Is Gairsain the permanent capital of Uttarakhand?

No, Dehradun remains the temporary capital of Uttarakhand. Gairsain is the officially declared summer capital, meant to represent a balance between Garhwal and Kumaon regions.

Why do people think Nainital is the summer capital of Uttarakhand?

Nainital was the summer capital during British rule and remains a popular tourist destination. However, it's no longer an official capital. Gairsain holds that title since 2020.

What is the political importance of Gairsain in Uttarakhand?

Gairsain holds symbolic and political value as it's located between Garhwal and Kumaon. Its declaration as summer capital aimed to unify both regions.

Is Gairsain a good place to visit for tourists?

Yes, Gairsain offers a unique glimpse into rural Uttarakhand and its political heart. It's quieter than Nainital, making it a peaceful and educational destination.

How can I reach Gairsain from Dehradun or Nainital?

You can reach Gairsain by road from both Dehradun and Nainital. It's around 250–270 km and takes roughly 8–9 hours. Public buses and taxis are available from major towns.

When did the Uttarakhand government declare Gairsain as the summer capital?

The official declaration was made in March 2020 by the Uttarakhand state cabinet, led by then-Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat.

Where is Summer Capital of Uttarakhand? Most People Get It Wrong

Q: Where is the summer capital of Uttarakhand?

The summer capital of Uttarakhand is Gairsain, located in Chamoli district. It's often confused with Nainital, but Gairsain was officially declared the summer capital in March 2020.

Deepak Singh Bhandari
Jun 13
3 min read

It started with a silly argument over chai.

My cousin from Delhi was confidently telling the tea stall guy near Bhimtal, “You know Nainital is the only summer capital of Uttarakhand, right?”The uncle chuckled, “Beta, ask the people in Gairsain… You’re only half right.”

That one sentence changed my entire understanding of Uttarakhand.

It made me question: What do we really know about our hill state?And more importantly, why do most people get this simple question so wrong:

Where is the Summer Capital of Uttarakhand?

In this article, you’ll learn:

✅ Why people confuse Nainital with the summer capital
✅ What Gairsain means to the future of Uttarakhand
✅ Real government-backed sources that confirm the capital
✅ A personal insight into why this matters more than you think
Gairsain’s misty hills at sunrise—Uttarakhand’s serene summer capital revealed in calm beauty.

The Capital Nobody Told You About

Let’s be honest—when you Google "best hill stations in Uttarakhand", you’ll find the usual suspects: Nainital, Mussoorie, Almora.

These are beautiful places, no doubt.

But when it comes to the Summer Capital of Uttarakhand, the correct answer isn’t as widely celebrated.In fact, it was only in March 2020 that the Uttarakhand government officially declared Gairsain as the summer capital of the state.

Not Nainital. Not Dehradun.Gairsain—a small, quiet town between the Kumaon and Garhwal regions.

🧭 Source: NDTV Report – Uttarakhand Declares Gairsain as Summer Capital

Still wondering why you haven’t heard about this?

That’s the twist: Gairsain isn’t just a town.It’s a political symbol.A statement.A middle-ground chosen to bridge decades of regional demand.

Why Most People Think It’s Nainital

It’s understandable. Nainital has long been the tourist heartbeat of Uttarakhand.

It was once the summer capital of the United Provinces during British rule
It's featured in every travel guide
Bollywood has romanticized it in countless films
And honestly… it’s way easier to reach

But here’s the thing: Popularity doesn’t mean policy.And Gairsain, nestled in Chamoli district, holds a constitutional truth that Nainital doesn’t—it is the actual summer capital declared by the Uttarakhand Assembly.

Gairsain: More Than a Dot on the Map

I went to Gairsain once—not to find a capital, but to find some quiet.

What I discovered was far from just political.

There were women weaving baskets by the roadside, young students in crisp uniforms discussing Uttarakhand politics, and a breeze that felt like history brushing against my skin.

You could feel that this place carried weight.Maybe not in size, but definitely in spirit.

This town is Uttarakhand’s answer to the tension between its plains and hills, Garhwal and Kumaon.It’s not perfect. It’s not touristy.But it’s right in the heart of the state—geographically and symbolically.

“Progress is born when history meets hope.”— Unknown, scribbled on a bench outside Gairsain's assembly building.

So, What Should You Remember?

If you're curious about the Summer Capital of Uttarakhand, remember this:

✔️ Dehradun remains the temporary capital (the current functional hub)
✔️ Gairsain is now the official summer capital, as declared by the state cabinet in 2020
✔️ Nainital holds historic and emotional significance, but not current political status

If you're planning your next trip, skip the crowd once.Try visiting Chamoli district and ask a local in Gairsain how they feel about being the summer capital.

You’ll get a story richer than any guidebook could offer.

Take This With You

Next time someone asks “Where is Summer Capital of Uttarakhand?”, don’t just repeat what most people say.

Tell them the real story.The one with roots, rebellion, and resilience.Tell them it’s Gairsain—a name most don’t know yet, but will.

And if they don’t believe you, send them this blog 😉Or better—take them there.

Still curious?Here are a few trusted references to explore more:

📜 Official Government Press Release on Gairsain's Status (PIB)
📍 Google Maps – Location of Gairsain
🗞️ The Hindu – Gairsain Summer Capital Move

🔚 And just like that, what started as chai-time trivia could be your most interesting travel fact today.

Because Uttarakhand is full of stories.Only a few make it to Instagram.But the best ones?You hear them on the roads less asked about.

Let this be one of them.