Uttarakhand Itinerary: Must-Visit Destinations & Travel Tips
Do you love nature? What about the thrill of adventure or the peace of a pilgrimage? Uttarakhand, as the great saying goes, is what God’s Own Land is all about. Cradled in the Himalayas, this heavenly state has the most perfect Uttarakhand trip itinerary, covering the dreamy hill stations of Mussoorie and Nainital, thrilling adventure activities in Rishikesh, pristine lakes, ancient temples, and mind-blowing scenery. Be it a 5-day trip or a 7-day in-depth journey, this well-prepared Uttarakhand itinerary will walk you through the best rafting in Rishikesh, skiing in Auli, and wildlife safaris in Jim Corbett. A complete guide about the best destinations, travel routes, and must-visit places in the state makes the tour memorable and with minimal hassle. With such preparation, you can explore Uttarakhand’s scenic valleys, snow-capped peaks, and serene spiritual sites!
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Best Time to Visit Uttarakhand
The ideal time to visit Uttarakhand varies according to what you want to see. Summer (March to June) is ideal for hill stations such as Mussoorie and Nainital, with nice weather and clear skies. The monsoon (July to September) greens the valleys but might cause landslides in some places. Winter (October to February) is perfect for snow enthusiasts, particularly in Auli and Chopta, where it is possible to ski and take in the scenery. For religious tours to Rishikesh and Haridwar, one can go any time of the year, but attending Kumbh Mela and Ganga Aarti makes the experience more memorable.
5-Day Uttarakhand Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Haridwar – Rishikesh
Drive: 1 hour
Arrive in Haridwar and drive to Rishikesh
- Visit Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula
- Explore Beatles Ashram and Triveni Ghat
- Attend the Ganga Aarti in the evening
Overnight Stay: Rishikesh
Day 2: Rishikesh – Mussoorie
Drive: 3 hours
After breakfast, drive to Mussoorie
- Visit Kempty Falls and Gun Hill
- Enjoy a walk on Camel’s Back Road and Mall Road
- Relax with views of the Doon Valley
Overnight Stay: Mussoorie
Day 3: Mussoorie – Dhanaulti – Mussoorie
Drive: 1.5 hours each way
Take a day trip to the peaceful hill town of Dhanaulti
- Visit Eco Park and Surkanda Devi Temple
- Enjoy panoramic Himalayan views and cool pine forests
Overnight Stay: Mussoorie
Day 4: Mussoorie – Haridwar
Drive: 2.5–3 hours
Drive back to Haridwar
- Visit Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi temples via ropeway
- Attend the soul-stirring Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri
Overnight Stay: Haridwar
Day 5: Departure from Haridwar / Dehradun
Optional Add-on:
- Visit Robber’s Cave or Forest Research Institute if heading to Dehradun
- Local shopping for souvenirs in Haridwar markets
Departure: From Haridwar or Dehradun (as per your plan)
7-Day Uttarakhand Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Dehradun – Mussoorie
Drive: 1.5–2 hours
Arrive in Dehradun and drive to the Queen of Hills, Mussoorie
- Visit Kempty Falls and Gun Hill
- Explore Camel’s Back Road and Mall Road
- Sunset views from Lal Tibba (optional)
Overnight Stay: Mussoorie
Day 2: Mussoorie – Dhanaulti – Mussoorie
Drive: 1.5 hours (one way)
Take a scenic day trip to Dhanaulti
- Explore Eco Park
- Trek to Surkanda Devi Temple
- Enjoy peaceful mountain views
Overnight Stay: Mussoorie
Day 3: Mussoorie – Rishikesh
Drive: 3 hours
Depart for Rishikesh, a hub for yoga and spirituality
- Visit Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula
- Explore Beatles Ashram and local cafés
- Attend evening Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat
Overnight Stay: Rishikesh
Day 4: Adventure in Rishikesh
Enjoy a day of adventure and wellness
- River rafting on the Ganges
- Bungee jumping or zip-lining (optional)
- Yoga session or Ayurvedic spa
Overnight Stay: Rishikesh
Day 5: Rishikesh – Haridwar
Drive: 1 hour
Short drive to the spiritual town of Haridwar
- Visit Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi Temples
- Take a holy dip at Har Ki Pauri
- Attend the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti
Overnight Stay: Haridwar
Day 6: Haridwar – Nainital
Drive: 6–7 hours
Long scenic drive to the lake town of Nainital
- Evening boat ride on Naini Lake
- Walk along The Mall Road
Overnight Stay: Nainital
Day 7: Explore Nainital – Departure
- Visit Naina Devi Temple, Snow View Point
- Explore the local zoo or take a cable car ride
- Departure from Kathgodam or return drive to Dehradun
Travel Tips & Essentials For Uttarakhand
1. Packing Essentials: Pack warm clothes for winter, light cotton for summer, and waterproof gear for monsoon along with sunscreen, sunglasses, and essential medicines.
