Are you looking for an offbeat place in Uttarakhand? Are you sick of visiting tourist-packed and commercialised hill stations like Mussoorie and Rishikesh? Have you been searching for a peaceful vacation far away from the cities? If your answer is yes, you’ve landed at the right blog. This blog is your digital guide to a hidden gem tucked away just 2 hours from Mussoorie - Pantwari Village.
Mussorie, popularly known as the ‘Queen of Hills’ is one of the most famous hill stations of India known for its scenic beauty, the Mall Road, residential schools, Cafés, hotels and libraries. Over the years, Mussoorie has significantly developed itself into a full-fledged tourist destination. For those of you who haven’t visited Mussoorie yet or in recent years, one can even find global food chains like Domino’s in Mussoorie now!
This blog doesn’t aim to discourage people from going to Mussoorie, it aims to encourage people to drive 75 Kilometres ahead to see an offbeat and unexplored destination in Uttarakhand - Pantwari Village.
As a much-needed change, we will steal the spotlight from Mussoorie today and spot it on Pantwari Village, a hidden gem in the Himalayas.
Away from the traffic jam, crowded roads, tourist traps and chaos of cities and life, is a merely populated, isolated, unexplored, quiet little village - Pantwari Village.
Location and accessibility
Pantwari Village is a small village of about 205 acres, situated in Dhanaulti Tehsil in Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. It is the base camp for the world-famous Nag Tibba Trek. The altitude of Pantwari Village is approximately 4,460 feet and the place enjoys a pleasant weather in summers and winters are blessed with snowfall!
How to Reach?
Pantwari Village is easily accessible from major cities like Delhi and Dehradun. It is off the beaten path perhaps the journey to Pantwari is a beautiful adventure in itself. If you’re travelling by bus, You can find these regular services to nearby towns like Dhanaulti or Mussoorie. From there, you can hire a cab or take a local bus. For those opting for the railways, the nearest station to Pantwari is the Dehradun railway station and if you prefer the airways, Jolly Grant is the closest airport, from there, you’ll need to take cab to Pantwari.
Where to stay?
One can find guest houses and home-stays in Pantwari, Tehri Garhwal but little do you know that even out here, on top of the mountain, you can find a luxurious stay in Nag Tibba! Kafal Village Woodhouse Resort is the best luxury resort in Nag Tibba. It is located in Pantwari Village itself. This luxury wooden resort near Nag Tibba offers 9 premium wooden cottages and even has family cottage options! Finding food other than authentic cuisine may be difficult for others, but those staying at Kafal Village can enjoy choice of continental, Chinese, Indian and local organic pahadi food. Cherry on the cake, there is even barbecue, games and guided tours here. It gets better, you may even bring your pet along because Kafal is a pet-friendly Resort.
What to do?
Pantwari is like a playground waiting to be explored. If you’ve been trekking for a while or even exercising Nag Tibba Trek is not a very difficult trek. It’s on every trekker’s bucket list and a stunning route to the peak.
In case, you are like me and have not exercised in a while, short nature walks are perfect! You may end up chasing a waterfall or meeting the locals. Talking about the latter, Pantwari still has that old village charm and culture. While in Pantwari, one can enjoy folk music, authentic food and local festivals that can not be found anywhere else.
Trekkers, offbeat travellers, cinematographers, families, and Friend groups from around India and the world come to Pantwari for Peace, Nag Tibba camping and trekking, family time, photography, filmmaking, corporate getaways and exploration.
Why Pantwari over Mussoorie or other popular hill stations?
There’s no denying it, Pantwari takes the cake. It’s like comparing a flashy blockbuster to a cosy indie film - both have the appeal, but Pantwari has that special something.
If you wish to travel to a tourist hill station in Uttarakhand, Mussoorie should be on your list. But, if you are someone looking for an offbeat destination in Uttarakhand and want to explore the unexplored, then Pantwari Village is for you. Kafal Village Woodhouse is another excuse to escape the ordinary, it is a different feeling of waking up surrounded by misty mountains, the sounds of birds and the panoramic views of the mountains!
So what are you waiting for? That bag pack almost has a layer of dust over it. Pack your clothes, a pair of adventure shoes, and a bag for your furry friend and ask your friends/family to do the same. Book your stay at Kafal before you hit the road! Happy journey to Pantwari Village, peace and relaxation await you.
