Exotic travellers look for appealing and adventurous trekking locations now and then. Being an exquisite beauty with a rich heritage and hidden gems like Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand is a state that travellers have not fully explored. Thus, walking through the unexplored trails surrounded by the splendid art of nature gives adventure seekers a potent dose of adrenaline. Here are some lesser-known and lesser-explored trekking places near Mukteshwar and Nainital:
- Tagore top, Ramgarh
Tagore top trek is a perfect trail for beginner trekkers. This picturesque walk begins behind the Ramgarh Market and takes you most of the way uphill to Tagore Top. As you travel along, you will come across a government apple orchard. The orchard has recently been paved with a path leading to Tagore Top. Enjoy the breezy wind and cotton clouds as you wind your way up the hill.
Distance: It is around 3.5kms distance from the trekking point behind Ramgarh market to the Tagore top.
Time: It will take approximately 2.5 hours to trek to Tagore top and back from Ramgarh market.
Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate
- MukteshwarSitla trail
Mukteshwar forest in Kumaon has one of the most beautiful patches of Himalayan oaks. Walking through the MukteshwarSitla trail, you will encounter lush green woods and narrow hilly paths. There is an easy walking path that extends through the forest. Also, a 45-minute path leads to Mukteshwar from Sitla. Make sure you take someone who knows the area if you want to explore forest trails.
Distance: This trail stretches 12km from Sitla to Sargakhet.
Time: You can stroll in the magnificent and majestic Mukteshwar forest and admire the beautiful nature and birds flying around for as long as you want.
Difficulty Level: Very easy
- Bhalu Gaad waterfall
Bhalu Gaad waterfall is a cascading waterfall that lies near Mukteshwar, Nainital. People need to hike to reach the waterfall from the village Dhari. If you search for things to do in Mukteshwar, the Bhalu Gaad waterfall trek is one of the top results. It is one of the dreamiest places in Mukteshwar, surrounded by a dense forest. If you visit Mukteshwar with your family, you can enjoy this small yet beautiful trek to the Bhalu Gaad waterfall.
Distance: The trek from Village Dhari shack to the 60 feet long waterfall is around 2kms only.
Time: Walking through the dense forest takes 40 – 45 minutes to reach the hidden beauty.
Difficulty Level: Easy
- Kumaon Village Hike
Kumaon village hike is experiencing native Kumaon folks’ lifestyle, delicacies, and farming techniques. When you visit Kumaon village, you can take a bucket full of memories home. The warm, welcoming feeling and hospitality of native people will take your heart away. To show how villagers interact with all these elements daily, they will take you through unhurried terraced fields, farms, meadows, forests, and fruit-laden orchards.
Distance: 4 to 5 km hike
Time: Hiking through the undulating paths takes about 2 hours approximately from Chirping Orchard homestay.
Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate
- Himalayan Fir Forest Hike
This forest trail comes alive with birds, butterflies, and forest heritage. It is a beginner-friendly hike, which you can enjoy with your family. You can explore the forest area, watch birds, eye-gaze nature and have a pleasant time with your kids.
Distance: The 4 km short trek is blanketed by rocky trails and lush green forests.
Time: Hike to Himalayan fir forest from Chirping Orchard homestay takes 3 hours
Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate
The Takeaway
If you love exploring offbeat, idyllic hill stations, you will love trekking these unexplored trails. There is something inexplicably charming about early morning treks to fabulous places. Add these to your bucket list if you want to see nature at its best.
