Things to do in

Uttarakhand

Moderate-altitude alpine trek to the snout/viewpoint of the Pindari Glacier in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand. The trek passes through rhododendron and oak forests, high alpine meadows, traditional Kumaoni villages (Khati), and offers close-up views of Himalayan peaks such as Nanda Devi, Nandakot, and Panpatia. Suitable for trekkers with basic mountain trekking experience and good fitness.

Roopkund (the mysterious 'Skeleton Lake') via the Wan → Bedni / Ali Bugyal route is a classic Uttarakhand high-altitude trek in Chamoli district. The route combines expansive alpine meadows (bugyals), panoramic Himalayan views (Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, Hathi Parvat), and a high glacial lake at ~5,029 m with a unique archaeological mystery. The trek suits moderately fit trekkers with basic high-altitude experience and offers a mix of scenic meadow camping and snowy high passes.

A high-altitude, moderate-to-challenging trek that takes you from the scenic hill-station of Munsiyari into the remote Ralam/Nanda Devi East valley to the base of Nanda Devi East (Nanda Devi East Base Camp). The route passes through alpine meadows, traditional Kumaoni villages, glacial moraines and offers close-up views of Nanda Devi East, Nanda Kot, Panchachuli and surrounding peaks.

A panoramic viewpoint near Munsiyari town offering unmatched views of the Panchachuli massif (five-peaked Himalayan range). Easily accessible from Munsiyari, the viewpoint is popular for sunrise/sunset vistas, photography, short treks to nearby ridges (e.g., Khalia Top), and experiencing alpine meadows and local Kumaoni culture.

Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary in Almora, Uttarakhand is a compact but bird-rich Himalayan sanctuary set in oak and rhododendron forests. Birding here focuses on montane and submontane Himalayan species — pheasants, hill thrushes, flycatchers, tits, warblers and raptors — often seen along narrow forest trails, viewpoints and open clearings. The sanctuary’s mosaic of oak, rhododendron, and alpine scrub, together with accessible viewpoints (notably Zero Point and Binsar Peak), makes it ideal for short, high-quality birding visits.

A classic Himalayan birdwatching experience located above Nainital town. Pangot and the adjacent Kilbury forest offer mixed oak-rhododendron woodlands, evergreen patches and streams that attract a rich assemblage of resident and migratory birds. Trails are short to moderate and ideal for early-morning birding, photography and short nature walks with scenic views over the Nainital valley.

Boating on the horseshoe-shaped Naini Lake is the quintessential Nainital experience — a peaceful, scenic cruise offering close-up views of the lake, surrounding hills and towns. Options include row boats, pedal (paddle) boats and occasional motor launches. The activity is suitable for families, couples and photographers.

Naina Devi Temple is a picturesque Hindu temple located on the northern shore of Nainital Lake. It is dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi (an incarnation of Goddess Parvati) and is one of the main spiritual and cultural landmarks in Nainital. The temple offers serene lakeside views, close access to Mall Road, and an atmospheric evening aarti.

A popular hilltop viewpoint above Nainital offering panoramic views of the outer Himalayas (including peaks such as Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nanda Kot on clear days). Accessible by a short ropeway ride from Mallital or by a steeper walking trail. The spot is renowned for sunrise and sunset vistas, photography and short treks.

Mall Road in Nainital is the town's lively lakeside promenade that combines scenic views of Naini Lake, colonial-era charm, and a busy shopping scene. The stroll is ideal for casual sightseeing, tea/coffee at lakeside cafés, sampling local snacks, and buying souvenirs, woollens, and handicrafts.

Mall Road is Mussoorie's bustling pedestrian promenade lined with shops, cafes and bakeries; nearby Camel's Back Road is a quieter, scenic ridge walk offering uninterrupted views of the Himalaya and the Doon Valley. This combined walk pairs lively town atmosphere with a peaceful, panoramic ridge stroll — ideal for a 2–3 hour relaxed outing or a longer half-day exploration.

Kempty Falls is one of Mussoorie's most popular waterfalls — a multi-tiered cascade set in a scenic valley about 13 km from Mussoorie Mall Road. The falls pour down from a height of around 40–45 feet into natural pools and rocky terraces, making it a favorite picnic spot and short nature visit for families and day-trippers. The area offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and is easily accessible by road. Ideal for a half-day outing (photo opportunities, light paddling at safe spots, and picnicking).

A short scenic cable-car (ropeway) ride from Library Chowk up to Gun Hill, Mussoorie's second-highest peak. The ride offers panoramic views over Mussoorie, the Doon Valley and the distant Himalayan ranges. At Gun Hill there is a viewpoint, a small market area and telescopes/binoculars for visitors. It's popular for quick sightseeing, photography and watching sunrises or sunsets.

Eco Park in Dhanaulti is a compact, well-maintained mountain park set within deodar and oak forests offering easy nature walks, panoramic views of the Himalayas and family-friendly activities. It’s ideal for a short peaceful visit, photography, birdwatching and light adventure (tree-top trails/ropecourses). The park is prized for its clean air, cedar groves and sunrise/sunset viewpoints.

Robber's Cave (Gucchupani) is a natural river cave formation located on the outskirts of Dehradun city. A short, scenic gorge formed by a subterranean river, the site is known for its narrow rock corridors, cool clear water flowing through the cave, and easy walking trails—making it a popular spot for families, photographers and day-trippers.

The Forest Research Institute (FRI) Museum in Dehradun is a world-renowned forestry research complex set in an expansive colonial-era campus. The museum houses excellent collections on Indian forestry, botany, timber, forest products, dioramas, taxidermy, an herbarium and interactive exhibits explaining silviculture, conservation and biodiversity. The campus itself — with grand Greco-Roman architecture, manicured lawns and experimental forests — is a major draw for photographers, students and nature enthusiasts.

Tehri Lake, formed by the Tehri Dam near New Tehri in Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, is a popular destination for a variety of freshwater water-sports. The activity hub offers jet-skiing, speed boat rides, banana boat rides, kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boating. The setting combines adrenaline experiences with scenic Himalayan reservoir views, making it suitable for both thrill-seekers and families.

Tehri Dam Viewpoint offers sweeping panoramic views of the Tehri Reservoir (Tehri Lake) and the surrounding Himalayan hills from the edge of New Tehri town. The viewpoint is a popular spot for photographers, sunset watchers and visitors who want to appreciate the scale of one of India’s largest hydroelectric dams and its reservoir. The site provides a dramatic contrast between the engineered grandeur of the dam and the natural beauty of the Garhwal landscape.

Devprayag is the sacred town where the two Himalayan rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi meet to form the Ganga. The confluence (sangam) is a powerful spiritual site with temples, ghats and scenic viewpoints offering dramatic river vistas and a strong pilgrimage atmosphere. Visitors come for religious rituals, photography and to experience a classic Uttarakhand riverside town.

Jageshwar Temple Complex is an ancient Hindu pilgrimage site and a remarkable cluster of over 100 small stone temples set in a cedar and oak forest in the Kumaon region. The complex, dating from the 8th–12th centuries, is noted for its Nagara-style architecture, intricate stone carvings and serene mountain setting — making it important both spiritually and historically.