Uttarakhand Tour Packages

Cradled in the Himalaya, Uttarakhand is a tapestry of snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, emerald lakes, sal forests, and sacred rivers. From the spiritual hum of Haridwar and Rishikesh to the misty promenades of Mussoorie and mirror-still Naini Lake in Nainital, the state blends nature and devotion with effortless grace. Wildlife-rich Jim Corbett National Park, ski slopes of Auli, and the flower-strewn trails of the Valley of Flowers (UNESCO) make it a playground for trekkers, families, pilgrims, and wellness seekers alike. Expect sunrise over Himalayan giants, Ganga aarti by lamplight, hearty mountain cuisine, and the warm hospitality of the Garhwal and Kumaon hills.

Type of Destination

• Nature & Mountains
• Pilgrimage & Spiritual (Char Dham: Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri)
• Adventure (trekking, rafting, skiing, paragliding)
• Wildlife & Birding (Corbett, Binsar, Pangot)
• Culture & Heritage (temples, fairs, colonial-era hill stations)
• Wellness & Yoga (Rishikesh retreats)

Prime Season and Snow Season

• Prime Seasons:
  • March–June (spring–early summer): Pleasant hills, blooming rhododendrons, great for sightseeing and treks.
  • September–November (post-monsoon autumn): Crystal-clear mountain views, festive atmosphere, comfortable days and crisp nights.
• Snow Season:
  • Late December–February (peaks in January): Snow in high-altitude areas like Auli, Munsiyari, Chopta–Tungnath, Dayara Bugyal; occasional snowfall in Nainital, Mussoorie, Dhanaulti, Chakrata. Ideal for skiing, snow hikes, and cozy hillside stays.

Languages Spoken

• Hindi and English (widely used in tourist areas)
• Garhwali (Garhwal region)
• Kumaoni (Kumaon region)
• Jaunsari (Jaunsar-Bawar area)
• Note: Sanskrit is also recognized officially in the state.

Local Transport Options

• State buses (UTC) and private buses connecting towns and hill stations.
• Shared jeeps / sumos for last-mile mountain routes.
• App cabs & taxis in larger towns (Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Haldwani).
• Auto-rickshaws & e-rickshaws in plains/valley towns.
• Ropeways: Joshimath–Auli; Nainital Ropeway; Mussoorie (Gun Hill) seasonal.
• Helicopter services during Char Dham yatra season (from Dehradun/Sahastradhara) to select shrines.

How to Reach

• By Air

  • Dehradun (Jolly Grant) Airport – gateway for Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Mussoorie, Char Dham routes.
  • Pantnagar Airport – for Nainital, Bhimtal, Mukteshwar, Almora, Corbett (via Haldwani/Ramnagar).
  • Pithoragarh (Naini Saini) – limited regional connectivity for the eastern Kumaon (Munsiyari, Dharchula).
  • Many travelers also fly to Delhi and drive/train onward.

• By Rail

  • Major railheads: Haridwar Jn., Dehradun, Rishikesh (Yog Nagri), Kathgodam/Haldwani (for Nainital), Ramnagar (for Corbett), Kotdwar (for Lansdowne).
  • Regular trains from Delhi, Lucknow, Kolkata, Mumbai (seasonal frequency varies).

• By Road

  • Excellent highway links from Delhi–NCR via Meerut–Haridwar/Dehradun corridor and Moradabad–Haldwani–Kathgodam corridor.
  • Typical drive times (traffic/season dependent):
    • Delhi → Dehradun: ~5–6 hrs
    • Delhi → Rishikesh/Haridwar: ~4–5 hrs
    • Delhi → Nainital: ~7–8 hrs
    • Delhi → Ramnagar (Corbett): ~6–7 hrs

Best Time to Visit (Season-by-Season)

• Summer (April–June)

  • Temps: Foothills 25–35°C; hill stations 15–25°C; high trails cooler.
  • Weather: Sunny, clear mornings; occasional dust or thunder showers.
  • Crowd: High (school holidays); early bookings advised.
  • Budget: Room rates peak; transport in demand.
  • Packing: Light layers, sun protection, hat, hydration, walking shoes; light woollens for evenings in hills.

• Monsoon (July–September)

  • Temps: 20–28°C in hills; lush landscapes.
  • Weather: Frequent rain; landslide-prone stretches on mountain roads.
  • Crowd: Moderate to low (except pilgrimage windows).
  • Budget: Good hotel deals; flexible plans recommended.
  • Packing: Rain jacket/poncho, quick-dry clothing, sturdy footwear with grip, buffer days for road delays; keep emergency snacks.

