Uttarakhand is known to be the land of mighty rivers and a haven for diverse flora and fauna. It is also known as the Devbhumi owning to multiple religious sites the state houses. The state’s rich heritage, monuments and diverse landscape have led the state to become one of the most sought-after destination for tourism and religious pilgrimage. Garhwal and Kumaon regions of the state have some exemplary natural bounty to offer the tourist and leave them spell-bound. Once you are here, you would want to be back here every time.
Amongst the many things the state has to offer are also the adventure sports which are one of the best tourist attractions for the state. If you are someone who loves myriad adventures to explore Uttarakhand is the ideal one stop destination for you. Situated at the foothills of Himalayas, the state is blessed with rugged and mountainous topography and rivers like Ganga and its murmuring tributaries which flow through the state make it an ideal destination for adrenaline junkies who are adventure explorers and nature lovers.
Tourists flock the state for adventure sports and the Indian most loved sport of all time is trekking where Uttarakhand becomes a natural choice owning to its topography of rugged Himalayan ranges.
Chaukori
Chaukori, a hill station known for its paradise-like experience for nature lovers, nestled in the lofty peaks of the Himalayas with jaw-dropping views of majestic Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot and the Panchachuli peaks, this hill station of Pithoragarh district can spellbound any soul to stay there forever. Indeed it is one of those special places that can immerse one into the relish of nature. Surrounded by the wonderful hills with the gurgling sound of the river and the thick vegetation of the vast Himalayas, Chaukori is an ideal destination for nature and travel enthusiasts.
The mesmerizing tea gardens ringed with lofty Himalayan peaks look like a canvas drawn by its almighty himself. The view of the sunrise in the backdrop of snowcapped peaks from here looks wonderful and rejuvenating. Nearly every sight brings peace to the heart and the clean and cool air infuses new energy in the body. This enchanting chaukori village is located at a height of 2,010 metres above sea level.
Chaukori is particularly appealing because it has escaped commercialization and remains one of those rare treasures that is seldom known and explored.
Adventure in Chaukori
Trekking
A favourite amongst frequent travellers this is a small trek to the top of a hill which ends with magnificent views of the enchanting valley. This is even nicer to enjoy during the time of sunset and sunrise.
Nature Walks
With rolling hills, lush green forests, and grassy pastures, the natural splendour that surrounds Chaukori is extremely enchanting. A nature trail can readily be picked up and explored in and around Chaukori.
Photography
The Trishul, Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, and Panchachuli peaks are all visible from Chaukori, and one cannot resist capturing the spectacular snow-covered peak with their camera.
Village Tourism
Chaukori is a hidden gem of Uttarakhand that has remained unspoiled throughout the years due to low visitor traffic. If you're interested in learning more about the culture, customs, and way of life in the hills, Chaukori and its surrounding towns provide excellent possibilities to do so.
Tea Garden Tour
Chaukori is one of the rare sites in Kumaon where you may find lush green gardens filled with the scent of freshly picked green tea leaves. During the pre-independence period, the British developed these tea gardens. Breathe in the fresh mountain air, listen to the birds chirping, and see the crimson sun rays kiss the snow-capped Himalayas, and you will forget going back from this place.
One can witness the field of rarely found Orange Pekoe Tea in Chaukori. It is a special grade of black tea grown only in selected areas of foothills of the Himalayas. Each tea leaf is delicately selected and masterfully processed to produce a fine and flavourful cup of tea. Orange pekoe tea has plenty of health benefits such as reducing oxidation in the body. It is mainly exported to Britain.
Excursion
Dharamghar
Dharamghar is known for its spectacular views of the Himalayaswith the Panchachuli range on one side and the Nanda Devi range on the other, separated by the "Shikhar" hilltop. Lying about 9 km from Chaukori, Dharamgarhis where SarlaBehn, a follower of Gandhi spent her last days. Tourists can visit HimdarshanKutir, which is dedicated to her.
If you are a wildlife lover you should visit Musk Deer Breeding Farm. There are only two Musk Deer breeding farms in India established by Govt. of India, one located at KanchulaKharakMusk Deer Sanctuary in Chopta, and other one here at Dharamghar. The farm can be reached after trekking an easy ascent of approximately 2 km distance from the nearest road head at Kotmanya. The ascent is easy and suitable for even small kids, the pathway is well maintained and one can easily reach to the Deer farm without requiring any external help.
Chinneshwar Waterfall
The Chinneshwar Waterfall is one of Uttarakhand's most stunning waterfalls. This massive waterfall is nestled in the midst of lush pine forest in the small village of Garaun in the Kumaon region. This waterfall reaches a height of around 160 feet.
