Uttarakhand is a state in northern India that offers a variety of experiences for travelers. Whether you are looking for spirituality, adventure, nature, or culture, you will find something to suit your taste in this land of the gods. But with so many places to see and things to do, how do you plan your trip to Uttarakhand? That’s why we have created this Uttarakhand travel guide, where we will share with you five must-see attractions that you should not miss when you visit Uttarakhand.
These attractions will give you a glimpse of the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and spiritual aura of Uttarakhand. So, if you are ready to discover the wonders of Uttarakhand, read on and follow our Uttarakhand travel guide.
Char Dham Yatra
Char Dham Yatra is a pilgrimage to the four sacred sites of Hinduism in Uttarakhand: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. These sites are believed to be the abodes of the gods Yamuna, Ganga, Shiva, and Vishnu respectively. The pilgrimage is considered to be one of the most auspicious and holy journeys in Hinduism, as it is said to wash away one’s sins and grant salvation.
Best time to undertake the Char Dham Yatra is from April to November, when the weather is pleasant and the roads are accessible. Yatra can be done by road, helicopter, or trekking, depending on your preference and budget. Visit other nearby attractions such as Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun, and Mussoorie along the way.
Valley of Flowers National Park
Valley of Flowers National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is famous for its stunning meadows of alpine flowers and diverse wildlife. Park is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, at an altitude of 3,658 meters above sea level. Park covers an area of 87.5 square kilometers and is home to more than 600 species of flowers, including rare and endangered ones such as the blue poppy, Brahma kamal, cobra lily, and Himalayan edelweiss.
Best time to visit the Valley of Flowers National Park is from July to September when the flowers are in full bloom and the valley is a riot of colors. Park can be reached by a 17-kilometer trek from Govindghat, which is accessible by road from Haridwar or Rishikesh. Visit the nearby Hemkund Sahib, a Sikh shrine that is situated at an altitude of 4,329 meters above sea level.
Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park is India’s oldest and most famous national park, established in 1936 as Hailey National Park. It was renamed after Jim Corbett, a legendary hunter-turned-conservationist who played a key role in its creation. Park is located in the Nainital and Pauri Garhwal districts of Uttarakhand, covering an area of 520 square kilometers. It is known for its rich biodiversity and wildlife, especially the Bengal tiger.
Best time to visit Jim Corbett National Park is from November to June, when the weather is pleasant and the chances of spotting wildlife are high. Park can be reached by road from Delhi or Dehradun. Visit other nearby attractions such as Nainital, Ranikhet, Almora, and Kausani.
Auli
Auli is a popular hill station and ski resort in Uttarakhand, located in the Chamoli district at an altitude of 2,500 to 3,050 meters above sea level. It is surrounded by snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, such as Nanda Devi, Mana Parvat, Kamet, and Dunagiri. It offers panoramic views of the mountains and valleys, as well as thrilling activities such as skiing, snowboarding, trekking, camping, and cable car rides.
Best time to visit Auli is from December to March, when the snowfall is abundant and the slopes are ideal for skiing. Auli can be reached by road from Haridwar or Rishikesh. Take a cable car ride from Joshimath, which is about 16 kilometers away from Auli.
Nainital
Nainital is a charming hill station and lake city in Uttarakhand, located in the Kumaon region at an altitude of 2,084 meters above sea level. It is named after Naini Lake, a crescent-shaped lake that lies at the heart of the city. Nainital is known for its scenic beauty and colonial charm, as well as its boating, shopping, and sightseeing options.
Best time to visit Nainital is from March to June and September to November, when the weather is pleasant and conducive for outdoor activities. Nainital can be reached by road from Delhi or Kathgodam. Visit other nearby attractions such as Bhimtal, Sattal, Naukuchiatal, Mukteshwar, and Ramgarh.
How to reach Uttarakhand?
Uttarakhand is well-connected by air, rail, and road. State has two domestic airports, Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun and Pantnagar Airport in Udham Singh Nagar. State also has several railway stations, such as Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun, Kathgodam, and Ramnagar. State is also accessible by road from Delhi and other neighboring states.
What are the best places to stay in Uttarakhand?
Uttarakhand offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels and resorts to budget guesthouses and homestays. Some of the best places to stay in Uttarakhand are:
- Ananda in the Himalayas, Rishikesh
- Roseate Ganges, Rishikesh
- JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa, Mussoorie
- Naini Retreat, Nainital
- Cliff Top Club, Auli
- Riverview Retreat, Corbett
- Himalayan Eco Lodges & Camps, Valley of Flowers
- Shri Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee Guest Houses, Char Dham
What are the best things to do in Uttarakhand?
Uttarakhand offers a variety of things to do for travelers of all interests and ages. Some of the best things to do in Uttarakhand are:
- Attend the evening aarti at Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar
- Experience the thrill of river rafting and bungee jumping in Rishikesh
- Enjoy a cable car ride and a scenic walk at Gun Hill in Mussoorie
- Go boating and shopping at Mall Road in Nainital
- Ski on the slopes of Auli and enjoy the views of the Himalayas
- Spot tigers and other wildlife at Jim Corbett National Park
- Trek to the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib
- Visit the four sacred sites of Char Dham Yatra
What are the best souvenirs to buy from Uttarakhand?
Uttarakhand is known for its handicrafts, woolens, spices, honey, and herbal products. Some of the best souvenirs to buy from Uttarakhand are:
- Pahari paintings and wood carvings
- Woolen shawls, caps, sweaters, and carpets
- Basmati rice, tea, jaggery, and pickles
- Honey, jamun honey, and buransh juice
- Herbal cosmetics, medicines, and oils
What are the best dishes to try in Uttarakhand?
Uttarakhand has a rich and diverse cuisine, influenced by its geography, climate, and culture. Some of the best dishes to try in Uttarakhand are:
- Aloo ke gutke, a spicy potato dish
- Kafuli, a spinach and fenugreek curry
- Phaanu, a lentil soup
- Gahat ki dal, a horse gram dal
- Bhang ki chutney, a hemp seed chutney
- Singori, a sweet made of khoya and coconut wrapped in malu leaf
- Bal mithai, a brown fudge-like sweet
- Jhangora ki kheer, a barnyard millet pudding
Which is the best time to travel to Uttarakhand?
March to April and September to October are considered as the best time to visit Uttarakhand.
Which month is snowfall in Uttarakhand?
To catch the snowfall though, visit it between mid-December to mid-February.
Uttarakhand is a state that will leave you spellbound with its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and spiritual aura. It is a place where you can find peace, adventure, and joy. So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets and pack your bags for an unforgettable trip to Uttarakhand.
