The capital city offers many locations to visit this Winters – just when you want a break!
If you’re craving a weekend away from the city’s chaos, you don’t necessarily have to pick the over-visited spots like Shimla or Manali. Nestled within a few hundred kilometres, there are several lesser-known hill retreats — quiet, charming and perfect for a trip in winters.
The misty mornings, pine-scented air, empty trails and uninterrupted views of the Himalayas – the mix of all this can be seen in a list made for you. Here are six offbeat hill stations near Delhi that promise serenity, adventure, and that much-needed digital detox.
1. Lansdowne
Lansdowne is a dreamy little cantonment town just a comfortable drive from Delhi, and the perfect choice if you want nature without long travel hours. Its winding roads and British-era architecture create an old-world charm that instantly slows you down.
What to do in Lansdowne:
- Enjoy a peaceful boat ride at Bhulla Lake
- Catch breathtaking views from Tip-in-Top
- Visit the serene St. Mary’s Church
- Walk through quiet forest trails
Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with family, or solo, Lansdowne offers the kind of peaceful ambience most hill stations have long lost.
2. Chakrata
If you’re looking for a destination that combines raw natural beauty with outdoor thrill, Chakrata is your answer. Hidden away in Uttarakhand, this quiet hill station is surrounded by deodar forests and misty mountain views — perfect for nature lovers who prefer the unexplored.
Top experiences in Chakrata:
- Trek to the spectacular Tiger Falls, one of India’s highest direct waterfalls
- Explore the mysterious Budher Caves
- Spend time at Deoban, known for 300-degree Himalayan views
- Try camping, forest walks and easy hikes
Chakrata remains refreshingly non-commercial, making it a great pick for offbeat travelers.
3. Binsar
If you want to disappear into nature and return completely refreshed, Binsar is that magical retreat. Located in the Kumaon region, Binsar is home to the famous Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected forest bursting with rare birds, flora and fauna.
Why Binsar is special:
- Stunning sunrise views from Zero Point
- Bird-watching trails perfect for photographers
- Forest lodges that feel cut off from the world
- Lush hikes surrounded by oak and deodar forests
Binsar is ideal for people who want silence, fresh mountain air, and a break from phone networks and city noise.
4. Kanatal
Perched between Mussoorie and Chamba, Kanatal is one of those destinations that enchant you with simplicity. Think of starry nights, cozy camps, apple orchards and peaceful trails running through pine forests.
Must-do experiences in Kanatal:
- Visit the scenic Surkanda Devi Temple
- Try camping, trekking and zip-lining
- Walk through forest trails with panoramic views
- Spend time by the stunning Tehri Lake
Kanatal is all about unwinding — perfect for couples, solo backpackers, or anyone seeking a scenic yet quiet getaway.
5. Pangot
Just 15 km from busy Nainital lies the sleepy village of Pangot, a place as charming as it is calm. With thick oak and pine forests and more than 500 species of birds, Pangot offers nature in its purest and natural form.
Why travelers love Pangot:
- Unmatched birdwatching experiences
- Forest homestays with rustic charm
- Gentle hikes to Snow Viewpoint and Kilbury
- Cool weather almost throughout the year
If your ideal holiday is waking up to bird calls and sipping tea in the mountains, Pangot won’t disappoint.
6. Shoghi
A few kilometers before Shimla lies Shoghi, an underrated and lesser-known hill town surrounded by dense forests. Unlike Shimla, Shoghi remains peaceful throughout the year and offers beautiful stays tucked away in the woods.
Things to explore in Shoghi:
- Visit the scenic Tara Devi Temple
- Walk through thick pine and oak forests
- Enjoy local fruit farms, jams and pickles
- Relax in eco-friendly hillside resorts
Shoghi gives you all the charm of Himachal — minus the crowds.
These offbeat destinations near Delhi offer exactly the escape your soul needs. So, pack your bags, leave the traffic behind, and let the mountains remind you what peace feels like.
