“Are you in search of some less explored and off-beat destinations, somewhere tucked away in mountains for your next vacations? If that is the case then your search ends here. I bring to you some of the peaceful locations nestled in the lap of Indian Himalayas where you can enjoy a relaxing time with your family.”Whenever we think of vacations in India, first thing which flashes through our minds are the beautiful visuals of snow-covered mountains, dense forests, alpine meadows, flowing rivulets and gurgling waterfalls. Next question that immediately arises is, where to find such a heavenly beauty that can provide peace and solitude to our fatigued bodies and minds? All the conventional hill stations these days have been engulfed by commercialization and the serenity which we crave for is lost somewhere. But, if we leave aside these usual touristy spots and go off the beaten track to explore the yet unexplored areas, we can definitely find a place where peace, spirituality, serenity and bounty of nature still exists.
Leh-Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir: Leh-Ladakh forms a huge chunk of the cold desert in the Northern part of the Great Indian Himalayas in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Rich natural beauty, stunning landscapes
Malana, Himachal Pradesh: Malana HimachalA self-contained village located along the Parvati Valley near Kullu in Himachal Pradesh, Malana was under complete isolation till the real ardent trekkers discovered this heaven tucked away in the vicinity of Deo Tibba and Chandrakhani peaks. Notoriously famous for its Malana cream and Marijuana business, villagers of Malana are quite wary of any influence of outsiders. Having their own laws and jurisdictions, people of Malana even restrict the outsiders from touching their assets like houses and temples. Guesthouses located on the outskirts of the village are the only accommodation options for people visiting Malana. Leaving aside the notorious part of Malana, what makes this place a perfect destination for a secluded holiday is its tranquil settings and inimitable location that provides extreme peace and solace to tired souls of city dwellers. If you plan to visit Malana, it is recommended to carry your own stuff like eatables and cooking equipment. Other Important Himachal Tourism Resources are Lakes, Wildlife, Adventure Sports, Trekking Trails, Spiritual Places, Fairs & Festivals, and Travel Packages
Andretta, Himachal Pradesh: Situated in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, Andretta is a quaint little village perfect for an ideal break from the city life. With the backdrop of Shivalik Hills and breath-taking Dhauladhar range of the Indian Himalayas, Andretta remains untouched from even the traces of urbanization. The town was founded by Norah Richards, an Irish theatre artist in 1920s and since then it has attracted many artists, painters and art lovers. Today, the town is more known to be a learning centre for pottery and craft making. Tourists and art lovers from across the world come here to seek peace, solitude and of course to learn pottery. You can spend a peaceful vacation here in the lap of Mother Nature, just relaxing, taking nature walks, watching birds and soaking yourself in the tranquility of the place. Some of the major tourist attractions of this charming village include ‘Norah Richard’s House’, ‘Shoba Singh Art Gallery’, ‘Andretta Pottery and Craft Society’. Andretta is situated 20-minute drive or 13 kilometers away from Palampur on the road towards Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. Dharamshala is at a distance of 48 km from Andretta. Nearest railway station is Pathankot, 120 km away as is the Pathankot Airport.
Kasol, Himachal Pradesh: The charming village of Kasol is located in the captivating Parvati Valley near Kullu in Himachal Pradesh. Also known as ‘Mini Israel’ in India, you will notice many Israeli backpackers, restaurants serving Israeli food and signboards written in Hebrew language in every nook and corner of the village. Kasol surprises its visitors with breath-taking beauty and splendid mountain scenery at every twist and turn on their paths of exploration of this picturesque village. Yet to be touched by commercialization, the place provides extreme peace and solitude to those seeking an escape from the hullabaloo of city lives. While in Kasol, you can just laze around spending a laid back afternoon, take a leisure walk along the gurgling Parvati River, try your hands at trout fishing, visit the famous ‘Manikaran Gurudwara ’or take a trek uphill through a forest to nearby Tosh Village or Kheer Ganga. A visit to this little village tucked in the laps of Indian Himalayas is sure to leave you rejuvenated from your hectic routine lives. Kasol has good weather throughout the year and receives fair amount of snowfall from late December to February. Places to visit are Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara, Grahan Village, Kheerganga trek, Tosh, Kalga, Pulga, Rashol, Chalal, Malana and Jari
Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh: A small village that seems to have directly come out from a fairy tale, Tirthan Valley is an ultimate delight and paradise for nature lovers and holiday seekers. The valley is located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh and is surrounded with thick woods, lofty Himalayan peaks and striking apple orchards. This enchanting valley also acts as an entry point to the famous ‘Great Himalayan National Park’. With ample opportunities for silent nature walks, trout fishing, bird watching, trekking, river rafting, rappelling and overnight camping, Tirthan Valley makes for a perfect destination to unwind yourself from the maddening and exasperating crowds of metropolitan cities. It will not be incorrect to say that this is the only place on earth where you can converse with nature, understand the sound of silence and have an excellent reconnect of your mind, body and soul. It is the perfect placed to be if you are tired from the hustle & bustle of the everyday metro life full of noise and pollution. Named after the pristine Tirthan river, the valley offers opens the doors to the newly recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site – The Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP), spread over an area of 1100 sq kilometers.
Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh: This land of Buddhist mysticism remains unscathed and unknown to many even till date. Extreme weather, rugged terrain and an immense remoteness of this place cuts it off from a conventional tourist map. With only few villages scattered along the valley, quaint old monasteries dotted with fluttering prayer flags and Buddhist monks roaming around the area, you are bound to spend a peaceful holiday here, cut-off from the entire world. Spiti is the gateway to many popular treks such as Pin-Parvati, Pin-Bhaba and Parang-La, so you will notice many trekkers stopping by at this scenic little valley.‘Kaza’ is the main administrative centre of Spiti Valley. Dotted with few government run guesthouses, you can easily get an accommodation here. For a more rustic experience, alluring views and captivating vistas of the nature, you can choose for homestay options in nearby villages of ‘Kibber’, ‘Komic’, ‘Demul’ or ‘Dhankar’. A stay in these homestays will also give you an opportunity to mingle with the locals and get to know about their hospitality, lifestyle, cultures and traditions. One can connect with the supreme power by meditating and immersing souls in the chants and hymns of Buddhist monks at famous monasteries of ‘Ki’, ‘Tabo’, ‘Dhankar’ and ‘Komic’.To satiate your adventurous self, nothing is better than taking an excursion to the ‘Pin Valley National Park’ or ‘Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary’. White water River rafting on the strong rapids of the Spiti River is another activity which you can indulge into during your stay at the Spiti
Borong, South Sikkim: Located in the South of Sikkim, Borong is an ideal destination to spend a peaceful holiday away from stress and tensions of monotonous work life. Magnificent views of soaring peak of Mt. Kanchenjunga, carpets of green dotted with vibrant colours of wild mountain flowers, music of chirping birds, fresh mountain air, and aroma of burning pine; is what makes your stay in Borong an out of the world experience. ‘Ralong Monastery’ and ‘Borong Hot Water Springs’ are the major tourist attractions of this tiny hamlet. With not much to do here as far as activities and tourist attractions are concerned, you can spend a relaxing holiday just gazing at the snow clad Himalayas changing into hues of orange with the rising sun, watching clouds play hide and seek from your hotel balcony or sipping a cup of hot tea while snacking onto delicious momos. Facing the snow-capped mountains is Borong, motorable from Ravangla or by a trek via Maenam. A picturesque village, its beautiful landscape and magnificent view is also host to the hot spring, ‘Borong Tsachu’. The trek trail, originating from Namchi or Damthang to Tendong – Ravangla Maenam – Borong (05-06 days) is one of the most interesting trails scaling all the hill tops along the route. The trekker can continue to Tashiding or terminate at Borong and then drive back to Ravangla.
Lachung and Lachen, North Sikkim: Located in North Sikkim district of the Indian state of Sikkim. Its district headquarters is Mangan. It is the seventh least populous district in the country. Stretch of the cold desert in the extreme noth east of India in the state of Sikkim. Bordered by Tibet Auotonomous Region. The landscape is mountainous with dense vegetation all the way up to the alpine altitude before thinning out to desert scrub towards the northern tundra. Numerous waterfalls astride the main road make the trip to this district extremely picturesque. Area of North Sikkim is known for its snow-crowned Himalayan peaks, serene alpine lakes, picturesque beauty and tranquil settings. Lachung and Lachen are two towns in North of Sikkim, which are apt for a peaceful holiday amidst nature’s scenic splendours and undulated mountain air. Spend your days here by taking nature walks, meditating in Buddhist monasteries, trekking to awe-inspiring ‘Gurudongmar’ and ‘Cholamu’ lakes, admiring the terrific beauty of apple orchards at the ‘Chopta Valley’ or revelling in the panoramic vistas of rhododendrons spread across the ‘Yumthang Valley’. Vegitation is less yet the
Mayodia, Arunachal Pradesh: Located near the Indo-China border at a distance of 60 kilometers. from Roing in Arunachal Pradesh, Mayodia is a paradise for snow lovers. Playing in the fresh snow of Mayodia is a magical and an unparalleled experience. Stunning landscapes of Mayodia with snow crowned mountains and lush green forests makes for an ideal holiday hideaway for tourists seeking a seclusion from the outside world. More than the destination, it is the exciting journey from Roing to Mayodia which fills your heart with tranquility and serenity. With ever changing vistas of the Himalayan peaks to mist and clouds playing hide-n-seek to spotting of rare Himalayan birds; the journey to Mayodia is quite an unforgettable experience. Mayodia Pass is located about 56 kilometers away from Roing in Arunachal Pradesh, at the Indo-China border above 2,655 meters. Mayodia is a Deori-Chutia word and it stands for mother goddess worshipping place where “Mayo” means “mother goddess”, “Di” means “water” and “Ya” means “land”. The place is suitable for traveler, philosophers, thinkers, and explorers. Roing is the nearest town to Mayodia situated at a distance of 60 km but connected by hilly and very bad road.
Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh: Ziro Valley, tucked away in the formidable mountainscape of Arunachal Pradesh, is one of the few picture-postcard perfect valleys of India. Mesmerizing views of sprawling rice fields, quaint villages dotted with rustic bamboo houses, mountains covered with pine trees and a wide range of flora and fauna; is sure to captivate your minds and souls. With its enthralling natural beauty and tranquil environment, Ziro makes for a perfect destination for a peaceful holiday in the lap of Eastern Himalayas. Ziro is also home to one of the oldest tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, the Apatani tribe. You will be fascinated to see tribal women wearing huge nose plugs and adorning facial tattoos that start from their foreheads and end at their chins.During your stay in the Ziro Valley, you can explore the ‘Apatani tribal villages’, pay a visit to the ancient ‘Meghna Cave Temple’, take an excursion to the ‘Tale Wildlife Sanctuary’, climb on the ridge of ‘Kile Pakho’ to get spectacular views of the Ziro Valley, or immerse in the captivating sight of the blue pine trees of ‘Midey’.
Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh: Located in the North-Western part of Arunachal Pradesh and flanked by majestic mountains, Tawang is known for its unparalleled natural beauty. Famous as the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama, Tawang holds a great religious significance for Tibetan Buddhists. One of the oldest and largest Buddhist Monasteries of the world, the ‘Tawang Monastery’ is also located at this serene location. Apart from Buddhist pilgrims, the place is also frequented by many travellers and holiday seekers who come here is search of mental peace and rejuvenation of their souls. Mystic rivers, serene glacial lakes, captivating waterfalls and salubrious weather, make Tawang one of the most sought after peaceful holiday destinations in the Indian Himalayas.You cannot miss a visit to the ‘Tawang Monastery’ during your stay in Tawang. Highly revered by Buddhists around the world, it is one of the best places to immerse yourself in meditation and have a direct connection with the divine power.Area around Tawang is blessed with quiet and peaceful glacial lakes such as ‘Shonga-tser Lake’ and ‘Pangkang Teng Tso Lake’. Silent strolls along these lakes watching birds in different hues playing around and colourful flowers gazing you with their wide smiles; the experience is sure to give you extreme solace and peace. Other attractions around Tawang include the ‘Sela Pass’, ‘Bumla Pass’ and ‘Nuranang Falls’.
Chopta Valley, Uttarakhand: Chopta ValleyA picturesque hamlet offering splendid views of the ‘Trishul’, ‘Nanda Devi’, ‘Neelkanth’, ‘Kedarnath’ and ‘Chaukhamba’ peaks of the Himalayan range, Chopta Valley is situated in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. Owing to its extreme remoteness, Chopta Valley remains unspoilt and retains its natural scenic charm. Dense forests of pine, deodars and rhododendrons lends this place an exquisite picturesque beauty. Still unexplored by travellers, this tiny village is mostly visited either by trekkers or pilgrims. The famous ‘Deoria Tal’ and ‘Chandrashila’ treks in Uttarakhand make their way through this beautiful Chopta Valley. Also, the ‘Tungnath Temple’, one of the ‘Panch Kedar’ temples is located at this lovely place.Being a small village, you will not find many hotels here. Options for accommodations are limited to few budget hotels, a state run guest house and few private lodges that provide basic amenities to their guests.