2. Travel Safety & Health: Carry medicines for altitude sickness and cold, stay hydrated, avoid overexertion, and keep emergency contacts handy in remote areas.
3. Transportation Tips: Use shared taxis, rental cars, or buses for hilly areas, and always check weather and road conditions, especially during monsoons.
4. Booking & Accommodation: The book stays early in peak seasons (summer, winter, festivals), and choose from hotels, resorts, or homestays based on your budget.
6. Food & Local Cuisine: Try local dishes like Aloo Ke Gutke, Kafuli, and Bal Mithai, and explore street food in Mussoorie, Nainital, and Rishikesh for an authentic experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, A well-planned Uttarakhand Itinerary lets you experience the state’s stunning hill stations, adventure spots, and spiritual retreats. Whether it’s a 5-day escape or a 7-day exploration, you’ll find breathtaking landscapes, thrilling activities, and serene getaways. With the right itinerary, you can explore snowy peaks, lush valleys, and sacred sites, making your journey unforgettable. Plan, choose the best season, and get ready to be mesmerized by Uttarakhand’s beauty and charm!
Here you can also check our Uttarakhand Tour Packages.
People also ask about the Uttarakhand Itinerary
1. What is the best time to visit Uttarakhand?
The best time depends on your preference—summer (March–June) for pleasant weather, monsoon (July–September) for lush greenery, and winter (October–February) for snowfall in places like Auli and Mussoorie.
2. How many days are enough for Uttarakhand?
A 5-day trip is ideal for a quick getaway covering Mussoorie, Rishikesh, and Nainital, while a 7-day itinerary allows for a deeper exploration, including Auli, Chopta, or Jim Corbett.
3. What are the must-visit places in Uttarakhand?
Key destinations include Mussoorie, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Nainital, Auli, Chopta, Jim Corbett, and the Valley of Flowers for trekking lovers.
4. How can I travel within Uttarakhand?
You can use rental cars, shared taxis, and buses for intercity travel. Trains and flights are available for reaching major hubs like Dehradun, Haridwar, and Kathgodam.
5. What are the best adventure activities in Uttarakhand?
Try river rafting and bungee jumping in Rishikesh, trekking in Chopta, skiing in Auli, and jungle safaris in Jim Corbett for an adrenaline rush.
6. Is Uttarakhand safe for solo travelers?
Yes, Uttarakhand is safe for solo travelers, but it’s best to avoid remote areas at night and check road conditions before traveling in the monsoon.
7. What should I pack for Uttarakhand?
Pack warm clothes for winter, light cotton for summer, and waterproof gear for the monsoon, along with essential medicines, comfortable shoes, and sunscreen.
8. What is the best Uttarakhand itinerary for a family trip?
For a family-friendly trip, a 7-day itinerary covering Mussoorie, Rishikesh, Nainital, and Jim Corbett is ideal. It offers a mix of nature, adventure, spirituality, and wildlife, ensuring a memorable experience for all ages.