Hidden hill stations in India
Posted on By Flying Squirrel Holidays
Discover hidden hill stations in India perfect for peaceful escapes, untouched nature and slow travel away from the touristy crowd.
When we talk about hillstations in India, do places like Shimla, Ooty and Darjeeling come to your mind? These places have no doubt found acclaim in the global map for their scenic splendour but these hill stations are also headlining for traffic snarls, noise pollution from honking, endless queues at attractions and overcrowding.
But the best part is India is a huge country and there are no dearth of beautiful places here. These hill stations in India might not be high on the popularity lists but these are no less inviting. These hidden hill stations in India promise peace and tranquility, where you can go on long walks through mountain paths, interact with local people, savour local food and have a wonderful holiday away from the crowd.
If you are looking for an untouched destination where you can discover new places on your walk, just sit by an unknown tree by the road or climb up to a view point that very few people know about, we have created a list in this blog.
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Top untouched hill stations in India
Is a hidden hill station really “hidden”? In the modern world with maps and GPS ruling the roost it’s not really possible for any place to stay away from the public eye. So by an untouched hill station we mean a place where nature still unfolds its bounty, where the paths and roads are not crowded with people, where the wind can be heard playing in the leaves and where there are quaint homestays or eco-resorts that respect the sanctity of the place and expect travellers to do the same.
There are unexplored hill stations in North India, in the South, East and North East as well. It’s unfair to say these are unknown hill stations but we can always say these places are places that are definitely not touristy.
Lohajung, Uttarakhand
People often refer to it as a village but few know it’s a pass that connects three valleys: Pindar Valley, Mandakini valley and the Roopkund valley. Lohajung located in the Chamoli district is where some of India’s most pristine treks take off. The Brahmatal is the only alpine lake accessible during winter, Ali Bedni Bugyal, Asia’s largest alpine twin meadows and Roopkund, world’s most mysterious trek where you can find thousands of skeletons around the lake, which are much bigger than average human bones. This place is very much historically significant for the Nanda Devi Rat Jat Yatra, which happens once in 12 years. Lohajung offers magnificent views of the entire Pindar range like Mt Nanda Ghunti, Mt Trishul, Mrigthuni and Mektoli.
Things to experience:
- Trek to Brahmatal, Roopkund, Ali Bedni Bugyal
- Visit the last village of the Valley Wan
- Go to Izen top for amazing sunset over the Pindar Range
- Visit the Latu Devta Temple
How to reach
- Nearest airport: Jolly Grant, Dehradun
- Nearest railway station: Haridwar
Do note it takes around 8-10 hours from Rishikesh/Dehradun to reach Lohajung, it’s a 255km drive via Rudraprayag, Devprayag and Nandaprayag. All the cabs leave early in the morning, around 5:30 am to 6:30 pm
Best time to visit
- Late September to October – Post monsoon greenery ideal for Ali Bedni Bugyal and Roopkund trek
- November to February – Snowfall, clear sky and you can go on the Brahmatal trek
- March to May – The rhododendron season
Gorkhey, West Bengal
Gorkhey is a village where two states meet. You cross a short wooden bridge and you step into Sikkim from West Bengal. Located at the edge of Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, this village is not accessible by vehicle so it’s one of the most unexplored hill stations in India. You have to hike to reach this village from either Srikhola or Bhareng. People passed this village on the Sandakphu trek and Phoktey Dara trek. This peaceful village is wrapped in dense pine forest and the Gorkhey river keeps flowing through it. The forest around Gorkhey is home to red pandas and many species of birds. This place is a perfect example of silence and simplicity.
Things to experience
- Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary trek during the bloom
- Explore the nearest villages like Samanden, Barsey and hilley
- Trek to Sandakphu for the mesmerizing view of the Sleeping Buddha
- Stargazing by the Gorkhey River
- Birding and seeing the red pandas
How to reach
- Nearest airport: Bagdogra, Siliguri
- Nearest railway station: New Jalpaiguri (NJP)
There is no direct road to Gorkhey, take a private vehicle or shared cab till Bhareng and hike for 2km to reach this place.
