Uttarakhand, also known as Dev Bhoomi (Land of the Gods), is a peaceful and beautiful state in the Himalayas. It is famous for its temples, rivers, hill stations, and scenic views. Every year, thousands of people visit Uttarakhand to enjoy nature, adventure, and spiritual places.
But did you know Uttarakhand also has a darker side?
Hidden deep in the mountains are villages that are now empty and silent. People left these villages many years ago, but no one knows exactly why. Some say they were cursed. Others believe strange things happened there that forced everyone to leave. These places are now called the ghost villages in Uttarakhand, and they hold secrets that will send chills down your spine.
With WanderSky’s Ghost Village Trail, you can visit these mysterious places, hear real spooky stories from locals, and experience something very different from a regular holiday. It’s a mix of adventure, thrill, and hidden beauty—all in one unforgettable trip.
Are you ready to explore the haunted side of Uttarakhand?
The Ghostly Legends of Swala Village
Swala is a small village in the Champawat district of Uttarakhand. It looks beautiful from far away, with hills, forests, and peace all around. But behind its calm look is a story that still scares many people even today.
The Tragedy That Started It All (1952)
In 1952, a truck carrying PAC (Provincial Armed Constabulary) soldiers met with a terrible accident near the village. The soldiers were badly injured and needed help.
They went to the villagers for help, but no one came forward. Some say the villagers were scared, others say they didn’t want to get involved. Whatever the reason was, the soldiers didn’t survive.
The Rise of Ghost Stories
After this incident, strange things started happening in the village. People said they could hear voices at night, see shadows moving in empty houses, and feel a sudden cold without reason.
Some even claimed to see soldiers walking around the village, only for them to disappear when anyone tried to get closer. Doors opened and closed on their own, and people felt they were being watched.
The villagers believed that the spirits of those soldiers were angry. They thought the souls had not found peace because no prayers or rituals were done for them.
Abandoning the Village
The fear grew stronger with time. Many families left Swala, one after another. Houses were locked, the temple bells stopped ringing, and soon, Swala became a ghost village.
For many years, no one dared to live there again.
A New Beginning
But recently, two young men decided to go back and live in Swala. They want to bring the village back to life and stop people from fearing it.
They have built homes again and are trying to make the place liveable and safe. Some say the ghost stories are just old tales, but the fear still remains in the air.
Visit the Haunted Swala with WanderSky
If you love mystery and haunted places, Swala is the perfect spot to explore. With WanderSky, you can visit this village safely, hear the real stories from locals, and feel the eerie silence that surrounds this abandoned land.
Join WanderSky’s ghost village trail and uncover the secrets of Swala—where history and horror live side by side.
Bagori Village: A Place of Silence and Unanswered Stories
Bagori Village, located in Uttarakashi near the Indo-Tibetan border, is a place of eerie stillness and isolation. Once a lively settlement, it is now deserted during the winter months, adding to its mysterious reputation as a ghost village.. The cold, snow-covered landscape only adds to the sense of abandonment.
The Story of the Heartbroken Woman
One of the most widely spoken legends from Bagori involves a young woman whose lover abandoned her. In her heartbreak, she wandered into the mountains and was never seen again. Some locals believe her spirit still roams the village, searching for the love she lost. Those who have ventured through the village at night often speak of a strange feeling of sadness and a chill in the air, as though something is watching them.
The Blizzard Incident
Another chilling story tells of a group of travelers who got caught in a fierce snowstorm and sought refuge in one of the abandoned houses. When they tried to leave, they found that the doors and windows were locked from the inside. They waited out the storm, but when they finally managed to escape, they discovered they were the only ones left. It is said that the others were lost to the storm and their souls remain in the village, wandering through the empty streets.
Why Visit Bagori
Despite the haunting stories, Bagori has become a place of interest for those intrigued by the supernatural. Its quiet, abandoned atmosphere, especially in the winter, invites visitors to wonder about the past and the spirits said to linger there.
If you’re looking for a trip that combines natural beauty with a touch of mystery, Bagori Village is definitely worth considering. The village’s silent streets and the stories tied to it make it a fascinating place to explore.
Are you ready to uncover the mysteries of Bagori? Book your journey with WanderSky and experience the chill of its haunted past firsthand.
