Mukteshwar Travel Guide: Top Places to Visit and Things to Do

Hello friends, welcome back to the Clans Stays blog! I am Mayank.

If you are tired of the noise and traffic in Nainital and want a place that is truly peaceful, then Mukteshwar is the answer. Having worked in the travel industry for 5 years, including my time at MakeMyTrip, I have seen travelers shift their interest from crowded hill stations to quiet, hidden gems. Mukteshwar is exactly that gem.

Sitting high at 2,171 meters (7,122 feet), this small town offers a 180-degree view of the majestic Nanda Devi peaks. It is calm, green, and full of fresh air. In this blog, I will share the best places to visit in Mukteshwar, the most exciting things to do, and some local tips that you won’t find easily on Google.

Let’s start your journey to the “Abode of Lord Shiva.”

Why Should You Visit Mukteshwar?

Before we jump into the list of places to visit in Mukteshwar, let me tell you why this place is special.

Unlike Mussoorie or Nainital, Mukteshwar does not have a crowded Mall Road. Instead, it has thick Deodar forests, fruit orchards (apples and plums), and old colonial bungalows. It is a place where you go to connect with nature.

• Distance from Delhi: Approx 350 km (7-8 hours drive).
• Best Feature: The silent woods and the snow-capped Himalayan range visible right from your balcony.

Top Places to Visit in Mukteshwar

There are many beautiful Mukteshwar tourist places that you can cover in a 2-day trip. Here are my top recommendations.

1. Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple

This is the heart of the town. The town gets its name from this 350-year-old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The temple is situated on top of a hill. To reach the main shrine, you have to climb stone stairs. The architecture is simple but very beautiful. Inside, there is a white marble Shivling.

The Legend:

It is believed that Lord Shiva killed a demon here and gave him “Mukti” (salvation). That is why it is called Mukteshwar (God of Salvation).

Why visit?

• It is very peaceful and spiritual.
• The view from the temple complex is amazing.
• It is surrounded by dense forests.

2. Chauli Ki Jali

Just behind the Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple is the most famous spot in town—Chauli Ki Jali. If you are looking for adventure and views, this is the number one spot on your list of places to visit in Mukteshwar.

It is a rocky cliff that hangs over a deep valley. The name “Chauli Ki Jali” means “Rock with a Hole.”

The Belief:

There is a natural hole in one of the rocks. Locals believe that if women who cannot have children cross this hole on Shivratri, they are blessed with a child.

What to do here:

• Watch the sunset (it is magical).
• See the eagle-eye view of the valley below.
• Take great photos with the Himalayan peaks in the background.

3. Bhalu Gaad Waterfalls

This is my personal favorite hidden gem. Many tourists miss this because it is slightly away from the main town (about 7-10 km).

Bhalu Gaad is a 60-foot high waterfall. The water is crystal clear and cold. To reach the waterfall, you have to do a small, easy trek of about 30-45 minutes through the jungle.

Why is it called Bhalu Gaad?

In the local Kumaoni language, “Bhalu” means Bear and “Gaad” means River. Years ago, bears used to come here to drink water. Don’t worry, it is safe now!

Local Tip: Take a spare set of clothes. You will definitely want to jump into the water.

4. Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI)

Mukteshwar has a deep connection with the British era. The IVRI is one of the oldest institutes in India, built by the British in 1893.

The campus is huge and very beautiful. The buildings are made in the old colonial style with stone walls and red roofs. Even if you are not interested in science, you should visit just to see the architecture and the well-maintained gardens.

5. Dhanachuli

If you have an extra day, drive a little further to Dhanachuli. It is a tiny village known for its apple orchards. It is even quieter than Mukteshwar. The drive from Mukteshwar to Dhanachuli is very scenic.

Best Things to Do in Mukteshwar

Apart from sightseeing, there are many exciting things to do in Mukteshwar. Whether you are an adventure lover or someone who just wants to relax, there is something for everyone.

1. Adventure Sports at Chauli Ki Jali

For thrill-seekers, Chauli Ki Jali is a playground. Because of the rocky cliffs, it is perfect for:

• Rock Climbing: Climb up the steep rocks with safety gear.
• Rappelling: Go down the cliff face with a rope.
• Zipline: Fly across the valley.

There are local operators there who charge a small fee (around ₹300-₹500) for these activities. It is safe and supervised.

2. Trekking and Nature Walks

The best way to enjoy Mukteshwar is by walking. You don’t need a guide. Just step out of your hotel and walk into the forest. The air is so fresh that you will not feel tired.

Popular Trails:

• The trek to Bhalu Gaad Waterfall.
• Walks near the PWD Guest House for sunset views.
• Village walks to see local Kumaoni houses.

3. Fruit Picking in Orchards

Mukteshwar is famous for its fruits. If you visit in the summer (April to June), you will see trees full of plums, peaches, and apricots. If you visit in late summer/monsoon, you will find apples.

