12. Ranikhet | 435 kms
Ranikhet is one of the best hill stations one can visit in Uttarakhand. It is also known as ‘Queen's Meadow', and it is so beautiful and mesmerising that one can term it paradise on earth. Ranikhet is a cantonment town in Uttarakhand, and since it is situated at an elevation of 1869 meters, it receives snowfall during the winters. However, it remains pleasantly cool during summers.
- How to Reach: Via NH730
- Places to Visit: Mankameshwar Temple, Haidakhan Babaji Temple, Upat Kalika, Jhula Devi Temple, Chaubatia Orchard
Note: Ranikhet in itself is beautiful, and tourists can best explore it by going on a trekking expedition.
- Average Cost: ₹ 4,000 - ₹ 5,000 per person per day (hotel cost)
- Best Time to Visit: February to November
13. Almora | 438.8 kms
Tourists waiting to watch some panoramic views of the Himalayas and breathtaking natural beauty should head off to this destination. Almora is the capital city of the Kumaon region in Uttarakhand. It is bound by thick forests of fir and pine trees. This town has historical significance as it has been visited many times by Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi.
- How to Reach: Via NH30
- Places to Visit: Zero Point, Kasar Devi, Chitai Temple, Jageshwar, Bright end corner, Binsar
- Average Cost: ₹ 4,000 - ₹ 5,000 per person per day (hotel cost)
- Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November
14. Pithoragarh | 449.2 kms
Pithoragarh is a small urban town and is known for its mesmerising raw beauty of nature. It is often termed 'Little Kashmir', and it is the fourth largest city in Kumaon Hills, even larger than Nainital and Almora. Pilgrims who are on their way to Kailash Mansarover often stay over in this town.
- How to Reach: Via NH9
- Places to Visit: Pitoragarh Fort, Nakuleshwar Temple, Thal Kedar, Dhwaj Temple, Didihat, Chandak, Munsiyari
- Average Cost: ₹ 1,500 - ₹ 2,500 per person per day (hotel cost)
- Best Time to Visit: April to November
Note: It would be best to avoid the monsoon season (July-August)
15. Auli | 655.3 kms
Auli is surrounded by old oaks, pine trees and apple orchards and has no end for natural beauty. Auli is a paradise for people who enjoy skiing, and other than that, oak and coniferous forests and Nar Parvat and Nanda Devi mountains surround this place. Other than skiing, individuals should also try trekking in the hills of the Garhwal Himalayas.
- How to Reach: Via NH109
- Places to Visit: Auli artificial lake, Chhatrakund, Joshimath, Narsingh Temple, Chenab lake, Gorson Bugyal
- Average Cost: ₹ 3,500 - ₹ 4,500 per person per day (hotel cost)
- Best Time to Visit: November to March