Do you feel as if the World is getting smaller with each passing day? Especially when we are talking about travelling to new places. Everywhere you go, whether it be the valleys of India or its beaches, you will find droves of micro-influencers, travellers, vloggers, couples and groups.

Already littered around the place taking pictures, making videos and doing touristy stuff. While it’s good for the local economy, the social media aesthetic and our overall happiness index. But on the other hand, the very purpose of travelling is being rendered moot.

Tourist destinations are now filled with high-end showrooms, shopping centres, hotel franchises and the menu is filled with the same old cuisine that you find in a metro city’s cafe. To tackle the onslaught of consumerism in natural landscapes. We have devised a list of valleys that are untouched by the essence of capitalism and provide a fully authentic natural experience.

This is for all those travellers who want to be with Nature in its truest form. Let’s jump in!

Pindar Valley, Uttarakhand

Nestled near the peaks of Mount Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot is the Pindar Valley in Uttarakhand. Out of the many famous peaks situated in Uttarakhand, the Pindar Valley remains comparatively untouched and un-trekked. Its raw wilderness and the vast landscape will mesmerize your senses for sure. It’s not a difficult terrain to hike and some websites have rated it ‘moderate’ on the difficulty level. 

FUN FACT: Legends say that Pindar Valley got its name after the Pandavas. On their journey to Heaven, did their ‘pind daan’ here. After that, its name was Pindari.

How to reach: If you’re flying in, then the nearest airport is in Pantnagar which is approx 140 km away from Bageshwar. If you’re taking the train the nearest railway station will be Kathgodam. Once you reach the airport/station, you’ll need to take a bus, shared taxi or drive your own car till Bageshwar.

Activities To Do: Trekking, camping, hiking adventure

Suggested Read: Uttarakhand: Discover 5 Hidden Gems

Nubra Valley, Ladakh

Situated at an altitude of 10000 ft. and nestled between Tibet and Kashmir is the Nubra valley. It is a mesmerizing valley known for its ethereal beauty. Gorgeous neighbouring Himalayan snowcapped peaks and expansive blue skies.

This valley allures to many trekkers, both amateur and professionals and adventure seekers as well since this is as close you can get to Siachen Glacier. But that’s not all, apart from the scenic natural beauty, there are several centres for Buddhist learning i.e. Diskit, Hunder, Ensa monastery, etc.

FUN FACT: Nubra Valley, apart from being a hike destination, is called ‘Moonland’. Because, during the winter, the whole valley looks like the surface of the moon. During summer, the same landscape is rolling in fresh green grass.

How to reach: If you’re travelling by flight then Leh is the nearest airport for you. From there, you can hire a taxi or a bus directly to Nubra valley. But if you want to reach Diskit valley first, then you should land in Srinagar airport. 

If you’re coming by train then Jammu will be your nearest station. From there you can get a bus/taxi and then head over to Leh and then finally to Nubra valley.

In order to reach Nubra valley by car/bus/taxi, you can start from Leh, which is about 150 km away. Take note that you will have to cross the Khardung La pass to reach Leh. So ensure that you have all your required permits and documentation with you.

Mana Valley, Uttarakhand

Located near Badrinath, Mana village is a hidden gem of a village, a difficult hike destination. It is one of the most important places in Hindu mythology. It is said that Mana Valley is where Maharishi Vyas narrated the Mahabharata to Lord Ganesha.

You can even visit the ‘Vyas Gufa’ and ‘Ganesh Gufa’ and experience the divinity yourself. If you’re a physically fit spiritual seeker then you must visit this mesmerizing valley. You can also visit the Badrinath shrine which is just about 5 km away from the valley.

FUN FACT: Located at approx 18000 ft. Mana Village is the last Indian village. Once you cross this village, you will enter Tibet! It has been designated as a ‘tourism village’ by the Uttarakhand government.

How to reach: Due to its location, you can reach Mana village only by road. The easiest access to Mana Village starts from Delhi. From there you can either take a bus, a taxi. Or drive your own vehicle and drive approx 600 km to reach Mana Village. 

By bus, you will have to take the bus from Delhi to Haridwar first. From there, you must take the bus to Badrinath. Although if you’re travelling via flight, then you will need to land at Dehradun first and then, you can hire a taxi or the bus route.

Things to see: Bheem Pul, Ganesha Gufa & Vyas Gufa, Vasudhara waterfall, Tapt Kund.

Activities to do: Trekking, astrophotography, hiking adventure

Travel Story: Explore the Trails of Triund with Bhanu

Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh

Dibang valley, named after the Dibang river, is the least populated district of India. It is host to India’s richest flora and fauna. Divided into two parts, the lower Dibang valley & the upper Dibang valley. It is home to various rare mammals, birds and vegetation. So if you’re looking for a break from the city life and want to get lost in nature then Dibang valley is the place to go.

FUN FACT: Recently, a new species of squirrels was discovered that can fly. They were named after the Mishkin district in Dibang valley i.e. Mishmi Hills Giant Flying Squirrel Petaurista mishmiensis.

How to reach Dibang Valley: If travelling by air, your nearest airport will be the Dibrugarh Airport. From there you can hire a taxi to reach the valley. If you’re taking the train, the nearest station will be in Tinsukia from where the same taxi route applies.

Things to do: Trekking, exploring Mishimi village, Dibang wildlife sanctuary, hiking adventure.

Yumthang Valley, Sikkim

Located at approx 12000 ft, Yumthang valley is nestled quaintly near the Eastern Himalayas. With gorgeous landscapes and picturesque hills dominating the view. The cherry on the cake comes in the form of the Teesta river which is responsible for the flourishing greenery in the area.

FUN FACT: Yumthang valley is also known as the ‘Rhododendron heaven of India’. Since it hosts 24 species of Rhododendron! 

How to reach: You will find the nearest airport to be in Bagdogra which is about 220 km away from Yumthang. If you are travelling by train, the nearest railway station is in Darjeeling. From there, you can either take a bus or a taxi to go to Yumthang valley.

Things to see: Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary (from March-May), Yumthang Hot Spring, Carpet Weaving Centre, Zero Point, Lachung Monastery.

Conclusion:

If you’re an adventure seeker, nature lover; if you’re a fan of hike destinations and want to stay away from crowds for more than a week?

You might as well take a printout of this blog and save it for later use. I hope this listicle encourages you to explore the hidden valleys of India. While you do it, may you find yourself again. Remember, while exploring these hidden mesmerizing valleys. Do NOT litter, be courteous towards the native populace and enjoy responsibly.

Happy travels 🙂

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