1. Lansdowne

Set down among the Garhwal Hills of Uttarakhand, Lansdowne is a charming little hill community that few vacationers know about. Off the tourist route, Lansdowne is an untouched, immaculate community, miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Positioned at 5,670 feet over sea level, Lansdowne is famous for being home to the Garhwal Rifle regiment of the Indian Army. This hill station is neither commercialized neither heavily urbanized, making it an excellent vacation for those seeking to take a break amidst peace and seclusion.

Best Time to Go: Throughout the year.

Munsiyari 

2. Munsiyari

A tiny village with a mind-blowing panorama of snow covered Himalayan Array; Munsiyari is located in Pithoragarh District. Using grandeurs of nature’s beauty in their most fascinating way, this location is popular for it’s highly daring and nerve trashing travelling trails.

Munsiyari is known for getting the closest view of the Panchhuli peaks. It is a group of five peaks in the Darma valley of Kumaon. The group's name is derived the legendary Pandavas's "Five Chulis" (cooking hearths), where they cooked their last meal before proceeding toward their heavenly abode.

Do visit the Tribal Museum. It is an excellent collection of tribal lifestyle by historian Dr Sher Singh Pangtey. 

We left Narayan Ashram near Dharchula at 6.30 am and reached Munsiyari by 3.30 ish. Lovely drive. From Munsiyari we drove to Chakori which too is an excellent drive downhill.

Best Time to Go: April to June, October to November.

Pictures of Munsiyari

Buy woolens made of rabbit wool at village Darkhot close by

3. Champawat

A gripping journey of self-exploration and difficult terrain, Champawat is not your common resort. You'll be pushed to your physical as well as psychological limitations, since this location gives you a lot to discover, without having to manage over intrusive guides.

Best Time to Go: October to June.

Pictures of Temples of Champawat

4. Dharchula

A remote community of Uttaranchal, Darchula is a place with lots of scenic charm. Bound by Kumaon Area's hills and also high peaks and glaciers of Panchchuli range on the west, this town is the base for the Kailash Mansarover Yatra. 

We left Pithorgarh at 2.30 ish and reached Dharchula by 8 pm ish. Fascinating drive even though roads were being made four way and it was dark.

Best Time to Go: May to June, September to December.

Pictures of Dharchula

Chamoli

5. Chamoli

Sitting deftly in the lap of nature, Chamoli typically referred to as the 'House of God' has a strong bond with spirituality and amazing tales.

Best Time to Go: November to March, July to August.

6. Sattal

A team of seven fresh water lakes, a stash of nature's bounty, loads of migratory birds and also scenic panoramas make up this terrific area called Sattal.

Best Time to Go: April to June, September to December.

7. Bhowali

Bhowali is a little hill-station that hinges on the vicinity of numerous well known hillside stations like Nainital, Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal, Ramgarh, Sattal and Mukteshwar.

Best Time to Go:  February to Apr, September to October.

Tehri

8. Tehri

Tehri Garwhal has an important place in Indian tradition and is of spiritual significance. It is here that the rivers Bhagirathi and Alaknanda meet at Devprayag, to form the holy river Ganga. One can see lots of temples dot the area.

Best Time to Go: Throughout the year.

9. Pauri Garhwal

Pauri Garhwal is a paradise that showcases different shades of nature all packed into this one location. From snow covered Himalayan peaks to a thick cover of lavish eco-friendly woodlands not to forget a deep rooted society and cozy hearted individuals, this location exudes charm in every element.

Best Time to Go: April to June, September to October.

10. Ramgarh

Concealed in the lap of Himalayas in Nainital area, Ramgarh boasts of unexplored all-natural elegance and also vintage charm. It is at a height of 1,789 metres and has a flawless view of snow covered hill heights.

Ramgarh is also called the "Fruit Bowl of Kumaon" because of the verdant orchards of apples, plums, peaches as well as apricots. 

It was a favourite of the popular poet Rabindranath Tagore. Once the cantonment of the British, Ramgarh stands apart in its exquisiteness, seclusion and enticing appeal. The fascinating daybreak and also sundown are an experience of a life time. It is a perfect vacation if you are searching for off -beat destinations to satiate your wanderlust.

Best Time to Go: October to May

Uttarakhand has much more to offer. Best part is lovely people. Please see album links below to discover more of this beautiful state.

Author is a enthusiastic traveler is always on the go to earn a new memory and create a virtual experience for readers. His stories give a firsthand review of the destination.

Also see

1 Gaumukh Tapovan is divine

2 Places to see in Kumaon

3 Binsar in Kumaon has a beautiful view of the Himalayan Peaks

4 Mahavatar Babaji Cave near Raniket is a must go for the spiritually inclined

5 Sunrise and sunset at Chakouri Kumaon is a must see

6 Hemkunt Sahib and Valley of Flowers in Garwhal are a must do

7 Narayan Ashram ahead of Dharchula is close to heaven