Manikaran is one of the less crowded place near Bhuntar in himachal pradesh. If you like tk live in mountains far away from city I would recommend Gargi village which is 4 to 5km trek from manikaran. If accommodation is also available on prior booking.
Thank you .Yeah I have been to manikaran ..amazing place. Although manikaran itself is quite crowded but as you said nearby villages are pretty good option to enjoy the beauty of nature.
Kalga, Pulga, Tulga, Palampur, Shoghi, Nahan are some hill stations of Himachal that aren't as crowded.
You could read these trips for more ideas as well.