Berinag
Located at an elevation of 1,740 m, Berinag is a quaint hamlet, about 10 km from Chaukori. It is surrounded by the snow-capped Himalayas and is one of the rare spots in Kumaon that has tea gardens. Sparkling streams and lush forests make this place worth a visit.
Accommodation
There are many options you have to choose from Private hotels & resorts, homestays and KMVN tourist rest house. All are well maintained and up to date in terms of hygiene.
A highly recommended resort to add on more stars on the sky of your trip is Ojaswi Tea Garden Resort. A home away from home to travellers seeking solitude, this hill resort in Chaukori is set amidst lush green tea gardens and ethereal Himalayan mountains. Snow clad in winter and riotous with flowers during summer, this resort in Chaukori is an absolute retreat from the daily humdrum of life.
Connectivity
BY AIR: The nearest airport is Pantnagar (223Km)
BY ROAD: It is well connected by roads.
BY TRAIN: The nearest railway is Kathgodam(180 km).
Agoda Village
Agoda Village is a lovely hamlet en-route to the emerald lake of Dodital, perched at an altitude of 2250 metres and surrounded by the Himalayas. Agoda village is the first community you'll see on the Dodital Trek, and it's a great place to stop for those who want to explore the village and interact with the locals. Even if you aren't doing the Dodital Trek, Agoda Village is worth seeing for its lovely setting surrounded by oak and rhododendron trees, tranquil environment, and friendly residents.
Adventure in Agoda village
Trekking
Sangam Chatti, a lovely village on the banks of the Assi Ganga, is 6 kilometres ahead of Agoda village. The trek from Sangam Chatti to Agoda Village passes through pine forests with gentle hills. After crossing a tiny stream over a bridge, you'll arrive at Agoda Village. Trekking to Agoda village is a fun activity that is ideal for all ages.
Agoda Village is being developed as a model Trekking Traction Centre by the government of Uttarakhand since it is a hub of various treks namely DayaraBugayal, Hanuman Chatti, Darwa Top, Mukdha Tal, Ghola Top, Gulabi Kanthaand Dodital.
Camping
Camping at Agoda Village is one of the best ways to enjoy the village's splendour, whether you're trekking further to Dodital or simply touring it. Camping in the Himalayan foothills at Agoda Village with a soft breeze to accompany you is an unforgettable experience.
Hiking
Hiking across Agoda Village is possible due to the village's lush green trees. Capture birds and butterflies, identify different sorts of flowers, and revel in the pleasure of simply being in the moment. Hiking and natural walks in Agoda Village are peaceful and enjoyable.
Photography
When nature is the subject, everyone can turn into a photographer. If you are passionate about photography, you wouldn’t want to miss capturing the beautiful sunrise and sunsets, environs and lifestyle of the villagers.
Village Tourism
About 100 families live in the charming Agoda Village. There are a lot of home stays and hotels here, and the locals are very warm and hospitable.
Excursion
Dodi Tal Lake – Darwa Top
A pure water lake in Uttarakhand, Dodital, is nestled among the benedictory pines. Uttarkashi is tucked away at an incredible altitude of 3,310 metres above sea level. Dodital is home to a diverse range of water species, as well as flora and animals. The lake is 1.5 kilometres in circumference. The Asi Ganga river rises in Dodital and connects with the Bhagirathi at Gangotri. The serene Himalayan panoramas of this crystalline fresh water lake in the Garhwal Himalayas inspire tranquilly. It’s a good spot for bird watching.
Sangam Chatti
Sangam Chatti is a small village in Uttarkashi located on the banks of the Assi Ganga. SanganChatti is the starting point for the well-known Dodital trek. It's a two-kilometer hike from here to Bhebra, an idyllic village set next to a flowing mountain stream and surrounded by lush greenery.
Accommodation
There are no hotels and resorts in Agoda Village. But you have options to choose from more than 23 homestays like Bhala Ho situated in Raithal village also known for DayaraBugyal trek route. The village is also a preferred location for beginner skiers. The cottage offers you basic amenities like wi-fi, kitchenette, free parking space and host of others.
Dodital Homestay situated in Agoda village is another great option which provides for a comfortable stay in the idyllic location.
Kuflon Basic is another homestay which will give you a surreal living experience.
All these homestays are easily accessible through road.
Apart from this the government of Uttarakhand has launched a unique trekking traction centre scheme for local residents to develop homestays. Agoda is also being developed under a pilot project of UTDB for infrastructure development to provide facilities to the tourists like Public InformationCentre, Restaurant, Health Check-up facilities, Search and Rescue, Trekking gear shop, Curio Shops selling local artifacts, Locker room and a foot massagecentre.
Connectivity
BY AIR: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Dehradun (187 Km).
BY ROAD: It is well connected by road.
BY TRAIN: The nearest railway station is Haridwar Railway Station. (208Km)