10 Best Hill Stations in Uttarakhand

10 best hill stations in Uttarakhand - trip tradition

Embracing the majestic Himalayas, Uttarakhand is quite famous for its mesmerizing beauty. Uttarakhand is the home of the most beautiful hill stations in India, where the Mountains and the vast Himalayas can be seen. Nestled within this picturesque state are some of the most mesmerizing hill stations that mesmerize the visitors with their breathtaking beauty and serene environs. From the most-capped mountains to cascading waterfalls and lush green forests, the hill stations in Uttarakhand offer a pleasant escape from the chaos of everyday life.

The hill stations of Uttarakhand are the pride of its beauty, which keeps it alive in tourism. Be it the adventure value or the beauty, the hill stations of Uttarakhand make you feel like you are in the majestic mountains. Be it a boat ride on the Nainital Lake, skiing in Auli, or trekking in Chopta, these hill stations also give you a chance to do great things. Apart from this, hill stations in Uttarakhand are also notable for couples, which attract them for honeymoon. Then what are you waiting for? Pack your bags today and embark on a journey to discover the picturesque hill stations of Uttarakhand, where nature awaits you. Here are the top 10 most beautiful hill stations that await you in the valleys of Uttarakhand. With the complete guide, Trip Tradition comes up with a comprehensive guide to hill stations in Uttarakhand, which will help you know more about these hill stations.

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Top 10 Hill Stations in Uttarakhand

1. Auli

Auli, Chamoli

Ski Destination – Auli is one such ski destination that will take your breath away. It is a winter wonderland surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The frozen mountains of the Himalayas will surely leave you in awe. Auli is also a center for winter sports activities like skiing and snowboarding. If you are looking for an adrenaline rush, Auli is the perfect destination. There are also various trekking routes around the hill station so you can explore the beauty of the Himalayas on foot. The best way to experience the landscape is by taking a cable car from Joshimath to Auli.

  • Best time to visit: December to February
  • Things to do: Trekking, Skiing, Cable Car Riding & Camping
  • Nearby Major Cities: Haridwar & Rishikesh

2. Mussoorie

Mussoorie - The Queen of Hills

Nestled in the embrace of the Garhwal Himalayas, Mussoorie beckons with its timeless charm and ethereal beauty. Mussoorie, known as the ‘Queen of Hills,’ has always been a perfect destination for exciting weekend trips and to escape the heat. This attractive destination of Uttarakhand attracts travelers from far and wide. Unraveling the tales of the British Raj, the Colonies of Mussoorie offer an unforgettable experience of nature mixed with colonial grandeur. Mall Road, Kempty Falls, Bhatta Falls, Company Garden, and Dalai Hills are the main tourist attractions of Mussoorie. If you plan an exciting trip, then a trip to Mussoorie will never disappoint you.

  • Best time to visit: March to June & October to February
  • Things to do: Paragliding, Visit Kempty Fall, Cable Car Ride & Camping
  • Nearby Major Cities: Dehradun & Delhi

3. Dhanaulti

Dhanaulti, Tehri Garhwal

Dhanaulti, located at a distance of 24 km from Mussoorie, maybe a tranquil and less explored hill station, but it is not less than an experience. This hill station is covered with tall deodar and oak trees, which give you a blissful feel of nature. Dhanaulti is ready to mesmerize you with the landscape at every turn. For the adrenaline junkies craving excitement, Dhanaulti has a pleasant surprise in store. The options are endless:- Zip-lining through dense forests, Going camping, A mesmerizing trek to the nearby Surkanda Devi Temple

  • Best time to visit: October to February
  • Things to do: Camping & Trekking
  • Nearby Major Cities: Dehradun

4. Nainital

Nainital

Nainital, located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, is one of India’s most popular tourist destinations. This hill station is a great option to visit with friends and family. The boat ride on the eye-shaped Naini Lake will leave no stone unturned to make your experience thrilling. Whether you’re visiting the famous Naina Devi Temple or enjoying a paragliding ride, Nainital is the perfect destination for your vacation. Nainital was once a favorite destination of the British Raj, which still attracts many history buffs. Nainital attracts a lot of tourists looking for hill stations near Delhi. Attractions like Mall Road, Zoo, and the Birds Sanctuary in Nainital are attracting tourists worldwide.

  • Best time to visit: October to February
  • Things to do: Boating, Trekking & Adventure activities
  • Nearby Major Cities: Ram Nagar & Ghaziabad

5. Bhimtal

Bhimtal

Bhimtal, situated just 24 kilometers from Nainital, secures its place among Uttarakhand’s hidden breathtaking hill stations. This hidden gem offers a unique blend of natural beauty and the picturesque Bhimtal Lake, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and travel enthusiasts. Bhimtal is more than just a hill station; It is a destination that allures with its unique lake attractions and adventure activities. Whether you are exploring the Spiritual trip at Bhimtal, indulging in the tranquility of paddle boating, or seeking solace in the divine atmosphere of the 100 Bell Temple, this enchanting hill station has something truly unique, fascinating, and informative for every visitor Experience promises.

  • Best time to visit: March to June & October to February
  • Things to do: Boating & Paragliding
  • Nearby Major Cities: Nainital

6. Chakrata, Dehradun

Chakrata, Dehradun

If you want to escape the crowd and enjoy the Garhwal Himalayas with a hot cup of tea while feeling the chill in the mountains, then a trip to Chakrata would be the perfect option for you. Nestled amidst the Doon Valleys of Dehradun, Chakrata offers a unique blend of tranquility and adventure. Situated at 2,118 meters (6,949 ft), this hill station has many attractions that make it a place worth visiting. Travel to the picturesque hill town of Chakrata, where the beauty of nature reigns supreme. Be it Tiger Falls for fun or Moila Top for camping, Chakrata has made itself a developed hill station on every tourist parameter. While exploring the cascading wonders of Tiger Falls, you will come across some of its beautiful hidden gems.

