“Go where the clouds kiss the trees, and the crowd never follows,” say seasoned travelers of Uttarakhand’s untouched trails. While Nainital and Mussoorie get packed every monsoon, there are many offbeat places in Uttarakhand waiting to be discovered — drenched in mist, bursting with greenery, and echoing with silence.
Here are 10 magical, lesser-known places you should visit this monsoon.
🏞️ 1. Khirsu — Misty Pines and Zero Tourists
Nestled in the Pauri Garhwal district, Khirsu offers panoramic Himalayan views, apple orchards, and pine forests — all wrapped in monsoon mist. No traffic, no selfie sticks, just serenity.
- Ideal for: Nature lovers, quiet escapes
- Don’t miss: Rain-drenched pine trails and local Garhwali meals
🏔️ 2. Munsiyari — Gateway to Snow-Capped Silence
While Munsiyari gets snow in winter, monsoon brings wildflowers, hidden waterfalls, and dramatic clouds over the Panchachuli peaks. It’s remote and perfect for trekkers.
- Ideal for: Photographers, trekkers
- Don’t miss: Birthi Falls in full monsoon glory
🍃 3. Binsar — The Green Canopy of Kumaon
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary turns into a monsoon jungle dream — with moss-covered trees, chirping birds, and a cloud forest feel. Great for eco-lodges and nature trails.
- Ideal for: Birdwatchers, eco-travelers
- Don’t miss: Sunrise at Zero Point (if clouds permit!)
🍃4. Chaukori — A Tea Estate in the Clouds
Chaukori is a tiny hamlet surrounded by tea gardens and views of Nanda Devi. The foggy mornings and the smell of wet earth make it an offbeat monsoon paradise.
- Ideal for: Couples, slow travelers
- Don’t miss: Tea tasting with a view
🏞️ 5. Kanatal — For Forest Walks and Cloud Baths
Close to Mussoorie but still untouched, Kanatal is all about dense forests, old trails, and soaking in clouds that literally wrap around you.
- Ideal for: Weekend escapes from Delhi
- Don’t miss: Jungle safari in Kaudia forest during drizzle
🌲 6. Peora — Uttarakhand’s Hidden Artist Village
Located near Mukteshwar, Peora is known for its sustainable living, terraced fields, and heritage homestays. In monsoon, everything turns emerald green.
- Ideal for: Writers, artists, remote workers
- Don’t miss: Staying in a restored stone cottage
⛰️7. Lohajung — The Trekker’s Launchpad in Monsoon Magic
Base camp for Roopkund and Brahmatal treks, Lohajung is also great just for its village charm, rain-fed waterfalls, and peaceful trails.
- Ideal for: Adventurers, trekkers in prep
- Don’t miss: Village walks and bhutta (roasted corn) in the mist
🌧️ 8. Pangot — Birdsong in the Rain
Close to Nainital, but way quieter. Pangot is famous for birdwatching, and in the monsoon, it becomes a rainforest retreat — green, fresh, and musical.
- Ideal for: Families, photographers
- Don’t miss: Early morning bird trails
🏡 9. Sankri — The Secret Valley of Monsoon Treks
While most come here for the Har Ki Dun trek, Sankri itself is a lush monsoon gem. Clouds cling to wooden houses, and waterfalls pop up at every corner.
- Ideal for: Backpackers, offbeat trekkers
- Don’t miss: Hot chai in wooden cafés while it pours outside
🧭 10. Tons Valley — Where Time Slows Down
One of the least explored monsoon gems in Uttarakhand, Tons Valley has tribal culture, untouched forests, and the gurgling Tons river. It feels like another world.
- Ideal for: Off-the-grid explorers
- Don’t miss: Home stays with locals & rain-fed river walks
🌧️ Tips for Visiting Uttarakhand During Monsoon
- ✅ Carry waterproof gear — jackets, covers, shoes
- ✅ Travel with buffer time — landslides can cause delays
- ✅ Avoid high-altitude treks during peak rains
- ✅ Support local homestays & guides — your visit helps the community
- ✅ Keep emergency contacts & offline maps handy
💡 Final Words: Discover the Quiet Side of the Hills
While others head to crowded hill stations, you now know the secret — offbeat places in Uttarakhand are the real treasure during monsoon. Whether you’re chasing mist, meditating under waterfalls, or sipping chai on a foggy balcony, these places promise peace that’s rare and real.
So pack your raincoat, lace up those monsoon boots, and let Uttarakhand surprise you — one hidden village at a time.