While popular destinations have their charm, offbeat destinations are yet unexplored and give you a reason to visit to chase the unexpected. You don’t know what you will find in these places as there is yet a lot unexplored. This offbeat destination has their adventure as you need to find out how to reach there and arrange your accommodation could also be a challenge sometimes and some extra work but an untamed beauty of these places make every worth it. These hill stations are yet unadulterated and untouched by many.

Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh

Ziro, arguably one of the most bewitching landscapes of India, is nestled at the highest point of Arunachal Pradesh in the Lower Subansiri district. The destination is home to theancient Apatani tribe, which is known for its unique cultural values, agricultural system and social forestry system. The facial tattoos and nose plugs that the elderly locals sport gives this census town a mystical feel, delineating the rich cultural heritage that it has been carrying till now. In fact, UNESCO has also made a proposal to include this place in the World Heritage Sites. Peppered with beautiful rice fields, this place has a laidback vibe that turns musical and hippy during the month of September when Ziro Music Festival is organised, an event that is attended by thousands of music lovers from around the world.

Mashobra, Himachal Pradesh

Mashobra is a quaint little town in Himachal Pradesh, connected to Shimla via Hindustan-Tibet Road, the historic road built by Lord Dalhousie way back in 1850. Not frequented by tourists often, this place is apt for a relaxing holiday. Thickly wooded with oak, rhododendron, Himalayan deodar and cedar trees, Mashobra is ideal for a creative break for artists.

Munsiyari, Uttarakhand

Extremely popular among adventure enthusiasts, Munsiyari is a beautiful hill station nestled at an elevation of 2298 m. Deeply forested with rhododendron, cedar and deodar trees, this place offers beautiful views of snow-capped Himalayan ranges. It’s a starting point of many treks, of which, the trek to Namik Glacier Trek is quite popular.

Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh

This beautiful valley in the Eastern Ghats is one of the best kept secrets of Andhra Pradesh. Also, known as the ‘Food bowl of South India’, it is noted for coffee plantations, caves and waterfalls. The serpentine hill roads making their way through the mist is a sight to behold as you head to visit nearby attractions like Sangda Waterfalls, Dumbriguda Fall, Katiki Falls, and Borra Caves to mention a few. This place is in full bloom during the months from September to October, and March to May.

Dharamkot, Himachal Pradesh

This quaint little hill station rests on the top of the hill above Mcleodganj, neatly away from the hustle and bustle of Dharamshala. Peppered with tiny guesthouses and village homes, this place is widely known for its meditation centres—Vipassana, Tushita and Dhamma Sikhara—and slow-footed life. It is also a jumping-off site for Triund, a popular trek, which has been attracting adventure enthusiasts from far and near. Do visit the cafes here, apparently every café in Dharamkot has aced in pancakes, lasagnas, pastas and hummus. Fruit wines and apple cedar are widely available in grocery shops here; don’t forget to try them.

Kaza, Himachal Pradesh

This high-altitude cold desert rests at an altitude of 3650 m above sea level with a similar terrain as that of Tibet or Ladakh. Buddhist culture prevails in the region and the town is accessible from Kinnaur as well as Lahaul Valley. Less frequented by tourists due to rough terrain, this place mainly attracts mountaineers, adventure junkies and trekking enthusiasts. Tangyud Monastery, Kibber Village and Key Gompa are some of the most prominent attractions near Kaza. The town rests on the banks of the Spiti river, with a street market where utilities are available. The market also has a few shops, selling adventure sports equipments, and bakeries that sell amazing lemon tarts.

Aru Valley, Kashmir

If you enjoyed the village-like setting of Pahalgam, the sounds of gushing Lidder river and galloping horses, pitching a tent in Aru Valley will certainly amplify your pleasure. Wake up amidst misty mountains every morning and stroll across the valley, click pictures and go for horse riding. Opt for trekking if you wish to, as Aru is the starting point of expeditions to Kolahoi Glacier and Sonamarg. Nearby attractions include Betaab Valley, Baisaran and Chandanwari.

Kibber, Himachal Pradesh

Resting at an altitude of 4205 m, Kibber is, supposedly, the highest village in the world, has a difficult terrain and thus witnesses less tourist footfall. The allure of barren and the majestic mountains besides the overwhelming silence of monasteries adds to the charm of this place. It is about 18 km away from Kaza and lies in proximity to villages like Komic, Langshu and Hikkim, which are base camps for many treks. There is a wildlife sanctuary too, home to Himalayan wolf, Tibetan wild ass, snow leopard, Tibetan woolly hare and blue sheep among others.

Tawang- Arunachal Pradesh

Tawang, located in the state of Arunachal Pradesh, is one of the least populated cities of the country. Resting at an altitude of 3048 m, this place is historically and naturally blessed, and is one of the least frequented hill stations of the country. You are required to get a government-issued special Inner Line Permit to enter the district, available in Tezpur, New Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati.