Top 15 Hill Stations in Uttarakhand

Are you planning to go on a vacation? If you are still unsure where to go for your upcoming trip, you should give Uttarakhand a chance. This state is well known for its beautiful mountains and scenic lakes. Here you can indulge in camping, river rafting, trekking, skiing, wildlife tours, meditation, yoga and go on pilgrimage to the various religious sites in the beautiful north of India.

This blog will discuss the top hill stations in Uttarakhand to give you an idea of what places you can visit while on your trip.

Uttarakhand is dotted with long mountain ranges and is a popular tourist destination because of its magnificent hill stations. When one visits Uttarakhand, the view of other surrounding mountains, unpolluted and natural air, meandering slopes, and snow-capped views of the Himalayas will welcome them. Here is a list of the best hill stations in Uttarakhand:

1. Mussoorie

Mussoorie is situated at the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan ranges. It is nicknamed the Queen of Hills and is one of the famous hill stations in Uttarakhand. Mussoorie is located at an elevation of 7000 m above sea level. Tourists can view the majestic Shivalik ranges and the Doon Valley in the south. Further, this place has old taverns and estates, making it a perfect honeymoon destination. One can easily set a romantic date for their partner at one of the many cafés in the hill station. It is also popular for shopping as Mussoorie has a Mall Road, just like many other hill stations in India.

• Best Time to Visit: September to June
• Top Things to Do: Trekking, Paragliding, Rafting, Boating in Lake Mist
• Top Places to Visit: Kempty Falls, Gun Hills, Library Point, Landour Clock Tour, Sir George Everest House, Lal Tibba
• Average Cost of the Vacation: Rs 8,499- Rs 11,336 per person (2 days/3 nights)
• How to Reach:

By Air- Nearest airport is at Dehradun, 54 km away

By Train- Dehradun Railway Station, which is 33 km away

By Road- Travellers can easily get buses and cabs from Dehradun, Delhi, Nainital, Rishikesh and Haridwar

2. Nainital

Nainital is also popularly known as the lake city of India. It lives up to its nickname as it has some of the most scenic lakes in the state. Moreover, since the British period, Nainital has been among India's most visited hill stations. It is located at an elevation of 2,084 meters above sea level and is considered a treasure trove in Kumaon. The hill station is covered with a thick foil of nature, beautiful blooming flowers, and majestic lakes like the Naini Lake.

• Best Time to Visit: All year
• Top Things to Do: Boating at various lakes, trekking & hiking, ropeway trips, horse riding, shopping at local markets like the Tibetan market, strolling around Mall Road and camping
• Top Places to Visit: Naini Lake, Naina Devi Temple, Hanuman Garhi, Raj Bhawan, Nainital Zoo, Tiffin Top
• Average Cost of the Vacation: Rs 10,499- Rs 10,999 per person (3 Nights/4 Nights)
• How to Reach:

By Air- The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport (65km)

By Train- Nearest railway is Kathgodam station, located 34km away

By Road- Bus and cabs are available from Delhi and Kathgodam

3. Lansdowne

Lansdowne is a quiet hill station in Uttarakhand and has been popular since the British Raj period. Dense oak and blue pine forests encircle this quaint hilly town and give it a picturesque look. Even though it is quiet and relatively remote, it is well connected with motorable roads. Further, it is a part of the Pauri Garhwal district and is located at an altitude of 1780 m. 

Lansdowne is also known as the "Home of the Garhwal Rifles", as the command office of the Garhwal rifles division is situated in this place.

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
• Top Things to Do: Tip N Top Hiking, Nature Walk, Camping
• Top Places to Visit: Bhullatal lake, Darwan Singh Sanghralaya
• Average Cost of the Vacation: Rs 4,999 – Rs 9,270 per person (2 Nights & 3 Days)
• How to Reach:

By Air- Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun 

By Train- Nearest railway station is at a distance of 40 km

By Road- Buses and cabs are available from Delhi, Meerut, Kotdwara

4. Kausani

Kausani offers an astounding view of Panchachuli, Trishul and Bandarpoonch peaks. Tourists can also view sunrise and stars at night from the various viewing platforms in the village. Moreover, if somebody is a bird lover, then Kausani is a paradise for them as here, one can spot around 50 different species of birds. Some of these birds include For Tail, Woodpecker, Parakeet, Barbet, Robin and more. Kausani Tea Estate is a perfect spot for bird watching in the hilly town. Kausani is also where parts of Hrithik Roshan's movie Koi Mil Gaya were shot, so if you are a movie buff, visit all the places where the scenes were shot.

