Best Time to Visit Uttarakhand

Ideal seasons and weather conditions:

The ideal and most recommended time to visit Uttarakhand is from March to April. Tourists who would rather enjoy the heavy snowfall must come in September, November and October. These are considered the peak seasons of North Indian states. The weather during this time is pleasant and offers a panoramic view of valleys, mountains and other raw elements of nature.

Seasonal activities and attractions:

Different activities and attractions are available depending on the season you visit.

• Kempty Waterfalls, Tiger Falls, Bhatta and other falls: Must be visited during monsoon season.
• Naina Peak, Kamet, Bandarpunch, Kedarnath: Must be visited in March or April.
• Rafting, Wildlife safari, Trekking, boating, and skiing are some various activities that must be experienced if you are coming here.

Detailed weather patterns throughout the year:

The climate is majorly temperate for being located on the north side of the country. From December to February, the region is almost covered with thick snow, as March month comes, the sky gets clear and the views become clearer. Till May it remains the same. From June to August, the region gets a bit hot so tourists avoid travelling in such months. September to November, the climate is again enjoyable.

Getting to Uttarakhand

After one decides to plan a tour, the first query that pops up is how will I reach there safely. When you do not know anything on the ground about a place, then it feels a bit hard to get familiar with that. But you do not need to worry, because we shall share all the basic information that you need to get there.

Travel options from major cities

Majorly you need to understand that, Uttarakhand has limited airports and Railway Stations.
To be more specific, there are only 2 well functional airports in the state; those are Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun and Pantnagar Airport. Though there is one more airport in Pithoragarh, Naini Saini Airport, but this doesn’t receive general flights often. It might be constructed for special flights only.
Now, let us look into the functional Railway Stations of the state. As far as we know, there are 8 railway stations, which are in good condition and receive passengers from different corners of India. We are mentioning their names below.

• Haridwar Railway Station, Dehradun Railway Station, Tanakpur Railway Station, Kathgodam Railway Station, Roorkee Railway Station, Rudrapur Railway Station and Pantnagar Railway Station.

So these are the 8 Railway Stations that connect Uttarakhand with other states and Union Territories of India. Now, you have real information about the Airports and Railway Stations of Uttarakhand, so it is easy to plan the tour. What you have to do is pen down the names of the nearest big cities from where you live. Then check the nearest airport or Railway Station from your trip destination.
Now check the flights or trains from your nearest cities to the airports or Railway stations of Uttarakhand. Surely, you will find many trains and flights going to Uttarakhand from your nearby cities. And still, if you do not find the way, then just find the flight or Train for Delhi, Mumbai or Ahmedabad. Because these 3 cities connect with Uttarakhand by air and rail route very well. So if you do not find a direct route to Uttarakhand then you can reach your trip destination by breaking the journey also.

Uttarakhand By Air

We have mentioned the working airports of Uttarakhand above. So now you just need to check the flights from your city to any of these airports. However, we suggest that you choose the direct airway only when there is a flight to the desired airport.
NOTE: In simple words, suppose your trip destination is near Dehradun or in Garhwal Himalayas then it is advisable to book the flight for Dehradun Airport. On the contrary, if your trip destination is in the Kumaon Himalayas or nearby Pantnagar, then you should book the air ticket only when you get a flight to Pantnagar. We mean to say that if your trip destination is in Garhwal Himalayas but you are unable to find the flight for Dehradun then in that case do not book the flight for Pantnagar Airport and vice versa. We are saying this because both of these airports are at a distance of at least 250 Km. And it will take a lot of time to reach your destination if you choose the wrong airport.
So if you want to visit any destination of Garhwal Himalayas, but are unable to get a direct flight to Dehradun. Then instead of Pantnagar Airport, book the flight for Delhi Airport from your location. Then book another flight to Dehradun from the Delhi Airport. There are so many flights flying regularly in this Delhi Dehradun route, so you will not face difficulty in getting the air tickets. And follow the same trick, when you do not find direct tickets for Pantnagar.

Uttarakhand By Train

In the above paragraph, we have written the names of functional Railway Stations of Uttarakhand. So firstly you need to check the nearest Railway station from your tour destination. Then book the train ticket for that Railway Station from your nearby railway station. In case you do not find the direct train then you can reach there by breaking the journey.

