Uttarakhand Travel Guide 2025

1 Popular Hill Stations in Uttarakhand

• Nainital: Known as the “Lake District of India,” this charming hill station is centred around the beautiful Naini Lake and surrounded by lush green hills. (View trip itinerary)
• Mussoorie: Often referred to as the “Queen of the Hills,” Mussoorie offers stunning views of the Himalayan peaks and the Doon Valley with a blend of colonial charm.
• Kausani: This serene hill station provides breathtaking 300 km-wide panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi and Trishul.
• Auli: A premier skiing destination in India, Auli is blessed with snow-covered slopes and offers panoramic views of the Nanda Devi and other Himalayan peaks and is a base for several treks.
• Lansdowne: A quiet and less crowded hill station, Lansdowne is known for its pristine natural beauty, colonial-era buildings, and peaceful atmosphere.
• Naukuchiatal: A charming lake village near Nainital, famous for its unique nine-cornered lake and tranquil environment surrounded by lush hills.

2 Popular Tourist Destinations in Uttarakhand

• Rishikesh: Known as the “Yoga Capital of the World,” this spiritual town on the banks of the Ganges River is famous for its ashrams, adventure activities, and the iconic Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula. (View trip itinerary)
• Haridwar: One of the holiest cities in India, Haridwar is where the Ganges emerges from the Himalayas and is renowned for its sacred ghats like Har Ki Pauri and the Ganga Aarti ceremony.
• Valley of Flowers National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this high-altitude Himalayan valley is a biodiversity hotspot known for its endemic alpine flowers and stunning natural beauty.
• Badrinath: Part of the Char Dham pilgrimage, this sacred town is home to the Badrinath Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is nestled amidst the majestic Himalayan peaks.
• Kedarnath: Another significant site in the Char Dham Yatra, Kedarnath is home to one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and is set against a breathtaking mountainous backdrop.
• Gangotri: The source of the holy Ganges River, Gangotri is a revered pilgrimage site with the Gangotri Temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga.
• Yamunotri: The source of the Yamuna River, this is another crucial destination in the Char Dham Yatra, featuring the Yamunotri Temple and hot springs.
• Dehradun: The capital city of Uttarakhand, Dehradun offers a blend of urban amenities and natural beauty, with attractions like Robber’s Cave, Tapkeshwar Temple, and Mindrolling Monastery.
• Ranikhet: Meaning “Queen’s Meadow,” this cantonment town is known for its scenic beauty, fruit orchards, and the majestic views of the Kumaon Himalayas.
• Chopta: Often called “Mini Switzerland,” Chopta is a picturesque region with meadows, forests, and panoramic views of the Himalayas, serving as a base for trekking to Tungnath and Chandrashila.
• Mukteshwar: Offering stunning views of the Himalayas, Mukteshwar is a tranquil town known for its fruit orchards and the ancient Mukteshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Hemkund Sahib: A revered Sikh pilgrimage site nestled in the Himalayas, known for its glacial lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks and the star-shaped Gurudwara dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh.

3 Hidden Gems in Uttarakhand

• Binsar: A tranquil wildlife sanctuary offering panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayas and rich biodiversity, perfect for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
• Khirsu: This peaceful hamlet near Pauri is surrounded by apple orchards and deodar forests, providing stunning Himalayan views and a pollution-free environment for a relaxing escape.
• Munsiyari: Known as “Little Kashmir,” this picturesque town in the Pithoragarh district offers stunning views of the Panchachuli peaks and serves as a gateway for several adventurous treks.
• Pangot: A birdwatcher’s paradise near Nainital, this quiet village is home to a rich variety of avian species and offers serene forest trails.
• Kanatal: A secluded retreat near Mussoorie surrounded by apple orchards and lush greenery, offering a peaceful atmosphere and adventure activities like trekking and camping.
• Jageshwar: A significant temple town with a complex of over 100 ancient stone temples nestled amidst dense deodar forests, ideal for spirituality seekers and history enthusiasts.
• Harsil: A lesser-known stunning valley near Gangotri, adorned with apple orchards, lush meadows, and the Bhagirathi River, offering a serene and picturesque escape.
• Chaukori: A bowl-shaped village offering panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks, surrounded by tea gardens and dense forests, providing a fairytale-like setting.
• Patal Bhuvaneshwar: An ancient cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, requiring a descent into a mystical underground world with intricate rock formations and religious significance.
• Gwaldam: A quaint and sleepy village nestled between the Kumaon and Garhwal regions, surrounded by forests and small lakes, offering a peaceful retreat and trekking opportunities in apple orchards.
• Sitlakhet: A tranquil town offering spectacular views of the snow-capped Himalayas, ideal for those seeking relaxation amidst nature and wishing to explore nearby temples and forests.

4 Popular National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in Uttarakhand

• Jim Corbett National Park: India’s oldest national park, this wildlife sanctuary is famous for its Bengal tigers and diverse flora and fauna. (View trip itinerary)
• Govind National Park: Known for its diverse flora and fauna, including snow leopards and various bird species.
• Rajaji National Park: Sprawling across three districts, it’s known for its elephant population, tigers, and diverse birdlife.
• Askot Wildlife Sanctuary: Home to the endangered musk deer and a variety of other Himalayan wildlife.
• Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary: Connecting wildlife reserves in India and Nepal, it’s known for its bird diversity and tiger population.
• Benog Wildlife Sanctuary: Located near Mussoorie, it’s home to various bird species and medicinal plants.
• Gangotri National Park: One of the largest national parks in India, encompassing glaciers and high-altitude ecosystems.

