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There are several less crowded hill stations in North India where people can enjoy their time without large tourist groups. These places have mountains, small villages, and local traditions untouched by heavy tourism. Some towns have old temples, wooden houses, and open fields, while others have high-altitude roads and trekking routes. The weather in these places stays pleasant, making them good for short trips. Unlike busy locations, these towns provide a quieter space for visitors. Below is a list of hill stations where people can explore nature, history, and local life without much disturbance.
Top 10 Less Crowded Hill Stations In North India
Escape the crowds and explore these quiet hill stations in North India.
1. Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh
Photo: Arunachal2007 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Ziro is located in Arunachal Pradesh and is home to the Apatani tribe, which is known for its cultural practices and traditional farming methods. The people of Ziro live in houses made of bamboo, and the women of the Apatani tribe are known for their facial tattoos and nose plugs. The town has rice fields, small rivers, and wooden bridges. The Ziro Music Festival takes place every September, bringing music lovers from different places. Ziro is also a proposed UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the less crowded hill stations in North India which makes it unique.
Major Attractions: Meghna Cave Temple, Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Lilabari Airport (100 km)
2. Mashobra, Himachal Pradesh
Photo: Supreet / Wikimedia Commons
Mashobra is a quiet place near Shimla. It is surrounded by oak and deodar trees, and small villages can be seen along the roads. The town is connected to Shimla by the old Hindustan-Tibet Road, built in the 19th century. Unlike Shimla, Mashobra does not get many visitors, making it one of the best hill stations in North India for those looking for less crowded places. The area has small shops, a few local eateries, and open spaces where people take walks and enjoy fresh air. In summer, apple orchards in Mashobra are full of fruit.
Major Attractions: Craignano Nature Park, Mahasu Devta Temple, Reserve Forest Sanctuary
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 days
Nearest Airport: Shimla Airport (30 km)
3. Munsiyari, Uttarakhand
Photo: Aniket Mandish / Unspalsh / Image For Representation Only
Munsiyari is located at 2,298 metres and is among the highest hill stations in North India. It is known for its trekking routes and views of the Himalayan mountains. The weather is cold for most of the year, and snow is common in winter. Locals depend on farming and tourism for their livelihood. Many visitors come to Munsiyari to trek to places like the Namik Glacier. The town has a few hotels and small restaurants that serve local food. It remains less crowded because reaching the nearest big city takes a long time.
Major Attractions: Birthi Falls, Khaliya Top Trek, Nanda Devi Temple
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 days
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport (249 km)
4. Dharamkot, Himachal Pradesh
Photo: Rignam Wangkhang / Wikimedia Commons
Dharamkot is a small village above McLeodganj in Himachal Pradesh. It is known for its meditation centres and slow lifestyle. Many visitors come to Dharamkot to learn about Tibetan culture and participate in yoga and meditation. The village has small cafés, where visitors can sit and enjoy simple meals. Unlike McLeodganj, Dharamkot does not get large crowds. It is also the starting point for the Triund Trek, which takes people to a high viewpoint. Many international visitors stay in Dharamkot for weeks to learn meditation and live a simple life.
Major Attractions: Tushita Meditation Centre, Gallu Devi Temple, Bhagsu Waterfall
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Gaggal Airport (20 km)
5. Kaza, Himachal Pradesh
Photo: Bharatkaistha / Wikimedia Commons
Kaza is located in Spiti Valley and is 3,650 metres above sea level. It is one of the highest hill stations in North India and has rough roads, making it difficult to reach. The town has small shops, Buddhist monasteries, and guesthouses for travellers. Most buildings are stone and mud, and the area has very little vegetation. People visit Kaza to see ancient monasteries and villages that follow Tibetan traditions. Due to its location, Kaza remains one of the least crowded hill stations in North India.
Major Attractions: Key Monastery, Kibber Village,
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 5 days
Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport (250 km)
6. Aru Valley, Jammu & Kashmir
Photo: Nandanupadhyay / Wikimedia Commons
Aru Valley is one of the best hill stations in North India, offering a quiet escape from busy tourist spots. Located near Pahalgam, this small village has wooden houses, green fields, and tall mountains in the background. Visitors can walk along the trails, camp by the river, or enjoy the fresh air. It is also the starting point for treks to Kolahoi Glacier and Sonmarg. Unlike Pahalgam, Aru Valley sees fewer visitors, making it a great choice for those who prefer less crowded places with natural beauty and outdoor activities.
Major Attractions: Betaab Valley, Baisaran Hills, Lidder River
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Srinagar Airport (102 km)
7. Nahan, Himachal Pradesh
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons
Nahan is a quiet getaway in the Shivalik Range of the Himalayas. Known as one of the least crowded hill stations in North India, this small town has temples, lakes, and an old fort that adds to its charm. Unlike the busy hill stations, Nahan sees fewer tourists, making it a great place for a relaxed visit. The weather stays cool throughout the year, and the hills turn green during the monsoon. The local markets sell handicrafts and traditional Himachali items. Visitors often walk around the town, exploring its small streets and open spaces.
Major Attractions: Renuka Lake, Jaitak Fort, Churdhar Peak
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 days
Nearest Airport: Chandigarh Airport (85 km)
8. Kibber, Himachal Pradesh
Photo: Ksuryawanshi / Wikimedia Commons
Another unique North India hill station is Kibber, situated at 4,205 metres above sea level. This high-altitude village has stone and mud houses, and its roads are dusty. The people here mainly raise yaks and sheep, and their way of life is simple. Kibber is also part of a wildlife sanctuary where rare animals like the snow leopard can be spotted in winter. Unlike the more famous hill stations, it remains quiet and secluded. The village offers a chance to see a different side of the Himalayas, away from crowded tourist spots.
Major Attractions: Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, Chicham Bridge
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport (245 km)
9. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Photo: Arkadipta Chandra / Wikimedia Commons
Tawang is a remote town in Arunachal Pradesh, sitting at 3,048 metres. It is home to one of India’s largest Buddhist monasteries, Tawang Monastery, which many visitors visit. The town has rivers, valleys, and snow-covered peaks in winter. Due to its location near the India-China border, travellers need an Inner Line Permit to visit. The roads to Tawang are steep and winding, but the journey is worth it. Unlike crowded hill stations, Tawang remains quiet, making it a good choice for those exploring a unique mountain town.
Major Attractions: Sela Pass, Nuranang Falls
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 days
Nearest Airport: Tezpur Airport (325 km)
10. Landour, Uttarakhand
Photo: Paul Hamilton / Wikimedia Commons
Landour is a quiet town near Mussoorie, known for its old buildings and connection to famous writer Ruskin Bond. Unlike Mussoorie, it does not get many tourists, making it an ideal place for a tranquil getaway. The town has small cafés, quaint bookshops, and narrow roads shaded by tall trees. A stroll through Landour gives a glimpse of colonial-era history. Some cafés serve homemade cakes and coffee, which visitors enjoy while enjoying fresh mountain air. It is a good choice for a simple, less crowded hill station.
Major Attractions: Lal Tibba, Char Dukan, St. Paul’s Church
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 days
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport (60 km)
Many people now look for less crowded hill stations in North India where they can travel more flexibly. These places have old buildings, local markets, and open landscapes without many visitors. People can walk around, visit nearby places, and learn about local traditions. Plan your trip with TripXL and explore these hidden locations at your own pace.
Cover Photo: Rohit Dey / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
