25 superlatives — the highest, oldest, most dangerous, and most unique places in North India
Demined 2014 (former army range). Now open. Stay on marked paths.
19,024 ft / 5,798m. Built by BRO, opened 2021.
4,400m / 14,400 ft. Send a postcard from the edge of the world. It actually works — arrives in 2-3 weeks.
3,680m / 12,073 ft. One of the Panch Kedar temples, over 1000 years old. A 3.5km paved trek from Chopta.
Declared India first heritage village in 1997. Cobblestone streets, Italian-style mud houses.
Single lane carved into cliff face. No barriers. Waterfalls over the road. India most terrifying drive.
Produces 50%+ of India button mushrooms. The only Indian town famous for fungi.
Established 1936. India first national park, created to protect the Bengal tiger. Dhikala is the holy grail zone.
Located on a houseboat on Dal Lake. You can actually mail postcards from it.
Consistently ranked India safest city in NCRB data. Designed by Le Corbusier.
Feeds 50,000-100,000 people daily, free, regardless of religion.
Was part of Pakistan until 1971. Balti culture, apricot orchards.
Founded 996 CE — over 1000 years of continuous practice. Called the Ajanta of the Himalayas.
4 km long. Year-round operation.
9th century AD. 800+ years older than Konark.
~4,587m. About 30 houses, a monastery, and a sign.
One of very few Brahma temples in the world. 14th century.
Walk on frozen Zanskar River, 62km, 9 days, -25C to -35C.
Built 1156 CE. 3,000 people still live inside. Not a museum — a functioning city.
Record low: -60C (disputed). Average winter: -20 to -30C.
The exact point where Alaknanda and Bhagirathi merge to form the Ganges. Two visibly different-colored rivers.
At 2444m. Built by the Maharaja of Patiala after the British banned him from Shimla. Still in use.
19,024 ft / 5,798m. Built by BRO, opened 2021. Oxygen at 50% of sea level.
At 3300m. 527 soldiers names. Tiger Hill visible.
Feeds 50,000-100,000 daily. Running since 16th century. Entirely volunteer-operated.