Best time to visit
- March to May: Rhododendron blooming
- October to November: Post monsoon greenery
- December to February: Snowfall (The village looks like Narnia during snowfall)
Sach Pass (Pangi Valley), Himachal Pradesh
Sach Pass is definitely the best unexplored hill station of Himachal Pradesh. When it comes to rugged Himalayan adventures most people talk about Spiti or Rohtang but hardly do people know what a wonder Sach Pass is. Sach Pass is located at a height of 4420m and often referred to as one of the most dangerous motorable roads in India.
Sach Pass is a hidden hill station of Himachal Pradesh that is truly beautiful. This is a completely raw Himalayan village connecting the Chamba to the remote Pangi valley which is one of the most culturally preserved regions of Himachal Pradesh. The villages surrounding these places are Killar, Hundhan Bhatori, Mindhal and Sural. Historically, this route was used by gaddi shepherds to move their flocks.
Things to experience
- Cross the pass via bike or 4×4
- For local hikes, visit Killar, the administrative village of Pangi Valley
- You can also visit Kalatop wildlife sanctuary.
- Visit the Dainkund peak
- Experience the jaw-dropping beauty of Chamera Lake and Ganji Pahari
- Trek to Mindhal Mata Temple
- Explore the lush green meadows of Hunndhan Bhatori
How to reach
- Nearest airport: Pathankot (260km)
- Nearest railway station: Pathankot
From Pathankot you have to drive till Bairagarh and from Bairagarh to Killar via Sach pass is 170km
Best time to visit
- July to September: The pass opens, and roads are accessible
- Late September to October: Amazing views, crystal sky, golden landscape
During winter, it is closed due to snow accumulation
Longwa, Nagaland
Have you ever been to a village where a single house separates two countries? Yes it is Longwa, a village where the international border runs through the chief’s house. One half of the chief’s house lies in India and the other half in Myanmar. And locals don’t need a visa to cross the border. Home to the Konyak tribe, the tattooed head hunters still live in these villages from generations. This is the last place where you will find them. Longwa is located in the Mon district of Nagaland, carrying the history of the warrior generation that lives by code of pride, bravery and fierce territorial royalty. While the practice of headhunting is no longer there, their stories are still alive. This is one of the most unexplored destinations of the North East.
Things to experience
- Visit the Anghs’ house
- Knowing the stories of the Konyak tribe
- Attend Aoling festival (April)
- Explore the forest around
- Witness the log drum ritual in Morungs
How to reach
- Nearest airport: Dibrugarh or Jorhat
- Nearest railway station: Simaluguri or Dibrugarh
Best time to visit
- March to April: Aoling festival
- October to December: Hiking and clear skies
Hundarman, Kashmir
A village which is hauntingly beautiful and a storyteller’s paradise, yes that’s Hundarman. People while travelling to Leh take a night halt in Kargil but only few visit this untouched beauty which is just 12km away from Kargil. Located above the Suru river and just a few kilometers from India-Pakistan Loc, this village was once a home for Balti people. But after the war of 1971 when the borders were redrawn this village which was in the Pakistan side ended up in India . Now this village has turned into a museum of memories, surrounded by stone houses, pine forests, beautiful views and old journals. The village has been restored by the locals and is one of the dramatic locations for its amazing views.This is one of the most unknown hillstations of India.
Things to do
- Explore the untouched houses since 1971
- Learn about the Balti culture
- Hike to Hundarman Broq viewpoint
How to reach
- Nearest airport: Leh or Srinagar
- Nearest Railway station: Jammu Tawi
Best time to visit
- May to October: Clear roads, surreal views
Hee Bermiok, Sikkim
Hee Bermiok is an unknown hamlet in the lap of western slopes of Himalaya, sitting right across Mt. Kanchenjunga is not just another stop in the route of West Sikkim. Bermiok is a village offering a blend of Limboos, Lepcha and Bhutia cultures. Unlike other mainstream locations of Sikkim, this place has never given itself into commercialisation. The village is surrounded with heritage trails, pine and rhododendron forest, old monasteries and uninterrupted views of Mt Kanchenjunga on every walk.
Things to experience
- Hike to the Samduptse Monastery
- Visit the Hee Kyangbari Monastery one of the oldest in India
- Stay in local homes of Limboos and Bhutias
- Experience cardamom field farming
How to reach
- Nearest airport: Bagdogra
- Nearest Railway station: New Jalpiaguri
If you are taking a private vehicle you can directly reach Hee, but if you are taking a shared cab you have to first reach Jorethang and then change to another vehicle.