Kaladhungi – Whispers from the Forest
Location
Kaladhungi is a small town near Jim Corbett National Park in Nainital district. Surrounded by thick forests and quiet hills, it feels like a peaceful stopover—until the stories begin.
The Legend
Long ago, Kaladhungi was a settlement near a dense stretch of jungle known for wild animal attacks. During the British era, it was also home to Jim Corbett, the famous hunter turned conservationist. Many of his hunting stories were rooted here, especially the ones involving man-eating tigers.
But apart from the tigers, locals tell another story—of a cursed stretch of land where entire families vanished overnight. They say an old tribal village once stood deep inside the jungle, and one night, during a storm, all the villagers were found dead—no blood, no wounds, just cold, lifeless bodies lying in strange patterns on the ground.
Since then, that part of the forest has been avoided. People report hearing growls when no animals are near, or seeing lanterns swing in empty huts. Some even say they’ve seen a woman in white standing at the edge of the forest, silently watching.
Local Beliefs
Many believe the land was never meant to be lived on. Elders say it was once a burial ground for a forgotten tribe, and the disturbances began when outsiders started building homes there.
Forest guards sometimes avoid patrols in that zone after dark, and even seasoned travelers feel uneasy when passing through. It’s not the wildlife that scares them—it’s the silence.
Ready to uncover the untold stories of Uttarakhand
Book a custom Uttarakhand heritage or mystery tour with WanderSky and explore places like Kaladhungi with a local guide who knows both the history and the hidden stories.
Contact us today to plan your perfect eerie escape!
Bemni Village – Shadows Beneath the Peaks
Location
Tucked away in Chamoli district, Bemni sits quietly at the base of the majestic Nanda Devi and Trishul peaks. It’s remote, peaceful, and surrounded by thick forests and snow-capped mountains. But when the sun sets, a strange stillness falls over the village.
The Legend
Bemni was once a thriving Himalayan village, home to shepherds, farmers, and quiet hill folk. But over time, something changed. Locals started reporting strange echoes from the mountains—voices calling out at night, even though no one was around.
One chilling tale that’s often whispered is about a group of pilgrims who lost their way during a storm. They found shelter in an abandoned stone house in Bemni. The next morning, they were gone. No signs of struggle. Just a cold, empty house—like no one had ever been there.
Another story speaks of a monk who meditated in a cave near the village. One night, he claimed he saw figures dancing in the forest, glowing faintly under the moonlight. When he went to check, he vanished and was never seen again.
Local Beliefs
Many villagers believe the spirits of ancient tribes or lost souls from the mountain passes still wander around the village, especially near the forests. Locals often advise visitors not to go outside after dark, and some homes still perform rituals to keep bad energy away.
Even trekkers passing through Bemni say they’ve felt watched or heard footsteps behind them, only to find no one there.
Curious to see the unseen
With WanderSky’s offbeat Uttarakhand tours, you can explore hidden villages like Bemni, guided by locals who share real stories—not just the ones in guidebooks.
Plan your eerie escape today. Let’s uncover Uttarakhand’s mysteries—one village at a time.
Pangot – Whispers in the Woods
Location
Just 15 km from Nainital, Pangot is a small hill village surrounded by dense oak, pine, and rhododendron forests. It’s a paradise for birdwatchers during the day. But once the sun goes down, the peaceful air turns unusually quiet… almost too quiet.
The Legends
Pangot was once a lively village inhabited by the Kumaoni people, rich in tradition and folklore. But over the years, many families moved away—some due to harsh weather, others for reasons they never spoke of. The houses that remain now stand still, their wooden windows creaking in the wind.
Locals whisper about a tribal curse said to have been cast centuries ago when outsiders disturbed an ancient burial ground deep in the forest. Since then, people have reported ghostly shadows moving between trees, cries of unseen children, and a feeling of being followed, especially near old, abandoned cottages.
One old tale tells of a woodcutter who went into the forest and never returned. His brother went looking for him and found his axe stuck in a tree, but no other trace. Some say his spirit still roams the woods, endlessly searching for a way home.
Another account comes from a tourist who stayed overnight at a homestay. She woke up in the middle of the night to a woman standing outside her window, staring silently. When she opened the door, no one was there. Locals told her not to worry: “She protects the forest.”