Popular Treks in Uttarakhand

5 Easy Treks (Suitable for beginners and families):

• Deoria Tal Trek: A short and picturesque trek leading to a beautiful lake with stunning reflections of the Chaukhamba peaks, easily accessible and offering camping opportunities.
• Nag Tibba Trek: A relatively short trek offering panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges, with well-defined trails and gradual ascents.
• Binsar Zero Point Trek: An easy walk through the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary to Zero Point, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Kumaon Himalayas.
• Chopta-Tungnath-Chandrashila (partial): While the entire circuit can be moderate, trekking up to Tungnath (the highest Shiva temple) is achievable for beginners with gradual inclines and well-maintained paths; Chandrashila peak can be optional based on fitness.
• Kempty Falls Trek (near Mussoorie): More of a nature walk than a strenuous trek, it involves easy trails leading to the popular Kempty Falls and surrounding scenic spots.
• Sahastra Tal Trek (lower sections): While the entire Sahastra Tal trek is challenging, exploring the initial stretches through beautiful meadows and forests can be a good introduction to trekking.
• Dodital Trek (initial stages): The beginning of the Dodital trek passes through charming villages and forests with gentle slopes, offering a taste of Himalayan trekking.
• Valley of Flowers (early season): Walking through the initial parts of the Valley of Flowers when the flowers are just starting to bloom offers a relatively easy and visually rewarding experience.
• Rajaji National Park Nature Walks: The park offers various guided nature walks and shorter trails suitable for families to explore the flora and fauna of the region.
• Short treks in the vicinity of hill stations: Many hill stations like Nainital, Mussoorie, and Ranikhet offer short, well-marked nature trails and hikes suitable for leisurely exploration by beginners and families. 

6 Moderate Treks (Suitable for those with some trekking experience and a good fitness level)

• Har Ki Dun Trek: A beautiful valley trek offering stunning views of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and remote villages, with moderate ascents and descents over several days.
• Kedarkantha Trek: A popular winter trek offering summit views of several prominent Himalayan peaks, involving gradual to moderate climbs through forests and open ridges.
• Dayara Bugyal Trek: Known for its expansive high-altitude meadows (bugyals) and panoramic mountain views, this trek involves moderate climbs and varied terrain.
• Roopkund Trek (up to Bedni Bugyal/Ali Bugyal): While the final section to Roopkund has restrictions, the trek up to the stunning meadows of Bedni Bugyal and Ali Bugyal offers a moderate challenge with rewarding scenery.
• Kuari Pass Trek: A classic trek offering breathtaking views of Nanda Devi and other prominent peaks, involving moderate ascents and descents through rhododendron forests and alpine meadows.
• Dodital Trek (full trek): Trekking to the serene Dodital lake and further to Darwa Pass involves moderate distances and altitudes, passing through beautiful forests and offering scenic views.
• Valley of Flowers Trek (full trek): Exploring the entire Valley of Flowers and potentially combining it with Hemkund Sahib involves moderate daily hikes at higher altitudes.
• Pindari Glacier Trek: A trek leading to the snout of the Pindari Glacier, offering close-up views of glaciers and snow-capped peaks, with moderate inclines and river crossings.
• Milam Glacier Trek (shorter sections): While the full Milam Glacier trek is longer and tougher, exploring the initial stages through picturesque villages and alongside the Gori Ganga river offers a moderate trekking experience.
• Brahmatal Trek: A winter trek known for its frozen lakes and stunning views of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti peaks, involving moderate climbs through forests and ridges.

7 Difficult Treks (Suitable for experienced trekkers with high fitness levels and proper gear)

• Kalindi Khal Trek: A challenging high-altitude trek crossing the Kalindi Pass, connecting Gangotri and Badrinath, involving glacier traverses, steep ascents, and demanding terrain.
• Auden’s Col Trek: A technical and strenuous trek crossing a high-altitude pass connecting the Khatling Glacier and Jogin Glacier, involving glacier travel, moraine walks, and significant altitude gains.
• Milam Glacier Trek (full route): A long and demanding trek deep into the Kumaon Himalayas, following the Gori Ganga River to the Milam Glacier, involving significant distances and high altitudes.
• Nanda Devi East Base Camp Trek: A challenging trek to the base camp of the majestic Nanda Devi East peak, traversing remote valleys and requiring excellent physical conditioning.
• Nanda Devi Inner Sanctuary Trek (restricted access): While currently restricted, historically this was an extremely challenging trek into the inner sanctuary of Nanda Devi, involving difficult terrain and high altitudes.
• Panchachuli Base Camp Trek: A strenuous trek to the base of the impressive Panchachuli peaks in the eastern Kumaon region, involving challenging ascents and remote trails.
• Khatling Glacier Trek: A demanding trek to the Khatling Glacier, the source of the Bhilangana River, involving glacier travel, moraine walks, and remote wilderness.
• Rupin Pass Trek (higher sections): While the initial sections can be moderate, crossing the Rupin Pass involves steep ascents, technical sections, and high altitudes.
• Sunderdhunga Glacier Trek (advanced sections): Exploring beyond the initial meadows to the advanced sections of the Sunderdhunga Glacier involves challenging terrain and higher altitudes.
•  Gangotri Glacier (Gaumukh to Tapovan): While Gaumukh is relatively accessible, the trek further to Tapovan involves challenging terrain, including boulder zones and potential glacier crossings, requiring good fitness and experience.

1. ^{Descriptive content is sourced from Gemini, a Google AI.} ↩︎
2. ^{Cover pic By Sanjoyg – View from Mukteshwar, Uttaranchal, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4071284} ↩︎