Fed up with busy hill stations, traffic jams, and rising hotel prices? Discover these offbeat coolcation destinations instead, because the best summer getaways are not always the popular ones.
For cool temperatures, scenic views, crowd-free explorations, and tranquil spots away from the city’s hustle and bustle, these lesser-known Himalayan destinations are your ultimate answer. With good weather almost all year round, a calm atmosphere, and a wide variety of activities to choose from, all you need to do is pick a place, pack your bags, and let the mountains do the magic.
1. Chopta, Uttarakhand: Everyone’s Skipping Manali For this ‘Mini Switzerland’
Temperature in summer: 10°C to 20°C
Best time to visit: April to June, September to November
How to reach: This coolcation has the closest railway station in Rishikesh (around 200 kms), while the closest airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun, from where one can hire a cab or board a bus to Chopta via Rudraprayag and Ukhimath.
Budget: ₹2,500 to ₹4,000 per day (mid-range), including stay, food, and local travel
Nearby attractions: Tungnath (world’s highest Shiva temple), Chandrashila Peak, Deoria Tal
Crowd level: Low to moderate; busiest only during trekking
Ideal for: Trekkers, solo travellers, and couples seeking a quiet retreat
Where to stay: Forest guesthouses, KMVN tourist lodges, and budget campsites around Baniyakund
Local cuisine: Garhwali thali with mandua roti, gahat dal, and jhangora kheer
2. Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh: Trout Streams Instead of Traffic Jams
Temperature in summer: 15°C to 27°C
Best time to visit: March to June, September to November
How to reach: This coolcation has the closest airport at Bhuntar (Kullu), from which the valley is about 55 kms, while the closest railhead is Joginder Nagar. Regular bus and taxi services ply from Aut on the Chandigarh-Manali highway.
Budget: ₹2,000 to ₹3,500 per day
Nearby attractions: Great Himalayan National Park (UNESCO site), Jalori Pass, Serolsar Lake, Chehni Kothi tower
Crowd level: Very low (still undiscovered by mass tourism)
Ideal for: Nature lovers, anglers, couples, and families seeking a relaxed holiday
Where to stay: Riverside cottages and homestays in Gushaini and Banjar
Local cuisine: Himachali siddu, trout fish curry, and fresh desserts made with apples
3. Shoja, Himachal Pradesh: A Time Capsule Near Jalori Pass
Temperature in summer: 12°C to 22°C
Best time to visit: April to June
How to reach: This coolcation is closest to Bhuntar, from where one can reach Jalori Pass via Aut and Banjar. Shared taxis ply from Kullu.
Budget: ₹2,000 to ₹3,000 per day
Nearby attractions: Jalori Pass, Raghupur Fort trek, Serolsar Lake
Crowd level: Low to Moderate (mostly on weekends)
Ideal for: Solo travellers, digital detox seekers, and small groups
Where to stay: Wooden Kath-Kuni-style homestays and boutique forest cafes with rooms
Local cuisine: Local trout dishes, rajma-rice, and homemade pahadi ghee-laced dal
4. Chakrata, Uttarakhand: Cooler Than Mussoorie, Far Less Crowded
Temperature in summer: 14°C to 24°C
Best time to visit: March to June
How to reach: This coolcation has the nearest railway station and airport in Dehradun, from where one can hire a taxi or bus to Chakrata, which is around 90 kms away.
Budget: ₹2,000 to ₹3,500 per day
Nearby attractions: Tiger Falls, Deoban forest, Chilmiri Neck viewpoint
Crowd level: Low (being a cantonment town, it has very less infrastructure development)
Ideal for: Families, nature lovers, peace-seekers, and photography enthusiasts
Where to stay: Forest rest houses and small hillside hotels
Local cuisine: Garhwali kafuli, mandua ki roti, and fresh mountain honey
5. Dhanaulti, Uttarakhand: Deodar Forests Minutes from Mussoorie’s Chaos
Temperature in summer: 15°C to 25°C
Best time to visit: April to June
How to reach: This coolcation has the closest airport and railway station in Dehradun, from where one can hire a taxi or bus to Dhanaulti, which is around 60 kms away through Mussoorie.