• Best Time to Visit: October to February (for snow) and May to September
• Top Things to Do: Bird watching, Stargazing, Camping, Trekking
• Top Places to Visit: Kausani Tea Estate, Kausani Shawl Factory, Sumitranandan Pant Museum, Someshwar Valley
• Average Cost of the Vacation: Rs 8,924- Rs 11,538 per person (2 Nights and 3 Days)
• How to Reach:

By Air- Nearest airport is in Pantnagar, which is 170 km away

By Train- Kathgodam railway station is 140 km away

By Road- Private and state-owned buses operate from Delhi, Nainital and Almora

5. Auli

Auli is popular for its ski resorts and snowy slopes. It is located at an altitude of 2505 m above the sea. As a result, it gives all its visitors a magnificent view of the Himalayas. The name Auli means meandering meadows, which is apt for the place as the topography is filled with these meandering meadows. This town is also known for its man-made lakes like Chenab and Chattrakund, which are the world's highest man-made lakes. Moreover, this hill station has abundant trees and wildflowers like pine, oak, deodar and coniferous forests.

• Best Time to Visit: November to March
• Top Things to Do: Cable car rides, Camping, Skiing
• Top Places to Visit: Ski resorts, Auli artificial lakes, Gurso Bugyal
• Average Cost of the Vacation:
• How to Reach:

By Air- Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun is 279 km away

By Train- Nearest railway station is 250 km away at Rishikesh 

By Road- Travellers can easily find public and private buses and cabs from Dehradun, Nainital, Rishikesh and other towns in Uttarakhand

6. Dehradun

Dehradun is the capital of Uttarakhand and is known for its blue skies and chilly weather. This place is in the Doon Valley and is perfect for family vacations. It has perfect weather at all times of the year. In summer, the temperature rises to 36°C; in winters, the temperature dips to 5°C. Dehradun is also sometimes referred to as the educational hub of northern India as it has some of the best schools in the country, namely Doon and Welham School. As a result, one can find many quaint cafés and popular places to hang out.

• Best Time to Visit: March to June & October to December
• Top Things to Do: Trekking, Mountain Biking, Café Hopping, Paragliding
• Top Places to Visit: Tapovan, Khalanga War Memorial, Forest Research Institute, Mindrolling Monastery, Malsi Deer Park, Robber's Cave
• Average Cost of the Vacation: Rs 17,000- Rs 19,000 per person (7 days trip)
• How to Reach:

By Air- Jolly Grant Airport is located in the city itself 

By Train- Dehradun Railway Station 

By Road- One can find buses and cabs from most places like Delhi, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Shimla and Mussoorie to Dehradun

7. Dhanaulti

Even a few years ago, Dhanaulti was a relatively unknown hill station in Uttarakhand. However, it is quickly catching up to its fame and is a perfect place for a weekend getaway. It is a serene hill town nestled amid the lofty Himalayan mountains. There are numerous forts and temples which you can go sightseeing. However, this place is full of nature and is perfect for camping and trekking. While trekking, you will see the tall oak trees in the forest, the cedar trees and all the rhododendrons that envelope this town.

• Best Time to Visit: September to June
• Top Things to Do: Trekking, Sky Walking and Valley Crossing
• Top Places to Visit: Eco Parks at Amber & Dhara, Deogarh Fort, Barehipani & Joranda Falls, Dashavatar Temple, Surkanda Devi temple and Aloo Khet 
• Average Cost of the Vacation: Rs 8,400- Rs 9,032 per person (2 Nights & 3 Days)
• How to Reach:

By Air- Jolly Grant Airport is just 85km away

By Train- Dehradun Railway Station is 60 km away

By Road- Travellers can find cabs and buses easily from Dehradun and Mussoorie

8. Almora

Almora is amongst the top hill stations in Uttarakhand. It provides a serene ambience for the visitors to indulge themselves in absolute tranquillity and bliss. Moreover, many temples are located here, and tourists can go for pilgrimage. Further, dwindling pine forests surround this hill station, which is why it is popular among backpackers who enjoy hiking and trekking. Another fun fact about Almora is that the town is in the shape of a horseshoe nestled in the Himalayas. Individuals interested in exploring the rich culture and heritage of the beautiful town will not be disappointed.

