Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand

Best Time to Visit

During Summer Season

Ideal Duration of Trip

10 to 12 Days

Best Destinations

Nainital, Mussoorie, Chopta, Auli, Corbett, Char Dham Yatra, Trek to Various Locations

Top Destinations in Uttarakhand

Mukteshwar
Uttarakhand
Mukteshwar
Almora
Uttarakhand
Almora
Auli
Uttarakhand
Auli
Corbett
Uttarakhand
Corbett
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Overview of Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand was formed on the 9th of November 2000 as the 27th State of India, when it was carved out of northern Uttar Pradesh. Located at the foothills of the Himalayan Mountain ranges, it is largely a hilly State, having international boundaries with China (Tibet) in the north and Nepal in the east. On its north-west lies Himachal Pradesh, while on the south is Uttar Pradesh. It is rich in natural resources especially water and forests with many glaciers, rivers, dense forests and snow-clad mountain peaks. Char-dhams, the four most sacred and revered Hindu temples of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri are nestled in the mighty mountains.

Uttarakhand Details, History, Places, Tour and more 

Demography of Uttarakhand

  • Total Population:100.86 million
  • Male Population:51.38
  • Female Population:49.48
  • Rural Population:70.37
  • Urban Population:30.50
  • Density of Population: 189 per sq.km.
  • Child Sex Ratio: 890 Females/'000 males
  • Literacy Rate:78.82
  • Male Literacy Rate: 87.40
  • Female Literacy Rate: 70.01

Famous Tourist Places and temples in Uttarakhand

There are many tourist places and temples are situated in Uttarakhand, and it is also known as land of God, here you can visit amazing destinations likes Nainital and Mussoorie and very holy temples like Badrinath and Kedarnath Dham. You can trek to mountains like Gaumukh Tapovan and Cols Auden trek and hike through some of the great places like Gartang Gali, Khaliya Top and more. 

So, let's find out the top places to see or visit in Uttarakhand.

Tourist Places in Uttarakhand

Nainital: -The lake city of India, where you can enjoy boating in Naini Lake and walk through Mall Road in the evening when the lights are everywhere, and you can see the mirror image of city into the Lake. The High-Altitude Zoo and Tiffin Top also very famous in Uttarakhand which you can explore during your trip to Nainital. The other nearby places to visit in Nainital are Naukuchiyatal, Sattal, Bhimtal Lakes.

Mussoorie: - Located about 35 Kms from Capital city Dehradun, Mussoorie is known as queen of hills. It is also a great honeymoon destination for couples. The Mall Road, Kempty Falls, Company Garden, Gun Hills, Dalai Hills, Mussoorie lake, Hathi Paon and George Everest are some of the amazing sightseeing's of Mussoorie. Here you can enjoy your trip throughout the year and explore sightseeing.

Chopta:-  Located in Hilltop, where you can see the grass land, snowy mountains and trek to famous Tungnath Temple and Chandrashila peak. Chopta has always been a perfect getaway for tourist who are looking for silent environment in the nature. Here you can explore some best treks, enjoy the live snow fall and sleep beneath the stars with camping sites.

Auli: - If you are looking for a perfect place to ski during winter with views of mountain ranges and want to trek to some amazing places, then its Auli, where you can enjoy skiing, trek to Gurson Bugyal and Chandratal lake and see the views of Hathi, Ghoda, Palki mountains. It is located about 280 Kms from Haridwar and takes 7-8 Hrs. to reach.

Harshil: - Known for snowy mountains, lama top, beautiful villages and Apple Orchards, Harshil is now becomes of the top tourist destinations in Uttarakhand. Located about 80 Kms from Uttarkashi district town on the way to Gangotri Dham, Harshil Valley tour packages are selling now, where tourists want to explore the beautiful valley of Bhagirathi River. The trek to Gartang Gali also starts from here and the famous Apple orchards produce high quality apple.

Kausani: - During 1928, Gandhi Ji stayed here and called this place mini-Switzerland because of its serene natural beauty and views of mesmerizing snowcapped mountains. Kausani is known for Tea Gardens, Anashakti Ashram, Baijnath Temple complex and many more beautiful sightseeing. 

Other tourist places in Uttarakhand are Munsiyari, Bhowali, Corbett National Park, Chakrata, Dhanaulti, Kanatal and many more.