Uttarakhand By Road

To those who want to reach their destination by Road, they should look for Buses. Many of the private companies run luxury Buses to Dehradun and Haridwar on a regular basis. So if you prefer road journeys then look for these Buses. Here also, you have to book your Bus seat in advance. Most of the Private Buses offer sleeper seats, that are comfortable to sleep also.
Besides this, State governments also run buses to Haridwar and other locations in Uttarakhand. So you can come by those buses also. But the main distinction is about the luxury. The private buses offer a luxurious experience compared to Government Public Buses.
If you do not prefer Bus also then you can book a car to reach any place in Uttarakhand. But before booking the Car, you must check whether the driver is an expert in driving on hilly slippery roads or not.

Renting a car for Uttarakhand tour

Whatever mode you choose to reach Uttarakhand, once you reach Haridwar or Dehradun, then here is the guide for further journeys. After reaching there, you have to switch on the road journey because upper Uttarakhand has no rail and air connectivity. So to visit the local sites, you have to hire a rental car. By this, you will reach your trip destination from the airport or Railway Station. Thereafter, you can visit all the sites smoothly in that rental car. It is the best and probably only option that travellers have to take after a certain range.

Uttarakhand Tour Packages

For every destination in Uttarakhand, there are tour packages on our website. Whatever place either religious or non-religious, you want to explore is covered under our packages. There are different trip Durations for different sites. According to the trip duration you like, the packages will be altered. Besides this, we shall add or remove activities according to your choice. Overall it is your tour, so everything in the package will be of your choice. To learn more about these packages, click on the packages section.

Popular Destinations in Uttarakhand

To help you while deciding on the tour destination, we are extending our support to you by giving a sneak peek of popular destinations. Here we shall let you know the most celebrated sites of Uttarakhand. All of the places mentioned below receive a number of tourists every season.

Hill Stations

Here are the top hill stations of Uttarakhand that are best for coming on vacation.
Nainital
Nainital, a lake town residing on Kumaon Hills is an absolute hill station to come, and enjoy the vacation vibes. Known mainly for Naini Lake and Shaktipeeth Naina Devi temple, this town has a lot more pleasant spots to indulge its tourists. This well-developed town has at least 10-15 top-rated attractive places like natural waterfalls, viewpoints, religious sites and multiple riverside camps. There are enough 3-star to 5-star accommodation options, luxurious cottages and a lot more, that can enhance your vacation experience.
Mussoorie
Mussoorie, another wonderful hill station near Dehradun is the best place to spend holidays. Among the hill stations, it is quite popular and visited by tourists. Especially the Kempty fall of Mussoorie is in the wishlist of all the couples. Since a long ago, couples have come into this mind-blowing waterfall to feel unlimited joy.
Auli
Auli, the emerging preference of Hill Station tourists, is located within few Kilometres from Joshimath. When you go towards Badrinath, Auli will be a bit off-road on that route. From this hill station Auli, you would get to visualise the views of many famous mountain peaks and ranges. Besides this, it is the first choice of people learning Skiing.
Pilgrimage Sites
The Hindu people, mostly those who have crossed 40 years of age, have a desire to visit Pilgrimage sites. It is a general trend in our country to shift the mindset to the spiritual side after a certain age. So here are the top Pilgrimage Sites of Uttarakhand, which you should visit at least once in your life.

• Haridwar
• Rishikesh
• Kedarnath
• Badrinath
• Guptkashi
• Joshimath

Wildlife Sanctuaries in Uttarakhand

Jim Corbett National Park
Spread over approximately 1280 square Kilometer, this Jim Corbett National Park was established in 1936. This is really a big National Park practically in a large area. Entire National Park is divided into 4 big zones. First is the Dhikala Zone, second is the Bijrani Zone, third is the Jhirna Zone and fourth is the Northern Zone. In between the National Park, there is the Sona River Range. And the most curious thing is that there are a variety of wild animals. So it is the place where people really enjoy doing Jungle Safari. There are Jeeps available to do safari, and it feels amazing to look at innocent wild animals roaming freely there.
Rajaji National Park
Another National Park of Uttarakhand which is worth visiting is Rajaji National Park. It is spread in Haridwar and Dehradun both. There are Ramgarh range and Asrori tourism Zones in the park. Compared to Jim Corbett, it is smaller and spread into 820 square Km. Established in 1983, this National Park is home to a variety of animals.