Many local orchard owners allow tourists to enter and pick fresh fruits for a small price. It is a great activity for kids.

4. Stargazing

Because there is very little pollution and no city lights, the sky in Mukteshwar is pitch black. You can see millions of stars. If you are lucky, you might even see the Milky Way galaxy clearly.

Best Time to Visit Mukteshwar

As a travel agent, clients always ask me, “Mayank, when should we go?” Here is a simple table to help you decide.

Season	Months	Weather	Why Visit?
Summer	Mar to June	Pleasant (15°C – 27°C)	Best for fruit picking and sightseeing. Escape the city heat.
Monsoon	July to Sept	Green & Wet	The forests look lush green. Good for nature lovers, but carry an umbrella.
Winter	Oct to Feb	Cold (0°C – 15°C)	Best for clear mountain views. Chance of snowfall in Jan-Feb.

My Recommendation:

Visit in March-April for flowers and fruits, or October-November for the clearest views of Nanda Devi.

How to Reach Mukteshwar

Mukteshwar is well-connected. Here is how you can reach here.

By Road (Most Popular):

The drive from Delhi is smooth.

• Route: Delhi -> Ghaziabad -> Gajraula -> Moradabad -> Rampur -> Bilaspur -> Rudrapur -> Haldwani -> Kathgodam -> Bhimtal -> Mukteshwar.
• Time: 7 to 8 hours.
• Tip: Start early from Delhi (around 5 AM) to avoid traffic at Gazipur and Bilaspur.

By Train:

The nearest railway station is Kathgodam (approx 65 km away).

• Take the Shatabdi Express or Ranikhet Express from Delhi to Kathgodam.
• From the station, you can hire a private taxi directly to Mukteshwar (Cost: ₹2000 – ₹3000 approx).

By Air:

The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport (approx 95 km away). However, flights are limited. It is better to fly to Dehradun or Delhi and then drive.

Where to Stay in Mukteshwar?

Mukteshwar is not about big 5-star hotels. It is about cozy cottages and homestays.

Types of Stays:

1. Himalayan View Cottages: Wake up to the view of snow peaks.
2. Homestays: Stay with a local family, eat home-cooked “Pahadi” food (like Bhatt ki Churkani), and learn about their culture.
3. Resorts: There are comfortable resorts near the IVRI area.

At Clans Stays, we have tie-ups with some of the best properties that offer great views and warm hospitality. If you need help booking, just drop us a message!

Practical Travel Tips by Mayank

Here are some extra tips to make your Mukteshwar sightseeing trip perfect:

• Cash is King: While some hotels take UPI, small shops and adventure guys prefer cash. ATMs are there but sometimes run out of money.
• Warm Clothes: Even in June, the evenings can get cool. Always carry a light jacket. In winter, bring heavy woolens.
• Monkeys: Be careful with food items near the temple area. Monkeys can be snatchers!
• Fuel: Fill up your tank at Bhimtal or Haldwani. There are fewer petrol pumps as you go up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the most common questions travelers ask me about Mukteshwar.

1. Is Mukteshwar better than Nainital?

If you like peace, nature, and no traffic, yes, Mukteshwar is better. If you like shopping, boating, and crowds, then Nainital is better.

2. Does it snow in Mukteshwar?

Yes, it snows in Mukteshwar. The best chances to see snowfall are in January and early February.

3. How many days are enough for Mukteshwar?

A 2-night, 3-day trip is perfect to see all the places to visit in Mukteshwar and relax.

4. Is the road to Mukteshwar safe for driving?

Yes, the roads are good. However, it is a hill drive with curves. If you are not confident driving on hills, hire a local taxi.

5. What is famous to buy in Mukteshwar?

You can buy fresh fruit jams, pickles, squashes (Rhododendron juice is a must-try), and handmade woolens. There is a nice shop called Kilmora.

6. Can we see the Himalayas from Mukteshwar?

Yes! You get a majestic 180-degree view of the Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Panchachuli peaks on a clear day.

7. Is Mukteshwar safe for couples?

Absolutely. It is a very safe and quiet destination, perfect for couples and honeymooners.

8. How far is Nainital from Mukteshwar?

Nainital is just 46 km away. You can reach there in about 1.5 hours. Many people combine both in one trip.

Conclusion

Mukteshwar is a place that stays with you even after you leave. The silence of the forest, the sound of the wind in the pine trees, and the golden sunrise over the mountains—it is pure magic.

Whether you are visiting the Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple for blessings or rappelling down Chauli Ki Jali for thrills, this town will recharge your soul.

I hope this guide helps you plan an amazing trip. If you are looking for the best packages or need a customized itinerary for Uttarakhand, remember Clans Stays is always here to help you.

Safe Travels!