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North India is renowned for its diverse landscapes and cultural heritage and is home to some of the most picturesque hill stations in the country. Most of the hill stations in North India are nestled in the lap of the Himalayan mountain ranges, offering a variety of adventurous and enthralling experiences for visitors. From the lush green mountains during summers to snow-clad peaks during winters, these hill stations have an alluring charm to captivate the visitors. Perfect for relaxing and rejuvenation, these hill stations cater to the expectations of nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and families alike.
Top 10 Hill Stations To Visit North India
Each hill station has its unique charm with serene valleys, lush forests, ancient monasteries, colonial architecture, and more. The shortlisted options below will help narrow down the choices for someone preparing for a vacation to the hills.
1. Solan, Himachal Pradesh
Solan, the ‘Mushroom City of India’, is a charming hill station in North India. Solan is an offbeat choice that tourists visit for peace, relaxation, and rejuvenation. One of the highlights of visiting Solan is getting to witness ancient palaces like the Nalagarh Palace. Visitors prefer going to Shoolini Mata Temple to seek blessings, plan a day trip to Chail, and go to the Menri Monastery for peaceful meditation sessions. The Mohan Shakti National Heritage Park in Solan features historical & archaeological findings, gardens, and a Hindu Temple with deities like Lord Ganesha and Maa Durga.
Best Time To Visit: March to November (15°C to 25°C)
Top Tourist Attractions: Shoolini Mata Temple, Mohan Meakins Brewery, and Mohan Shakti National Heritage Park
Top Experiences: Nature walks amidst the lush hills, heritage walks through the colonial town, brewery tours and tasting, and adventure activities
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 days
Suggested Read: Top Places For Trekking In India
2. Lamayuru, Ladakh
Photo: Rutpratheep Nilpechr / Unsplash
Located in Ladakh, Lamayuru is an offbeat hill station in North India. The unique lunar shape of the place explains why it’s called ‘Moonland’. This remote hill station is famous for the ancient Menri Monastery, one of the oldest in Ladakh, and the Lamayuru Monastery. Beyond getting a glimpse of the local Tibetan culture, these monasteries also offer breathtaking views of the stunning Himalayan ranges. Tourists enjoy indulging in adventure activities this place hosts like trekking, camping, and hiking. Exploring the local culture is the highlight of this hill station as life here is laid back and far away from any urban chaos.
Best Time To Visit: May to September (5°C to 25°C)
Top Tourist Attractions: Menri Monastery, Yuru Kabgyat Festival, and Wanla Monastery
Top Experiences: Vibrant prayer ceremonies at the monastery, a hike to the top of the cliff for breathtaking views, and historic Alchi Monastery
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 days
3. Dhanaulti, Uttarakhand
Photo: Kashish Lamba / Unsplash
Dhanaulti, a gem of Uttarakhand, offers a serene escape to visitors amidst lush green pine forests. It is a perfect spot for someone looking forward to an exciting getaway to the hills for relaxing and unwinding. It has multiple trekking routes and sightseeing spots for adventure enthusiasts like Tehri Dam and Kanatal Adventure Camp, famous tourist attractions for some fun experiences. The hilltop temples, like Dashavatar Temple and Surkanda Devi Temple, can be reached with a ropeway to seek blessings. This captivating place houses many apple orchards which tourists can explore.
Best Time To Visit: March to June & September to November (10°C to 25°C)
Top Tourist Attractions: Eco Park, Surkanda Devi Temple, Dashavatar Temple, and Apple Orchards
Top Experiences: Nature walks through the serene forests, scenic boat ride in Eco Park, vibrant bloom of rhododendrons, and Potato Research Center
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 days
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In North India
4. Lansdowne, Uttarakhand
Photo: MANISH03 / Wikimedia Commons
Lansdowne, a cantonment town nestled amidst the Garhwal hills of Uttarakhand, is north India’s hill station known for its serene ambience and breathtaking views. Camping under the night sky is the most alluring adventure activity here. Also, tourists visit the Kalagarh Tiger Reserve for tiger sightings or trek to Tip-N-Top Viewpoint or Snow Viewpoint to capture stunning views of the city from the oak & pine forests. To explore the charm of colonial architecture, visitors go to St. Mary’s Church. Tourists consider Lansdowne as an alternative to Mussoorie, Shimla, and Manali due to its lower crowd.
Best Time To Visit: March to November (15°C to 25°C)
Top Tourist Attractions: Tip-N-Top, St. Mary’s Church, Bhulla Tal, and War Memorial
Top Experiences: Hiking amidst the scenic hills, visiting historic temples, and picnic lunch amidst the picturesque surroundings
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 days
5. Pahalgam, Kashmir
Photo: Kreativeart / Wikimedia Commons
Pahalgam, also known as the ‘Valley of Shepherds’, is a heaven for nature lovers. Surrounded by beautiful Aru Valley & Betaab Valley, lush green meadows, and snow-capped peaks during winter months justify why Pahalagm is such a popular destination among tourists from around the world. Visitors can embark on trekking expeditions to the nearby Baisaran Valley or explore the famous Betaab Valley where the Bollywood film Betaab was shot. For adventurous souls, water rafting on the Lidder River and trekking to the most scenic Kolahoi Glacier are must-try.
