Uttarakhand packs an unusual range into one state — lake-district hill stations, glacier treks, tiger reserves and two of Hinduism's holiest pilgrimage towns. Here's where to focus a first trip.
1. Nainital — The Lake District
Built around the pear-shaped Naini Lake and ringed by seven hills, Nainital is Uttarakhand's most popular hill station — boating on the lake, the Mall Road promenade, and the Naina Devi Temple on its northern shore are the core stops. It also makes a good base for day trips to nearby Bhimtal and Sattal.
2. Mussoorie — Queen of the Hills
A colonial-era hill station above Dehradun, known for Mall Road, Kempty Falls, and Gun Hill's cable car ride for panoramic Himalayan views. Landour, the quieter cantonment area just above it, is worth a half-day for its old bookshops and cafés.
3. Auli — Skiing and Himalayan Views
India's premier ski destination in winter, with a cable car (among Asia's longest) climbing to open slopes framed by Nanda Devi. In summer, the same slopes turn into alpine meadows, and the panoramic Himalayan views hold up year-round.
4. Valley of Flowers National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage site and high-altitude valley that erupts into hundreds of species of wildflowers between July and September. It's reached by a moderate trek from Govindghat, and is usually combined with a visit to the Sikh pilgrimage site of Hemkund Sahib nearby.
5. Jim Corbett National Park
India's oldest national park and one of the best places in the country for a tiger sighting, alongside elephants, leopards and over 600 bird species. Multiple safari zones cater to different budgets and group sizes — book zone permits well in advance in peak season.
6. Rishikesh — Yoga Capital and Adventure Hub
The Ganges emerges from the mountains here, making Rishikesh both a major yoga and meditation center and India's white-water rafting capital. We've covered it in full in our complete Rishikesh guide.
7. Kedarnath — High-Altitude Pilgrimage
One of the twelve Jyotirlingas and the most physically demanding of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, reached by a 16 km trek (or helicopter) to a temple set against a dramatic glacial backdrop. Our Kedarnath Yatra guide covers routes, permits and what to expect.
8. Chopta and Tungnath — "Mini Switzerland"
A high-altitude meadow nicknamed Mini Switzerland for its rolling green hills and clear mountain views, and the base for a relatively easy trek to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world, with Chandrashila peak just above it for sunrise views.
9. Almora and Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
A quieter Kumaon hill town built along a ridge, known for its old-town bazaars and as a gateway to Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary — dense oak and pine forest with some of the widest unbroken Himalayan panoramas in the region.
10. Munsiyari — Gateway to Panchachuli
A remote, less-touristed town in far eastern Uttarakhand, named for its head-on view of the five snow peaks of the Panchachuli range. It's also the starting point for serious treks toward Milam Glacier for travelers who want to go further off the main circuit.
Best Time to Visit Uttarakhand
March to June covers spring through early summer, good for most hill stations and treks before the monsoon. September to November is the clearest window overall — post-monsoon skies and stable weather for both trekking and pilgrimage routes. December to February brings snow to the higher hill stations and Auli's ski season, but closes many high-altitude treks and the Char Dham temples.
Want a route that fits lake towns, a wildlife safari or a Himalayan trek into one trip? Check out our custom trip planning or get in touch with our team to build an Uttarakhand itinerary.
Written by
Funtoor Travel Team
Travel planners based in Chail, Himachal Pradesh. We plan and arrange trips — stays, transport and experiences — across the Himalayas.
