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Chilmiri Necktop

Chilmiri Necktop

Published on February 04, 2025

Chilmiri Neck Chakrata – The Highest Sunset Point & Himalayan Balcony (Complete Guide)

Chilmiri Neck – Where the Sun Says Goodbye to the Greater Himalaya

Location: Just 4 km from Chakrata main market Elevation: 7,700 ft (2,350 m) – Highest point around Chakrata town Also called: Chilmiri Top / Chilmiri Sunset Point Best time: 365 days a year – every single sunset is different! Entry: Completely FREE | Open 24×7

If Chakrata had an official balcony, this would be it. Chilmiri Neck is a flat, grassy ridge that juts out like a natural viewing gallery, giving you a front-row seat to a 180° unobstructed panorama of the snow-capped Garhwal Himalaya. On a clear day, you can see:

  • Swargarohini (6,252 m)
  • Bandarpoonch (6,316 m)
  • Kedarnath & Chaukhamba peaks
  • The entire Yamuna valley is glowing golden at sunset

Because it’s only 4 km from town and fully motorable, it’s perfect for families, elderly travellers, and anyone who wants postcard Himalayan views without trekking.

The Beautiful Jaunsari Legend of Chilmiri

The name “Chilmiri” comes from two Jaunsari words: Chil (eagle) + Miri (mountain). Local elders tell this heart-warming story:

A long time ago, a giant golden eagle lived on this ridge. Every evening, she would spread her wings exactly when the sun touched the peaks, casting a shadow that looked like a giant bird flying across the valley. Villagers believed she was the guardian spirit of Chakrata. When the British built the cantonment in 1866, they noticed that no eagle ever sat on the Indian flagpole — only on this hill. They named it “Eagle’s Neck”, which slowly became Chilmiri Neck in the local tongue.

chilimiri neck

Even today, birdwatchers regularly spot Himalayan golden eagles circling the ridge at sunset — locals say it’s the same guardian returning home.

Why Chilmiri Neck is Pure Magic

  • Zero effort — drive right to the top (even a hatchback reaches easily)
  • 180° snow-peak view + 180° valley drop — feels like standing on the edge of the world
  • Sunset colours that change every 10 minutes (pink → orange → purple → starry night)
  • Natural grass lawn — perfect for picnic blankets, frisbee, or just lying down
  • Winter snow carpet (Dec–Feb) — turns into a mini-Gulmarg
  • No crowd — even on weekends, you’ll find space to park and breathe

Visit Details

Distance from Chakrata market: 4 km (10–12 min drive) Road: 100 % paved & wide (2024 renovation) Best timing:

  • Sunset: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM (varies by month)
  • Sunrise: 5:45 AM – 6:45 AM Time to spend: 1–2 hours (or stay till the Milky Way appears!)

2025 Bonus: The Forest Department has added wooden benches, solar lamps, and a small viewpoint deck.

Best Time to Visit Chilmiri Neck

 Month  Highlight  Temperature  Crowd
 March–May  Rhododendrons + green valley + snow peaks  12–25 °C  Low
 June–Aug  Dramatic monsoon clouds rolling below you  15–26 °C  Very low
 Sep–Nov  Clearest views after the rains; golden grass  8–20 °C  Moderate
 Dec–Feb  Snow-covered ridge + frozen sunrise magic  -5–12 °C  Almost nil

October 15 – November 15 = absolute peak clarity (post-monsoon air wash).

What to Carry

  • Warm jacket/shawl (windy after sunset)
  • Picnic mat + snacks (no shops)
  • Camera + tripod (sunset timelapses are unreal)
  • Binoculars (spot peaks & villages 50 km away)
  • Hot thermos flask (nothing beats chai with this view)

Food & Tea Stops Near Chilmiri

  • “Sunset Maggi Point” just 500 m below — ₹50 with extra butter
  • Local auntie’s buransh tea & biscuits stall
  • Many groups carry their own mini bonfire kit (allowed in winter, ask permission)

chilmiri neck

Responsible Tourism Rules

  • No loud music or speakers
  • Take your trash back (no bins)
  • No plucking grass or flowers
  • Overnight camping is allowed only with the forest officer's permission

How to Reach Chilmiri Neck?

Delhi → Dehradun → Chakrata → Chilmiri Neck turn (well-marked board) Total: 322 km | 8 hours Our packages drop you here on Day 1 evening for the golden-hour welcome.

Chilmiri Neck isn’t just a viewpoint — it’s where the mountains come to show off. One moment, the sun is melting into liquid gold over Bandarpoonch, the next you’re lying under a sky so full of stars you can almost touch them.

Still quiet. Still free. Still, the most beautiful goodbye the sun gives Delhi every single day.

Ready for your front-row seat? Book your Chakrata + Chilmiri Sunset package now → https://www.tourmyholiday.com/packageDetails/chktopkg

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