Top 20 Destinations for Summer Vacation in Uttarakhand

Chopta Valley, Rudraprayag

Chopta is nothing like a typical tourist place, this beautiful place is far from the confines of hustle and bustle of the city life and since it is a lesser known destination, it maintains its rustic beauty. Chopta is situated at a distance of about 368kms from Delhi and 181kms from Haridwar. Tungnath, which is situated about 3½ kms from Chopta is reckoned to have the highest Shiva Temple. Along with having religious importance, Tungnath is known to have a spectacular landscape and being here is simply magical! Chopta is also a base camp for thetrek to Chandrashila, which is situated at an elevation of about 4000m above sea level. The breathtaking view of the Himalayan Range from here is just unforgettable. Many trekkers like to camp at Chopta during their trek to Deoriatal Lake. This beautiful lake is a haunt for several adventure and nature lovers and Chopta serves as one of the best destinations where they can relax before they head out for this adventurous trek. One also has a good opportunity to enjoy camping amidst dense deodar, pine and rhododendron forest, bird watching and hiking which again are also some great options for amplifying the fun of spending summer vacations here.

Nearby Attractions:

• Tungnath Temple
• Chandrashila,
• Madhyamaheshwar Temple
• Deoria Tal
• Kalimath.

New Tehri

In Uttarakhand many places remain unexplored, thus the travel enthusiasts always have something new to see each time they visit this lovely state. New Tehri, which is a newly established township, is located at an elevation between 1550 – 1950m above sea level. Located at a distance of 300kms from Delhi, New Tehri can be a wonderful destination for spending your summer vacation in Uttarakhand. The city offers a lovely view of Tehri Lake and the green rolling mountains. Since, it is a newly set-up town, it remains largely unnoticed by tourists (however, it does have the potential to become a bustling tourist destination soon) and you can spend moments of peace and serenity here. For adventure lovers, New Tehri offers trekking opportunities as there are many beautiful places around. Treks from New Tehri head toward Nag Tibba, Masartal, Khatling Glacier, Pawanli Kantha and Sahastratal. Recently boating has also been initiated for the tourists at Tehri Lake. The accommodation in New Tehri is also cheaper. I mean what more do you want on your vacation? Soothing climate, gorgeous landscape, cheaper accommodation and scoops and scoops of serenity, it’s all available right here.

Nearby Attractions:

• Tehri Dam (World’s largest hydroelectric project that harnesses water from two important rivers in India, Bhagirathi and Bhilangna)
• Surkanda Devi Temple
• Sivanand Asharam,
• Gautam Rishi’s Temple
• Sem Mukhem Temple

Uttarkashi

Undoubtedly Uttarkashi is the most picturesque town of Uttarakhand. Situated on the bank of the Bhagirathi River at an altitude of about 1352m, Uttarkashi has the same religious importance in Uttarakhand as Kashi has in Uttar Pradesh. Dotted with a sizable number of Ashrams and Dharamshala, this holy town is the perfect family vacation getaway for those living in North India. A quite little town beside a whimsical river, Uttarkashi is also the base for many trekking expeditions in Uttarakhand. The famed Nehru Institute of Mountaineering is also situated here. Uttarkashi is an important destination in Uttarakhand for the fact that it is in close proximity to Hindu pilgrimages like Yamunotri and Gangotri. There are many homestays available in Uttarkashi along with several budget hotels, so you need not worry at all about accommodation. Also, the town is dotted with temples, which makes them an obvious attraction here. This scenic place is perfect for anyone seeking solace and respite from the noisy city life. So, if you are someone, who is in search of some peace or adventure, Uttarkashi is the ideal place for you.

Nearby Attractions:

• Maneri (13kms from Uttarkashi)
• Gangnani, Dodi Tal (20kms)
• Dayara Bugyal (41kms)
• Nachiketa Tal
• Gangotri (99kms)

Nainital, Kumaon Garhwal

It is needless to give any introduction of Nainital. This beautiful lake city, tucked amidst the hills of Kumaon region of Uttarakhand is one of the most famous hill stations in India. Despite the fact that this hill station is a known destination and it remains crowded throughout the summer season, it hasn’t lost any charm. A perfect valley with a lake at the centre, it still manages to attract tourists from all across India and abroad. During the peak season, accommodation can get pricier so the trick is to book early. Nainital is also in the close proximity of the famed tiger reserve, Corbett National Park. It is the only place in the world where yatching can be done at such an altitude. The candle work and the wooden decorative items are the specialty of this town. Nainital is also an ideal destination for honeymoon couples.

