Logo

Uttarakhand: Land of Gods with Rich Nature, Temples & Snow-capped Mountains

Places to Visit India offers a detailed travel guide for uttarakhand tourism. Since, we support Himalayan areas, places to visit in Uttarakhand are on our top priority in terms of promoting Himalayan exploration. 

A significant portion of the Himalayas lies within India's borders, and the most prominent state nestled in the lap of the Himalayas is Uttarakhand. Referred to as the "Land of the Gods," this beautiful state has been glorified by many historians and poets alike. 

Uttarakhand is primarily divided into two regions: Garhwal and Kumaon. It shares borders with both China and Nepal. Numerous legends about the Mahabharata, the Pandavas, and Lord Shiva are prevalent throughout the state. Some of India's major rivers, such as the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saryu, originate from the glaciers of Uttarakhand ...

Read More
image
image

The traditions and culture of the people of Uttarakhand are deeply rooted in ancient times, adding to the state's uniqueness. The residents are simple, hardworking, and closely connected to nature. The local cuisine is not only flavorful but also tailored to the region's environment, often incorporating medicinal herbs.

Apart from the Char Dham in Garhwal and the popular destinations of Nainital and Almora in Kumaon, there are numerous other spots in Uttarakhand that offer an unparalleled experience for visitors. The state is especially renowned for its trekking destinations, attracting not only pilgrims but also mountain enthusiasts, nature lovers, and photographers.

Uttarakhand’s national parks are distinctly different from others in India, offering some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth. In essence, the state of Uttarakhand is nothing short of paradise in...

Read More

Best Way to Plan a Trip to Uttarakhand- Uttarakhand Travel Guide

Rishikesh, Dehradun, Kotdwar, Kashipur, Kathgodam, and Tanakpur are the gateways to enter the Himalayas in Uttarakhand. Which town you have to choose depends on your ultimate destination.

Train stations to reach Uttarakhand: Dehradun, Rishikesh, Kathgodam, and Kashipur have dedicated railway stations with excellent connectivity via Delhi or other major stations in India.

Airports to reach Uttarakhand: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun and Pant Nagar near Haldwani are two major airports to reach the nearest gateway to Uttarakhand.

Local Road Transport: Uttarakhand road transportation buses offer great connectivity between main stations and remote locations in Uttarakhand. Moreover, shared taxis are operated by locals that one can use for travelling from one station to another.

Private Cabs: If you want a comfortable travel experience, you can hire a private taxi, readily available at all airports and railway stations. You can also find a private cab (including a Force traveller) online. Places to Visit India also offers private cabs at reasonable rates.

Bike Rentals: Wanderers who love to ride bikes on twisting roads can rent bikes, easily available outside railway stations or at popular tourist destinations. Places to Visit India also offers bikes on rent in Uttarakhand.

Note: It is recommended to first ensure your travel destination and then ask our experts about the best travel options.

Tip: You can buy a tour or trek package from Places to Visit India for a more comfortable and guided travel experience.

Best Time to Visit Uttarakhand: Travel experts recommend winter ending months, March & April as the best to visit Uttarakhand, however they also suggest october months as it offers clears skies.

Must Know Things If You're Planning Pindari Glacier Trek:

#
Category:Province
#
Best Time:May & December
#
Key Locations:Rishikesh & Almora
#
Key Attractions:Temples & Treks
#
Key Stations:Kathgodam & Rishikesh
#
Key Airports:Pant Nagar (PGH) & Dehradun (DED)
#
PTVi Rating:8/10
#
Estimated Budget for Couple:12-15K
#
Highlights:Chardham, Har Ki Dun, Munsyari, Adi Kailash, Haridwar-Rishikesh
image

Best Places to Visit in Uttarakhand:

Char Dham Circuit: Every year, a large number of devotees visit Uttarakhand to complete the Char Dham pilgrimage located in the Garhwal region. The Char Dham circuit consists of Badrinath, Kedarnath , Gangotri, and Yamunotri, with Kedarnath being the most renowned religious site.

Known as the "Chota Char Dham," these four places hold great sanctity among Hindus. Among them, Badrinath is part of the main Char Dham and represents the northern segment of this sacred quartet. The Char Dham yatra opens for pilgrims in May and closes with the onset of winter.

