Forest bathing and stargasing in Uttarakhand’s Naukuchiatal is immersive experience and connects you to nature. It is the place which not only rejuvenates but also makes you aware about your existence in the universe, writes Gyaneshwar Dayal

Naukuchiatal or the lake with nine corners is as serene as it is inviting.  The locals have it that those who can see all nine corners of Naukuchiatal find salvation or moksha. Don’t know how true is that but a trip to Naukuchiatal is indeed rejuvenating and connects you directly to nature. It is here that nature speaks with you sometimes in chirping of birds or rustling of leaves or just silence in the woods.

Tucked away in the tranquil hills of Uttarakhand lies the serene village of Naukuchiatal, a lesser-known gem that’s slowly emerging as a sanctuary for mindful travel, nature-based healing, and eco-conscious retreats. While the region has long been known for its lake-literally translating to “the lake with nine corners”— a new kind of experience is drawing modern wanderers: forest bathing and starga ing. As life becomes increasingly urban and digitally saturated, travelers are looking for digital detox and deep reconnection with the Earth. 

Forest bathing is increasingly becoming a must do activity. There are evening activities too.

Come evening, when the crisp mountain air cools and lights dim, stargazing becomes the second act of this immersive natural experience. Far from city pollution and light interference, the night sky over Naukuchiatal is a sprawling canvas of constellations and cosmic stillness. It’s meditative, humbling, and unforgettable.

Stargasing is new craze and fast catching up. Together, these practices are reshaping travel-not just as leisure, but as ecotherapy. They offer visitors more than just fun or relaxation; they provide grounding, introspection, and a deeper awareness of our place in the ecosystem.

Naukuchia House: Living by the Lake

At the heart of this slow-travel movement is the Naukuchia House, a boutique property that beautifully complements the natural wonders of the region. Perched right by the lake, the house offers panoramic views of the water framed by forested hills. It’s not just a place to stay-it’s an experience in itself.

With a commitment to elegance and sustainability, Naukuchia House is a haven for those seeking both luxury and meaning. The architecture blends traditional Kumaoni aesthetics with modern sensibilities, while the interiors are curated for warmth, comfort, and connection-both with fellow travelers and with nature.

Dining here is a sensory journey. The in-house restaurant presents a fine dining experience that is rooted in local ingredients, seasonal produce, and thoughtful plating. Whether it’s a slow-cooked Himalayan stew, freshly baked sourdough, or herbal teas infused with local flora, each dish tells a story of place and purity.

Why It Matters

Beyond personal rejuvenation, engaging in forest bathing and stargasing has broader environmental benefits.

These practices foster eco-consciousness, reminding us of nature’s fragility and the importance of conservation. Properties like Naukuchia House are not only offering comfort and calm but also actively promoting sustainable travel, responsible tourism, and community engagement. Naukuchiatal invites you to pause. To breathe deeply among trees. To watch stars without a screen. And to dine by a lake where silence is the loudest sound. Here, nature doesn’t just surround you-it speaks to you.

Forest Bathing: cleanse your soul

Originally rooted in the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, forest bathing is not just a walk in the woods-it’s an intentional, meditative immersion in the sights, smells, and sounds of the forest. Organised by Naukuchia House, it is an experience worth having. It a soulful return to nature. Walk through thick pine groves. It is your chance to hug the trees and use all five senses to immerse in forest and discover calm within you!

Stargazing:  explore the skies

The night sky is like a giant puzzle. Hidden among the thousands of stars you can find dozens of constellations.   Naukuchiatal is relativiely free from light pollution that makes stargasing enjoyable. There are sky apps that can be downloaded to map the sky. With a good star map, there’s no limit to what you can find! Keep a notebook with you to sketch what you see in the sky and to keep a record of your sightings