• Winter (October–March)

  • Temps: Plains 5–20°C; hill stations 0–15°C; high-altitude zones sub-zero.
  • Weather: Clear skies Oct–Nov; cold waves Dec–Jan; snow at higher altitudes.
  • Crowd: Moderate (festive rush Oct–Nov, Christmas–New Year).
  • Budget: Mid to high during holiday weeks; otherwise value-friendly.
  • Packing: Warm layers, down/fleece, gloves, wool cap, thermals; snow boots for Auli/Chopta/Kedarkantha treks.

Places to Visit

1. Rishikesh & Haridwar – Yoga capital and the sacred ghats of Har Ki Pauri; suspension bridges, ashrams, rafting base, evening aartis.
2. Mussoorie & Landour – Colonial-era charm, Camel’s Back Road, Kempty Falls, cafés with views, deodar forests.
3. Nainital & Bhimtal – Lakeside promenades, boating on Naini Lake, viewpoints like Snow View and Tiffin Top.
4. Jim Corbett National Park – India’s oldest national park; tigers, elephants, birding; riverside lodges.
5. Auli – Premier ski resort with long ropeway, sweeping views of Nanda Devi and Kamet.
6. Valley of Flowers & Hemkund Sahib – Alpine meadows bursting with blooms (mid-July to late August); high-altitude Sikh shrine.
7. Kedarnath & Badrinath – Iconic Himalayan temples; dramatic valley settings and glacier-fed rivers.
8. Chopta–Tungnath–Chandrashila – “Mini Switzerland”; highest Shiva temple at Tungnath; sunrise summit hikes.
9. Almora–Binsar–Kasardevi – Pine ridges, heritage bazaars, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, birding, starry skies.
10. Munsiyari & Pithoragarh – Gateway to Panchachuli peaks; base for high-altitude treks and village stays.

Things to Do

• Attend Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri (Haridwar) or Triveni Ghat (Rishikesh) for a luminous, soul-stirring evening.
• Boating & lake walks around Nainital (mall road, Thandi Sadak) and Bhimtal.
• Wildlife safaris in Corbett (Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna zones; pre-book permits).
• Cable car rides – Joshimath–Auli ropeway; Nainital Ropeway to Snow View.
• Wellness & Yoga retreats in Rishikesh; try a Ganga-side sunrise meditation session.

Adventure Activities

• White-water rafting (Rishikesh): Class II–IV rapids on the Ganga; best Oct–June (closed during peak monsoon).
• Trekking: Classics include Kedarkantha, Har ki Dun, Dayara Bugyal, Roopkund (when open), Pindari Glacier, Kuari Pass.
• Skiing & Snowboarding (Auli): Groomed slopes, ski lifts; Dec–Mar (snow-dependent); beginner lessons available.
• Paragliding: Around Naukuchiatal/Bhimtal and near Dehradun–Mussoorie; tandem flights for first-timers.
• Bungee & Zipline: Adventure zones near Mohan Chatti (Rishikesh); add giant swing and flying fox for adrenaline.

Cuisines to Try

• Garhwali & Kumaoni staples: Aloo ke gutke, Chainsoo (black gram curry), Kafuli (leafy greens), Jhoi, Gahat (kulthi) dal, Bhatt ki churkani, Bhang ki chutney.
• Breads & sweets: Arsa, Singori (khoya in malu leaf), Bal Mithai, Jhangora kheer.
• Beverages: Buransh (rhododendron) squash, herbal teas.

Dining Places (Recommended)

• Kalsang AMA Café & Restaurant (Dehradun): Tibetan, pan-Asian; momos, thukpa, dim sums.
• Orchard (Dehradun, Rajpur): Open-air by a stream; Himalayan–Asian menu, serene ambience.
• Emily’s at Rokeby Manor (Landour): Old-world bakery and European comfort food.
• Sakley’s The Mountain Café (Nainital): Mountain classics, bakes, lakeside vibe.
• Chotiwala (Rishikesh): Iconic vegetarian thali and North Indian staples.
• Little Llama Café (Mussoorie): Burgers, shakes, rooftop views.
• Ibbani Café / Bistro Nirvana (Rishikesh): Healthy bowls, coffee; leafy settings.

Resorts & Stays

• Ananda in the Himalayas (Narendranagar): World-class wellness retreat above Rishikesh.
• JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa: Family-friendly luxury with vistas and activities.
• Welcomhotel The Savoy, Mussoorie: Heritage charm, Writer’s Bar, central location.
• Taj Corbett Resort & Spa (Dhikuli): Riverside luxury, nature walks.
• Aahana—The Corbett Wilderness: Eco-luxe with exceptional naturalist-led experiences.
• The Naini Retreat (Nainital): Heritage hotel with lake views.
• Hyatt Regency Dehradun: Contemporary base for Doon Valley excursions.
• The Roseate Ganges (Rishikesh): Design-forward boutique on the river.

