Your Escape Plan from Delhi- Less crowded hill stations near Delhi

Fret not! Explore some of the lesser-known hill stations and join us on this journey of discovering some of the hidden gems near Delhi for you to explore and beat the summer heat.

Escape from the chaos of city life and embrace some serenity and unwind and return back to your mundane routine refreshed and rejoiced. If this sounds exciting to you then read on as we help you plan your perfect summer holiday!

While popular destinations often teem with tourists, these treasure troves offer serene landscapes and untouched beauty. From the panoramic vistas of Jibhi to the lush tea gardens of Chaukori, each hill station promises a rejuvenating retreat. Whether you seek adventure or solitude, these lesser-known havens lure you with their pristine charm. With their serene surroundings, mesmerizing landscapes, and arrays of adventure activities, these less crowded hill stations near Delhi promise an unforgettable experience. These less crowded hill stations near Delhi offer a chance to connect with nature without the usual bustling of tourists.

Top Less Crowded Hill Stations Near Delhi

1. Pangot

• Popular Places to Visit in Pangot: Kilbury Bird Sanctuary, Snow View Point, Naina Peak
• Things to Do in Pangot: Camping, Bonfires, Heritage Walking
• How to Reach: You can take a bus from Delhi to reach Nainital and from there on you will find many options like taxis or buses to reach Pangot.
• Best Time to Visit Pangot: March-June and September-November
• Distance from Delhi: 310 km and it will take 6 hours 56 mins to reach this Less crowded Hill Stations Near Delhi.

Suggested Read: Travel Tips for Uttarakhand

2. Binsar

Located between Nainital and Kausani, Binsar is a great place for wildlife lovers. The Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to different animals like Himalayan gorals, red foxes, eagles, and Himalayan black bears. A photophiles top destination, you will be busy clicking away at all the marvels that this adventurous place has to offer. This can easily be your top destination for Less Crowded Hill Stations Near Delhi for the weekend 

• Popular Places to Visit in Binsar: Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Khali Estate, Ganapathy Temple
• Things to Do in Binsar: Hiking, nature walks, bird watching, wildlife tours, photography
• How to Reach: You can either take a train to Kathgodam first and then a bus or taxi to reach Almora before changing over for Binsar.
• Best Time to Visit Binsar: April-June and October-November
• Distance from Delhi: 355 km and 8-9 Hours drive 

3. Fagu

You can have a glimpse of the majestic Himalayas from any point in this little town. Dotted by little stone-walled houses and lush green plantations, it is definitely one of the most charming offbeat Less Crowded Hill Stations Near Delhi for the weekend.

• Popular Places to visit in Fagu: Banthi Devta Temple, Trek to Chharabra from Fagu, Visit the Apple orchards laden in this town
• Things To Do: Skiing, Camping, Trekking
• How to reach: You can either drive to Fagu or take a train from Shimla Railway Station and then drive to Fagu
• Distance from Delhi : 380 km and 9hrs 26 mins
• Best time to visit: October to April

4. Pithoragarh

• Popular Places to visit near Pithoragarh: Nakuleshwar Temple, Milam Glacier, Darma Valley
• Things To Do: Trekking, Camping, Paragliding, Visit the Pithoragarh Fort
• How to reach: You can either take a flight or train or drive to Pithoragarh. It is better to take a train since it is a pretty long journey via road and breaks are suggested in case one is driving here. Tanakpur is the closest railway station to Pithoragarh.
• Distance from Delhi: 460 km and 10 hr 13 mins via NH9
• Best time to visit: April to June & September to November

Suggested Read: Places to visit in Delhi

5. Kausani

If you want to see the Himalayas in their glory without being covered in snow, then Kausani is one of the best places to witness this nature’s marvel. The town, also known for its lush tea estates, has some of the spectacular views of the several peaks situated here. The best thing about the hill station is that not many visit  here, so you can just relax and unwind and be one with nature here.

• Popular Places to See in Kausani: Rudradhari Waterfall, Anasakti Ashram, Adi Kailash Trek, Kausani Tea Garden
• Things to Do in Kausani: Photography, nature viewing, relaxing, light trekking
• How to Reach: You have to take a bus to Nainital or Almora from Delhi and then hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kausani.
• Best Time to Visit Kausani: October-June
• Distance from Delhi: 390 km and 9hr 52 mins

6. Munsiyari

This beautiful hill station is situated at 2298 m and is home to some of the breathtaking views of the Panchachuli Peaks which include Nanda Devi and Nandakot. Munsiyari apart from being an ideal destination for nature lovers, is also a great spot for adventure seekers in the Kumaon Hills like trekking and also enjoy skiing here. One can also even go for a Snow Leopard Trek in the winter season.

