Uttarakhand Tourism And Travel Guide

Uttarakhand can be found at the foothills of the Himalayan Mountain Ranges and is bordered by Tibet in the North and Nepal in the East. Its geographical location and climate result in it being highly productive for the agricultural trade. It is also a tourist hotspot, especially for visitors looking to get away from the heat and enjoy some serenity high up in the mountains. Uttarakhand has something to offer for everyone; from pilgrims to young families and even nature lovers. Tourism in Uttarakhand is booming almost throughout the year, but March to June in the summer is when it reaches its peak. To learn more about things to do here, how to reach and the ideal time to visit, check out this Uttarakhand travel guide.

By Air:

Jolly Grant Airport in the capital of Dehradun, and Pantnagar Airport next to Nainital are the two key airports that can connect visitors to majority of the towns in and around Uttarakhand. There are several busses and taxis for visitors to get around from these two airports.

By Road:

Uttarakhand is best explored via an excellent interconnected network of roadways. There are a number of private and public bus and taxi agencies operating from majority of the airports, stations and cities of Uttarakhand.

By Rail:

With the major station being the Dehradun Railway Station, journeying around Uttarakhand through a well-connected railway network is an enjoyable experience for visitors. There is a relatively high train frequency from majority of the stations.

Summer (March – June):

Arguably the best time to visit Uttarkhand, the temperature is at a pleasant average throughout this season, making it a haven for pilgrims, wildlife and nature lovers as well as adventure sport enthusiasts.

Winter (October – February):

With temperatures dropping to sub-zero levels, parts of the state are inclined to receive heavy snowfall during these months due to its geographic location. This is normally the tourist down season, but visitors ready to brave the cold could enjoy some incredible views of the surrounding natural landscape.  

Monsoon (March – September):

Uttarakhand is likely to receive heavy rainfall almost every monsoon season. This period brings with it the added dangers of flooding, cloudburst and landslides. Caution is advised to visitors travelling to Uttarakhand during the monsoon.

Visit the Valley Of Flowers National Park:

A unique natural phenomenon and world heritage site, this national park is an unforgettable experience and is one the top things to do in Uttarkhand. It is best visited from June to October.

Nanda Devi National Park Trek:

This magnificent national park surrounding the Nanda Devi peak is a sight to behold. April-June and September-October are the ideal times to trek up to this park.

Char Dham Yatra:

This religious pilgrimage is the pinnacle for many Hindus the world over. Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri and Gangotri are the four destinations that make up this incredible journey, most of which is actually done on foot.

Visit Har Ki Pauri:

In the holy city of Haridwar, this is a significant religious destination on the banks of the sacred Ganga River. The Ganga Aarti that takes place here sees thousands of visitors travel the world over to witness this memorable ceremony.

Uttarakhand is secretly a haven for most food lovers. Roadside stalls offer a number of traditional dishes like Kafuli, Bhang Ki Chutney, Phaanu and Baadi, to name just a few. A lot of food in this region tends to be cooked over a charcoal grill, adding a special smoky flavour to the food, especially dishes from the Garhwali and Kumaoni districts. The pilgrimage destinations tend to only offer vegetarian food that is healthy and delicious in its own right. There is generally no alcohol served at these locations. All in all, Uttarakhand caters to a variety of palettes and budgets, ensuring everyone can enjoy the great food on offer.

Apart from offering a unique blend of tourist places and things to do, Uttarakhand is home to some of the most diverse markets and shopping districts. Some of the most popular items on offer are handmade jewellery, winter clothing items, handicrafts and paintings (Garhwali style). The Tibetan Market in Dehradun and the markets in Haridwar are a haven for curious shoppers. The local produce is also available at majority of the street markets in the state.