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GET FREE QUOTATION Exploring the Uttarakhand Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is the state in India one can easily fall in love with. The surreal landscape that comprises lofty Himalayas, glistening streams, eye-catching meadows, imposing glaciers and surreal lakes, all make Uttarakhand […]
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Exploring the Uttarakhand
Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is the state in India one can easily fall in love with. The surreal landscape that comprises lofty Himalayas, glistening streams, eye-catching meadows, imposing glaciers and surreal lakes, all make Uttarakhand a coveted tourist destination in Indian Himalayas. The state is divided into two regions: Garhwal and Kumaon. Each of these offers plenty of opportunities for tourism, sightseeing, adventure and wildlife. Dotted with sacred Hindu temples and trekking trails, this North Indian state is a travel destination where along with seeking the blessing of the Almighty, one can indulge in adventure and recreational activities.
Plenty of adventure to be had!
For those who seek adventure tourism, Uttarakhand offers some incredible trekking, mountain climbing, and white-water rafting opportunities. Uttarakhand is one of the best trekking destinations in India, with the famous treks in Uttarakhand are Auden’s Col, Kalindi Khal, Nag Tibba, Bedni Bugyal, Valley of Flowers, Chopta Chandrashila and many more.
Skiing enthusiasts also have a lot to look forward to in Uttarakhand, with Auli being one of the top skiing destinations in India. Camping is another popular adventure activity, with the top camping destinations being Jharipani, Dhanaulti, Kanatal and Corbett National Park.
Peak climbing enthusiasts can enjoy scaling the mountain peaks in the Garhwal Himalayas in both the Garhwal & Kumaon region, with the most climbed mountain peaks being Hathi Parbat, Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Kedar Dome and Bandarpoonch.
Mukteshwar, Bhimtal, Mussoorie and Pithoragarh are the top places where you can enjoy paragliding. Mountain biking in Uttarakhand is enjoyed at destinations like Rishikesh, Chopta and Lansdowne.
River Rafting Adventure in Uttarakhand
When it comes to river rafting, Rishikesh is the most popular destination in Uttarakhand. It is a famous river rafting destination in Uttarakhand since it offers various stretches and grades on the River Ganga. Both amateur and advanced rafting enthusiasts can enjoy river rafting in Rishikesh. There are four river rafting grades in Rishikesh: Grade I, Grade II, Grade III and Grade IV.
The main stretch of white water rafting starts from Kaudilaya and ends at Laxman Jhula, consisting of 13 major rapids and taking 8-9 hours. The course is dotted with several whirlpools and crosses sandy beaches like Byasi, Marine Drive, Shivpuri, and Brahmpuri. The course consists of 13 major and challenging rapids that ranges from grade II and III to IV+, with the most famous ones being Denial Dip, The Wall, Black Money, Cross Fire, Three Blind Mice, Return to Sender, Roller Coaster, Golf Course, Club House, Double Trouble, Hilton and Terminator.
Uttarakhand, aptly called Devbhoomi, where spirituality abounds!
Rightly called Devbhoomi, meaning, the land of the gods, Uttarakhand is where the spiritual aura is prominent. The state is home to a large number of Hindu temples that are situated in its remote corners. There are several holy rivers like the River Ganga which make it a sacred pilgrimage destination as well. Haridwar is one of the top pilgrimage destinations in Uttarakhand and serves as the Gateway to the Char Dhams of Uttarakhand. Har Ki Pauri is a major religious attraction in Uttarakhand.
Panch Badri is a total of 5 holy places where Lord Badri, a form of Lord Vishnu is worshipped under 5 different names, which are: Vishal Badri (Badrinath), Yogdhan Badri, Bhavishya Badri, Vridha Badri and Adi Badri. All of these religious destinations are visited by a large number of devotees of Lord Vishnu from all across the country. Badrinath Temple is the main temple of Lord Vishnu, and is one of the four Chota Char Dham pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand. It is situated at an elevation of almost 10,279 feet. The presiding deity is Lord Vishnu, who has a black granite statue in the temple. The deity is believed by Hindus to be one of the eight self manifested deities of Lord Vishnu.
Spot rare & exotic Himalayan wildlife & other animals!
Uttarakhand, located in the lap of the Himalayas, has some of the best high altitude wildlife parks and national sanctuaries in India. In these wildlife hotspots, you get to see rare and exotic Himalayan wildlife, which is not usually seen in other parts of the country. The state is also home to the third largest population of Royal Bengal Tigers in India. There are rare flora & fauna species like snow leopards and Brahma Kamal.
