Nestled among the misty slopes of Hartola village in Kumaon, Uttarakhand, DevShakti Chalet is a peaceful retreat for travellers who seek tranquillity, nature, and breathtaking views. This hidden corner of the Himalayas is one of the most peaceful villages in Uttarakhand for nature lovers, offering pristine skies, lush forests, and the melody of mountain birds. But what makes Hartola truly special is its spectacular sunrise and sunset viewpoints, perfect for photography enthusiasts and dreamers alike.If you’re searching for affordable Himalayan stays with great views, DevShakti Chalet offers just that — comfort blended with natural beauty. Let’s explore the best viewpoints near Hartola Uttarakhand where every sunrise and sunset becomes a masterpiece.
1. DevShakti Chalet Terrace — Sunrise Glory Over the Himalayas
You don’t need to go far to witness magic — the terrace of DevShakti Chalet itself offers one of the best places to see Himalayan peaks in Uttarakhand. From here, you can watch the majestic Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Panchachuli peaks gleam in golden light as dawn breaks.
In the early hours, the silence is broken only by birdsong, making it a haven for birdwatching in Uttarakhand. During sunset, the sky turns crimson and lavender, bathing the Hartola Uttarakhand village life below in a warm, peaceful glow.
Photography Tip: Capture the reflections of the mountains in dew-laden leaves for a dreamy effect. Use a tripod to steady your sunset long exposures.
2. Ramgarh Ridge — The Painter’s Horizon (Approx. 9 km from Hartola)
A scenic drive from Hartola leads to Ramgarh, known for its fruit orchards and panoramic Himalayan vistas. This ridge is a favourite among photographers and travellers exploring eco-friendly homestays in Uttarakhand.
Here, you can experience authentic Kumaoni village life, with locals working in terraced fields and orchards under the golden light. The vast sky and the surrounding ridgelines create a breathtaking backdrop for both sunrise and sunset photography.
For those passionate about wildlife photography in Uttarakhand, this area occasionally rewards patient observers with sightings of Himalayan bulbuls, magpies, and mountain thrushes.
Pro Tip: Early winter mornings bring low-hanging clouds that create surreal sea-of-mist frames — ideal for wide-angle landscape shots.
3. Chauli Ki Jali, Mukteshwar — The Iconic Cliffside Sunset
Located around 22 km from Hartola, Chauli Ki Jali near Mukteshwar Temple is one of the best hill-station stays in Uttarakhand for photography lovers. Perched on a cliff at 2,250 metres, this spot offers an unobstructed Himalayan view that photographers crave.
Sunrise reveals glowing peaks, while sunsets paint the valleys in hues of rose and amber. For visitors planning top things to do in Hartola Uttarakhand, a short excursion here is highly recommended. The combination of rugged cliffs and soft mountain light makes it perfect for wildlife and landscape photography.Timing: Reach 30–45 minutes before sunrise or sunset for the best light balance and framing.
4. Sitla — A Hidden Gem for Misty Morning Frames
About 13 km from DevShakti Chalet lies Sitla, a tranquil hamlet surrounded by oak and pine forests. Ideal for travellers seeking best eco-tourism destinations for bird watchers in Uttarakhand, Sitla is a treasure for early risers.
The viewpoints here are wrapped in fog and soft golden light, offering perfect frames for bird watching Uttarakhand enthusiasts. You can photograph layered Himalayan ridges, fluttering leaves, and the gentle play of sunlight filtering through the trees — a dream for nature lovers exploring Uttarakhand.Bonus: The mornings here echo with the calls of Himalayan magpies and woodpeckers — excellent subjects for telephoto captures
5. Orchard Trails of Hartola — Life and Light Intertwined
The orchard trails around DevShakti Chalet provide intimate frames of Hartola Uttarakhand village life — terraced farms, apple blossoms, and villagers walking home under an orange sky. During spring, the orchards bloom with pink and white flowers; in autumn, golden leaves create rich textures for sunset photography.
These trails also attract birdwatchers. If you’re planning a family vacation spot in Uttarakhand, children and adults alike can enjoy spotting Himalayan bulbuls or flycatchers while capturing soft, glowing landscapes.
Tip: Combine landscape and lifestyle photography — capture locals tending to orchards or children playing against a backdrop of fading sunlight.
Photography and Travel Tips
- Golden Hour Magic: Shoot within the hour after sunrise or before sunset for the most balanced light.
- Essential Gear: Wide-angle lens, ND filter, and tripod.
- Local Insight: Hosts at DevShakti Chalet can guide you to hidden birdwatching trails and photography spots rarely known to tourists.
Best Season: October to February for the clearest Himalayan views and vibrant skies.
Why Hartola Is Perfect for Photographers
Hartola isn’t just a scenic village; it’s a living canvas where nature, light, and life blend seamlessly. Staying at DevShakti Chalet allows travellers to enjoy an authentic Kumaoni village experience, explore best bird watching places near Nainital and Almora, and photograph the Himalayas in their purest glow.
For those looking for affordable stays with Himalayan views in Uttarakhand, this is the perfect base to unwind, reconnect with nature, and create timeless visual stories.