Budget: ₹2,500 to ₹4,000 per day
Nearby attractions: Eco Park, Surkanda Devi Temple, Camel’s Back Road
Crowd level: Low to moderate on weekends
Ideal for: Families, honeymooners, and short weekend getaways
Where to stay: Forest cottages, eco-huts, and mid-range resorts
Local cuisine: Aloo gutke, kandali saag, and bhang ki chutney
6. Kausani, Uttarakhand: Himalayan Panoramas Without the Rush
Temperature in summer: 12°C to 24°C
Best time to visit: March to June
How to reach: This coolcation has the closest railway station is Kathgodam (around 130 kms), while the closest airport is Pantnagar, from where one can hire a taxi to Kausani.
Budget: ₹2,500 to ₹4,000 per day
Nearby attractions: Anasakti Ashram, Rudradhari Falls, Baijnath Temple
Crowd level: Moderate (popular mainly with domestic travellers seeking serenity)
Ideal for: Couples, families, and nature lovers wanting uninterrupted views of the Nanda Devi range
Where to stay: Hillside resorts and heritage-style guesthouses
Local cuisine: Bhatt ki churkani, local dairy products, and pahadi rajma
7. Munsiyari, Uttarakhand: Base Camp Views Without Base Camp Crowd
Temperature in summer: 10°C to 20°C
Best time to visit: May to June, September to October
How to reach: This coolcation has the nearest railhead at Kathgodam (about 280 kms), while the closest airport is Pantnagar, from where one can hire a taxi to Munsiyari. The drive through Kumaon is long but scenic.
Budget: ₹2,000 to ₹3,500 per day
Nearby attractions: Khaliya Top, Birthi Falls, Milam Glacier trek
Crowd level: Very low (remote enough to keep casual tourists away)
Ideal for: Serious trekkers and solo travellers
Where to stay: Basic guesthouses and a few eco-resorts
Local cuisine: Thick pahadi dal, buckwheat rotis, and local dairy
8. Lansdowne, Uttarakhand: A Colonial Cantonment Town Frozen in Time
Temperature in summer: 16°C to 26°C
Best time to visit: March to June
How to reach: This coolcation has the closest railway station at Kotdwar (around 40 kms), while the closest airport is Dehradun, from where one can hire a taxi to the town.
Budget: ₹2,000 to ₹3,500 per day
Nearby attractions: Tip N Top viewpoint, Bhulla Tal, War Memorial
Crowd level: Low due to restricted entry since it is an army cantonment
Ideal for: Families and couples wanting a calm and clean getaway
Where to stay: GMVN guesthouses and small private hotels
Local cuisine: Simple Garhwali meals and army-mess-style comfort food available at local eateries
9. Sangla Valley, Himachal Pradesh: Kinnaur’s Lesser-Known Gem
Temperature in summer: 10°C to 22°C
Best time to visit: May to October
How to reach: This coolcation has the closest airport in Shimla, while the nearest railhead is Kalka, from where one can hire a taxi or bus to Sangla.
Budget: ₹2,500 to ₹4,000 per day
Nearby attractions: Chitkul (India’s last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibetan border), Kamru Fort, Baspa River
Crowd level: Low (slowly gaining popularity)
Ideal for: Couples, offbeat explorers, and photography enthusiasts
Where to stay: Riverside homestays and apple-orchard cottages
Local cuisine: Kinnauri rajma, chhang (local brew), and dried fruits
10. Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand: Orchards, Cliffs & Total Silence
Temperature in summer: 15°C to 25°C
Best time to visit: March to June
How to reach: This coolcation has the closest railway station at Kathgodam (around 50 kms), while the closest airport is Pantnagar, from where easy taxi connections are available.
Budget: ₹2,500 to ₹4,000 per day
Nearby attractions: Chauli Ki Jali cliff, Mukteshwar Dham Temple, apple orchards
Crowd level: Low to moderate
Ideal for: Families, couples, and weekend travellers from Delhi-NCR
Where to stay: Boutique orchard resorts and homestays
Local cuisine: Kumaoni raita, aloo dum, and locally grown apples
