As October arrives, long weekends appear, which generate great enthusiasm among people. However, it is not necessary to travel to Kasol, Manali, Shimla, Nainital, or Mussoorie during every vacation. Since visiting popular places in Himachal and Uttarakhand often gives the impression that half of Delhi has moved there, such places can spoil the enjoyment of mountain tranquility due to long traffic jams, queues, and hotel booking issues.
Under these circumstances, you can visit these peaceful villages located just a few hours' drive from Delhi. If you want to spend a few days in a quiet mountain village away from the crowds, you can go to some lesser-known villages in the states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Here you can get a close look at home hospitality by the river, lush forests, magnificent mountain views, and the simplicity of the local residents, as well as try local mountain cuisine. Many of these places can be reached after an overnight bus journey from Delhi.
The most peaceful Himalayan villages:
Gushaini Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Gushaini, located on the banks of the Tirthan River in Himachal, is a very quiet area. It is an ideal place for those who want to spend a peaceful vacation close to nature, away from large crowds. Here you can find comfortable guesthouses where you can quietly enjoy tea by the river. Fishing for trout, hiking, and excursions into the surrounding forests are also available here. It is also the main entrance to the Great Himalayan National Park. Gushaini can be reached by taxi about an hour after arriving at the night bus station from Delhi.
Rashol, Parvati Valley
If you like trekking, you can consider Rashol, where you can combine trekking with village life during long weekends. This village, located in Parvati Valley, is not directly accessible by road. First, you need to take a bus from Delhi to Kasol, and then walk for about 3-4 hours to reach Rashol. However, upon reaching the village on foot, you will see breathtaking views of Parvati Valley.
Barot, Mandi
Barot, located near the Uhal River, is one of the quiet and beautiful places in Himachal. Here you can enjoy relaxing by the river or camping in the forests. Barot is also known for its trout farming. The surrounding greenery and the old tourist trolley route give this place a unique experience that sets it apart from other mountain destinations. To get here, first take an overnight bus from Delhi to Mandi or Joginder Nagar, and then drive about two hours to Barot.
Chopta, Uttarakhand
Chopta in Uttarakhand is famous for its green meadows and views of the Himalayas, and it is called the 'Miniature Switzerland of India'. Chopta is a base for the Tungnath and Chandrashila treks, from where incredibly beautiful views of the sunrise and surrounding hills can be seen. From Delhi to Chopta, passing through Rishikesh, may take about 9-10 hours. Therefore, it is better to plan a longer trip here.
Kalpa, Parvati Valley
In the vicinity of Kalpa, located in the quiet areas of Parvati Valley, you can see small villages, apple orchards, and dense forests. The atmosphere here feels calmer compared to Kasol. If you want to spend more time in the mountains and get closer to local life, this place might appeal to you. From Delhi, take an overnight bus to Bhuntar, and then take a taxi to Barsheni, and from there to the village.