• Popular Places to Visit in Munsiyari: Birthi Falls, Madkot village, potato farms, Darkot village, Betulidhar
• Things to Do in Munsiyari: Trekking, Skiing, Nature hikes and trails, photography
• How to Reach: You will have to first reach Kathgodam via train and then take a bus or taxi to Pithoragarh and stay in Pithoragarh for a night. You can either take a taxi or drive to Munsiyari the next day.
• Best Time to Visit Munsiyari: April-June and October-November
• Distance from Delhi: 541 km and 14 hrs 13 mins

7. Naukuchiatal

With the ground more than 40 feet below the surface of the water, Naukuchiatal is the deepest lake in the region.

• Popular Places to See in Naukuchiatal: Naukuchiatal Lake, Hanuman Mandir, Jangalia Gaon
• Things to Do in Naukuchiatal: Reposing under pines, light hiking, boating, fishing
• How to Reach: You can take a train from Delhi to Kathgodam and then complete the rest of the journey either by bus or car or taxi.
• Best Time to Visit Naukuchiatal: October-June 
• Distance from Delhi: 306 km and 7-8 Hrs drive

Suggested Read: Travel Guide To Kasol

8. Kanatal

Kanatal, which roughly means “ Kana ( meaning one-eyed), and Taal/Tal ( meaning the Lake) get their names from the now dried-up but once a surplus lake in Uttarakhand. It is one the top destinations for Less Crowded Hill Stations Near Delhi for that perfect getaway filled with fun and adventure.

• Popular Places to Visit in Kanatal: Tehri Dam, Surkanda Devi Temple, Kodia Jungle, Dhanaulti Eco Park
• Things to Do in Kanatal: Trekking, Camping, Adventure Activities, Picnic
• How to Reach: You need to reach Dehradun first and then take a bus to reach Kanatal from the bus station.
• Best Time to Visit Kanatal: April-June, September-November
• Distance from Delhi: 319 km

9. Shoghi

In case you are not an ardent reader this place has inspired a lot of Ruskin Bond’s stories. One of the most famous place here in Shoghi is the railway station – charming, picturesque, and colonial. 

Shoghi is the best less crowded hill station near Delhi that offers bountiful nature and opportunities for trekking and hiking.

• Popular places to visit near Shoghi: Jakhu Hills, Tara Devi Temple, Park Woods, etc
• Things To Do: Camping, Trekking, Hiking, Visit Tara Devi Temple, Shopping in Shoghi 
• Best time to visit: March to June & September to November

Distance from Delhi: 329 km

10. Nahan

• Popular Places to Visit in Nahan: Renuka Lake, Suketi Fossil Park, Jaitak Fort, Churdhar Peak
• Things to Do in Nahan: Photography, Trekking, Boating
• How to Reach: You can take a train or bus to Chandigarh or Ambala and then hire a taxi to reach Nahan.
• Best Time to Visit Nahan: September-June
• Distance from Delhi: 254 km

Suggested Read: Offbeat Places to visit in India

11. Chakrata

It is a Top destination for Less Crowded Hill Station Near Delhi for its lush greenery, scenic landscapes and pleasant weather.

• Popular Places to Visit in Chakrata: Tiger Falls, Budher Caves, Deoban, Moila Top, Mundali
• Things to Do in Chakrata: Camping, Trekking, River Rafting, Horse Riding
• How to Reach: Take a train or a bus to Dehradun from Delhi and then hire a taxi to reach Chakrata.
• Best Time to Visit Chakrata: September-March

Distance from Delhi: 338 km

12. Narkanda

• Popular Places to See in Narkanda: Hatu Peak, Stokes Farm, Mahamaya Temple in Kacheri,
• Things to Do in Narkanda: Soaking in some fresh mountain air, paragliding, rafting, mountain biking
• How to Reach: Buses and taxis are easily available from Shimla for Narkanda, because it is a popular tourist destination.
• Best Time to Visit Narkanda: October-June
• Distance from Delhi: 420 km

13. Kangra

• Popular Places to Visit in Kangra: Kangra Fort, Baijnath Temple, Indrahar Pass, Kareri Lake
• Things to Do in Kangra: Trekking, Photography, Nature and Heritage walk
• How to Reach: The most efficient and fastest way is to take a flight to Kangra Airport from Delhi. Direct bus services are also available to Kangra from Delhi.
• Best Time to Visit Kangra: September-June
• Distance from Delhi: 455 km

Suggested Read: Weekend Getaways From Delhi

14. Rewalsar

The natural lake at Rewalsar is famous for its floating reed islands and fishes. Hindu, Buddhist and Sikh shrines exist along the periphery of Lake. Legend has it that the great teacher and scholar Padmasambhava used his enormous powers to take flight to Tibet from Rewalsar.It is a backpackers delight destination because it offers several options for cheap stays in monasteries and affordable, delicious food in the joints dotted along the circumference of the lake. 