Best time to visit
- March to May: Rhododendron blooming season
- October to December: Clear skies, crisp cold weather
Hmuifang, Mizoram
Mizoram is often a distant memory or hard to reach destination for people. But only few know the surreal beauty of this state, and this highland haven which is located just 50km away from Aizwal at a height of 5200 feet is known as Hmuifang. Hmuifang is often referred to as a living museum of Mizo heritage. The place is known for its legendary legacy of Mizo chief Lalburo Sailo. It’s a hub of eco-cultural travel dotted with tribal settlements, bamboo houses and mizo folk songs. The historical Thalfavang Kut festival is still preserved in this village.
Things to experience
- Trek to villages like Sialsuk and Lungleng
- Explore the Hmuifang Tlang peak
- Stay in traditional bamboo homes with the locals
- Visit the Thalfavang Kut festival during November
How to reach
- Nearest airport: Lengpui airport, Aizawl
- Nearest Railway station: Silchar, Assam
Best time to visit
- March to May: Best for the forest trek and spring flowers
- October to December: Festivals, clear skies and amazing views
Talley Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
Apataniland, a valley where the ecology and culture is deeply influenced by their tribe, the Apatani people, who still follow the traditional style of sustainable agriculture, especially the unique paddy fish cultivation (rice grows with fish). Located 32km away from Ziro Valley, this valley is a slow traveler’s dream destination. Surrounded by the Talley Valley wildlife sanctuary this place is home to clouded leopards, red pandas, rare orchids and ferns that predate humans. It’s the last remaining subtropical and alpine forest running in the legacy of the Apatani tribe and one of the most unknown and untouched hillstations of India.
Things to experience
- Trek through the Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
- Visit the Apatani tribe villages like Hong or Hiza
- Hike through the Ziro-Talley trail
- Visit the Ziro festival
- Visit Myoko and Murung festivals
How to reach
- Nearest airport: Lilabari Assam or Guwahati
- Nearest railway station: Guwahati or Dibrugarh
Best time to visit
- March to May: Forest life and dry trails, Myoko festival
- September to November: Clear skies, post monsoon greenery
Haflong, Assam
Assam is always known for its tea estates, rhinos and river island, but only few did know that in the southern belly of this state there exists a place in the Dima Hasao district known as Haflong. Haflong is not a town, it’s a place where the culture blends into the tapestry of three communities Dimasa, Zeme Naga and Hmar. Haflong is the only hill station of the state and it’s one of the most underrated hill stations of North East India.
Things to experience
- Take a peaceful boat ride in the Haflong Lake
- Visit the Jatinga village during monsoon and learn about the mysterious birds phenomenon
- Explore the Dimasa and Zeme Naga culture
- Explore the Maibong village, the ancient capital of Dimasa Kingdom
- Visit the Fiangpui garden view point to witness the slow sunset.
How to reach
- Nearest airport: Silchar or Guwahati
- Nearest railway station: Silchar (But take a ride on the scenic Silchar-Lumding route)
Best time to visit
- October to April: Clear skies, dry and cool months
- June to September: Greenery, and misty weather
Mallakapara, Kerala
Kerala is known for its diverse landscape and hill stations, like Munnar, Wayanad and there are a lot more names in the tourist map. But here is this small hill station that lies between Valparai in Tamil Nadu and Athirapally in Kerala in the corner of the western ghats where the burden of crowds is near about zero. It is one of the most hidden hill stations in South India. Although there are some unexplored hill stations in Tamil Nadu too and Valparai is definitely one of those. But most unexplored hill stations of Tamil Nadu bare now becoming famous because more people are visiting it.
This untouched hill station of Mallakapara lies near the Sholayar Forest Range stretch endlessly with tea gardens, forest and elephants crossing the roads. This region is the home for Malabar Grey hornbill and Malabar pied hornbill along with the Malabar squirrel.
Things to experience
- Visit the largest rock fill dam the Sholayar Dam
- Great wildlife sightseeing like elephants, hornbill, lion-tailed macaques, nilgiri langurs
- Endless tea estates
- The Athirapally Waterfall
How to reach
- Nearest airport: Cochin international airport
- Nearest railway station: Chalakudy railway station
Do take the scenic drive from Valparai or Chalakudy. Do carry extra fuel because after Valparai or Chalakudy there are no petrol pumps.