Kalpeshwar, Uttarakhand: Kalpeshwar TempleKalpeshwar is a small village situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Named after the famous ‘Kalpeshwar Mahadev Temple’, the last temple of the ‘Panch Kedar’ group where Lord Shiva is revered in the form of his matted locks, the place is on the itineraries of many pilgrims on the ‘Char Dham Yatra’ and the ‘Panch Kedar Pilgrim Circuit’.Serene beauty of thick woods and terraced potato fields of the Urgam Valley, splendid vistas of lush meadows, captivating views of Garhwal Himalayan peaks and an aura of divinity in Kalpeshwar not only attracts pilgrims but also lures many travellers, nature lovers and holiday seekers from different corners of India.Spending few days here in the lap of Mother Nature amidst extreme solitude will surely leave one refreshed and rejuvenated from the stress of today’s fast paced lives.
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand: Yoga RishikeshLocated on the banks of the sacred Ganga River in Dehradun district of Uttarakhand, the holy city of Rishikesh needs no introduction. Situated on the foothills of Garhwal Himalayas, Rishikesh makes for an ideal escapade from the crowded and polluted city life. Nothing can be more spiritualistic and relaxing than attending the serene ‘Ganga Aarti’ at the ‘Triveni Ghat’ during evening or taking a dip in holy waters of River Ganges to wash off all your sins. Even sitting at one of the Ghats for hours, dipping your feet in the ice-cold waters of the Ganga River admiring the scenic beauty of the place can be a heavenly experience. Nicknamed as the ‘World’s Yoga Capital’ and dotted with numerous ashrams and Yoga retreat centres, you cannot miss indulging yourself in a life-changing experience of yoga and meditation at the famous ‘Swarg Ashram’ located near ‘Ram Jhula’.For those seeking fun and adventure, Rishikesh also offers plethora of activities like white water rafting, kayaking, rappelling, camping and bungee-jumping.
Ramgarh and Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand: Located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, Ramgarh and Mukteshwar are two small hill stations that remain unexplored by conventional travellers and explorers. With blooming orchards of peaches, apples and apricots and tremendous natural beauty; Ramgarh and Mukteshwar are ideal destinations for nature walks, bird watching and enjoying captivating views of sunrise and sunset over the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. While in Mukteshwar, you cannot miss a visit to the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva from where the views of ‘Nanda Devi’, ‘Nandaghunti’ and ‘Panchachuli’ peaks are indescribable in words. Mukteshwar is a town and tourist destination in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, India. It sits high in the Kumaon Hills at an altitude of 2286 meters, 51 kilometers from Nainital, 72 kilometers from Haldwani, and 343 kilometers from Delhi. Ramgarh is rich in orchards. An unobstructed view of the snow-capped ranges of the Himalayas from this place can be seen. The place was once the cantonment of the English army. The famous poets Rabindra Nath Tagore and social worker Narain Swami had established their ashrams over here. The writers Ramdhari Singh ‘Dinkar’ and Sachchidananda Hirananda Vatsyayan, famous by his pen-name “Agyeya” also lived here. There is also a library dedicated to famous Hindi poet writer Mahadevi Varma, who got the idea of writing Lachma, the famous story, in Ramgarh.
Munsiyari, Uttarakhand: Situated in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, Munsiyari is a tiny hill station offering stunning views of the ‘Panchachuli’ group of peaks of the Kumaon Himalayas. Unspoilt natural beauty, thick spreads of rhododendrons, pine and deodar trees and sights of rare Himalayan birds; make this place a perfect holiday destination for nature lovers and bird watchers. Sandwiched between the borders of India, Nepal and China, Munsiyari was not easily accessible until recently and needed an inner line permit by travellers and trekkers. The restriction has now been eased off opening its gates for many more tourists, travel enthusiasts and adventure junkies. Munsiyari is a comely hamlet situated in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand state, nestled in the snow capped peaks of the Himalayas Munsiyari offers splendid vistas of natural beauteousness. This scenic hill station is perched at an altitude of 2298 meters. Munsiyari literally translated means place with snow, and is also referred as Little Kashmir. On the banks of Goriganga river, it is a fast-growing tourist destination, and mountaineers, glacier enthusiasts, high altitude trekkers and nature lovers commonly use it as their hub or base camp. Munsiyari also falls on the ancient salt route from Tibet and is at the entrance of the Johar Valley, which extends along the path of the Gori Ganga river to its source at the Milam Glacier.
