offbeat places in Uttarakhand that every seasoned traveller should add to their list. These places are perfect for travellers who want to experience the mountains in all their raw, unfiltered glory. From peaceful temples to roaring rivers and untouched forests, Uttarakhand offers a travel vibe that’s part spiritual, part wild, and 100% unforgettable.
Faq’s About Best Offbeat Places to Visit in Uttarakhand
2. What is the famous thing about Uttarakhand?
Uttarakhand is famous for its spiritual significance (Char Dham Yatra), yoga capital Rishikesh, famous hill stations like Nainital and Mussoorie, trekking trails, and its diverse natural beauty.
3. How to plan a trip to Uttarakhand?
Start by choosing your focus: spiritual (Char Dham, Haridwar), adventure (Auli, Rishikesh), nature (Valley of Flowers, Jim Corbett) or relaxation (Khirsu, Kanatal) etc. Select the number of days you wanna go, the transport needed to get there, pack and go!
4. What is the best time to visit Uttarakhand?
March to June and September to November are ideal for most places. Winter (Dec–Feb) is great for snow lovers, especially in hill stations.
5. Is Uttarakhand safe for solo travelers and women?
Yes, Uttarakhand is generally safe. However, like any travel destination, it's best to stay alert, avoid remote areas after dark, and keep emergency contacts handy.
6. What are the must-visit places in Uttarakhand?
Popular picks include Nainital, Mussoorie, Rishikesh, Auli, and Kedarnath. Offbeat gems include Munsiyari, Chopta, and Binsar.
7. Are treks in Uttarakhand beginner-friendly?
Many are! Chopta-Tungnath, Valley of Flowers, and Nag Tibba are great for first-timers. Always check difficulty levels before heading out.