Uttarakhand is famous for its spiritual significance and natural beauty, but tucked away near the Indo-China and Indo-Nepal borders lie some of its most breathtaking, yet restricted, locations. These regions are rich in culture, mystery, and scenic marvels-but require special permits due to their proximity to international borders.

One such spot is Om Parvat, located in Pithoragarh, where snow forms a natural ‘ॐ’ symbol on the mountain-a rare and sacred phenomenon.

Then there’s Timmersain Mahadev, a hidden cave in Chamoli with a naturally formed ice Shivling, often called Uttarakhand’s mini-Amarnath.

Kuti Village, at 12,000 feet, is the last inhabited settlement near the Indo-China border and offers stunning views of Adi Kailash.

Nelang Valley, part of Gangotri National Park, mirrors Ladakh’s barren beauty and requires an Inner Line Permit. Lastly, Chhiyalekh offers panoramic views of Nepal’s Annapurna range and is heavily monitored by ITBP forces.

These places not only preserve India’s natural wealth but also its border security. Hence, permission and responsible tourism are key to exploring them.