Uttarakhand Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Uttarakhand with this comprehensive travel guide, featuring the best places to visit, things to do, hiking/biking routes, local culture and customs, safety and health information, transportation options, and nearby destinations.


Introduction to Uttarakhand

Nestled in the Himalayan North of India, Uttarakhand is known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and spiritual significance. Formed in 2000 after being separated from Uttar Pradesh, this region boasts some of the highest peaks in the country, including Nanda Devi and Trisul. With a diverse range of adventurous activities, Uttarakhand attracts travellers from all over the world.

List of Places to Visit in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand offers a plethora of destinations and experiences for the travellers. Here are some of the must-visit places in Uttarakhand that one should not miss:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Uttarakhand is home to several historical landmarks, museums, and unique structures that are worth exploring. Some of the culturally important places to visit in Uttarakhand are:

  • Haridwar
  • Rishikesh
  • Kedarnath Temple
  • Almora
  • Kumaon Village walk

Natural Attractions of Uttarakhand: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Uttarakhand has breathtaking landscapes that offer thrilling outdoor adventure activities such as hiking, biking, and camping. Here are some natural attractions of Uttarakhand:

  • Jim Corbett National Park
  • Nainital
  • Roopkund Trek
  • Valley of Flowers

Hiking/Biking Routes of Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand has a wide range of hiking and biking trails, which are ideal for adventure enthusiasts. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in Uttarakhand:

  • Dodital Trek
  • Kuari Pass Trek
  • Gangotri Glacier Trek
  • Chopta - Tungnath - Chandrashila Trek

Best Things to Do in Uttarakhand: Activities and Tours

Besides hiking and biking, Uttarakhand has a lot of other activities to offer such as river rafting, paragliding, bungee jumping, and wildlife safaris. Here are some of the best things to do in Uttarakhand:

  • River Rafting in Rishikesh
  • Paragliding in Nainital
  • Bungee Jumping in Mohan Chatti
  • Wildlife Safari in Jim Corbett National Park

Week-Long Itinerary for Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand offers travellers plenty of options to choose from, depending on their interest and time availability. Here is an ideal week-long itinerary for Uttarakhand:

Day Activity
1 Arrival in Haridwar, visit Har Ki Pauri Ghat, and attend evening aarti
2 Drive to Auli and enjoy skiing in winters or hiking in summers
3 Trek to Gurson Bugyal and enjoy the stunning views of Nanda Devi
4 Drive to Joshimath and explore the town
5 Trek to the Valley of Flowers and explore the area
6 Experience the thrill of river rafting in Rishikesh
7 Departure from Haridwar

Food and Drink Scene of Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand’s cuisine is primarily made up of traditional Garhwali and Kumaoni dishes. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Bal Mithai
  • Aloo ke Gutke
  • Kafuli
  • Bhaang Ki Chutney

Local Beverages

  • Buransh Juice
  • Kaafli / Rambhari Juice
  • Thadal

Where to Stay in Uttarakhand: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Uttarakhand has accommodation options to suit everyone’s budget and preference. From campsites and homestays to luxury hotels and resorts, here are some of the best places to stay in Uttarakhand:

  • The Roseate Ganges, Rishikesh
  • The Kumaon, Almora
  • The Wildrift Camp, Nainital
  • The Jessie’s Resort, Mukteshwar

What to Buy in Uttarakhand: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Uttarakhand has a fascinating range of souvenirs and local products to take home. Some of the best things to buy in Uttarakhand are:

  • Woolen Shawls and Carpets
  • Spices and Pickles
  • Handmade Wooden Items
  • Local Handicrafts

Local Culture and Customs of Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is known for its diverse culture, and customs that the locals follow. Here are some of the local customs and cultures you should know before visiting Uttarakhand:

  • Festivals like Kumbh Mela, Dehradun Basant Panchami and Makar Sankranti are celebrated with great pomp and show.
  • Namaste or Pranam is a way of greeting, which is widely used here.
  • The cuisine of Uttarakhand is vegetarian and mostly influenced by the local terrain.

Best Time to Visit Uttarakhand

The best time to visit Uttarakhand is during the shoulder season of April to June and September to November. The weather is pleasant, and tourists can engage in numerous outdoor activities. However, it is highly recommended to check the weather forecast before planning a trip to Uttarakhand.

Do’s and Don’ts of Uttarakhand

When visiting Uttarakhand, there are a few things that one should keep in mind:

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Dress modestly.
  • Carry a valid ID proof with you at all times.

Don’t:

  • Consume alcohol or non-vegetarian food in holy places.
  • Litter the natural surroundings.
  • Engage in activities that hurt the sentiments of the locals.

Safety and Health

Uttarakhand is a relatively safe destination for tourists. However, it is recommended to take the necessary precautions while travelling. Here are some safety and health tips to consider while visiting Uttarakhand:

Safety in Uttarakhand

  • Always carry a copy of your passport and necessary travel documents with you.
  • Avoid travelling alone, especially during the night.
  • Be aware of your surroundings, and take precautions in crowded areas.

Health in Uttarakhand

  • It’s recommended to drink bottled water and avoid drinking tap water.
  • Get a complete medical checkup before travelling.
  • Carry a first-aid kit that includes essential medicines for mild ailments.

Getting to Uttarakhand: Transportation Options and Logistics

Uttarakhand can be reached by air, road, and train.

Airports Near Uttarakhand

  • Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
  • Pantnagar Airport, Nainital

Bus Stations Near Uttarakhand

  • ISBT Dehradun
  • Anand Vihar Terminal, Delhi
  • Haldwani Bus Stand, Nainital

Other Options

  • Private taxis can be hired from major cities such as Delhi and Dehradun.

How to Get Around in Uttarakhand

The best way to explore Uttarakhand is by renting a private cab or hiring a local guide. Local transportation options include buses, taxis, and rickshaws.

Where to Go Next from Uttarakhand: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Uttarakhand is surrounded by several scenic destinations and cultural landmarks that are worth visiting. Here are some of the best nearby destinations and excursions to plan after Uttarakhand:

  • Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh
  • Ranthambore, Rajasthan
  • Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Conclusion

Uttarakhand is a beautiful state with plenty of natural wonders and cultural landmarks. Travellers have a lot to explore in this area, whether they’re looking for an adventurous trek, a peaceful retreat, or a spiritual experience. This travel guide highlights the best of what Uttarakhand has to offer, and we hope it helps in planning a memorable trip to this amazing state.

Location of Uttarakhand Location of Uttarakhand The Ganges flowing through Rishikesh The Ganges flowing through Rishikesh Highest Shiva temple, Tungnath/Chopta, built by Pandavs/Adi Shankaracharya Highest Shiva temple, Tungnath/Chopta, built by Pandavs/Adi Shankaracharya Pauri town Pauri town Pauri at dawn, Himalayas as the last upper ridge in the background Pauri at dawn, Himalayas as the last upper ridge in the background Dunagiri. Dunagiri. Himalayas near Ukhimath, Rudraprayag Himalayas near Ukhimath, Rudraprayag Kedarnath & Neelkanth peaks from Ukhimath, Rudraprayag Kedarnath & Neelkanth peaks from Ukhimath, Rudraprayag Chamba town & valley, near Mussoorie Chamba town & valley, near Mussoorie Pindari Glacier Pindari Glacier


    Garhwal
    Kumaon