Uttarakhand is a land embodying nature’s purest forms of beauty – perhaps why it has often been addressed with various names in that regard. From being called the ‘the land of gods’ to the ‘queen of mountains’, Uttarakhand’s beauty, though slowly being tarnished with the effects of global warming and exploitation by travellers, is still as riveting.
For most people staying in Delhi/NCR or the nearby localities, the state serves as a perfect weekend-getaway with a number of popular tourist places and enchanting hill-stations that are as breath-taking as they’re relaxing.
While you can go to almost any of the popular hot-spots, but if you’re planning to experience things ‘beyond a certain temperature’ or the chilly weather of high-altitudes, then there are some popular destinations in the state, which lay 2000+ meters above sea level and not only give you the perfect escape from mainland’s heat, but also bring you closer to the Himalayan ranges.
Here are Uttarakhand’s popular tourist destinations, which are 2000+ meters above sea-level:
Mussoorie – Height – 2,005 Meters
One of the most popular tourist sites in all of Uttarakhand, especially among those who travel from the premises of Delhi/NCR. Mussourie has a mall road, some modern shops, hotels of all classes, coffee-shops, among other things that make it fit as a ‘textbook’ definition of a ‘hill station’, especially among those who aren’t that well-travelled in the hills and just want a comforting escape with their families. For the less-adventurous kinds, Mussourie offers a mix of stunning, calming and beautiful nature and mass-tourist amusement activities, all into one.
Badrinath – Height – 3,300 Meters
Home to one of the most important Hindu Dhaams – Sri Badrinath – this gorgeous town is in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, and is frequented by a vast number of visitors, who usually come here for it’s religious significance (serving as one of the four sites in India’s Char Dham). But the snow-laden mountains that surround this holy town, will itself give you a sense of godliness that inhabits this entire place. A few KM on an upward slope is Mana village, the bare mountains of which will remind you of Ladakh. If you are more adventurous, you can head to Mana-pass (which is further 24 KM up from Mana Village and nearly 55 KM from Badrinath), sitting at a height of nearly 5,500 meters.
Dhanaulti – Height – 2,286 Meters
A serenading view of Garhwal Himalaya from this place is one of it’s highlights. Dhanaulti is also famous for it’s Eco park, Terrace fields and a decent volume of snowfall during winters. Only 25 KM from Mussourie, the place is also pretty accessible and can be added as an extension to your trip, while you plant on visiting the more popular hill stations nearby it. A calming, serenading lap of nature.
Chaukori – Height – 2,010 Meters
Approx 100 km before Munsyari, Chaukori often serves as the spot where travellers generally stop-by before they reach the Nanda Devi temple site. But Chaukori itself is quite a naturally beautiful destination, with a stunning view of the Himalayan range especially upon sunset and sunrise. You’ll find some cottages and resorts here, which will allow you to just sit back and enjoy the stunning view of this heavenly abode.
Chopta/Tungnath – Height – 2,608 to 3,500 Meters
Starting from the base point of the infamous Tungnath temple – one of the height shiva temples in the world – sitting at a height of 3,500 meters above sea level, Chopta offers some stunning views across it’s entire track to the Shiva dhaam. Meadows spread across it’s luscious green mountains and few inhabitants in-between, give this place a sense of seclusion, despite the increasing number of curious travellers every year. The place is generally visited only for the trek to Tungnath and then higher-up to the Chandrasheela mountain top, which itself is at a height of 4,000 meters. If you’re interested that mild-to-moderately adventurous treks, then this is the place for you.
Shitlakhet – Height – 1,900 to 2,100 Meters
A little known untouched small town a few kilometres ahead of the more famous Ranikhet. Shitlakhet offers a pleasant weather and a calm atmosphere, allowing you to witness the village life of localities. A stunning view of the Himalayan range and a few local attractions like Valley View point, Pashaan Devi temple and Syaahi Devi Temple, make this a calming getaway, that can be used as a relaxing escape for hustlers like us.
Mukteshwar – Height – 2,171 Meters
Located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, the place is 72 km from Haldwani, and over 340 km from NCR. Mostly popular as the home of an infamous 350-year-old Shiva temple, called Mukteshwar Dham – which sits at the top of this village. There are also some stunning hanging cliff edges, which offer a breathtaking view of the valleys below. Apart from the presence of a few adventure sports, like Rock Climbing and rappelling, one can visit this place just to get lost in the oneness of nature.
Binsar – Height -9,00 to 2,500 Metres
Binsar Wildlife sanctuary is spread across an altitude that ranges from 900 to 2500 metres from sea level. At the very top, you’d be able to find some spots that will give you a near-360 degree view of the Himalayan ranges. The place also has some high-end resorts and is most secluded from the crows of it’s nearby hill-stations, like Ranikhet or Majhkhali. A quite, stunning place to go and unwind your mind for a few days.
Auli – Height – 2,800 – Meters
Often called the ‘skiing destination’ of India, Auli is situated at a height of 2,800 and witness some pretty dense snowfall during winters. With it’s lush landscapes and a glorious view of the Himalayan range – Auli offers several sights so stunning that they’ll take your breath away. Granted it has become somewhat crowded as compared to some other high-altitude tourist destination, it is still a beautiful escape for city-dwellers.
Munsyari – Height – 2,200 Meters
A stunning getaway from the hustle bustle of city life, that has regained popularity during recent times – due to the increasing number of travel bloggers and vloggers, covering this heavenly abode. At a height of 2,200 meters above sea-level, this place offers a stunning close view of the Nanda Devi peak and the legendary Nanda Devi temple. Even though the road going to this place is quite a tough one, the place makes it all worthwhile with it’s ability to make your mind unwind and cut-off from the rest of the world.
However there are several other ‘lesser explored’ destinations, that fall way above the altitude of some of the destinations mentioned here, but these are the ones that are usually most travelled and most reachable.
Some other popular destinations would include – Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Chakrata and Valley Of Flowers, among others.
Uttarakhand’s natural beauty truly is the last gift from our Gods.