About the Place
In the Jaunsar-Bawar region, Viraatkhai is an absolutely stunning, serene location close to Chakrata (A beautiful hill station of Uttarakhand). According to its name, Virat means something which is grand and Khai means gorge. However, the name of this location refers to a King named Viraat from the Hindu mythological war epic Mahabharata. The Pandava brothers of this epic spent the final year of their thirteen-year exile here, according to the villagers.
Viraatkhai is a remote and offbeat area of Uttarakhand where one may unwind and appreciate nature’s company. The place comes under district Dehradun of the Garhwal region. It is situated on a pass at an elevation of roughly 6400 feet (1950 meters). It offers stunning views of Dehradun and Mussoorie on one side and the Himalayan range on the other. The area is densely forested with pine and oak trees. The forests here are home to wild cats, wild boars, foxes, ghorals, porcupines, and other animals. According to locals, the area has deep ties to the Mahabharata era, which can be seen in the current social structure and traditions.
How to Reach
Viraatkhai is located on the Raj-era Chakrata-Mussoorie highway.
From Dehradun: It is nearly 80 km N from Dehradun (Dehradun, Dakpatthar, Kalsi, Viraatkhai).
From Delhi: 285 km NE of Delhi (via Baraut, Saharanpur, Behat, Herbertpur, Vikasnagar, Dakpatthar, Kalsi, Viraatkhai) and 295 km NE of Delhi (via Delhi-Panipat Expressway, Shamli, Saharanpur, Behat, Herbertpur, Vikasnagar, Dakpatthar, Kalsi, Viraatkhai).
Things to Do
Long walks are one of the most enjoyable activities in Viraatkhai. Another activity offered here is viewing the snow-covered Dhauladhar summits, Black Peak, Bandarpoonch, Chaukhambha, Sumeru, Swargarohini, Kedar Dome, and Kedar Peak. The greatest time to see these peaks is around sunrise, and you can get the best view by ascending a nearby hill, Jhulke Danda. Viraatkhai Top is a stopover on the way. A small temple here honors the rain god Bhadras. Visit a neighboring hill for a stunning view of the sun setting over the Doon valley. There are a few caves and waterfalls to see in the nearby area. You could visit Garh Viraat, a hill where, according to the locals, there are still remnants of King Viraat’s palace. It is reached after a 2-kilometer drive in the direction of Chakrata, then a 15-minute, moderate hike.
Lakhwar hamlet, 21 kilometers from Viraatkhai towards the Yamuna Bridge, is well worth a visit. Here is a beautiful temple dedicated to lord Mahasu. Nagthat, 8 kilometers from Viraatkhai, is another tranquil and beautiful must-see destination.
Places of Stay & Eat
- Himalayan Eco Lodge: Room on the roof: https://himalayanecolodges.com/Lodges-Camps/room-on-the-roof-viraatkhai
- Vertical Valley Resort: https://www.verticalvalleyresorts.com/
- Sidus Galaxy: https://sidusgalaxy.com/