Khirsu is a small hill station about 19 km from Pauri, quieter and less developed than Pauri itself. It sits at around 1700 metres in a landscape of apple orchards, oak forests, and meadows, with the same long views of the Himalayan peaks that make this part of Garhwal compelling. The Uttarakhand Tourism bungalow here is a good base if you want to be away from Pauri's administrative bustle.
A few walking trails lead out from Khirsu into the surrounding forests. The village itself is small enough that a couple of hours is sufficient to explore it, but the surrounding countryside rewards a half-day of wandering. The approach road from Pauri winds through pleasant forested country. There is a small dak bungalow and some very basic guesthouses; accommodation is limited.