Types of Tours in Uttarakhand

This knowledge of types of tours will make you understand what kind of versatility Uttarakhand offers. In simple words, Uttarakhand tourism is not limited to religious tours only. To know its tourism scope, read the points below.

Adventure Tours:
Many locations in Uttarakhand are known especially for their adventurous activities. And so tourists interested in adventurous activities plan their tours to those specific locations. Almost all the adventurous activities that are allowed in our country, you will find them in Uttarakhand. Some of the activities that are preferred by the tourists here are Paragliding, Trekking, river rafting and body surfing.
Honeymoon Tours:
To newlywed couples, Uttarakhand has several goofy cosy hill stations that suit their choice perfectly. There are many romantic getaways and resorts that are running on these themes and are couple-friendly. Due to the pleasant low temperature of Uttarakhand, usually, the people from the plains prefer it to spend their quality time.
Family Tours:
Cities like Dehradun and Rishikesh, which are full of attractive spots and fun activities attract family tours. The altitude of both of these places is also comparatively low so these tours are kid-friendly.
Cultural Tours:
To those aesthetic and vintage lovers, Uttarakhand is an abode of Pahadi Culture and tradition. The unique pahadi tradition, food and costume make this state culturally unique and attractive. The people who like to explore the heritage of India and want to feel authentic retro culture should plan their tour to Uttarakhand.
Eco-tourism:
Compared to all other states of India, Uttarakhand is more close to nature. The less exposure of the state to extreme modernisation is continuously saving the state’s real eco-friendly vibe. Hence, travellers who like to spend time in nature in Sustainable ways, come here.

Adventure Activities in Uttarakhand

Here is detailed information on the adventurous activities that are loved by tourists.
Trekking: Popular trails and trekking packages

Trekking is the most known activity that we all enjoy doing to self-healing. When you trek on any trail for the first time, it throws various surprises as well as challenges on your path. And often the patience to manage all the challenges on a trek takes you to the best viewpoints.
However, we provide trekking packages that make your trekking more joyful and interesting. Along with that, we provide our support also.
So now you should get familiar with the most popular trekking trails of Uttarakhand.

• Deoria Tal Trek
• Kedarkantha Trek
• Chandrashila Trek
• Roopkund Trek
• Valley of Flowers Trek
• Brahmatal Trek

Paragliding: Best spots and tour packages

To those who wish to do Paragliding, the various cities of Uttarakhand offer this dopamine secretory activity.

• Rishikesh
• Ranikhet
• Dehradun

River Rafting: Rafting tours and safety tips

In general, Rishikesh is popular for river rafting. Some tourists come here specifically for this activity. But you need to know that river rafting is not permitted in all seasons. Because during the monsoon season, the water level in rivers rises a lot and it becomes unfavourable for river rafting or other water sports. So you should plan your river rafting tour during the monsoon season. Some sites of Uttarakhand where river rafting is allowed are mentioned here.

• Devprayag
• Rishikesh
• Nainital
• Pithoragarh

Camping and Top camping sites

Living in camps seems like a filmy scene, but it can be true if you come to Uttarakhand. Almost all the tourist cities of this state have some beautiful camping locations. Generally, the camping locations are beside the rivers, so that tourists can get full fun of camp life.
And those camping organisers offer an entire camping package. Under which you will get campstay, food, DJ night, bonfire, and other activities. Many of these campsites have adventurous activities like river crossings etc.
Some good campsites of Uttarakhand, where you can plan visiting are here.

• Frog Camp Site, Nainital
• Auli
• Almora
• Nag Tibba
• BhimTal

Motorcycle and Bike Tours:

Riding Bikes on uphill roads can be a fantasy for many. The individuals who enjoy riding bikes like to try their hand on these uphill roads of Uttarakhand. Besides this, young couples like to do bike rides all together on these roads where the cold breezes hit their faces hard. Let us tell you, that to enjoy this, you can take a rental bike here in Rishikesh, Dehradun etc.