  • Best time to visit: October to March
  • Things to do: Visit Waterfalls & Local Sightseeing
  • Nearby Major Cities: Dehradun

7. Mukteshwar, Nainital

Mukteshwar, Nainital

Mukteshwar is an offbeat hill station located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. It is a peaceful tourist destination in the Kumaon region, due to which it is also called the free or peaceful city. This hill station is situated at an altitude of about 2171 meters above sea level. Mukteshwar is famous for the 5500-year-old Mukteshwar Dham Temple, the city’s highest point. This centuries-old architectural marvel exudes a serene aura and invites you to find solace and inner peace within its holy walls. Nature lovers will be mesmerized by the lush green trees, Himalayan mountains, and enchanting forests of the hill city.

  • Best time to visit: October to March
  • Things to do: Visit Mukteshwar Dham
  • Nearby Major Cities: Nainital

8. Munsiyari

Munsiyari, Pithoragarh

Munsiyari is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those who wish to enjoy the serenity of the Himalayas. Munsiyari, located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, is as famous among tourists as Nainital or Mussoorie. If you are looking for an offbeat destination, we recommend you visit Munsiyari. Munsiyari is exceptional for those who seek solitude and want to immerse themselves in it for a while. Munsiyari is also an adventure destination where you will find adventurous treks like Khaira Top and Thamari Kund that have the potential to turn your solitude into an adventure.

  • Best time to visit: December to February
  • Things to do: Trekking & Camping
  • Nearby Major Cities: Pithoragrah

 

9. Chopta

Tungnath Temple, Chopta

Chopta is one of Uttarakhand’s most beautiful hill stations, making it among the most beautiful hill stations near Delhi. This hill station is famous for its serene natural scenery and the temple of Lord Tungnath, one of the Panch Kedars. This hill station is also a spiritual land where the highest temple of Lord Shiva is situated, which is known as Tungnath Temple. As you enter the picturesque abode of Chopta, you find yourself surrounded by untouched landscapes, rolling hills, and dense forests. It offers a unique view of the majestic Himalayan range, which never disappoints the tourists.

  • Best time to visit: December to February
  • Things to do: Trekking & Camping
  • Nearby Major Cities: Rishikesh, Haridwar & Delhi

10. Ranikhet

Ranikhet, Almora

Ranikhet is famous for its panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges. It is a cantonment town in the Almora district with lush green surroundings and a cool breeze, adding to its calmness. Ranikhet is famous for its hill golf course, fishing at Bhalu Dam, and trekking route. Tourists are attracted by the place’s never-ending natural beauty, incredibly peaceful landscape, and pleasant climate. Ranikhet is not just a destination; It is an experience that mesmerizes your senses and rejuvenates your soul.

  • Best time to visit: December to February
  • Things to do: Trekking & Camping
  • Nearby Major Cities: Almora

These were 10 of the most beautiful hill stations in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. There is something about those beautiful mountains you can not resist forever, and the state has so much to offer. A single trip won’t suffice a true tourist’s craving for nature and adventure, but planning a trip to Uttarakhand can be the start of a much-needed break to refresh and revive yourself.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about hill stations in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand's most popular hill stations are Mussoorie, Nainital, Ranikhet, Munsiyari, and Auli-Chopta.

It would be difficult to say which is the best season as many hill stations in Uttarakhand are suitable for all types of weather. The best time to visit hill stations in Uttarakhand is during winter, as during this time, almost all the hill stations in Uttarakhand are covered with snow, which is a sight for tourists. A lot also depends on personal preferences and the activities you want to engage in.

Uttarakhand is well-connected by road, rail, and air. Here are the commonly used modes of transportation to reach the hill stations:

By Road: There is good road connectivity to almost all hill stations of Uttarakhand. State-run buses, private taxis and self-driving cars are popular options. The road trip provides beautiful views, especially while climbing winding mountain roads.

By Rail: The nearest railway stations to significant hill stations in Uttarakhand are Kathgodam, Dehradun, and Haridwar. You can hire taxis or use local transport services from these stations to reach your desired hill station.

By Air: The nearest airports to Uttarakhand hill stations are Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun and Pantnagar Airport in Pantnagar. You can hire taxis or use pre-booked transport services to reach the hill stations.

Several hill stations in Uttarakhand are easily accessible from Delhi. Here are some of the best hill stations near Delhi that you can cover easily:-

  1. Nainital: Nainital is one of Uttarakhand's most popular hill stations located approximately 300 kilometers from Delhi. It takes around 6-7 hours to reach Nainital by road.
  2. Mussoorie: Mussoorie is around 290 kilometers from Delhi. It takes about 6-7 hours to reach Mussoorie by road.
  3. Chakrata: Chakrata is a charming hill station located near Delhi in Uttarakhand. It is situated at a distance of approximately 320 kilometers from Delhi and takes around 7-8 hours to reach by road.
  4. Chopta: Chopta is a scenic hill station located near Delhi in Uttarakhand. It is approximately 400 kilometers from Delhi and takes around 9-10 hours to reach by road.
  5. Auli: Auli is a popular hill station located near Delhi in Uttarakhand. It is approximately 500 kilometers from Delhi and takes 11-12 hours to reach by road.
Saurabh Goniyal

Saurabh Goniyal

🌍 Meet Saurabh! A traveler and writer who, through her travel writing, creates a vibrant map 🗺️ for every new traveler. Saurabh Goniyal is a ✍️ travel writer as well as an adventurer and explorer 🚀 who joins the Trip Tradition to uncover hidden gems 💎 of travel and share thrilling escape experiences. 🌟