Nearby Attractions:

• Naini Lake
• China Peak
• Snow View
• Tippin Top
• Gurney’s House
• Mini Golf Course
• Hanuman Garhi
• Bhimtal (32kms)
• Sattal (22kms)
• Naukuchiatal (43kms)
• Corbett National Park (65kms)

Auli, Chamoli Garhwal

It is Uttarakhand’s very own skiing destination. Well, of course, there won’t be any snow when you go there in summer but this beautiful place is just right for an unforgettable summer holiday in Uttarakhand. Situated at an altitude between 2519m and 3050m, Auli is a Bugyal, which means meadow. The Bugyal turns white with snow in the winter and during the summer you can see it blossoming with flowers. Auli is about 500kms from Delhi and makes for an interesting summer destination to explore. The cable car ride from Joshimath to Auli is the main attraction along with skiing here. Although accommodation is a bit expensive here, it is money well spent.

Nearby Attractions:

• Gorson Bugyal
• Tali Bugyal
• View of Nanda Devi (7817m)
• Kamet (7756m)
• Mana Parvat (7273m)
• Dunagiri (7066m)

Almora, Kumaon Garhwal

Situated on a horseshoe-shaped ridge, Almora is one of the best places for a summer holiday in Uttarakhand. It is a picturesque destination and attracts several tourists during the peak season. Almora is known for its scenic landscape and colonial period buildings. Since it is a commercial town, you can expect a sizable number of hotels that range between luxury and budget. Its pristine beauty and tranquil ambiance is truly worth experiencing, Almora is simply a place worth exploring in Uttarakhand.

Nearby Attractions:

• Bright End Corner
• Nanda Devi Temple
• Chitai Temple
• Gobind Ballabh Pant Museum
• Katarmal
• Jageshwar
• Kasar Devi

Ranikhet, Kumaon Garhwal

Ranikhet is a holiday retreat that allows the restless souls moments of utmost peace and serenity. Situated about 360kms from Delhi, Ranikhet is a beautiful hill station that has quaint charm and typical military atmosphere (it is a Kumaon regiment centre). Fringed by lofty mountains that are covered with pine and conifer trees, this small hilly region is known better for its pristine scenic beauty and calm ambiance.

Nearby Attractions:

• Haidakhan Babji Temple
• Chaubatia Garden
• Binsar Mahadev Temple
• Jhula Devi Temple
• Sunset Point
• Bhalu Dam

Gwaldam, Chamoli Garhwal

Filled with rustic charm, Gwaldam offers a rejuvenating holiday amidst impeccable beauty and utter peace and quiet. This untouched hill station is situated about 38kms from Kausani. Surrounded by Pine forest, Gwaldam is also a base for trekking expedition to Roopkund. It is one of those places where one would like to retire for complete head, heart and soul healing. It is also one of those destinations where you would go and love to do nothing at all but contemplate nature’s beauty.

Nearby Attractions:

• Bandhangarh Temple
• View of Nanda Devi (7817m)
• Trishul (7120m)
• Nanda Ghuti (6309m)
• Buddhist Temple

Lansdowne, Pauri Garhwal

Lansdowne is another best place for spending summer vacation in Uttarakhand. This beautiful hilly town is known as the major centre of Garhwal Regiment of Indian Army and therefore it has been maintained extremely well. Covered with Pine forest, Lansdowne is pristine and of course noise and pollution-free. This hill station is also a scenic place that can appeal to any nature lover. Lansdowne is about 248kms from Delhi and along with being a summer destination it makes for a wonderful weekend getaway from the city as well.

Nearby Attractions:

• Bhulla Tal
• Tippin Top
• Darwan Singh Museum
• The Garhwal Rifles Regimental War Memorial
• St. John’s Church
• St. Mary’s Church
• Bhim Pakora
• Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple
• Kanvashram

Munsiyari, Kumaon Garhwal

Summer can be the perfect time to get a little adventurous and what better place than Uttarakhand to offer yourself a perfect break! Munsiyari, which is situated at distance of about 583kms from Delhi and 135kms from Pithoragarh, is an ideal destination for some adventure. A perfect place for trekking, Munsiyari is snuggled amidst folds of snow-clad mountains. The town is situated on the bank of Goriganga and is adorned with Rhododendron, Pine and Deodar forests. Along with trekking, one has the opportunity to go bird watching and skiing (Khalia Top) here as well.

