Uttarakhand Travel Guide – What to See, Do and Spend

Uttarakhand sits in the Indian Himalayas and offers everything from holy rivers to snow‑capped peaks. Whether you chase adventure, peace, or cheap stays, this state can fit the bill. Below you’ll find the most useful info to start planning right now.

Top Places to Visit

Rishikesh and Haridwar are the spiritual heart of Uttarakhand. Both sit on the Ganges, have many ashrams, and are great for yoga or simple river walks. Rishikesh also has a lively backpacker scene and easy access to white‑water rafting.

Nainital and Almora give you lake views and cool hill‑station vibes. Rent a boat on Naini Lake, stroll the Mall Road, or drive up to Bhimtal for quieter scenery.

Auli is the go‑to ski spot in India. In summer it becomes a base for trekking to places like Kuari Pass or Gorson Bugyal. The rope‑way to the top is cheap and offers panoramic shots.

Jim Corbett National Park is perfect for wildlife lovers. Early‑morning jeep safaris give a chance to see tigers, elephants, and a ton of birds.

Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib are UNESCO‑listed miracle valleys. The trek starts from Govindghat and runs through alpine meadows filled with rhododendrons. It’s best from late June to early September.

How to Get There and Move Around

The nearest airports are Dehradun (Jolly Grant) and Pantnagar. From either, you can hire a taxi or catch a bus to major towns. Trains run to Haridwar, Rishikesh (via nearby stations), and Kathgodam (the gateway to Nainital). Inside the state, shared jeeps, private taxis, and state‑run buses are the most common options.

If you love the road, the hill‑circuit from Dehradun → Rishikesh → Mussoorie → Nainital → Haldwani → Kathgodam is a scenic loop that can be completed in 5‑6 days.

For trekkers, the best base camps are Rishikesh for Har Ki Dun, Govindghat for Valley of Flowers, and Auli for Kuari Pass. Most trailheads are reachable by local buses or hired vehicles.

Budget travelers should stay in guesthouses or budget hotels, which typically charge INR 500‑800 per night in hill stations. Hostels in Rishikesh start at INR 300, and dorms in Auli are around INR 400. Eating at local dhabas keeps daily food costs under INR 300.

When planning your budget, add INR 100‑150 per day for a shared jeep ride, and INR 1,000‑1,500 for a two‑day trek permit (if required). Most attractions are free or have low entry fees.

Safety is straightforward: keep your ID handy, respect local customs, and avoid isolated trails after dark. The weather can change fast in the mountains, so pack a warm layer and waterproof jacket even in summer.

Uttarakhand offers a mix of spirituality, adventure, and nature that cheap‑budget or luxury travelers both love. Use this guide to pick your must‑see spots, sort transport, and set a realistic daily spend. Happy travels!