Kandoliya Temple sits above Pauri town on a forested ridge, and the walk up through oak and rhododendron forest is as rewarding as the temple itself. It is a modest Garhwali hill shrine in terms of architecture, but the setting is exceptional: the terrace in front of the temple offers a sweeping panorama of the snow-capped Himalayan range, with Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, and Kedarnath visible on a clear morning.
Dawn is the best time to be here. The peaks catch the early light before clouds build up, and the forest is alive with birds. It is about a 20-minute walk uphill from the main bazaar. Bring a warm layer — even in summer, the ridge is noticeably cooler than the town below.