Nearby Attractions:

• View of Panchachuli Peaks
• Birthi Falls
• Maheshwari Kund
• Thamari Kund
• Darkot
• Khaliya Top
• Nanda Devi
• Tribal Heritage Museum
• Kalamuni Top

Kausani, Kumaon Garhwal

Kausani is famed as a honeymooners’ paradise and a popular weekend getaway from Delhi. This beautiful hill station is situated about 419kms from Delhi and only 47kms from Almora. Kausani is a favourite haunt for those seeking respite from the maddening rush of the city life. It is also a great place to witness the famous Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, Panchachuli and Trishul. Since, it is a well known hill destination in Uttarakhand, bookings in the summer can be a bit difficult; therefore, it is advisable that you make the bookings well in advance.

Nearby Attractions:

• Anasakti Asharam
• Rudradhari Waterfall
• Lakshmi Asharam
• Sumitranandan Pant Gallery
• Kausani Tea Estate

Mussoorie

One of the most preferred haunt of the tourists in summers, Mussoorie is situated at a distance of about 35kms from Dehradun. Not only this, Mussoorie makes for an excellent honeymoon destination as well. Known as the Queen of the hills, Mussoorie is a perfect summer getaway. Beautiful landscape and salubrious climate is the highlight of this hill station, in fact for shopping and eating as well, Mussoorie is a great place to be at. The hotels in Mussoorie are expensive during the peak season; therefore it is recommended that you book well in advance.

Nearby Attractions:

• SOHAM Heritage and Art Centre
• Lal Tibba, Cloud’s End
• Shedup Choepelling Temple
• Mussoorie Christ Church
• Mussoorie Adventure Park
• Company Garden
• Nag Devta Temple
• Kempty Falls
• Jharipani Falls

Harsil, Uttarkashi

A bewitching summer destination, Harsil is snuggled amidst lofty green rolling hills. This small town is no less than a fairyland that is established on the bank of Bhagirathi River at an elevation of about 2620m above sea level. An untouched landscape that is less frequented by people, Harsil can be a perfect place to bask amidst pristine ambiance. Dense Deodar and Rhododendron forests, Apple Orchards, salubrious climate and impeccable peace, I mean what else do you need on a summer vacation? Harsil is about 460kms from Delhi and about 262kms from Haridwar; this hill station is far away from the confines of the maddening crowd and is thus a destination that offers nothing but rejuvenation.

Nearby Attractions:

• Dharali
• Mukhwas Village
• Sat Tal
• Gangotri

Dhanaulti, Tehri Garhwal

Offering rustic charm and utter tranquility, Dhanolti in Uttarakhand is rapidly catching the eyes of the tourists. Situated in the neighborhood of a popular hill station in Uttarakhand, Dhanolti is in comparison to other hill stations is a quieter and lesser explored destination. Its splendid landscape has managed to grab the attention of many travel enthusiasts who are always searching for something new to explore. Dhanolti is 293kms from Delhi and only 26kms from Mussoorie. Quaint and less commercialized, Dhanolti can be an excellent holiday spot for those who want to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. The view of the snow capped Himalayan peaks is the major attraction of Dhanolti.

Nearby Attractions:

• Dhanaulty Eco Park
• Aaloo Khet
• Kanatal
• Mussoorie
• Surkanda Devi Temple
• New Tehri

Mukteshwar, Kumaon Garhwal

Mukteshwar is yet another jewel of Uttarakhand with which you can fall in love with in an instant. Tucked amidst the mountains at an altitude of about 2286m, Mukteshwar is gradually becoming a popular summer getaway for those living in and around Delhi. This quaint hill station is situated at a distance of about 51kms from Nainital and about 343kms from Delhi. Mukteshwar offers 1800 panoramic view of the snow-clad Himalayan range along with lovely climate, calm and pollution-free environ. Tourists can enjoy trekking upto the wooded forests and the view of peaks like Nanda Devi, Panchachuli, Trishul and Nandaghunti.

