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Hamlets of the hills - places to escape touristy crowds this winter

Jan 18, 2021

3 MIN READ

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After staying closed for months, hill stations are buzzing with tourists again. If, however, you are looking for quiet getaways in the Himalayas, tiny hamlets tucked away from the tourist map are for you. Their seclusion affords a comforting sense of safety and they steal your heart with their unspoilt allure. Accommodation in most of these places is restricted to basic homestays and guesthouses but peace and quiet is guaranteed here.

Uttarakhand

Choukri

One of the few places in Uttarakhand that is home to tea gardens, Chaukori is about 175km ahead of Nainital. You can come here just to soak in the beauty of the rolling tea gardens or for walks among fruits orchards and trails in pine and oak forests. On a clear day, you can get captivating views of Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot and Panchachuli peaks.

Khirsu

In this picturesque village, go for long hikes among dense pine and oak forests, count the shades of green and spend time chatting with the locals to understand what life in the high mountains is all about. About 92km from Dehradun, Khirsu is located in the Pauri Garhwal district. There are just a couple of places to have chai and a good wholesome pahadi lunch. There is also a nature park to explore.

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Shitlakhet

In this quaint hamlet close to Ranikhet, take a morning trek to the top of a hill, walk to an ancient temple and enjoy views of the majestic Trishul, Chaukhamba, Nanda kot peaks on a clear day. Besides fruit orchards, admire the variety of colorful flowers here. At this verdant place, it is best to just take it easy and soak in nature during the day and savor the comforting sense of being away from the crowds at night as you see the lights of Almora twinkling below you.

Gairsain

This beautiful hamlet about 250km from Dehradun came into the limelight when it was declared the summer capital of Uttarakhand in 2020. It has pastures, temples, mountains, waterfalls and even a national park close to it – basically all good reasons to fall in love with it. It is definitely worth a visit before its new status as a capital brings in a rush of development.

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Himachal Pradesh

Sarchi

Close to Tirthan Valley and 120 km from Manali, Sarchi is a place where time stops. Endless cups of chai, hot Maggi, kids playing, old men chatting, ancient houses with Kinnauri architecture, no mobile network and clouds playing hide and seek under a vivid blue sky – that is how you will remember Sarchi.

Kalga

30 minutes from the popular tourist center of Kasol and 75 kilometers from Manali, Kalga is a village reached only on foot. The amenities here may be very basic but the breathtaking vistas make up for it. Apple trees laden with fruit, simple wood homes, cattle grazing along verdant pastures are some of the highlights of this rejuvenating hamlet.

Arki

Arki, about 35 km from Shimla, is one of the few places in Himachal Pradesh that is home to a fort. Located on a hilltop, it is also a heritage hotel from where you get splendid views of the mountains. Long, leisurely walks, bird watching (the Egyptian Vulture, Himalayan Griffon and Plum-headed Parakeet can be spotted here) are the activities you can indulge in here.

Garli

The hamlet of Garli is dotted with heritage buildings, havelis and mansions with Belgian, Italian, Islamic, Rajput and Portuguese architectural style. Just 70 km from Dharamshala, the village is ideal for walks and views of Gothic windows, grand arches, gabled roofs and stories of the clan who wanted to make this a trading village.

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