Wildlife Safaris:

Undoubtedly there are many travellers who enjoy spending time amid wildlife. So to those, wildlife lovers, there is an option of wildlife Safaris in Uttarakhand.
Here are the places where you can do Wildlife Safari.

• Jim Corbett National Park
• Raja Ji National Park

Accommodation in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand has a variety of stay options, which are suitable for all kinds of travellers. On the basis of the price you pay, you will get the accommodation. From the poorest level to the most luxurious level, every kind of service is available there.

Luxury Resorts: Top picks and amenities

Special tourists who want all luxury amenities and the best accommodations, then they should choose luxury resorts. Here you will get all the amenities including a pantry, breakfast buffet, iron, bathtub, kettle and a lot more. Besides this, you will get to stay in the rooms with the best landscape views. Some of the resorts offer private pools as well. This kind of luxury stay will cost Rs.7000 to 15,000.

Budget Stays: Affordable options for budget travellers

Now the budget that is preferred by mostly middle-class families ranges between Rs.1000 to Rs.5000. There are many hotels between this range in Uttarakhand and they are best according to affordability.

Unique Stays: Camping, village stays, and yoga retreats

Some organisations settled in cities of Uttarakhand offer yoga retreats and all. So in those places, you have to ask the price range directly.
Besides this, the camp stay and village stays are also rising stay options. People like to spend their time in noise-free areas, where they can relax amid authentic surroundings. So these places are also preferable and safe to stay in. You will enjoy staying there for sure.

Travel Tips for Uttarakhand

Here are some important guidelines to keep in mind while travelling to the above-mentioned state.

Packing essentials:

• Pack sufficient warm clothes to avoid cold at such high altitudes.
• Bring extra copies of your ID proofs as they’re required at many places
• Wear lightweight and sturdy shoes as there are always risks involved in those muddy routes. And bring an extra pair as well.
• Always carry a medical kit along with you for minor illnesses that you would face during the treks.
• Bring some non-perishable nutrients and some bottles of water.
• Some miscellaneous items such as toiletries, torches, batteries, power banks, etc.

Safety tips and precautions:

• Go through a regular whole-body checkup before boarding for Uttarakhand.
• Also, check the weather forecast for all the days you are going to spend on the trip.
• Choose your destinations, treks and holy spots in the state that suit your health and match your stamina power.
• Pre-booking of the transport and the accommodation is highly recommended. And ensure that your surroundings are well protected.
• Hire a local guide to have a better understanding of all the historical and religious spots.

Local customs and etiquette:

• As a place of devotion and faith, it doesn’t entertain non-veg food.
• Alcohol is strictly not allowed in the vicinity. Better to refrain from it.
• The traditional Himalayan food includes aloo ke gutka, chainsoo, bal mithai and many more.
• As a ritual, they celebrate a festival named Jaguar to wake up their deities from the dormant stage, asking for their help and seeking their remedies

Cost of Traveling in Uttarakhand

Almost everybody gets concerned about the cost of travelling. So here we shall give you a rough approximate idea about that. Firstly we would say that traveling costs vary from person to person. It is not the same for everyone, because everybody has different choices while travelling.
If you choose average services in the trip then it will cost approximately 7000 Rs. for 2 days for a single person. Now it depends on what activities you do and so on. Besides this, if you are going on a group tour, then overall it costs 25,000 for 3 to 5 days. But when you go on a luxury trip or long duration trip then, approximately it will cost 25,0000 INR for a single person.
In general, Uttarakhand is a bit costlier because these are tourist places. But if you expend money mindfully then it can prove a budget-friendly trip also.

Budget planning tips

• You should not go to luxury hotels. Book the hotel which is in the affordable range.
• Do not indulge in shopping for extremely costly things.
• Instead of expensive eateries, prefer eating in affordable restaurants and cafes.
• You can even try street food from famous sites.

