When the summer gets hotter in June 2025, fleeing to the colder hills of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand is a great idea. While crowded places like Shimla and Mussoorie tend to be teeming with people, off-the-beaten-path hill stations in the two states provide serenity, breathtaking scenery, and an opportunity to bond with nature. These quirky hill getaways, commonly referred to as Himachal summer retreats and Uttarakhand offbeat gems, offer a much-needed respite from hot plains. Below is a list of 10 less-known hill stations in Himachal and Uttarakhand to visit this summer for a peaceful and worthwhile escape.
Why Choose Less-Known Hill Stations?
Less-known hill stations are perfect for travelers looking for peace far from tourist throngs. These unconventional hill getaways in Himachal and Uttarakhand provide stunning scenery, pure air, and a leisurely pace of life. As opposed to crowded places, these Himachal summer getaways and Uttarakhand offbeat attractions allow you to experience nature’s splendor without the hum of traffic or expensive cafes. You’re a nature enthusiast or an adventure-junkie, these offbeat hill stations offer the ideal summer retreat with fewer crowds and real experiences.
Lesser-Known Hill Stations in Himachal Pradesh
1.Shoghi: A Quiet Retreat Near Shimla
Shoghi, just 13 km from Shimla, is one of the lesser-known hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. Surrounded by pine forests, this Himachal summer escape is perfect for family picnics and nature walks. Visit the Kali Temple or enjoy the lush greenery at Jakhoo Hill. Shoghi’s lack of commercial shops ensures a peaceful stay, making it a true offbeat hill retreat for summer.
2.Nahan: A Scenic Gem in the Shivaliks
Nahan, situated in the Shivalik Range, is one of the offbeat hill stations with picturesque views of meadows and lakes. 267 km from Delhi, this Himachal summer getaway boasts Renuka Lake and Suketi Fossil Park. Hike up to Churdhar Peak or head to Paonta Sahib Gurudwara for a spiritual experience. Nahan’s romantic atmosphere makes it ideal for couples looking for offbeat hill getaways.
3.Jibhi: Peace in Tirthan Valley
Jibhi in Himachal’s Tirthan Valley is a hidden hill station ideal for seclusion. Live in wooden homestays, walk to secluded trails, or just laze on the riverside. This Himachal summer getaway, a 50 km drive from Bhuntar Airport, has trout fishing and forest camping on offer, making it one of the best offbeat hill getaways for nature enthusiasts this summer.
4.Gushaini: A Riverside Haven
Gushaini, along the Tirthan River, is one of the lesser-known hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. Famous for angling and bird watching, the Himachal summer get-away is a peaceful holiday in nature. The clear river waters and peaceful meadows at Gushaini provide an ideal offbeat hill retreat for peace lovers in summer.
5.Prashar Lake: A Hidden Gem Near Mandi
Prashar Lake, 49 km north of Mandi, is one of the not-so-well-known hill stations with a magical floating island in the lake. The Himachal summer retreat is named after Sage Prashar and consists of an ancient temple and green meadows. It’s a non-touristy hill retreat for a peaceful summer sojourn amidst breathtaking Himalayan vistas.
Lesser-Known Hill Stations in Uttarakhand
6.Devprayag: A Spiritual Escape
At an altitude of 830 meters, Devprayag is one of the less-visited hill stations in the state of Uttarakhand, where the rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi meet. Make a stop in the Raghunathji Temple or Dhaneshwar Mahadev Temple for some spiritual enlightenment. This hidden gem of Uttarakhand, situated 88 km from Jolly Grant Airport, provides calm, but best avoided during monsoons as the water levels are too high.
7.Askot: An Historic Retreat
Askot, a lesser-known hill station in Uttarakhand, was under the rule of several dynasties, such as the Gorkhas and British. Visit the Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary or take in the views of the Panchuli ski range. This Uttarakhand offbeat gem is suitable for history buffs and nature lovers in search of offbeat hill retreats during summer.
8.Chaukori: A Tranquil Kumaon Hamlet
Chaukori in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon is one of the less popular hill stations with breathtaking vistas of Nanda Devi and Panchachuli peaks. This offbeat Uttarakhand gem is perfect for nature enthusiasts, with sunrises and sunsets of golden hues and peaceful scenery. Explore Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave Temple for an out-of-the-ordinary experience in this offbeat hill getaway.
9.Peora: A Picturesque Village Near Mukteshwar
Peora, near Mukteshwar, is a lesser-touristy hill station in Uttarakhand with sal, pine, and oak forests. Birding enthusiasts will enjoy seeing numerous species, and the Himalayan panoramas are stunning. This summer offbeat hill getaway in Uttarakhand has homegrown fruits such as apples and peaches. It is a charming offbeat hill retreat.
10.Nelong Valley: An Abandoned Himalayan Jewel
Nelong Valley, 4 hours from Harsil, is one of the lesser-known hill stations of Uttarakhand, and it looks like the deserts of Ladakh. Being part of Gangotri National Park, this Uttarakhand offbeat destination needs permission from the DM’s office in Uttarkashi to visit. The untouched scenic beauty and old wooden bridge make it an offbeat hill retreat for summer holidays.
Tips for Visiting Lesser-Known Hill Stations
- Plan Ahead: Book rooms in advance, as these offbeat hill stations lack plenty of choices.
- Travel Light: Carry comfortable shoes and walking clothes for trekking and walking through these offbeat hill resorts.
- Respect Nature: Don’t litter and respect the local culture to enjoy the beauty of these Himachal summer getaways and Uttarakhand offbeat destinations.
- Check Weather: June in Uttarakhand and Himachal can be nice (15-25°C) but might see rain, so carry an umbrella.
- Travel Smart: Most lesser-known hill stations are accessible by road from nearby cities like Dehradun or Chandigarh.
Escape to These Hidden Gems This Summer
Exploring lesser-known hill stations in Himachal and Uttarakhand this summer offers a chance to unwind in nature’s lap. From Shoghi’s quiet trails to Nelong Valley’s rugged beauty, these Himachal summer escapes and Uttarakhand hidden gems provide a peaceful retreat. If you are looking for spiritual peace at Devprayag or adventure at Jibhi, these offbeat hill resorts are sure to give you a refreshing experience. Plan your holiday at these offbeat hill stations and experience the unexplored beauty of the Himalayas during summer 2025.