Uttarakhand Hill Stations: Uttarakhand is home to numerous picturesque hill stations that are serene and charming. Nainital, Mussoorie, Almora, Ranikhet, Lansdowne, Munsiyari, and Joshimath are among the most prominent ones. These hill stations offer ancient temples, beautiful markets, trekking trails, sunset points, adventure activities, and much more for visitors to enjoy.

Uttarakhand Treks: Uttarakhand boasts the highest number of Himalayan treks in India. Trekkers can choose from easy, moderate, and challenging trails. Both Garhwal and Kumaon regions offer over 100 trekking routes where you can escape the hustle and bustle of social life and immerse yourself in the breathtaking views of nature.

Treks like Kedarkantha , Chopta-Chandrashila , Roopkund, Gaumukh-Tapovan, Pindari , and Milam provide mesmerizing views of the snow-clad Himalayan ranges. You can book trek packages and get detailed information about these treks on *Places to Visit India*.

Pilgrimages or Spiritual Places in Uttarakhand: Known as the “Land of Gods” (Devbhoomi), Uttarakhand is a treasure trove of religious sites. The state is home to numerous ancient temples, some with a history of over a thousand years. Most of these temples are built in the Nagar-style architecture.

Apart from the Char Dham, prominent pilgrimage sites include Panch Kedar, Kartik Swami Temple , Purnagiri, Triyuginarayan, Dhari Devi Temple, Adi Kailash, Bagnath Temple, Jageshwar Temple Complex, Kainchi Dham , and Naina Devi Temple. These sacred places, nestled amidst nature, offer a profound spiritual experience.

Remote Destinations: Uttarakhand is dotted with remote villages known for their unique geographical settings and unparalleled beauty. Reaching these villages often involves long journeys, and some even require trekking.

Far removed from the hustle of modern cities, these villages provide an opportunity to witness a distinctive way of life. Villages like Van, Gamshali, Kuti, Dronagiri, and Namik are popular among explorers who cherish Himalayan life and solitude.

5 Travel Destinations in Uttarakhand with 4-5 Days Uttarakhand Itinerary:

Rishikesh-Haridwar (4 Days)

Day 1: Check into your hotel in Haridwar early in the morning. Explore local markets and ghats in the daytime in Haridwar. In the evening, witness the mesmerising Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri.

Day 2: Visit Mansa Devi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple, and Daksh Mahadev Temple in Haridwar. In the afternoon, travel to Rishikesh (approx. 1 hour). Check into your hotel or resort near Shivpuri. Enjoy a bonfire with dinner and music near the Ganges.

Day 3: Enjoy white-water rafting on the Ganges, explore local markets, and visit Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Triveni Ghat, and Parmarth Niketan.

Day 4: Visit the Beatles Ashram (Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram) and enjoy a relaxing yoga session. Depart from Rishikesh late in the evening after having your dinner.

Dehradun-Mussoorie (4 Days)

Day 1: Arrive at Dehradun Airport/Railway Station. Check into your hotel. Visit Robber's Cave, Tapkeshwar Temple, and the Mindrolling Monastery.

Day 2: Drive to Mussoorie (approx. 1 hour). Check into your hotel. Visit Kempty Falls, Company Garden, and enjoy a stroll on Mall Road.

Day 3: Mussoorie Sightseeing: Visit Gun Hill (by cable car), Lal Tibba (highest point in Mussoorie), and explore the local markets.

Day 4: Return to Dehradun and depart from the airport/railway station.

Nainital-Almora (5 Days)

Day 1: Arrive at Kathgodam Railway Station. Transfer to Nainital (approx. 1 hour). Check into your hotel. Enjoy boating on Naini Lake.

Day 2: Visit Naina Devi Temple, Snow View Point (by cable car), and explore the local markets.

Day 3: Reach Almora by shared taxis or private cab (approx. 2-3 hours). Visit Kainchi Dham, a famous pilgrimage site that lies on the route. Check into your hotel in Almora. Visit Lala Bazar and witness evening aarti at Nanda Devi Temple.

Day 4: Visit the Kasar Devi Temple and Chitai Golu Temple to enjoy the scenic views. Move to the Zero Point for panoramic Himalayan views.

Day 5: Drive back to Kathgodam via Dhanachuli and have a stop at Dol Ashram. Reach Kathgodam and depart from the railway station after your dinner.

Ranikhet-Girija Devi-Jim Corbett (4 Days)

Day 1: Arrive at Kathgodam Railway Station. Move to Nainital. Visit the Naina Devi temple and enjoy boat riding. Transfer to Ranikhet. Check into your hotel.