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
• Top Things to Do: Pilgrimage, Shopping, Trekking, Rafting
• Top Places to Visit: Nanda Devi Temple, Kasar Devi Temple, Chitai Golu Devta Temple, Bright End Corner, Zero Point, Jageshwar
• Average Cost of the Vacation: Rs 12,000- Rs 13,000 per person (2 Nights & 3 Days)
• How to Reach:

By Air- Nearest airport is 125km away at Pantnagar

By Train- Kathgodam railway station is 91 km away

By Road- Tourists will easily find buses and cabs from nearby towns like Kathgodam, Nainital, Ranikhet and more

9. Ranikhet

If you are looking for a place that is not as crowded as the other vacation spots in Uttarakhand, then Ranikhet is a perfect choice. One can explore the beautiful town and enjoy delicious foods native to the hill station. Moreover, Ranikhet has some of the state's most popular golf courses and churches. This place has an average temperature of 19.8°C throughout the year, and tourists can visit this place any time of the year. One can also go for a spiritual retreat here as many temples and religious sights are nearby.

• Best Time to Visit: March to June or September to November
• Top Things to Do: Fishing, Camping, Pilgrimage, Golfing
• Top Places to Visit: Upat Golf Course, Bhula Dam, Jhula Devi Temple, Upat Kalika Temple, Haidakhan Temple, Dunagiri Temple
• Average Cost of the Vacation: Rs 10,215- Rs 21,249 per person (3 Nights and 4 Days)
• How to Reach:

By Air- Nearest airport is Dehradun, which is 154 km away

By Train- Kathgodam railway station is 88 km away

By Road- Government and private buses are available from both Dehradun and Kathgodam. Individuals can also take a cab from any of the major hill stations in Uttarakhand to Ranikhet as it is well connected with motorable roads

10. Abbott Mount

Abbott Mount is nestled in the Kali Kumaon region of Champawat district in Uttarakhand. This hill station is at an elevation of 6,400 feet and provides picturesque views of the surrounding mountains. Unlike other hill stations in Uttarakhand, Abbott Mount is a tiny hamlet where the Saryu and Mahakali rivers converge. If you love visiting haunted places, then Abbott Mount has some haunted cottages and old churches. Additionally, the base camp for the Pancheshwar trek is also located here.

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
• Top Things to Do: Trekking, Fishing
• Top Places to Visit: Abbott Mount Church, Mukri Kothri, Advait Ashram, Lohaghat
• Average Cost of the Vacation: Rs 8,000- Rs 10,000 per person (2 Nights and 3 Days)
• How to Reach:

By Air- Jolly Grant airport is 221 km away

By Train- Tanakpur Railway Station is 80km away

By Road- Abbott Mount is well connected, and one can easily get buses and cabs from Dehradun, Nainital and other towns in the state

11. Bhowali

Bhowali is truly a hidden gem in Uttarakhand as not many people know this hill station. Travellers can partake in all kinds of activities here, from rock climbing, horse riding, trekking, going for a picnic or strolling around the town centre. This town is also famous for all the superior quality fruits they produce like strawberries and apples. Individuals can also go and visit the lavish tea gardens here as well.

• Best Time to Visit: February to April and September to October
• Top Things to Do: Trekking, Picnic, Horse riding, etc
• Top Places to Visit: Shyamkhet Tea Garden, Prachin
• Jabar Mahadev Shiv Temple, Dorothy's Seat
• Average Cost of the Vacation: Rs 8,000- Rs 10,000 per person (2 Days and 3 Nights)
• How to Reach:

By Air- Jolly Grant Airport

By Train- Kathgodam Railway Station is 34 km away

By Road- Bhowali is at a junction of many popular towns like Nainital, Dehradun, Mukhteswar, etc., so travellers can easily with state and private buses from these places and also hire cabs

12. Valley of Flowers

The Valley of Flowers is a National Park in India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This place houses some of the rarest flora and fauna in the Himalayas. Valley of Flowers is popular among trekkers and offers an amazing view of the Pushpawati River. Moreover, the trekking route is very interesting as one must cross many bridges and glaciers. Valley of Flowers is located in Northern Chamoli, and one can easily reach here through air, rail and road routes.

