India is nothing short of paradise for travellers. Mystical forts and palaces of Rajasthan, backwaters of Kerala, the pristine beaches and the snow covered Himalayas, there is something for everyone.

When planning a vacation the destination is of prime importance. If you are looking for an exclusive and exotic destination, if you want to get away from all the chaos and head straight to the splendid mountains, then read on! Unleash the wanderlust and get going.
Sharing the top 10 hidden gems in the mountains of north India.
- Narkanda
Narkanda is one of the best kept secrets of the mountains of north India. It is 65 km ahead of Shimla. Be there in winters to witness heavenly snowfall.

Source – devilonwheels.com
The snow covered mountains, cool breeze and peaceful ambiance will surely be a welcome change. Surrounded by the Shvalik Ranges, Narkanda is a slice of heaven.

Source – himachaltaxi.com
The experience of sighting a great sunset while sipping hot tea is something that cannot be explained in words!
Delhi to Narkanda
- 419 km
- 8 hours
You can also go ahead of Narkanda and check our post on Best Off roading trails in India: Spiti Valley and Kunzum La .
- Chail
Next on the list is calm and serene Chail. The perfect getaway to sit back and relax, spend some quality time with friends and family or just take a break and recharge yourself. The natural beauty and warm sunshine would rejuvenate you!

Source – Kritika Manchanda
Spend a day at the pretty Chail Palace or go for long nature walks and treks, the choice is yours. The beautiful view of the mountains in the distance make Chail a photographer’s delight.
Delhi to Chail
- 341 km
- 6 hours 40 minutes
- Nahan
The quaint and dainty hill station Nahan is slowly becoming popular among people. Since it is not far from Delhi, Nahan is also becoming a famous weekend getaway destination.

Source – holidify,com
Fragrant mountain breeze, majestic sunsets and the laid back feel will make a unique holidaying experience.

A trip to Nahan is considered incomplete if you don’t visit the enchanting Suketi Fossil Park. It is Asia’s first park to preserve life sized fossils at the site of their discovery. You can also visit Paunta Sahib Gurudwara and Trilokpuri Temple when in Nahan.
Delhi to Nahan
- 258 km
- 4 hours 40 minutes
- Pithoragarh
The untouched beauty of Pithoragarh would make you go swooning for this place. It is pristine and totally ethereal. A small town in Uttarakhand, Pithoragarh will win your heart at first sight.

Source – trekearth.com
Snow peaked mountains, valleys, Himalayas in the distance and open meadows – Pithoragarh is a delightful place to be. Not many people know about this slice of heaven, thus, it has been saved by the commercialisation chaos.

Source – euttaranchal.com
Delhi to Pithoragarh
- 477 km
- 9 hours
Also check our post on Chaukori, tiny hill station in the lap of Pithoragarh district.
- Munsiyari
Next on the list of hidden gems in the mountains of north India is the not so famous, but very pretty Munsiyari.

In the distance are Panchchuli Peaks.
Source – gotraveltrek.com
It is a small town 125 km ahead of Pithoragarh. The picturesque town seems to be a part of a fairy tale setting. The Rhododendron forests, snow covered Himalayas and echoing mountain birds will make you fall in love with Munsiyari.
Munsiyari is said to be trekker’s paradise. It is also a great destination for adventure sports and skiing in winters. Visiting Munsiyari is a remarkable experience.
Delhi to Munsiyari
- 572 km
- 10 hours 30 minutes
- Kanatal
Plan a vacation in Kanatal if you want to get away from the concrete jungle. It is 38 km ahead of Mussoorie, but the wilderness of Kanatal is awe-inspiring. The view of the majestic Himalayas and the beautiful spectacle of nature’s bounty is the highlight of being in this tucked away paradise.

Source – Kritika Manchanda
You can also visit Tehri Dam which is at a distance of about 37 km and Dhanaulti Eco-park at a distance of 18 km when in Kanatal. Tehri Dam is a sight to behold, its grandeur and magnitude will stun you beyond words. Taking a walk in Dhanaulti Eco Park will surely get you connected to nature closer.

Source – Kritika Manchanda
Delhi to Kanatal
- 306 km
- 6 hours 20 minutes
- Mashobra
Don’t be surprised when you tell people that you are visiting Mashobra and they give you a confused look. Most people don’t know about Mashobra, maybe that is why it has made it to our list of hidden gems in the mountains of north India. It is just 9.5 km from Shimla, so you can easily reach there.

Source – shimlaonline.com
Soak in the tranquility of the hills and take that much needed break from mundane routine, deadlines and stress. When in Mashobra you can visit Mahasu Devta Temple, Kufri, Reserve Forest Sanctuary and Naldhera.
Delhi to Mashobra
- 386 km
- 7 hours
- Binsar
Hidden in the lap of Himalayas is the picture perfect Binsar. 33 kms from Almora and you’ll reach this jewel of a destination. There is nothing much to do in Binsar and that is the highlight of the place.

Source – Kritika Manchanda
Visit Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary to experience the bliss and excitement. Trek in the jungle to reach Zero Point, from where you can see the Himalayan peaks – Kedarnath, Nanda Devi, Trishul etc.
Delhi to Binsar
- 380 km
- 7 hours
- Lansdowne
When talking about hidden gems in the mountains, the one name that cannot be missed is Lansdowne. It is a pristine hill station where you can actually re-discover yourself.

Source – Kritika Manchanda
A perfect destination for a romantic weekend getaway with your special someone; for soul searching and most importantly for giving time to yourself! Go for treks, catch up reading your favorite book or spend great time with your family and friends amidst the backdrop of the beautiful mountains of Lansdowne.

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St. John’s Church, Lansdowne. Source – Kritika Manchanda
The main attractions of the place are – Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple, Tip-in-Top Point, St. John’s Church, Bhulla Tal Lake and St. Mary’s Church.
Delhi to Lansdowne
- 251 km
- 5 hours
- Naukuchiatal
Nainital is one of the most loved hill stations of India. Naukuchiatal literally translates to ‘lake with nine corners’. It is located just 24 km from Nainital, but is still untouched and far from the concrete mess.

Source – holidify.com
Naukuchiatal is a great summer getaway. It is a great destination for family vacations. The fine weather, warm and welcoming hospitality and breathtaking views add to the overall holidaying experience. You can also visit Naukuchital Lake and Hanuman Temple.
Delhi to Naukuchiatal
- 300 km
- 6 hours
Visit these distinctive destinations and be ready to get back bags full of memories that you can cherish for a lifetime. If you’ve visited any of these and have fond travel memories, do share them with us. And if you have any other recommendations, leave them in the comments section!
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