Best time to visit
- September to March: Clear skies, post monsoon greenery
- June to August: Western ghats during monsoon is a different wonder.
Things to keep in my mind while traveling to these unknown hill stations in India
- Drop in connectivity: Hidden gems are always off network, you will hardly get 4G or 5G connections. It’s more like a digital detox. So do inform your loved ones and keep documents and maps downloaded.
- Always carry cash: ATMs are a myth, you will hardly find any ATM in these villages and eventually you might use UPI but the network won’t favour you.
- Pack lightly but adequately: Forget your beautiful rolling trollies. These places demand backpacks. Many places don’t have roads so you have to hike.
- Respect the community: People in these places are simple, they live a very different life, by the river, forest and under the sky. They will welcome you like their family. So please don’t litter, don’t blare music and support the community
- Expect delays: These places are not easily reachable. These are like detours, so you can’t expect everything to fall in place all the time. There might be car breakdown, road blocks and sometimes a herd of yak might block the road for the whole day
- Check permits: Many places which are connected with the borders need inner line permits. Do check before travelling
How Flying Squirrel Holidays can help you
Unexplored hill stations in India help you slow down. These places are not about ticking off boxes or posting reels, these are experiences that you won’t find on the internet. These places are truly pristine, untouched and unknown. You can be sure to feel relaxed and rejuvenated on a holiday in an unexplored hill station in India.
How we can help you:
1. Once you choose your destination we can tell you what’s the best time to visit and how remote the place is. Whether you can reach by vehicle or you need to hike.
2. We can check on the road condition and tell you if it’s dangerous to go during monsoon or road access and safety factors are okay.
3. Depending on the kind of place you want to stay in we will tell you if that kind of accommodation is available. Unexplored hill stations mostly have comfortable homestays and very few luxe resorts.
4. Once we are on the same page, we can book your stay, flights and private car transfers.
5. We will be just a phone call away on your entire journey. So exploring a remote place should not get you worried.
So if you’re someone who’s seeking peace rather than the touristy sunrise spot with 100 strangers, maybe it’s time for you to visit these unexplored hill stations.
Call us at + 9133 4052 5777 or write to us at contact@flyingsquirrelholidays.com
FAQs
1. What are some unexplored or hidden hill stations in India?
Some of the lesser-known hill stations include Gorkhey (West Bengal), Lohajung (Uttarakhand), Hee Bermiok (Sikkim), Longwa (Nagaland), Hundarman (Kashmir), Hmuifang (Mizoram), Talley Valley (Arunachal), Sach Pass (Himachal), Haflong (Assam), and Mallakkapara (Kerala).
2. Are hidden hill stations safe for solo travelers?
Yes, most are safe, especially for seasoned travelers. However, basic precautions, local research, and avoiding late-night travel in remote regions are advised.
3. What is the best time to visit these offbeat hill stations?
Generally, October to May is ideal. Avoid monsoon months unless you’re prepared for landslides or difficult terrain. Always check region-specific weather.
4. How do I reach these remote hill destinations?
Most require a mix of transport: flights or trains to the nearest city, then long drives (often 6–10 hours) through mountain roads. Shared cabs or private taxis are common.
5. Are there good stay options in such places?
Expect homestays, guesthouses, and eco-lodges rather than luxury hotels. Hospitality is often raw, heartfelt, and rooted in local culture.
6. Do these places have mobile network or internet?
Connectivity is patchy. Don’t expect strong signals or Wi-Fi everywhere. Some places are digital detox zones — and proudly so.
7. Are these destinations suitable for family travel?
Some are — especially if your family enjoys nature, trekking, and simple living. However, facilities for elderly travelers or small children may be limited.
8. Can I work remotely from these hidden spots?
Rarely. These locations aren’t made for “workcations” unless you’re okay with very limited internet and power outages.
9. What should I pack for such remote hill journeys?
Warm layers, power banks, sturdy shoes, basic medicines, offline maps, and cash (ATMs may be far). Always travel light but smart.
10.Why should I visit a hidden hill station instead of a popular one?
Because these places offer authenticity — untouched nature, deeper cultural connections, zero commercialization, and stories you won’t find in tourist brochures.