Uttarakhand Road Conditions

Compared to the plains, Uttarakhand has curvy uphill roads. These roads are very broad and smooth up to the big cities like Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh etc. But as you move further in high altitude regions, the terrain changes slightly and the narrow roads begin. Because these roads are very narrow, so mostly they are one way only. Besides this, in most regions, there will be a valley on one side of the road and a mountain on the other side. And that is why everybody should not try to drive on these critical roads. You must realise this responsibility for the precious life of your and your loved ones. So you should hire a driver from that local region in Uttarakhand, who will be fluent in driving on uphill narrow critical roads.
If you want to drive on these roads at any cost, then firstly take proper training in driving on these roads. And then try driving there. We mean to say, do not show carelessness in this matter. Because your life matters more than your desires.

Villages Near Uttarakhand

Away from the artificial lights of cities, there are some very special places in Uttarakhand, which offer village tourism. Obviously, they are the interior villages, which gives you a chance to live in that peaceful region. It is true that those villages might not be as developed as towns, but they are filled with authenticity and completely unblended. If you visit these villages and stay there, then you will wake up in the morning to the sweet sounds of Birds. Not only this, but you will feel each moment in depth and the evening will be very soul-healing. Along with this beautiful stay experience, you will get the opportunity to connect with the humblest people of villages. Those people will not show off anything at all and will just make you explore their village. If you want then you can buy the local handicrafts and woolen clothes made by them. Now here is the list of those villages which will give you this kinda experience.

• Mana Gaon
• Sari Village
• Dharchula
• Thal Village
• Mukhba Village
• Bhagori Village
• Corn Village

List of Temples in Uttarakhand

To the Hindus, Uttarakhand is the land of God. To be honest, there are so many significant Hindu temples, which somehow seek their importance from the Dwapar Yug. Because of this linkage of temples with the thousand years old civilizations, it insists more on believing in the spirituality of Uttarakhand.
In earlier times, many people after a certain age used to come to Uttarakhand and live their rest of life on the bank of Ganga Ji. Nowadays it is not followed very much but still, people like to spend months in this spiritual land. So here is the list of some most worth-visiting Hindu temples.

• Badrinath Dham
• Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar
• Daksh Mahadev Temple in Kankhal
• Kedarnath Dham
• Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar
• Tera Manzil Temple, Rishikesh
• Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
• Yamunotri Dham
• Triyuginarayan Temple
• Panch Prayag Teerth
• Chitai Golu Devta Temple
• Panch Badri Teerth
• Gangotri Dham
• Panch Kedar Temple
• Naina Devi Temple
• Kainchi Dham Temple
• Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple
• Purnagiri Temple
• Chamunda Devi Temple
• Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar
• Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple
• Nanda Devi Temple

Remote Must-Visit Locations in Uttarakhand

Apart from famous places in Uttarakhand, there are several off-road remote locations in Uttarakhand. These remote places will be less crowded than the popular sites. It is the positive point of these sites. Due to being settled in wonderful land, these places have a lot to offer.

• Munsiyari
• Kausani
• Harsil
• Gopeshwar
• Jageshwar Dham
• Lansdowne
• Lohaghat
• Binsar
• Dhanaulti
• Champawat

History of Uttarakhand

Historical background and significant events:

Uttarakhand is an exquisite state of India that has traditionally been a religious, and spiritual center. The region is wrapped by lofty, snow-capped mountains, and countless scenic views. As a Himalayan state, it encompassed very rugged terrain and harsh weather conditions. However, over time the Indian Government cut through the mountains to create accessible roads to various Hindu shrines. On 9th November 2000, it got recognition as a separate state, splitting from the erstwhile Uttar Pradesh.

Evolution of culture and traditions:

Uttarakhand was formerly known as Kedarkhand, and even today it is called the ‘Devbhumi’. From various sources, it has been found that the pious land of Uttaranchal is linked to the antiquated times of the great war of Mahabharata. As the Hindu scriptures state, God himself has blessed this land. Many rulers of different dynasties have ruled here. As it serves as a abode to many religious Hindu shrines, it is visited by millions of devoted followers every year.

Conclusion

We have given you a proper insight of the entire Uttarakhand from almost all perspectives. According to us, this much knowledge is enough to plan a tour in Uttarakhand. We would recommend you to come to Uttarakhand and explore the unvisited sites. We have several types of packages that can help you in exploring the s