Day 2: Sightseeing in Ranikhet. Visit the Chaubatia Gardens, the Rani Jheel, and the local temples (Jhula Devi and Mankameshwar).

Day 3: Drive to Ramnagar (approx. 2-3 hours). Check into your hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Girija Devi Temple.

Day 4: Enjoy a morning or afternoon jeep safari in Jim Corbett National Park (pre-booking is highly recommended). Leave from Kashipur by train late in the evening (CORBET PRK LINK 25014).

Tehri Dam-Surkanda Devi (4 Days)

Day 1: Arrive at Dehradun Airport/Railway Station. Transfer to Tehri (approx. 3-4 hours). Check into a resort. Enjoy a bonfire with dinner in the evening.

Day 2: Visit the Tehri Dam, one of the highest dams in the world. Enjoy boating on Tehri Lake. You can also try paragliding offered by various experts in the area. Move to Kanatal and check in to your new stay facility.

Day 3: Drive to Kaddukhal (starting point for the trek to Surkanda Devi Temple). Trek to the temple (approx. 2-3 km). Enjoy the panoramic views from the top.

Day 4: Return to Dehradun via Mussoorie (approx. 3-4 hours). Take a break in Mussoorie. Reach Dehradun and depart from the airport/railway station.

Photo Gallery of Uttarakhand:

image
image
image
image

Tips to consider when planning a trip to Uttarakhand:

1. Avoid driving on Uttarakhand's narrow and winding roads; instead, hire a local cab for a safer and more convenient experience.

2. Steer clear of traveling during the monsoon season, as Uttarakhand is prone to frequent landslides during heavy rainfall.

3. Opt for an early-morning train to make the most of your day upon arrival.

4. Book a trekking package from Places to Visit India for a hassle-free and rewarding trekking experience, instead of attempting a DIY trek.

5. Pre-book your accommodation, as finding a suitable place to stay after arrival can be challenging in the hills.

6. Pack warm clothing, especially if you're planning to visit higher altitudes or remote villages.

7. If traveling solo or as a couple, consider renting a two-wheeler from the last accessible station for a flexible and cost-effective journey.

8. Avoid traveling in the hills during nighttime for your safety.

9. Carry a rain cover if you're visiting Uttarakhand between May and August to stay protected during unexpected showers.

10. Plan your trip in January or February if you wish to experience the magical snowfall in Uttarakhand.

11. Don’t litter and keep the environment clean.

More Provinces to Explore in India

image

Kerala

image

Rajasthan

image

Gujarat

Top Trending Destinations in India

image

Chopta Tunganath Chandrashila Trek

image

Chadar Trek

image

Rann of Kutch Tourism

image

Banaras

Frequently Asked Questions

Oct-Dec is the best time to explore hill stations, riverside towns, and high-altitude areas in Uttarakhand.
You can witness snowfall in Uttarakhand in higher altitude areas such as Dhanaulti, Nainital, Chopta, Munsyari, and Almora.
Valley of Flowers, Har ki Dun, Chopta, Dayara Bugyal, and Darma Valley are the best places to experience flowers in bloom.
Chopta-Tungnath-Chandrashila, Kartik Swami, Monal Top, and Bedni Bugyal are some of the easy treks in Uttarakhand.
Kartik Swami and Khaliya Top are easy treks where you can witness a vast view of 270 degrees of Himalayan peaks.
It will take 9-10 days to complete the entire journey of Chardham, including Gangotri, Yamunautri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
Kashipur to Niti Valley and Tanakpur to Adi Kailash are the best routes you can do on a bike in Uttarakhand.

Need Assistance ?

At Places to Visit India, we've a team of travel experts. Whether it's a Himalayan in the north or coastal in the west, team Places to Visit India can make plan you can't imagine.

The tour planners at Places to Visit India consider your specific requirements and budget and create a customize tour pindari glacier trekking package that you actually look for.

Our itinerary includes everything from starting to end, transportation, stay options, activities suggestions, costs, and more, costs only Rs. 199.

Please fill out and submit the inquiry form, and one of our travel experts will connect you.

Phone Numbers:

+91 9929107926

+91 9636344415

Email Addresses:

info@placestovisitindia.com

support@placestovisitindia.com

Office Address:

3/33, Prabhati marg

Chitrakoot, Jaipur 302021

India

We're here to help

Best Places to Visit in Uttarakhand – Hill Stations, Treks & Temples - Places To Visit India