Mandal, Uttarakhand: Mandal is a small village located in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The village is a major stopover for people trekking to the ‘Panch Kedar’ temple of Rudranath from. At Mandal, you can indulge in jungle walks, taking in the fragrance of mountain air and watching colourful butterflies. The place is also good to just relax and spend a laid back day admiring the mesmerizing beauty of the place sipping a cup of hot tea in your hotel balcony. Spending a day or two at Mandal, you can trek to the ‘Anusuya Devi Temple’ that takes you through thick forests of pines and deodars. The trek is a moderate hike for around 6 km. As you reach the temple, you are bound to be captivated with the views of forest-laden mountains on all sides. It is believed that Anusuya Devi blesses childless couples with children. A great rush of devotees can be seen in the temple during December when a large fair is held on the occasion of Duttatreya Jayanti. After paying homage to the goddess at the temple, you can spend a night at a private lodge or at the Mandir Committee guesthouse.From ‘Anusuya Devi Temple’, an arduous hike starts for the ‘Rudranath Temple’, one of the Panch Kedar temples devoted to Lord Shiva where he is revered in his ‘Rudra’ avatar. Despite of the trek being a challenging one, you will enjoy each and every moment of this trek as it takes you through thick forests, several lush meadows, flowing rivers and views of snow-capped peaks accompanying along the route – the beauty of the trek is beyond words.
Tapovan near Gaumukh, Uttarakhand: Meadows of Tapovan, located few kilometres ahead of the Gaumukh Glacier in Uttarakhand, can be reached via an arduous trek from Gaumukh. Captivating views of ‘Shivling’, ‘Bhagirathi’ and ‘Kedar’ peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas seem to be welcoming you with open arms as you reach this lush meadow covered wild flowers. According to stories by many trekkers, you will find here few sages and saints meditating in pure serenity and solitude. Tourists and trekkers can spend a night here in camps. After the night stay at Tapovan, head back to the Gangotri village and spend your remaining holiday in one of the budget hotels or state run guest house in the village itself. Traditionally in India, any place where someone has engaged in serious spiritual retreat may become known as a tapovan, even if there is no forest. As well as particular caves and other hermitages where sages and sadhus have dwelt, there are some places, such as the western bank of the northern Ganges river around Rishikesh, that have been so used by hermits that the whole area has become known as a tapovan. The most well known tapovan in India is the area above the Gangotri Glacier at one of the primary sources of the Ganges, in Uttarakhand, India. At the foot of Shivling peak, a barren area at about 4,463m (14640 feet) elevation, is a seasonal home to several sadhus living in caves, huts etc. and it has become a trekking destination also
Madhyamaheshwar, Uttarakhand: Home to the famous ‘Madhyamaheshwar Temple’, 4th of the ‘Panch Kedar Group of Temples’ where Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of belly navel, the village of Madhyamaheshwar captivates your souls with its unparalleled scenic beauty. Views of ‘Chaukhamba’, ‘Kedar’ and ‘Neelkanth’ peaks of Garhwal Himalayas from this scenic village makes you spellbound. Being a small village, you will not find many options for long stays but you can always book hotels in the nearby areas of Auli and Rudraprayag. Madhyamaheshwar or Madmaheshwar is a Hindu temple dedicated to god Shiva, located in the Mansoona village of Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India. Situated at an elevation of 3,497 m (11,473.1 ft), it is the fourth temple to be visited in the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit, comprising five Shiva temples in the Garhwal region. The other temples in the circuit include: Kedarnath, Tungnath and Rudranath to be visited before Madmaheshwar and Kalpeshwar to be visited after Madmaheshwar. The middle (madhya) or belly part or navel (nabhi) of the bull, considered a divine form of Shiva, is worshipped at this temple, believed to be built by the Pandavas, the heroes of the Hindu epic Mahabharata
Niti Valley, Uttarakhand: Located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand near Joshimath, Niti Valley is home to the Niti Village. One of the less travelled destinations, it is a perfect place to spend some quiet days in the lap of nature. Azure blue sky, crystal clear streams and blooming orchards of apples, mulberries and apricots; a perfect ambience to experience serenity at its best.Hope the above list of some offbeat destinations in the Indian Himalayan region, helps you plan your next vacation trip that really is something different from the usual conventional holidays. Niti village is the last Indian settlement situated to the east of the Mana Valley in the hinterland of Joshimath, located at an elevation of 3,600 meters. To the north of this village is the Niti Pass (5,800 meters) leading to southern Tibet. There are 24 villages in the Niti Valley namely Ghamsali, Bampa, Farkya, Kailashpur, Maher Gaon ,Malari and Tolma. These villages are inhabited by members of the Bhotiya scheduled tribe. In spite of its lost glory as a major trading centre, Malari village is still the largest summer settlement because of niche contractual and business opportunities available with security and development agencies. Most of the villages still carry out transhumance. While some of the winter villages are not far from the main villages and are located within the boundaries of the biosphere reserve, the villagers here migrate out of the reserve in the winters.
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