Temples in Uttarakhand

As Uttarakhand is known as land of God, you can find many temples here, mostly in every town, every village. There are many famous temples, or we can say sacred temples located in Uttarakhand. The Char Dham Temples (Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri) are also located in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. So, let's check out the temples to visit in Uttarakhand.

Badrinath Dham

  • Deity: Lord Vishnu (Narayana)
  • Location: Chamoli district, about 320 km from Haridwar
  • Significance: One of the four Char Dham temples in India and Uttarakhand
  • History: The temple was established by Adi Guru Shankaracharya in the 8th–9th century

Badrinath Dham is considered Moksha Dham, meaning that a visit to this temple is believed to cleanse one's sins and grant salvation. The temple remains open for only six months a year, from April/May to October/November, due to extreme weather conditions. The main deity, Lord Badri (a form of Vishnu), is enshrined in a black stone idol. The temple is situated along the Alaknanda River and is surrounded by the majestic Nar-Narayan mountains.

Kedarnath Dham

  • Deity: Lord Shiva
  • Location: Rudraprayag district, at an altitude of 3,583 meters
  • Significance: One of the twelve Jyotirlingas and part of the Char Dham Yatra
  • History: The temple is said to have been built by the Pandavas and later revived by Adi Shankaracharya

Kedarnath Temple, located amidst the breathtaking Himalayan peaks, is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of a triangular Shiva Lingam. According to Hindu mythology, the Pandavas visited Kedarnath to seek Lord Shiva’s forgiveness after the Kurukshetra war. The temple remains closed during winter, and the deity is moved to Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath.

Gangotri Dham

  • Deity: Goddess Ganga
  • Location: Uttarkashi district
  • Significance: Origin of the sacred Ganges River
  • History: The temple was built by Amar Singh Thapa, a Gorkha general, in the 18th century

Gangotri Temple marks the spot where Goddess Ganga descended to Earth after being pleased with King Bhagirath’s penance. The actual source of the river, Gaumukh Glacier, is about 19 km from the temple. Pilgrims often trek to Gaumukh to witness the origin of the holy river.

Yamunotri Dham

  • Deity: Goddess Yamuna
  • Location: Uttarkashi district, near the Bandarpunch range
  • Significance: Origin of the Yamuna River
  • History: The temple was built by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal

Yamunotri Temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, and it is the first stop in the Char Dham Yatra. Pilgrims also visit the hot water spring, Surya Kund, to prepare prasad (offering) for the deity. The temple is surrounded by rugged mountains, making it one of the most scenic pilgrimage sites.

Tungnath Temple

  • Deity: Lord Shiva
  • Location: Rudraprayag district, at 3,680 meters altitude
  • Significance: The highest Shiva temple in the world, part of the Panch Kedar temples

Tungnath is one of the Panch Kedar temples and is linked to the Pandavas. It is believed that Lord Shiva’s arms appeared here. The trek to Tungnath is also a popular adventure activity, leading further to Chandrashila Peak for panoramic Himalayan views.

Jageshwar Temple Complex

  • Deity: Lord Shiva
  • Location: Almora district
  • Significance: A collection of over 100 ancient temples, some dating back to the 7th–12th century

Jageshwar is a sacred site believed to be one of the Jyotirlingas and is famous for its intricate stone carvings and dense deodar forests. It is an important stop for devotees seeking spiritual peace.

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

  • Deity: Lord Shiva
  • Location: Near Rishikesh, at 1,330 meters altitude
  • Significance: Associated with the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean)

Neelkanth Mahadev is believed to be the spot where Lord Shiva consumed the poison (halahala) that emerged from the ocean during the Samudra Manthan, turning his throat blue (Neelkanth). Thousands of devotees visit this temple, especially during Shivratri and Sawan month.

Dhari Devi Temple

  • Deity: Goddess Kali
  • Location: Between Rudraprayag and Srinagar (Garhwal)
  • Significance: The protector deity of Uttarakhand

Dhari Devi Temple houses a half-formed idol of Goddess Kali, believed to change its appearance from a girl to a woman and then an old lady throughout the day. The temple is a must-visit for devotees seeking protection and blessings.

