Not every hill station in Uttarakhand is packed with tourists and tea stalls. There are some scenic places in Kumaon that are still peaceful, still raw, and honestly—just visually stunning. You don’t need to be a filmmaker or Instagram influencer to appreciate these places. Whether it’s the light, the landscape, or just the silence, these five Kumaon destinations look unreal. Almost like a backdrop. Almost too good to be real.
Here’s a straight-up look at five scenic places in Kumaon that will make you pause—and stay a little longer than planned.
1. Mukteshwar – Clean Skies, Endless Views
Mukteshwar is one of the few places in Kumaon where you wake up to both pine-scented air and views of snow peaks. It’s a small hill village, but the views from here are big—on a clear day, you can see Nanda Devi and other giants of the Himalayas without any noise or crowd around you.
- Altitude: Around 7,500 feet
- Panoramic Himalayan views from most hotels and cafes
- Dense oak and pine forests on the edges of town
- Clean weather almost all year round
The Mukteshwar temple sits on a high rock cliff, offering dramatic valley drops and sharp winds. Nearby walks through apple orchards and terraced fields give you slow, scenic exposure to village life without turning touristy.
Perfect for travelers who like peace, views, and fresh air over commercial buzz.
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2. Jageshwar – Ancient Temples Inside a Forest
Jageshwar is different. It’s not about views—it’s about atmosphere. A cluster of over 100 ancient stone temples sits quietly in the middle of a dense deodar forest. It’s always cool here. Mist hangs low in the mornings. The river flows right behind the temples. You don’t hear much except for birds and temple bells.
- Located around 36 km from Almora
- One of the oldest Shiva temple clusters in India
- Surrounded by thick deodar forests
- Clean air, zero rush, and spiritual calm
There’s also a quiet trek to Vriddha Jageshwar, a higher temple with sweeping views and complete silence. If you’re looking for a raw mix of culture and nature, this place is a must. It’s ideal for those who like to walk, observe, and pause.
3. Chaukori – Wide Horizon, Open Skies
Chaukori is the kind of place where nothing blocks your view. It’s a small, simple village built along a ridge that opens straight out to the Himalayas. If you’re someone who just wants to stare at the mountains for hours, this is your place.
- Altitude: About 6,600 feet
- Direct views of Nanda Devi, Panchachuli, and Trishul peaks
- Tea gardens, pine forests, and terraced farms all around
- Clear sunrises and stargazing nights
There’s no noise here, no hustle. Just a few lodges, some locals, and layers of mountains that change color all day. It’s perfect if you want to stay put, read, think, or just be around the mountains with no distractions.
4. Binsar – Forest Reserve With Mountain Windows
Binsar sits inside a wildlife sanctuary. The entire area is protected, so there’s barely any traffic, no honking, and no urban feel. You enter the sanctuary gate and drive through thick oak and rhododendron forest until you reach forest lodges or villages tucked deep inside.
- Located around 33 km from Almora
- Officially a wildlife sanctuary with a nominal entry fee
- Known for its Zero Point—a panoramic viewpoint of the Himalayas
- Ideal for short treks, forest walks, and birdwatching
The beauty of Binsar is how nature takes over. Early mornings bring misty trails, birdsong, and filtered sunlight through trees. The forest is dense but walkable, and you can spend hours just exploring the silence.
It’s for slow travelers who don’t mind being cut off from phone signals or fast life.
5. Bhimtal – Lake Life Without the Crowd
Everyone goes to Nainital. But Bhimtal, just 22 km away, is quieter, cleaner, and easier to enjoy. The lake is bigger, the roads are less crowded, and you can still walk around without being pushed by tourists.
- Located at 4,500 ft altitude
- Calm lake with an island cafe in the center
- Forested areas and walking trails around the lake
- Mild climate and good weather most of the year
There’s no cable car or mall road here. But you get peaceful mornings by the lake, birdwatching around the edges, and soft evening walks without loudspeakers. It’s a lake town that still feels natural.
Great for couples, families, or solo travelers who want lake views without tourist traps.
When To Visit These Places
- March to June: Clear skies, bright mornings, and spring flowers
- September to December: Best visibility for snow peaks, chilly air, and golden sunlight
- Avoid July–August: Monsoons bring heavy clouds and road blocks in some areas
If you like photographing landscapes, plan your day around sunrise and golden hour (roughly 5:30–6:30 AM and 5–6 PM).
Travel Notes That Matter
- Connectivity: Most places can be reached by road from Kathgodam or Haldwani. From there, cabs and buses are available.
- Phone network: Binsar and parts of Mukteshwar may have limited signal. Good time to take a break.
- Ideal trip length: 2 nights in each place is enough to soak in the vibe. Combine 2–3 of them in one trip for variety.
- Clothing: Always carry warm clothes—even in May, evenings can be chilly, especially in Mukteshwar and Chaukori.
