Kanatal

Kanatal is a compact, high-altitude hill station situated at 2,593 metres on the Mussoorie–Chamba highway in Tehri Garhwal district. Nestled between the better-known Dhanaulti (5km) and Chamba (12km), Kanatal occupies a ridge draped in ancient deodar cedar and oak forests that remain largely untouched by commercialisation. The village sits above the Bhagirathi valley with direct views of Tehri Lake on one side and towering snow-capped Himalayan peaks — Bandarpoonch, Kedarnath, and Gangotri ranges — on the other.

Adventure camping is Kanatal's defining attraction. A dozen well-established camp operators have set up comfortable camps in the forested meadows, offering activities including rappelling, river crossing, Burma bridge, zip-line, archery, and short jungle treks. The camps are popular for corporate team outings, college groups, and family weekends seeking something more active than a standard hotel stay. The cool, pine-scented air and the symphony of forest birds create an atmosphere that's hard to find at more commercialised hill stations.

Kanatal receives snowfall from December to February, transforming the deodar forests into a winter wonderland and making it one of the best snow destinations accessible from Delhi without the crowds of Shimla or Manali. The route from Mussoorie via Dhanaulti is arguably one of the most scenic Himalayan road trips in Uttarakhand, passing through dense forests and offering constant mountain and valley views. Kanatal is emerging as a savvy traveller's alternative to the overcrowded hill stations — offering altitude, adventure, and authenticity in equal measure.