Sukhdevi: (few hundred meters from Dunagiri Retreat, 15 min walk)
The ancient temple of Sukhdevi or Sukhadevi is located a few minutes trek from the retreat at a height of 8,000 feet. It offers stunning views of major peaks such as Kedarnath, Badrinath, Shivling, Chaukhamba, Trisul, Nanda Kot and Nanda Devi. A quaint place, it is a perfect spot to watch sunrise as well as sunset. Sensitive people are sure to feel strong, pleasant vibrations here. Just to be here is to meditate.

As per the regional belief Sukhdev Muni meditated here. Sukhdev Muni was the son of Ved-Vyasa [a great Rishi, author of the Mahabharata] and he had the knowledge right from the time when he was in the womb of his mother. It is said that God suspended the action of Maya for five seconds so that he could be born. He had access to the inner planes and heavens from birth. But when he went into the region of Lord Vishnu, he was thrown out - because he did not have any Master (Guru). He was very proud that his father was Ved-Vyasa, who was called yogishwar (or "great yogi") and because of that he thought that he didn't need any Guru or Master.

However, as per Manaskhand of Skandapuran, where this place is mentioned, here was the origin of river Shukvati (now extinct) which flowed from Mount Drongiri hence it was known as Shuk Devi. It is interesting to note how in Indian mythology rivers were given the status of Devi so they could be revered and preserved.

Kukuchina: (2 km from Dunagiri Retreat, 5 min drive or 30 min walk)
Less than 2 km from the Dunagiri Retreat. When the Pandavas were running from place to place hiding their true identity during the 1-year 'Agyatavas' period, the Kauravas were chasing them around in the hills of this region. It is said that Kukuchina is the last point till which the Kauravas came, after which they returned. Hence, this placed was named 'Kauravchina' which in time, came to be called 'Kukuchina'. 3 kilometres from here is the Pandukholi. The Taragtal, a seasonal lake, believed to have been constructed by the Pandavas is also a mere 3 kilometres away. Pandukholi and Taragtal can be reached only by foot, though a motorable road goes part of the way to Taragtal..

Manglikhan (Dunagiri Temple): (3 km from Dunagiri Retreat, 5 min drive or 30 min walk to Manglikhan then 350 steps to temple)
Dunagiri temple is highly revered temple of Uttaranchal, holding as much significance to pilgrims as does the Vaishno Devi shrine in J&K.  Manglikhan is the base of Dunagiri temple from where one begins the 1 km climb to the temple via steps. In ancient times, sadhus and pilgrims would pray to Sarv-Mangla (lit. “auspicious to all”) devi Bhagwati here before starting the climb to the temple, hence this place came to be known as Manglikhan. It is also called so since the soil here is naturally of ochre-orange color (ochre-orange is associated with Mangal – which is planet Mars having a red color exemplifying the natural color of the astronomical body in the sky). Mangal and color ochre is also associated with lord Hanuman; hence there is also a popular temple of Hanuman at Mangalikhan. Soil from here is considered auspicious and locals use it to plaster their temples and to make alpana (alpana: form of Rangoli – colorful patterns made on the floor and walls with natural colors). 
 
Pandukholi: (5 km from Dunagiri Retreat, drive to Kukuchina then 90 min trek)
Pandukholi is about 5 km from our Dunagiri Retreat, and about 3 km ahead of Kukuchhina via a very pleasant even if somewhat strenuous trek. Pandukholi is believed to have been one of the shelters of the Pandavs, the sons of Pandu during the 1-year 'Agyatavas' - literally meaning “anonymous stay” - after their 14-year exile as mentioned in the Mahabharata. The name Pandukholi is also derived from the legend, 'Pandu' meaning the sons of Pandu that is Pandav and 'kholi' meaning shelter. The temple here has statues of Shiva and those of the five Pandavas. For the past several decades it was famous as the ashram of Saint Baba Balwant Giri. It is particularly known for naturally growing multi-colored flowers and rare medicinal herbs.

Bhatkot: (long trek, suggested overnight stay at Pandukholi)
A few kilometers from Dunagiri is the peak of Bhatkot (original name Bharat-kot, meaning Bharat’s fort, named after Rama’s brother who is supposed to have meditated here). At 9086 ft, it is the highest peak in Kumaon. Within Uttarakhand, some mountains are known to be particularly divine due to which Uttarakhand itself is known as the Land of the Gods. Bhatkot is one such mountain. Shrouded in folklore and numerous mysteries, trekking routes here are not meant for the “casual” trekker. It is believed to be the meditation spot of famous saints such as Mahavtar Baba, Haidakhan baba and Nantin baba. An ancient spot, it is mentioned in Hindu scriptures by the name of Lodhra Parvat (If you decide to trek to Bhatkot, please be accompanied by someone who is well familiar with the area as the trails are not marked and few venture there).