Nearby Attractions:

• Mukteshwar Temple
• The View of Himalaya
• Renewable Park
• Mukteshwar Inspection Bungalow
• Chauli ki Jaali
• Methodist Church

Ramgarh, Kumaon Garhwal

An inspiring land, Ramgarh is Uttarakhand’s very own prodigy destination. Earlier this place was known for being the neighbour of Nainital but with the passage of time, Ramgarh has earned accolades from tourists for being an unexpectedly gorgeous destination. The place is better known as the Fruit Bowl of Kumaon region as it houses a sizable population of apple, apricot, pears and peach orchards. Divided into two parts, Talla and Malla, Ramgarh is a wonderful place where you can spend your summer holiday. This place maintains its rustic charm and invites guests who are seeking tranquility and peace of mind. We cannot forget that it is one of those places that have inspired legend like Rabindranath Tagore and Mahadevi Varma to compose some of their masterpieces here.

Nearby Attractions:

• Nathuakhan
• Mukteshwar
• Nainital
• Bhimtal

Binsar, Kumaon Garhwal

Binsar is the perfect destination to learn more about the state of Uttarakhand. Binsar is situated at an elevation of 2412m above sea level and at a distance of about 380kms from Delhi and 31kms from Almora. Located at a short distance from Binsar is the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, where the tourists can enjoy bird watching and wildlife photography. Like many hill stations in Uttarakhand, Binsar is also a quiet and beautiful destination that seems perfect for a summer vacation.

Nearby Attractions:

• Nanda Devi
• Kedarnath, Trishul
• Chaukhamba
• Trishul and Nanda Kot
• Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
• Binsar Zero Point
• Bineshwar Temple
• Khali Estate
• Mary Budden Estate
• Binsar Sanctuary Museum
• Kasar Devi Temple.

Chakrata, Garhwal Himalaya

A destination that will let you unshackle yourself from your hectic life, Chakrata is an off-beat summer place in Uttarakhand. With the majestic nature around and the noiseless environs, this gorgeous hill station in Uttarakhand is likely to emerge as a popular destination for summer holiday soon enough. It is fringed by Mussoorie in the east and Kinnaur of Himachal Pradesh in the west and situated 295kms from Delhi and only 86kms from Dehradun. At Chakrata, along with contemplating the beauty of nature, one can enjoy bird watching, hiking and small treks as well.

Nearby Attractions:

• Chilmiri Neck
• Deoban
• Tiger Fall
• Kalsi
• Ram Tall Horticulture Garden
• Kanasar
• Chinta Haran Mahadev Temple
• Mundali, Moigad Fall
• Thana Danda Peak
• Jagatram, Budher Cave
• Tiuni, Kimona Waterfall
• Kandhar

Pauri Garhwal

Known for its unforgettable sunset, Pauri is one of the most famous destinations in Uttarakhand. Perched on the slopes of Kandoliya Hills, Pauri boasts of exquisite natural beauty. The big lofty mountains border the town and the dense forest dots the landscape. It is an ideal place to witness the hospitality and culture of Uttarakhand. Thankfully, this place remains away from the touch of tourism and thus maintains a peaceful and cozy environment. There are a few small treks that one can take up; fishing and rafting in Ganga (near Srinagar) are also your options to make your holiday in Pauri livelier. So, whether you wish to spend lazy summer or want to explore the culture of Uttarakhand more, Pauri is the right place for you.

Nearby Attractions:

• Kandoliya Temple
• Ranshi Stadium
• Ghurdori
• Chaukhamba View Point
• Khirsu
• Kyunkaleshwar Mahadev
• Nagdev

Chaukori, Kumaon Garhwal:

A peaceful hamlet, Chaukori is a mesmerizing destination in Uttarakhand. Situated in Pithoragarh district of Kumaon region, Chaukori is fringed by the Tibetan border on one side and Terai region of the hills on the other and situated at an elevation of about 2010m above sea level. Its picture perfect location makes it a suitable contender for a memorable holiday in Uttarakhand. The hamlet is 502kms away from Delhi and at a distance of about 362kms from Dehradun. Chaukori is known for its beautiful sunrise and sunset and stars-full sky at night. This hill station has quaint set up, which inspires one to get closer to nature. Here in the lap of this small hamlet, you will learn how to be content and happy without paying much heed to materialistic things.

Nearby Attractions:

• Berinag
• Dharamghar
• Gangolihat
• Askot Sanctuary
• Patal Bhubaneshwar
• Pindari Glacier