Chakrata Hill Station
Chakrata hill station is one of the best places to visit in Dehradun, located at an altitude of about 7000 ft above sea level. Chakrata in Dehradun is a hill station in Uttarakhand state and is a popular tourist destination ideal for mountain climbing, skiing, and trekking.
Chakrata is the most visited place in Dehradun like Mussoorie Hill station which you can visit in winter as well as in summer. But we will recommend visiting Chakrata during winter to see the beauty of snow-covered hilltops.
The town was known earlier than Jaunsar- Bawar(a small hamlet of the Jaunsari tribe). Yamuna valley is located down the hilly area. Chakrata was developed by the Britishers and was a summer destination for the high executives of the East India Company.
Presently Chakrata encloses a military cantonment and access is restricted here for civilian travelers. Kharamba peak is the highest mountain in Chakrata Uttarakhand with an altitude of about 10,000 ft. Trekkers, nature lovers, bird watchers, and wildlife lovers can spend days together here in the lap of the beautiful Chakrata. The forest around Chakrata is a habitat for amazing flora and fauna including wild dowels, spotted deer, and panthers.
Chakrata Travel Guide
Being a military area, Foreigners are required to obtain a permit from the Commandant 22 Force c/o APO to visit Chakrata. If possible, avoid visiting Chakrata during the monsoon season, you can face roadblocks, landslides, and other problems.
There are no resorts in Chakrata, so the best options for food are hotels in Chakrata. Chakrata doesn’t have petrol pumps. The nearest petrol pumps are at Vikasnagar which is at a distance of 50 Km. So it is advised to fill up your tank before visiting Chakrata.
Note: Chakrata hill station is one of the very popular places in Dehradun, Chakrata to visit all over the year and Mussoorie also.
Activities to do and places to visit in Chakrata
There are many caves and ancient temples near Chakrata which is the main attraction point of this secluded hill station. Most of the towns are peaceful and unpolluted.
The two famous temples at Chakrata are the Hano Mahasu temple and the Lakhamandal which are located on the banks of the river Yamuna and trace their existence to the legends of the epic Mahabharata.
Tourists can also find many small treks and hiking places around Chakrata and some famous waterfalls (Tiger Falls). The alpine meadows of Mundali offer skiing opportunities during winter. Below are some famous places you can visit in Chakrata.
Read our complete guide on how to reach Chakrata from Dehradun
Places to visit near Chakrata Hill Station
There are some other beautiful places to visit near Chakrata. You can roam and enjoy the beauty of nature there. There are many other hill stations near Chakrata and some famous waterfalls in Chakrata. Below are some famous locations in Chakrata that you can visit.
1 – Chilmiri Neck
Chilmiri Neck is the peak point in Chakrata where the mess and quarters of the military are located. The view of the scenic mountains, lands, and dense forests from Chilmiri Neck leaves an unforgettable impact. It is the best location for bird watching and butterflies of different species. The beautiful Himalayan peaks like Rohini peak, Bandarpoonch, and Swarga peak are easily visible from here.
2 – Tiger Falls
Tiger falls is one of the famous falls of Chakrata, Dehradun, which is approximately 20 km from Chakrata. The mesmerizing waterfall can be reached by an easy trek of 5 Km. The trek to Tiger Falls is an enthralling experience. Tiger falls is one of the highest falls in India, Uttarakhand having a height of about 312ft. Tiger fall is an ideal location for photography, picnic, trekking, and taking bath.
3 – Kalsi
The Ashoka Pillar Rock Edict built in 450 B.C. at Kalsi represents the post-war era when King Ashoka turned himself to the Buddhist faith. An edict is made in Kalsi with quartz having a length of 10 ft and 8ft breadth. The spiritual location is preserved by the National Archaeological Department(NAD) as this edict has great historical significance (relates to Ashoka).
4 – Kanasar
Kanasar is 28 Km from Chakrata(a forest of Deodar and Pine). The deodar trees here are said to have the largest trunk in the whole of Asia.
Note: Foreign tourists are not allowed to visit Chakrata directly, they are allowed up to Kalsi. For visiting Chakrata foreigners have to obtain permission from the Commandant 22 Force c/o 56 APO.
Overview Chakrata
- Location: Dehradun, Uttarakhand
- Best time to visit Chakrata: All the months of the year
- Recommended stay: 2 days
- Chakrata from Dehradun: 98 Km
- Nearest railway station: Dehradun, 98 Km
- Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun, 126 Km
- Famous for: Tiger fall, Hill station, Peaceful location and Weekend destination