Baijnath Temple

  • Deity: Lord Shiva
  • Location: Bageshwar district, Kumaon region
  • Significance: An ancient temple with Nagara-style architecture

Baijnath Temple, built by the Katyuri kings, is one of the most significant Shiva temples in Uttarakhand. The temple complex is situated along the Gomati River and offers a peaceful spiritual experience.

Kainchi Dham

  • Deity: Neem Karoli Baba
  • Location: Near Nainital, Bhowali, Kumaon region
  • Significance: A famous ashram attracting global spiritual seekers

Kainchi Dham is a spiritual ashram dedicated to Neem Karoli Baba, a Hindu saint known for his teachings on devotion and service. The ashram has gained worldwide recognition, with devotees like Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, and Julia Roberts having visited the place for spiritual guidance. Every year on June 15, thousands of devotees gather to celebrate Neem Karoli Baba’s Pran Pratistha Divas.

Kasar Devi Temple

  • Deity: Goddess Kasar Devi
  • Location: Almora district
  • Significance: Known for its powerful magnetic field, attracting spiritual seekers

Kasar Devi Temple is famous not just for its religious significance but also for its geomagnetic properties, similar to Machu Picchu and Stonehenge. Swami Vivekananda meditated here in the late 19th century, making it a favored spot for meditation.

Best Treks in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is not only a spiritual destination but also a paradise for trekking enthusiasts. The state is blessed with stunning Himalayan landscapes, alpine meadows, glacial lakes, and dense forests, making it a trekker’s dream. From beginner-friendly trails to challenging high-altitude expeditions, Uttarakhand offers a variety of trekking experiences.

Let’s explore some of the best treks in Uttarakhand:

Kedarkantha Trek (Best Winter Trek)

  • Location: Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttarkashi
  • Duration: 4-6 Days
  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
  • Altitude: 3,810 meters (12,500 ft)

Kedarkantha is one of the most popular winter treks in India, offering breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks, pine forests, and frozen lakes. The trek starts from Sankri village and leads to the summit, from where you can witness a 360-degree view of Himalayan peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Black Peak.

Best Time to Visit: December to April (for snow trekking)

Har Ki Dun Trek (Valley of Gods)

  • Location: Govind Pashu Vihar National Park, Uttarkashi
  • Duration: 6-8 Days
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Altitude: 3,566 meters (11,700 ft)

Har Ki Dun, meaning “Valley of Gods,” is a stunning cradle-shaped valley with ancient villages, glaciers, and alpine meadows. This trek is deeply connected with Mahabharata, as it is believed that the Pandavas took this route to Swargarohini (gateway to heaven).

Best Time to Visit: April to June, September to November

Valley of Flowers Trek (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

  • Location: Chamoli district, Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve
  • Duration: 5-6 Days
  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
  • Altitude: 3,658 meters (12,000 ft)

The Valley of Flowers is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful treks in Uttarakhand. During the monsoon, the valley blooms with hundreds of rare Himalayan flowers, creating a colorful paradise. The trek also leads to Hemkund Sahib, a Sikh pilgrimage site at 4,633 meters.

Best Time to Visit: July to September (for flowers in full bloom)

Roopkund Trek (The Mystery Lake Trek)

  • Location: Chamoli district, Kumaon region
  • Duration: 7-9 Days
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
  • Altitude: 5,029 meters (16,500 ft)

Roopkund Trek is famous for its mysterious glacial lake where hundreds of human skeletons from the 9th century were found. The trek passes through dense forests, meadows, and snow-covered ridges, offering panoramic views of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti peaks.

Best Time to Visit: May to June, September to October

Brahmatal Trek (Frozen Lake Trek)

  • Location: Chamoli district
  • Duration: 6-7 Days
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Altitude: 3,800 meters (12,450 ft)

Brahmatal Trek is a winter wonderland trek, offering frozen lakes, snow-covered peaks, and oak forests. The trek leads to Brahmatal Lake, where Lord Brahma is believed to have meditated. It also provides stunning views of Mount Trishul and Nanda Ghunti.

Best Time to Visit: December to March (for snow trekking)

Chopta - Tungnath - Chandrashila Trek (Best Short Himalayan Trek)

  • Location: Rudraprayag district
  • Duration: 3-5 Days
  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
  • Altitude: 4,000 meters (13,100 ft)

This is a perfect trek for beginners, offering a mix of spirituality and adventure. The trek starts from Chopta, leading to Tungnath (the world’s highest Shiva temple) and finally to Chandrashila Peak, which provides breathtaking sunrise views over the Himalayas.

Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to December

Kuari Pass Trek (Lord Curzon Trail)

  • Location: Joshimath, Chamoli district
  • Duration: 6-7 Days
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Altitude: 4,264 meters (14,000 ft)

Kuari Pass Trek, also known as Lord Curzon Trail, offers one of the best views of Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, and Hathi Parvat. The trail passes through oak forests, meadows, and charming villages, making it an excellent trek for nature lovers.

Best Time to Visit: December to March (for snow), April to June, September to November

Pindari Glacier Trek

  • Location: Bageshwar district, Kumaon region
  • Duration: 6-7 Days
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Altitude: 3,660 meters (12,000 ft)

Pindari Glacier Trek is a perfect glacier trek for beginners, offering scenic landscapes, waterfalls, and Himalayan peaks. The trek follows the Pindar River, leading to the Pindari Glacier, a breathtaking ice field.

Best Time to Visit: April to June, September to November

Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek

  • Location: Kumaon region
  • Duration: 10-12 Days
  • Difficulty: Difficult
  • Altitude: 4,200 meters (13,780 ft)

This trek takes you to the base camp of India’s second-highest peak, Nanda Devi (7,816 meters). It is one of the most challenging treks in Uttarakhand, offering stunning glaciers, remote villages, and views of towering peaks.

Best Time to Visit: May to June, September to October

Satopanth Lake Trek

  • Location: Chamoli district, near Badrinath
  • Duration: 6-7 Days
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
  • Altitude: 4,600 meters (15,092 ft)

Satopanth Lake is a sacred high-altitude lake surrounded by three mighty peaks—Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, and Balakun. The lake is considered spiritually significant, as it is believed to be the place where the Hindu Trinity—Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh—meditate.

Best Time to Visit: June to September

National Parks in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is famous for its rich biodiversity. The state is home to several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, preserving rare species of flora and fauna in the Himalayan ecosystem. These parks provide a perfect opportunity for wildlife lovers, nature enthusiasts, and adventure seekers to explore the untamed beauty of Uttarakhand.

Let’s explore some of the most famous national parks in Uttarakhand:

Jim Corbett National Park (India’s First National Park)

  • Location: Nainital & Pauri Garhwal districts
  • Established: 1936
  • Famous For: Royal Bengal Tigers, Leopards, Elephants
  • Best Time to Visit: October to June

Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest national park in India and a major part of Project Tiger, a conservation effort to protect Bengal tigers. The park is divided into six safari zones (Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela, Durgadevi, and Sitabani), offering thrilling jeep safaris, elephant safaris, and birdwatching tours.

Key Attractions:
Tiger spotting in Dhikala Zone
River rafting in Kosi River
Over 650 species of birds

Valley of Flowers National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

  • Location: Chamoli district, near Badrinath
  • Established: 1982
  • Famous For: Over 500 species of alpine flowers
  • Best Time to Visit: July to September

The Valley of Flowers is one of the most beautiful national parks in India, famous for its stunning meadows covered in rare Himalayan flowers. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to exotic species like the Blue Poppy, Brahma Kamal, and Cobra Lily. It is also a habitat for Himalayan wildlife, including snow leopards, musk deer, and red foxes.

Key Attractions:
Colorful flower meadows in monsoon
Trek to Hemkund Sahib (Sikh pilgrimage site)
Rare wildlife like the Himalayan black bear

Nanda Devi National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

  • Location: Chamoli district
  • Established: 1982
  • Famous For: Nanda Devi Peak, Glaciers, Snow Leopards
  • Best Time to Visit: May to October

Nanda Devi National Park surrounds Nanda Devi (7,816 meters), India’s second-highest peak. The park has an untouched and rugged landscape, making it one of the most pristine wilderness areas in the Himalayas. Due to its extreme conditions, the park is open only for a limited period every year.