• Popular Places to visit near Rewalsar: Rewalsar Lake, Tso Pema Monastery, Rewalsar Zoo, etc
• How to Reach: You will have to take a train to Joginder Nagar Railway Station and from there you can take a cab or drive to Rewalsar.
• Best Time to Visit Rewalsar: March-October
• Distance from Delhi: 420 km and it takes 8 hours and 45 minutes to reach by road.

15. Chaukori

This small hill town has majestic views of the snow capped peaks of the lofty Himalayan Range. This entire town is filled with lush green tea gardens, fruit orchards and Deodhar and Rhododendrons. It is located about 112 kms from Pithoragarh. The sacred site is famous for the Hatkalika Fair held on the ashtami of Chaitra month at the Kalika temple. Devotees visit the shrine during this time with drums and flags to pay homage to Goddess Kalika.

• Popular Places to visit near Chaukori: Maha Kali Temple, Nag Mandir of Berinag, Kapileshwar Mahadev Temple, etc

• How to reach: You can travel by car to Chaukori, which will take you to Almora in 10-12 hours. Chaukori is 100 kms away from Almora.

• Best time to visit Chaukori: March to June and September to November

16. Barog

Situated in Solan district, Barog lies on the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kalka – Shimla Railway.

• Popular Places to visit near Barog: Maa Shoolini Temple, Grave of Barog, Barog Railway Station
• Things to Do: Nature walks, explore Barog Railway Station, visit Dolanji Bon Monastery.
• Distance from Delhi:  285 kms.
• How to Reach: By road: Take NH44 from Delhi to Barog, which takes around 6-7 hours. The nearest railway station is Barog itself, well connected to Delhi by train.

17. Ranikhet

Bring along a camera when you head to Ranikhet as you do not want to miss capturing the views of the snow-clad mountains you get from here. Ranikhet is surrounded by pine, oak, and deodar tree forests and these are incredibly lush and green. These areas are also home to a wide range of wildlife, including leopard, barking deer, mountain goat and langurs. It sure is one of the top less crowded hill stations near Delhi.

• Popular Places to Visit in Ranikhet: Rani Jheel, Ranikhet Golf Course, Ashiyana Park, Mankameshwar Temple, Haidakhan Baba Temple, Binsar Mahadev Temple, Bhalu Dam, Tarikhet, Upat Kalika Temple
• Things to Do in Ranikhet: Golfing, boating, fishing, light hiking, temple tour, nature trails and hikes
• How to Reach: Many buses and taxis ply to Ranikhet from Kathgodam, which is connected to Delhi by taxis, buses and trains
• Best Time to Visit Ranikhet: June-October
• Distance from Delhi: 338 km

Suggested Read: Monsoon Treks In India

18. Jibhi

• Popular Places to Visit in Jibhi: Jibhi Waterfall, Chaini Fort, Serolsar Lake, Jalori Pass
• Things to Do in Jibhi: Exploring Nature, Trekking, Boating
• How to Reach: Take a bus to Kullu Manali from Delhi to reach Aut. Hire a taxi or take a bus from Aut to Jibhi.
• Best Time to Visit Jibhi: October-May
• Distance from Delhi: 470 km

19. Ramgarh

• Things to Do: Visit Ramgarh Orchards, explore Mukteshwar Temple, enjoy nature walks in the surrounding forests.
• Distance from Delhi: 320 kilometers.
• How to Reach: You can take NH9 from Delhi to Ramgarh, which takes around 8-9 hours. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, which is about 75 kms away.

20. Dhanaulti

• Popular Places to Visit in Dhanaulti: Dhanaulti Eco Park, Aaloo Khet, Kanatal, Surkanda Devi Temple, Kaudia Forest
• Things to Do in Dhanaulti: Nature walks, Trekking, Temple
• How to Reach: You can take a train or bus to Dehradun (60 km from Dhanaulti) and then hire a taxi to reach Dhanaulti.
• Best Time to Visit Dhanaulti: September-May
• Distance from Delhi: 291 km

Tips for Less Crowded Hill Stations Near Delhi

• Keeping a travel budget can ensure that the trip fits into your budget and doesnt exceed your planned amount.
• Being flexible with travel dates, booking flights and tickets ahead of time and searching for deals may help save money on vacation.
• Using smart packing tips and researching local customs can help you be prepared for every step of the journey.
• Book your hotels, Train tickets, Cabs beforehand to avoid last minute cancellations and non availability.
• Check weather forecasts and local weather so as not to be disappointed later.