When we think of Mukteshwar, the first picture that comes to our mind is the mist-covered hills, surrounded by lush greenery and picturesque views. It’s not a surprise that there’s a lot to explore in this village in Uttarakhand, but one thing that most people miss out on is the fun things to do in Mukteshwar that enrich your experience in this hill station. Imagine trekking up the majestic hills or swimming in the crystal-clear waterfalls, doesn’t it sound like the ideal way to spend your vacay? Well, let’s get into it then.
Top 8 Things to Do in Mukteshwar: A New Adventure Awaits at Every Turn
You might have explored a fair share of hill stations in the past years, but what makes Mukteshwar distinct from them is its untouched natural beauty. Being away from the tourist radar for so long has made this destination a unique and must-visit location, and the offbeat things to do in Mukteshwar are the cherry on top. So, here’s a list of activities you can indulge in during your visit to this quaint hill station.
- Trekking up the Majestic Hills
- Paragliding in the Cold Air
- Visiting the Ancient Temples
- Swimming in Waterfalls
- Watching the Sunrise
- Shopping at Local Shops
- Rock Climbing up the Undulated Hills
- Heritage Tour of Historic Sites
1. Trekking up the Majestic Hills: Take the Scenic Route to the Top
The wilderness of Uttarakhand is reason enough to escape to the magnificent hills of Mukteshwar, where trekking up the tall mountains is a rewarding experience. As you pass through the lush green forests, twisting pathways, feeling the cold breeze on your face, you’ll never want to return to your routine life. You can choose from a variety of trekking trails, ranging from easy to moderate, depending on your fitness level. This is the best way to become close to nature and make the most of your trip. As many say, the journey is more important than the destination, but in this case, your destination will also be worth looking forward to.
Trekking trails:
- Mukteshwar Temple Trek – easy (2.5-3 km)
- Chauli ki Jali Trek – moderate (2 km)
- Sitla Trek – easy (12 km)
- Tagore Top Trek – easy to moderate (3.5 km)
Travel tips:
- Wear good-fitting shoes, ideal for trekking
- Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
- Use proper trekking equipment
- Avoid visiting in monsoon season
Best time for trekking: March to June
Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Uttarakhand: Discover the Spectacular Treasures of India
2. Paragliding in the Cold Air: Enjoy an Aerial View of Mukteshwar
Going to the mountains and not witnessing the entire destination from an aerial view is a shame. So, when planning your trip to Mukteshwar, add this activity as one of the top things to do in Mukteshwar. There are several locations offering this thrilling adventure, so you can indulge in this adrenaline-inducing activity anywhere in this hill station. Soar high in the air and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience offering the most breathtaking views of the lush green hills, rivers, and dense forests from a unique vantage point. As you glide over these beauties, you’ll find an exhilarating feeling spreading inside you, and it won’t leave you for a long time even after you land back on your feet; after all, there’s a reason why paragliding is one of the most sought-after things to do in Uttarakhand.
Travel tips:
- Listen to the safety instructions carefully
- Wear appropriate clothes for the activity
- Don’t carry essential items, like phones
- Keep yourself calm when in the air
Best time for paragliding: March to June
Suggested Read: Offbeat Places in Uttarakhand: Venture into the Unknown for a Vacation Full of Surprises
3. Visiting the Ancient Temples: A Spiritual Experience in the Hills
You might have visited a lot of temples in various other places before this, but there’s something about temples located in the mountains. The charm and beauty surrounding the temples in Mukteshwar will leave you in awe. Some of the famous temples, such as Mukteshwar Temple and others have a deep-rooted history since they’ve been in existence for decades now. These temples are dedicated to various gods and goddesses, from Lord Shiva, and Goddess Parvati to Nandi, and more. When exploring the many places to visit in Mukteshwar, visiting the temples makes a significant part of it for an insight into the traditions and history of this town.
Temples in Mukteshwar: Mukteshwar Temple
Timings: 6 A.M to 7 P.M
Temples around Mukteshwar: Jageshwar Dham, Hidimba Temple, Maa Naina Devi Mandir
Travel tips:
- Respect the religious sentiments of people
- Dress up in decent clothes when visiting religious sites
- Follow the customs and traditions of the temples
- Consider visiting during the aarti time for an enriching experience
Suggested Read: Top Places to Visit in Vrindavan: Where Legends of Lord Krishna Come Alive with His Melodious Flute
4. Swimming in Waterfalls: Run Wild into Nature’s Embrace
This is yet another fun thing that you must indulge in when visiting the waterfalls in Mukteshwar. Since there are several hill stations in Mukteshwar, you can explore waterfalls beyond this destination and swim in the calm waters amidst the lush greenery. One of the famous waterfalls in this hill station is the Bhalu Gaad waterfalls, falling from a height of around 60 ft., but there are many more such attractions in Bhimtal, Nainital, and other nearby cities to this hill station. So, instead of sitting on the rocks by the waterfalls, venture into the crystal-clear water and experience how your trip to that place will turn better by ten folds.
