Top 15 Hidden Natural Wonders of Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is an abode of natural beauty. It is home to various natural wonders on Earth. Several natural wonders are present in Uttarakhand, from glistening lakes to waterfalls and various majestic peaks. Uttarakhand is known for its natural beauty, and places like Mussorie and Nainital are famous and attract many tourists from all over the world, while several hidden gems are waiting to be explored.  We’ve curated a list of the Top 15 Hidden Natural Wonders of Uttarakhand.

Pindari Glacier

Pindari is a stunning glacier trek in the Kumaon Himalayas. It is situated at an altitude of 12008 ft. The hidden jewel of the Kumaon region takes you through dense forests, meadows, and gushing rivers. It is a lesser-known spot, perfect for nature lovers away from the crowded locations.

Best time to visit: When the temperature is light, that is, April to June and September to November.

Sunderdhunga Valley

Suderdhunga is often called the “valley of beautiful stones”. It is another lesser-known valley in the Kumaon region. It lies parallel to the Pindar Glacier trek. It is situated at an altitude of 4300 meters in the Bageshwar district of Kumaon. The trek to the valley is considered moderate to difficult.

Best time to visit: When the temperature is light, that is, April to June and September to November.

 Satopanth Lake

The Satopanth Lake is the sacred glacial lake of Uttarakhand. It is situated at an altitude of 15091 ft in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is surrounded by peaks like Neelkantha, Balakun, and Chaukambha. The base camp of this trek is the Mana Village. The lake is closer to the famous Badrinath.

Best time to visit: June to September are the best months to visit the lake.

Gartang Gali

Located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand at an altitude of about 11,000 ft.. is a historic wooden bridge carved into a vertical rock face in the Nelong Valley. It is located near the Indo-Tibetan border. It is almost 150 years old. From here, you get to spot Spectacular Himalayan views like Nelong Valley and Jad Ganga Valley. Before the India-China war, it was used for Indo-Tibetan trade. A perfect spot for photography of unique Himalayan landscapes.

Best Time to Visit: May to October is the best time to visit Gartang Gali.

Har ki Dun Valley

Located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand at an altitude of 11696 ft lies a stunning valley known as Har ki dun. It is believed that this was the pathway to heaven taken by pandavs of Mahabaratha. This beautiful trek leads you to dense forests, green meadows and various flora and fauna. It is also part of the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary. Here, you can camp and stargaze in the clear night skies, and the trek leads through various small Himalayan villages showcasing rich culture and quaint life.

Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November.

Milam Glacier

Milam Glacier is the largest glacier in the Kumoan region of Uttarakhand. It is the source of the famous Goriganga River.  It is located in the Pithoragarh district at an altitude of 12000 ft.  It is still being discovered by tourists and is a hidden gem due to its untouch beauty. The base camp of the Milam Glacier trek is at the famous Hill Station Munsyari of Uttarakhand.

Best Time to Visit: When the temperature is bearable, i.e, May to June and September to October. The trek is considered moderate to difficult.

Maheswari Kund

A place of mythological significance in the forests above the famous hill station Munsyari of Uttarakhand.  It is also known as Mehsur Kund. It is a hidden lake nestled between the forests of Munsyari. A short trek to this place is ideal for beginners in trekking. The trek is considered easy. The trek takes one through lush green forests and rhododendron forests, and tranquil landscapes. The trek is short and takes around 30-40 minutes to reach from Munsyari village. You get to spot five snow-clad mountains from here, i.e, Panchachuli.

Atri muni cave

A sacred meditation cave of Uttarakhand located in Rudraprayag district,  at an altitude of 5095 ft. The trek starts from Guptakashi, and the trek is about a 3-4 km uphill climb through dense forests. The trail passes through dense pine and deodar forests with waterfalls along the way. Rishi Atri and his wife meditated in this cave thus, the cave is named after him. It is a perfect place to enjoy nature and spirituality.

Best Time to Visit: March to June and September to November.

Moila top

Moila top is a hidden gem situated at an altitude in Chakrata, Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. It is around 128 kms from Dehradun. The trek takes one through green, lush meadows and dense forests. The trek is considered easy to moderate.  A perfect place to seek solitude away from crowded places. The trek also leads to a Temple at its summit, and from there, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan landscapes. The meadows are ideal for an overnight stargazing experience under the stars.

Best Time To Visit Moila Top: When the sky is clear and bright from March to June and September to November.

Deoban

Situated at an altitude of 9400 ft near Chakrata, Dehradun district is a dense forest of the divine deodar trees known as Deoban. A scenic place in Chakrata. Deoban means a forest of gods. It offers panoramic views of over 50 Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, Swargarohini, and Trishool. The trek starts from Chakrata and is ideal for beginners as its easy to moderate. The trek takes you through dense forests into a peaceful location away from the crowd. The trek is around 5-6 long on one side.

Best Time to Visit Deoban: March to June and September to November.

Khirsu Village

Nestled in the heart of the Pauri district in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand is a small, quaint village named Khirsu. From here, you get a view of over 300 snow-clad Himalayan peaks. The beauty of the place is untouched and unknown to many. It is a perfect place to seek solitude in the mountains and is perfect for nature lovers who love trekking and going to off-beaten places.

Best Time to Visit Khirsu Village: March to June and September to November

Chopta Valley

Located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand is a stunning hill station often known as a trekking paradise. Known for its lush green meadows, dense forests, and Himalayan views. It’s the base camp for the famous Tungthnath and Chandrashilla treks. Chopta Valley is perfect for people seeking adventure and for trekking lovers. 

 Best time to visit Chopta Valley: March to June and September to November.

Dhakuri Pass

Dhakuri Pass is the gateway to the Pindari and Sunderdhunga valleys. It is located in the Bageshwar district at an altitude of 8792ft. It is sorrounded by dense oak forests and rhododendron forests. The meadows here are perfect for camping, photography, and bird watching.

Best time to Visit: March to June and September to November.

Benog Wildlife Sanctuary

A paradise for nature lovers, trekkers, and wildlife lovers. A lesser known nature retreat near Mussorie. The sanctuary offers panoramic Himalayan views, rich biodiversity, and dense forests. It is a part of Raja ji National Park.

Best time to visit: March to June and September to November.

Tapovan trek

It is a high-altitude trek situated at an altitude of 14006 ft in Uttarakhand. It offers views of mt. Shivling, Meru and Bhagirathi peaks. Located beyond the Gaumukh glacier, Tapovan is famous for its spiritual significance and serene landscapes. The base location of the trek is Gangotari.

Best Time to Visit: May to June and September to October.

Conclusion: Top 15 Hidden Natural Wonders of Uttarakhand

These are some of the lesser-known hidden Natural wonders of Uttarakhand. Uttarakhand is a perfect place for those looking for adventure, trekking, wildlife watching or some spiritual experience. These places are untouched and offer stunning beauty of the surrounding himalayan landscapes. So get ready, pack your bags, and get to Uttarakhand now! For more such articles follow Uttarakhand Magazine!