• Best Time to Visit: July and August
• Top Things to Do: Trekking, Photography, Picnic, Sightseeing
• Top Places to Visit: Pushpawati river, Hemkund Lake, Ghangaria
• Average Cost of the Vacation: Rs 12,500 onwards per person (1 day)
• How to Reach:

By Air- Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun 

By Train- Rishikesh railway station 

By Road- Buses and cabs are available from Dehradun, Delhi, Rishikesh and Nainital

13. Munsiyari

This small hamlet which borders Nepal and Tibet is often referred to as "Little Kashmir". Munsiyari is located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand at an altitude of 2298 m above sea level. This town received its nickname of "Little Kashmir" due to its snow-capped mountains, which have some of the most adventurous trekking routes. It is also called the "Gateway of Johar Valley" as it is the starting point of Johar Valley which once used to be the ancient trade route between India and Tibet. Additionally, Munsiyari is the base of three glaciers: Ralam, Milam and Namik.

• Best Time to Visit: March to June
• Top Things to Do: Trekking, Pilgrimage, Sightseeing
• Top Places to Visit: Birthi Falls, Kalamuni Top, Khaliya Top, Thamari Kund
• Average Cost of the Vacation: Rs 7500- Rs 8500 per person (3 Days)
• How to Reach:

By Air- Pantnagar Airport is 250 km away 

By Train- Kathgodam Railway Station is 218 away

By Road- Tourists can easily find cabs and buses from any major city in Uttarakhand

14. Bhimtal

Bhimtal is located at an altitude of 1371 m above sea level and is known for its pristine lakes. This place also houses some ancient temples and lush forests. The place got its name from Bhim, a character from the ancient Hindu mythology Mahabharata. This lake city is gaining popularity daily compared to its famous neighbour Nainital. Since Bhimtal is well connected with roads, one can easily visit this lake city all year round.

• Best Time to Visit: March to June and September to December
• Top Things to Do: Stargazing, Fishing, Camping and Boating
• Top Places to Visit: Bhimtal Lake, Aquarium on Bhimtal Island, Hanuman Garhi
• Average Cost of the Vacation: Rs 6,000- Rs 9,000 per person (3 Days)
• How to Reach:

By Air- Jolly Grant Airport 

By Train- Dehradun Railway Station

By Road- Visitors can take buses and cabs from Nainital and Dehradun

15. Pauri

Pauri is revered for its temples and picturesque mountains. Tourists can easily visit Khirsu from here, just a few kilometres away. However, this place is the headquarter of the Pauri Garhwal and Garhwal division. Thick forests and snow-clad mountains surround Pauri. This top hill station in Uttarakhand offers scenic views of Gangotri Group, Jogin Group, Kedarnath, Sumeru, Bandarpunch, Trishul, and Neelkanth peaks.

• Best Time to Visit: November to April
• Top Things to Do: Trekking, Hiking, Pilgrimage
• Top Places to Visit: Nagdev Temple, Kyunkaleshwar Mahadev temple, Kandoliya temple, Chaukhamba viewpoint, Ransi Stadium
• Average Cost of the Vacation: Rs 8,000- Rs 10,000 per person (2 Nights and 3 Days)
• How to Reach:

By Air- Jolly Grant Airport is 133 km away 

By Train- Kotdwara Railway Station is 101 km away

By Road- Bus and cab are available from all major cities in Uttarakhand

There are many other hill stations in Uttarakhand that are worth visiting. However, the places mentioned above are either popular or are hidden gems. These are also easily connected via motorable roads. So as a visitor you can stay in one of these places and take a day trip to other nearby towns and hill stations. This blog will help you make a travel itinerary for your next trip to all the famous hill stations in Uttarakhand.