Five ‘Un Touristy’ Weekend Getaways from Delhi in Uttarakhand  

Living in Delhi is an excellent advantage for mountain lovers. One can get transported to paradise – the Himalayas, within hours. Though the Himalayas are a single mountain range, their character and culture change every hundred kilometres. Uttarakhand Hills are bestowed with extraordinary beauty, and most of it is unseen by the outside world. Known as “Dev Bhoomi”, meaning “Land of Gods”, Uttarakhand is the land of spirituality and enthralling beauty. It is the only state in India with an equal mix of alluring natural beauty and spirituality. There are so many amazing hill stations that make a great weekend getaway from Delhi.

Many hill stations, mountain peaks, waterfalls, ancient temples, forest reserves, national parks, wildlife and bird-watching places, and adventure destinations are not very popular despite being drop-dead gorgeous. The infrastructure is constantly under repair, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Here is my list of must-visit Five ‘Un Touristy’ Weekend getaways from Delhi in Uttarakhand:

Lansdowne, where you can let your hair down

If you want a quick break to rejuvenate without involving too much time and effort, then Lansdowne is the place for you. Take a stroll in the majestic oak & pine forests, reclaim freedom from deadlines by trekking into the wild, hear the sweet symphony of wind, trees, and birds, pluck mangoes or simply do nothing here! A pure, alluring, refreshing, quiet, and clean environment makes Lansdowne a preferred destination to experience the serenity and take you away from the humdrum city life. There is not much to “sightsee” here, but aren’t short breaks meant to connect you with your inner self other than collecting images for FB picture gallery?

Major Attractions in Lansdowne: Garhwali Mess, Regimental Museum, Bhulla Tal, Tip-n-Top, Tarkeshwar Mahadev Ashram, The War Memorial, St. Mary’s Church

Chopta Valley Trekking, a walk to remember

‘Virginity’ is an overrated word, but not when you use it to describe the fascinating beauty of Chopta Valley. Located at an elevation of 2680m,the Chopta valley trek is one of the most stunning and easiest treks in Garhwal Himalaya. With the splendid Himalayan view accompanying you throughout the trail, you’ll come across the ancient and magnificent valleys of the Ganges to the crystal clear Lake of Deoria Tal. You’ll visit the renowned Panch Kedar temple “Tungnath” on the way. You can use the mountain bike through the dense alpine forest with blooming Rhododendrons. If solitude with a touch of divinity is your idea of a perfect holiday, this is the place for you. It is accessible annually – blooming with flowers and lush verdant greenery during summers and snow-quilted during winters. In monsoons, greenery takes a whole new meaning here.

Major Attractions in Chopta: Tungnath Mandir, Chandrashila, Gopeshwar, Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary, Ukhimath, and Deoria Tal.

Harsil, where time stands still

Whether you are an adventure freak or a spirituality seeker, Harsil will not disappoint you. Known as the camper’s bay of Uttarakhand, Harsil is a small cantonment area located on the banks of Bhagirathi River on the way to Gangotri. Besides lying on the spiritual path of Uttarkashi, Harsil is admirable for its non-touristy, celestial, unrivaled, tranquil and exquisite beauty. For a change, get woken up by the chirping of birds, treat your lungs to the aroma of fresh air, watch the magnificent rays of the sun turn everything into gold, let the gushing sound of River Bhagirathi rejuvenate your tired soul, get amazed by admiring the tall peaks of Bhagirathi, Trishul, and Shivaling. And if you are the one who likes to explore and indulge in small talk, then try talking to Jadhs – an ethnic group of the Bhotiyas with their language resembling Tibetan. Or get lost in nature’s best web – explore trekking destinations like Sattal, Kedartal, Dodi Tal, Gaumukh Glacier, Dayara Bugyal, etc.

Major attractions in Harshil: Gangotri, Uttarkashi, and Maneri. For trekking, Harsil can be the base camp for different trekking excursions like Dayara Bugyal, Kedartal, Dodi Tal, Gaumukh Glacier, Sattal.

Chamba, a hamlet at the midpoint

Do you remember Subhash Ghai’s musical extravaganza ‘Taal’? It had the setting of Chamba in Himachal, but the Chamba I am talking about is different and relatively lesser known than its namesake. As you move further north of uber-popular Mussori and Dhanaulti, you embark on an uncharted, untouched and flawless serene destination at a height of 1676m, which provides a spectacular panoramic beauty of Himalayan peaks and Bhagirathi River. During the monsoon season, you literally walk through clouds and seasonal waterfalls. This quiet, charming and enchanting village amidst the apple orchards will definitely leave you spellbound. It’s a great weekend getaway from Delhi.

Major attractions in Chamba: Mussourie, Dhanaulti, Surkanda Devi Temple, Ranichauri, New Tehri, Kanatal

Chakrata, Chakravyuh of natural beauty

I fell in love with Chakrata on my first trip there. It was love at first sight, but the office arranged it. Chakrata is situated between tons and Yamuna River, surrounded by rhododendrons and oak trees, and is 92 km away from Dehradun and 73 km from Mussoorie. Like many other hill stations, it is a cantonment. Food and stay facilities are basic, but what makes this place special is the incredible Himalayan views it offers. During the night, don’t be surprised if you find a visitor in the form of a bear or any other wild animal. It is the perfect hideout for writers or people who want to connect with nature. The fantastic contrast of green hills, blue sky, and snow-clad mountains will leave you mesmerized. Tiger Falls is a good picnic and photography spot.

Major Attractions in Chakrata: Tiger Fall, Chilmiri Neck, Dehradun via Mussoorie, Mahasu Devta Temple, Skiing at Mundali in winters

These are the quick 5 Weekend Getaways in Uttarakhand that don’t pinch your pocket but leave your soul washed in splendour, allowing you to marvel at the creation called the Himalayas.

Have you been to Uttarakhand? If so, I would love to know about your experience and recommendations for a weekend getaway from Delhi.

Further Reading – Destinations for a weekend getaway from Delhi