Nightlife

• Ganga Aarti by Night (Haridwar/Rishikesh): Spiritual, photogenic, unforgettable.
• Writer’s Bar (The Savoy, Mussoorie): Colonial coziness, signature cocktails.
• The Glen (Dehradun): Popular for live music and laid-back evenings.
• Resort Lounges in Corbett: Riverside bonfires, stargazing, and quiet bars (Taj Corbett, Aahana).
• Lakeside cafés in Nainital: Late-evening coffee, cool breezes, and reflections on Naini Lake.
• Mall Road strolls (Mussoorie/Nainital): Night shopping, hot chocolate, and street snacks.

Shopping

• Local specialties: Pahadi woolens, ringaal (bamboo) crafts, copperware from Almora, pine-wood knickknacks, organic grains (gahat, bhatt), Buransh squash, wild honey, apricot oil.
• Best markets: Paltan Bazaar (Dehradun), Tibetan Market (Dehradun & Mussoorie), Mall Roads (Mussoorie, Nainital), Bada Bazaar (Almora), Laxman Jhula & Ram Jhula markets (Rishikesh).

Off-beat Places

• Pangot (near Nainital): Birding paradise with oak forests; over 250 species spotted.
• Peora & Sitla (Kumaon): Slow-living villages with boutique homestays and orchard walks.
• Khirsu (Pauri Garhwal): Panoramic Himalayan views, terraced fields, quiet trails.
• Chakrata & Deoban: Cedar forests, meadows, and spectacular sunsets; ideal for minimal crowds.
• Jageshwar (near Almora): Ancient cluster of stone temples amid deodar groves; spiritual calm.
• Dayara Bugyal: Rolling alpine meadows; summer blooms, winter snowshoeing.
• Mana Village (near Badrinath): India’s last village on the border route; mythic caves and tea stalls.
• Kausani: “Switzerland of India” for sunrise over Trishul and Panchachuli.

Festivals & Events

• International Yoga Festival (Rishikesh): Early March.
• Kumbh/Ardh Kumbh (Haridwar): Grand river pilgrimage (cycles vary; Kumbh every ~12 years, Ardh every ~6 years).
• Nanda Devi Mela (Almora): September – cultural performances, crafts.
• Harela: July – green festival celebrating nature and harvest.
• Phool Dei: March – children decorate thresholds with flowers for prosperity.
• Uttarayani Fair (Bageshwar): January – folk arts, local produce.
• Bagwal at Devidhura: Around Raksha Bandhan (August) – unique traditional ritual.
• Ramman (Saloor Dungra): April – ritual theatre (UNESCO Intangible Heritage).

Key Experiences (Must-Do)

• River rafting on the Ganga followed by a sunset aarti in Rishikesh.
• Safari at Corbett with a dawn drive through sal forests.
• Ropeway to Auli and a short snow trail with Nanda Devi in view.
• Sunrise hike to Chandrashila or Tiffin Top for an ocean of peaks.
• Boating on Naini Lake at golden hour, then café-hop along the mall.
• Valley of Flowers trek during the bloom window (mid-July to late August).
• Landour chakkar walk (Clockwise loop) with coffee stops and deodar scents.

Travel Tips

• Monsoon caution: Landslides can disrupt travel; keep buffer days and check road advisories.
• Altitude readiness: Ascend gradually, hydrate well; carry basic AMS awareness for high treks.
• Permits & bookings: Safari zones (Corbett) and pilgrim registrations (Char Dham) must be booked in advance via official portals.
• Cash & connectivity: ATMs/network can be patchy in remote areas; carry some cash and offline maps.
• Responsible travel: Avoid single-use plastic, stick to marked trails, respect wildlife and local customs.
• Driving in hills: Start early, avoid night mountain driving, use low gear on descents.
• Winter gear: Snow destinations require proper footwear, chains for vehicles (as advised), and layered clothing.
• Local etiquette: Temples require modest attire; remove shoes where mandated.

Interesting Facts

• Jim Corbett National Park is India’s oldest national park (est. 1936).
• Rishikesh is widely known as the Yoga Capital of the World.
• Tungnath is among the highest Shiva temples globally, near 3,680 m.
• Valley of Flowers is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for alpine blooms.
• Tehri Dam on the Bhagirathi is one of India’s tallest dams.
• The Ganga and Yamuna rivers originate in Uttarakhand’s glaciers (Gangotri & Yamunotri).
• The Chipko Movement (1970s), a landmark environmental movement, began in present-day Chamoli district.

Planning a trip to Uttarakhand is about choosing your rhythm: spiritual calm, mountain adventure, wildlife wonder, or café-and-cobbled-street nostalgia. Whichever path you take, the Himalaya will be your constant, unforgettable companion.