Local Beliefs
People believe the forest spirits in Pangot aren’t evil, but they don’t like to be disturbed. That’s why some villagers still leave offerings at sacred trees, especially during the full moon.
Want to feel the mystery in the mist
WanderSky offers guided eco-tours to Pangot, where you can explore hidden trails, hear stories from local elders, and experience the forest like never before.
Book your haunted hillside journey with WanderSky today.
Jeolikote – The Ghost Who Guards
Location
Just 18 km from Nainital, Jeolikote is a quiet hill station known for its peaceful vibes, floral nurseries, and colonial-era charm. It’s a favorite stop for travelers heading toward Nainital. But behind the scenic beauty lies a story that locals speak of only in hushed tones.
The Story Behind the Silence
Many years ago, during the British Raj, Jeolikote was a summer escape for British officers and their families. Among them was a young officer and his wife, who fell in love with the hills and built a beautiful cottage here. But their happiness didn’t last.
The officer was called away to war and never returned. His wife, heartbroken and refusing to leave the cottage, waited for years. One day, she simply vanished. Her body was never found. Some say she died of grief. Others believe she was taken by the forest.
Since then, stories have surfaced—of a woman in white, seen wandering near the old ruins, often appearing to lost travelers and guiding them back to the road. Locals call her the “Guardian Spirit of Jeolikote.”
What Locals Say
People say she’s not a ghost to fear. In fact, she’s considered a protector. Many shopkeepers and elderly residents share stories of how travelers who lose their way or meet with an accident often report being “helped by a kind woman in white”—only to find out later that no such person lives nearby.
But there are warnings too. They say don’t mock her, or try to look for her on purpose. Respect the hills, and the hills will protect you.
Want to experience the quiet mystery of Jeolikote
WanderSky offers peaceful weekend getaways to Jeolikote with heritage stays, storytelling sessions, and nature walks.
Escape the noise and connect with the mystery—book your trip with WanderSky now.
Why You Should Visit the Ghost Villages in Uttarakhand
Visiting the ghost villages in Uttarakhand is not just about chasing spooky stories—it’s about exploring the unknown, diving into untouched nature, and experiencing the quiet beauty of forgotten places. These villages, wrapped in eerie legends and silent forests, offer a rare chance to disconnect from busy city life and step into a world where time seems to stand still.
Whether you’re a paranormal enthusiast, a curious traveler, or someone who loves unique offbeat destinations, these villages will leave you with stories you’ll never forget.
From chilling tales whispered by locals to the mysterious charm of abandoned homes, every corner holds a secret waiting to be discovered. And with WanderSky’s guided tours, you can experience it all safely, comfortably, and with the thrill of adventure.
Conclusion
The ghost villages in Uttarakhand are not just haunted by spirits—they’re haunted by stories, silence, and forgotten lives. These hidden gems offer a rare kind of travel experience—one that combines thrill, mystery, nature, and culture. Whether it’s the chilling whispers of Swala, the snow-covered stillness of Bagori, or the shadowy trails of Kaladhungi, each village holds its own tale that lingers in the air.
If you’re someone who loves to explore the unexplored, seek the strange, or just want a break from the usual tourist spots, this is your sign. Let WanderSky take you on a journey where legends live and stories breathe in the winds of the Himalayas.
👉 Book your Ghost Village Trail of Uttarakhand with WanderSky today – for a journey that you’ll never forget, and maybe never stop thinking about.
FAQs
1. Are these Ghost villages safe to visit?
Yes, WanderSky ensures all safety measures and provides local guides for each trip.
2. Can I customize my ghost villages tour?
Absolutely! We offer fully customized tour options based on your preferences.
3. What’s the best time to visit these ghost villages?
March to June and September to November are ideal for weather and accessibility.
4. Is overnight stay allowed in these ghost villages?
In some villages, yes—depending on conditions. Our team will guide you accordingly.
5. Are these trips suitable for solo travelers or groups?
Yes! Whether you’re alone or with friends, we cater to all travel styles.
6. Do these villages have any historical significance?
Many do. Alongside paranormal stories, they also reflect cultural and migration history.
7. Will I actually see ghosts?
We can’t promise ghosts, but the chills, atmosphere, and stories are guaranteed.