Waterfalls in and around Mukteshwar: Bhalu Gaad Waterfall, Vadsu Waterfall
Travel tips:
- Take precautions when swimming in the waterfall
- Carry extra clothes to change into afterwards
- Wear good-fitting shoes to avoid any mishaps
- Be mindful of the depth of the water
Timings:
- Bhalu Gaad Waterfall – 10 A.M to 5 P.M
- Vadsu Waterfall: Open 24 hours
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In India In Summer: A Detailed Guide To A Perfect Holiday
5. Watching the Sunrise: Witness the Beginning of a New Day
I believe everyone who visits a hill station comes across this listing, to watch the sunrise from a high vantage point. However, don’t consider this activity to be an overrated one because once you witness a sunrise from a famous viewpoint, you’ll change your mind. Even the simple things become better when done in the mountains, and the same goes for this beautiful activity as well. Travelers will find several lesser-known and famous viewpoints in Mukteshwar that are famous for their sunrise or sunset views, so don’t miss out on visiting them and simply watch the sun come up and fill your heart with warmth.
Sunrise viewpoints: Himdarshan Point, Nanda Devi Peak
Travel tips:
- Check the time of sunrise to reach on time
- Carry a light jacket as early morning are slightly chilly
- Avoid going close to the edge when watching the sunset
- Be ready with your camera to capture the sun-kissed view
Suggested Read: Things to Do in Rishikesh: A Town Synonymous for Adventure
6. Shopping at Local Shops: Support Small Businesses
As you travel to the less commercialized hill stations in India, such as Mukteshwar, you’ll find that there are no such markets lining the streets. There are local shops selling handicrafts, and other items native to this destination that act as the perfect souvenir for you to take back home. So, this time when you’re in Mukteshwar, don’t forget to support these small businesses as it also gives you a chance to interact with the locals and know more about the place and the work they do. Kilmora Shop is one such famous shop in this hill station that is a must-visit for all the tourists.
Shops in Mukteshwar: Kilmora Shop, Mukteshwar Market, Choco House Retail
What to buy: Handicrafts, local produce, local chocolates, artisanal products
Timings:
- Kilmora Shop – 10 A.M to 6 P.M
- Mukteshwar Market – 8 A.M to 9 P.M
- Choco House Retail – 9:30 A.M to 5:30 P.M
Suggested Read: Things to Do in Nainital: Where the Beauty of Nature Meets the Thrill of Adventure
7. Rock Climbing up the Undulated Hills: Dare to Climb Higher!
Adventure seekers will come across numerous opportunities to experience the thrill and adrenaline coursing through them, thanks to the diverse landscape of this hill station. Rock climbing is one such adventure activity that you must try, based on your fitness level. The difficulty level of this activity ranges from easy to difficult, so you can choose accordingly. Once you successfully reach the top, you’ll experience the most exhilarating feeling of having completed this journey in the most magnificent way. The scenic views as you climb up the undulating surface of the mountains are among the many highlights of this activity. So, consider this as one of the must-try Mukteshwar adventure activities during your trip.
Location: Chauli ki Jali
Travel tips:
- Adhere to the safety instructions
- Dress up in appropriate clothes for the activity
- Wear good-fitting, sturdy shoes
- Don't carry personal items, like phones
Best time to visit: March to June
Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Mussoorie 2024: Home of Landscapes
8. Heritage Tour of Historic Sites: Listen to the Tales of the Past
Mukteshwar has a rich history and remains rooted in its past traditions, which is evident in the ancient temples and other historic sites here. One of such famous tourist attractions in this hill station is the Indian Veterinary Research Institute. This institute is a testament of the British reign in India. Known for conducting research on livestock, this place has a lot to enrich the visitors with. You can explore the library and museum here or take a trip to the PWD Inspection Bungalow, which offers a glimpse into colonial architecture at its finest. You’ll be missing out on something great if you didn’t add this place in your itinerary, so consider doing so.
Places of interest: ICAR Indian Veterinary Research Institute
Timings: 9:30 A.M to 5 P.M, closed on Sunday
Suggested Read: Best Things to Do in Lansdowne: Rejuvenate Yourself in Natural Playgrounds
This is where your tour comes to an end, keeping the things to do in Mukteshwar at the forefront. So, apart from exploring the gorgeous tourist attractions in this hill station, indulge in the thrilling activities, such as rock climbing, trekking, swimming, and so on. This spicy addition of adventure in your sightseeing trip will be the most rewarding aspect of your vacation in Mukteshwar. Our Uttarakhand tour packages offer you the opportunity to explore this hidden gem and its many facets that are unknown to the world till now.
Things to Do in Mukteshwar FAQs
Yes, Mukteshwar is worth visiting if you prefer being amidst the beauty of nature and the magnificence of mountains.
Mukteshwar is famous for its apple orchards and gorgeous waterfalls apart from the many attractions here.
Some of the things to do in Mukteshwar include adventure activities, like paragliding, trekking, rock climbing, and more.
Depending on the activity you’re indulging in, you must take safety precautions. However, some common things to keep in mind are -
- Wear comfortable and good-fitting shoes
- Dress up in easy-going clothes
- Carry a reusable water bottle
March to June is the best time to visit Mukteshwar because the weather’s favorable during this time with a mild climate.
You can indulge in various activities in Mukteshwar in winter, such as playing in the snow, enjoying bonfires, watching the sunrise from a gorgeous viewpoint, and more.
There are several camping sites in Mukteshwar, like Nayalap, Whistling Woods Camp and Resorts, Saanidhya Camping, and more.
Mukteshwar is famous for its traditional shops and markets, so you can buy handicrafts, local chocolates, and other such souvenirs to take back home.