Key Attractions:
Trekking to Nanda Devi Base Camp
Rare Himalayan species like Snow Leopards and Himalayan Tahr
Stunning views of glaciers and high-altitude meadows

Rajaji National Park (Wildlife & Birdwatching Haven)

  • Location: Haridwar, Dehradun & Pauri Garhwal districts
  • Established: 1983
  • Famous For: Asiatic Elephants, Leopards, Tigers
  • Best Time to Visit: November to June

Rajaji National Park is a paradise for wildlife lovers, famous for its dense forests, rivers, and diverse wildlife. It is one of the best places in India to spot wild elephants, leopards, and over 315 species of birds. The Ganga River also flows through the park, making it a scenic wildlife destination.

Key Attractions:
Jeep safari for Elephant & Leopard spotting
Ganga River view and birdwatching
Adventure camping in the forest

Gangotri National Park (Home of Gaumukh Glacier)

  • Location: Uttarkashi district
  • Established: 1989
  • Famous For: Gaumukh Glacier, Snow Leopards, Himalayan Blue Sheep
  • Best Time to Visit: April to June, September to November

Gangotri National Park is one of the largest high-altitude national parks in India, covering the Gaumukh Glacier, the source of the holy Ganga River. The park is home to Himalayan wildlife, including snow leopards, ibex, Himalayan monal (state bird of Uttarakhand), and brown bears.

Key Attractions:
Trek to Gaumukh Glacier (Ganga’s source)
Chirbasa & Bhojbasa – Stunning high-altitude campsites
Rare wildlife like Snow Leopards & Musk Deer

Govind Pashu Vihar National Park (Trekking & Wildlife Paradise)

  • Location: Uttarkashi district
  • Established: 1955
  • Famous For: Black Bears, Western Tragopan, Har Ki Dun Trek
  • Best Time to Visit: May to June, September to November

Govind Pashu Vihar is a biodiversity hotspot, home to rare Himalayan species such as the Western Tragopan, Snow Leopards, and Black Bears. The famous Har Ki Dun trek passes through this park, making it a popular destination for adventure seekers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Key Attractions:
Har Ki Dun Trek (Valley of Gods)
Black Bear & Snow Leopard spotting
Dense alpine forests & meadows

Askot Wildlife Sanctuary (Hidden Himalayan Gem)

  • Location: Pithoragarh district
  • Established: 1986
  • Famous For: Musk Deer, Himalayan Brown Bear
  • Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to November

Askot Wildlife Sanctuary is a lesser-known but stunning wildlife reserve, offering pristine forests, waterfalls, and remote landscapes. It is home to the endangered Musk Deer, along with leopards, brown bears, and monals.

Key Attractions:
Remote and peaceful nature trails
Himalayan Brown Bear & Musk Deer spotting
Dense pine & rhododendron forests

So, there are many more things you can do in Uttarakhand like adventure activities in Rishikesh, where you can-do White-water River rafting, Zipline, Bungee Jumping and more things.

Uttarakhand

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Tour Packages of Uttarakhand

Best Time to Visit Uttarakhand

Summer Season

Summers in Uttarakhand is one of the best time to visit. Here you can enjoy the cold weather during Summer Season.

Winter Season

Winter in Uttarakhand can be very Cold, as you can see here live snow fall and coldest days during the Jan month.

Rainy Season

The Monsoon is Uttarakhand is sometime becomes very rainy and it is not a good time to visit because of Landslide in some areas.

How to Reach Uttarakhand

By Air

The Famous Airport is located in Dehradun, from where many cities if India is connected with Direct Flights and in Kumaon Pantnagar Airport is famous for coming from various parts of India,

By Train

Trains reaches to various locations in Uttarakhand like Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun, Kotdwar, Kathgodam, Haldwani and more.

By Bus

In Uttarakhand all the towns and cities are well connected with Road transportation, so buses are available on daily basis to every where.

Frequently Asked Questions about Uttarakhand

Delhi is approx. 180 Kms from Roorkee, which is nearest places to reach, Haridwar is about 210 Kms which takes 4 Hours form Delhi to Reach Here.

Yes, we can say that, you must have heard about Kedarkantha Trek which is one of the most famous treks of Winter in India, also there are many other treks like Valley of Flowers, Satopanth, Panch Kedar Trek, Deoria Tal, Har Ki Doon Trek, Adi Kailash Trek and more

Uttarakhand can be visited throughout the year but during monsoon, sometimes its heavy rain fall here, so it is not advised to visit during monsoon, other than that you can visit Uttarakhand and enjoy the weather.

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