Best Time To Visit: April to October (11°C to 25°C)
Top Tourist Attractions: Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, and Baisaran Valley
Top Experiences: Water rafting on the Lidder River, trekking to scenic destinations like Kolahoi Glacier and Tulian Lake, and camping
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 days
Suggested Read: Best State Museums In India To Plan Your Next Cultural Visit
6. Almora, Uttarakhand
Photo: Piyush Kumar / Wikimedia Commons
Another popular hill station in North India famous among tourists is Almora in Uttarakhand. Known for its rich culture, religious traditions, and historical heritage, it offers panoramic views of the Himalayan Ranges. Almora‘s historical significance can be witnessed by exploring the Gobind Vallabh Pant Museum. For a blend of religious and adventurous experiences, one can hike to Jageshwar Temple which dates back to the 7th century. If trekking is a priority, heading towards the famous Binsar trek from Almora is a good idea and to spend time in solace, visitors hike to Zero Point.
Best Time To Visit: March to November (12°C to 28°C)
Top Tourist Attractions: Kasar Devi Temple, Swami Vivekananda Ashram, Zero Point, and Jageshwar Temple
Top Experiences: Bustling markets, Kasar Devi Temple, hike to Zero Point for breathtaking views, and meditation session at the Swami Vivekananda Ashram
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 days
7. Auli, Uttarakhand
Photo: Induhari / Wikimedia Commons
Auli is a mesmerising hill station in Uttarakhand renowned for thrilling winter sports and picturesque views. Auli is located at an elevation of 2800 m and boasts dense oak and coniferous forests, which add to the mystery and mystique of this place. Offering stunning views of the Nanda Devi and Nar Parvat mountains, Auli becomes the skiing and hiking capital of India during the winter months. Visitors also embark on enthralling trekking trips to the nearby Chattarkund and Trishul Peaks.
Best Time To Visit: December to March (-4°C to 8°C)
Top Tourist Attractions: Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Mountaineering, Trishul Peak, Auli Artificial Lake, Nanda Devi National Park, Gurso Bugyal, and Joshimath
Top Experiences: Winter sports, scenic views, and hiking amidst the meadows
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 days
Suggested Read: Best Waterfalls In India To Visit On Your Next Vacation
8. Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand
Photo: Amartyabag / Wikimedia Commons
Mukteshwar is an ideal destination for someone who prefers to visit non-crowded places. Named after the Mukteshwar temple, surrounded by the mighty Himalayas and a close view of Nanda Devi, it offers a pleasing sight to visitors. Mukteshwar also has adventure sports activities like rock climbing, hiking, trekking, and camping. Devotees come to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings at Mukteshwar Dham Temple along with the Jain Mandir. The Bhaalugad Waterfall is famous for its supreme natural beauty where tourists spend some time soaking in the serenity.
Best Time To Visit: March to June (9°C to 27°C)
Top Tourist Attractions: Mukteshwar Dham Temple, Chauli Ki Jali, Mukteshwar Inspection Bungalow, Kilmora Shop, Bhaalugad Waterfall, and nearby villages like Peora and Ramgarh.
Top Experiences: Rock climbing, hiking, trekking, and paragliding.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 days
9. Munsiyari, Uttarakhand
Photo: Sudipto Dutta / Wikimedia Commons
Known as a trekker’s paradise, Munsiyari is the base for trekking India’s second-highest peak Nanda Devi. But, that doesn’t take away the fact that this small idyllic town in Uttarakhand has a mesmerising natural beauty. Apart from offering a picturesque view of the Himalayas, this small town boasts a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in the traditional practices and festivals celebrated here. The name Munsiyari translates to ‘Place with snow’, justified by the snow-covered peaks even in peak summer months. For adventure seekers, there are multiple options like taking expeditions to the Nimak and Milam Trek.
Best Time To Visit: March to June (-3°C to 30°C)
Top Tourist Attractions: Tribal Heritage Museum, Maheshwar Kund, Thamri Kund, Khalia Top, Madkote, and Panchachuli.
Top Experiences: Skiing in Khalia Top, Camping, Trekking, River Rafting, Hiking, and Bird Watching
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 days
Suggested Read: A Detailed Guide To Some Of The Best Hill Stations In India
10. Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh
Photo: Piyush Tripathi / Wikimedia Commons
Last on the list of the best hill stations in North India is Dalhousie. Located in the Dhauladhar ranges in Himachal Pradesh, it stands out for its scenic landscapes and colonial charm. The main attraction in Dalhousie is the Panch Pulla Waterfalls. For a day trip, visitors plan to visit Khajjiar from Dalhousie to soak in the views of the lush green meadows, serene lakes, and dense forests. The Satdhara Falls leaves tourists in awe and so does a trek to Ganji Pahari and the most challenging trek to Dainkund Peak.
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to November (15°C to 25°C).
Top Tourist Attractions: Panchpula, Sach Pass, St. Francis Church, Khajjiar, and Daikund Peak
Top Experiences: Scenic walk along valleys, hike to Panchpula, road trip to Sach Pass, and colonial charm of St. Francis Church
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 days
The hill stations of North India offer a diverse range of experiences, from serene landscapes and adventure activities to rich cultural heritage and historical significance. With the charm that each place offers, there’s something to cater to the interests of every traveller. Plan your next vacation to one of these hill stations and get the bookings done with TripXL to avail best deals for a vacation within your budget.
Cover Photo: Garconlevis / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only.