The state’s Valley of Flowers National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to more than 500 species of flowering plants which come to life in the monsoon season (June-September). This treasure trove of fauna was unknown to the world before 1931, when the famous mountaineer, Frank S Smith, discovered it. The Brahma Kamal flower, which is found only in the Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, can be seen in the Valley of Flowers National Park. It is a rare flower species which also finds a mention in several epics of Hinduism. The flower is considered to be a medicinal herb in Tibetan medicine. It is also the state flower of Uttarakhand.
Jim Corbett National Park, India’s oldest national park and the largest tiger reserve in the country, is one of the best wildlife destinations to spot the Royal Bengal Tiger, besides other wildlife. It is one of the main attractions of a wildlife tiger safari in Uttarakhand, and venturing deep into the jungle is an unending adventure unto itself! Other things which make it a top wildlife holiday destination are bird watching, fishing and sightseeing.
Rajaji National Park, with its Royal Bengal Tigers, striped hyenas, Asiatic Elephants, Sloth Bear and a large number of bird species, is another top wildlife destination in Uttarakhand.
Top Things to Do in Uttarakhand
- Trekking in Uttarakhand
- River Rafting Adventure
- Wildlife Safari
- Yoga & Meditation
- Spiritual Tour
- Skiing Adventure
Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is the address to many adventures that make for unforgettable experiences. The Himalayas that beautify the landscape of Uttarakhand are home to innumerable hiking & trekking trails, some popular and some, well are still its best kept secrets. Explore the Uttarakhand Himalayas, and challenge yourself while discovering the sites tucked away in the distant land with our expert trekking tour packages.
Uttarakhand has a variety of unparalleled trekking experiences – it is home to some of the most beautiful alpine meadows like Bedni Bugyal (3354 m), Dayara Bugyal (3408 m), and Gorson Bugyal (3056 m); India’s second highest peak, Nanda Devi (7816); some of the country’s largest glaciers like Gangotri; and high mountain passes like Kalindi Khal (5950 m).
According to the level of difficulties, the treks in Uttarakhand are divided under three categories – easy, moderate and difficult. Each category has a plethora of treks in Kumaon Himalayas and Garhwal Himalayas. The two regions have short treks, long treks, and treks that can be done on weekends.
Nag Tibba, Chopta Chandrashila, Deoriatal, Gorson Bugyal, Binsar Trek, Khuliya Top, Kedarkantha, and Valley of Flowers are some of the easy treks in Uttarakhand. For those looking for some challenging treks in Uttarakhand, the Himalayan state offers treks such as Auden’s Col, Kalindi Khal, Milam Glacier, Ralam Glacier, Rupin Pass, Kedartal, Adi Kailash & Om Parvat, Satopanth Lake etc.
Uttarakhand is rightly called the Land of the Gods, because here the temples of gods & goddess can even be found in the remotest of corners. In fact, there are a number of religious treks that are a must-do in Uttarakhand. The abode of Baba Kedarnath; the holy Sikh shrine, Hemkund Sahib; the distant located, Yamunotri Dham; and the temple with a view, Kartik Swami, all make for some unforgettable religious trekking experience in the state.
We at Tour My India, create the best opportunity for you to immerse in the beauty of Uttarakhand Himalayas. With our top trekking tour packages, you can choose to trek on easy trails or challenge yourself to some of the most difficult treks of Indian Himalayas in Uttarakhand. Whatever your choice be, Tour My India has all the arrangements ready for the trekking expedition and expert guidance for that flawless and hassle-free experience. With us, your experience of trekking in Uttarakhand becomes unmatched!
The land of turbulent as well as sacred rivers, Uttarakhand is a destination that offers best whitewater rafting experience in India. The popular amongst all being River Ganga that creates thrilling rapids in Rishikesh compelling adventure lovers to give rafting activity a shot. In Uttarakhand, the rafting grades range between I and V with Tons River having some really notorious rapids to face. The seasoned rafting enthusiasts can choose to check their skills in the Tons river where Mori is the spot to expect the major struggle and thrill. The stretch along Alaknanda, Dhauliganga, and Kali rivers also have several challenging rapids which lure the rafting enthusiasts.
The Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, which are the main tributaries of the Ganga where one can enjoy Grade IV to V rapids. Apart from this, rafting near the popular attraction of Uttarakhand, Mussoorie is also a choice. There are two rafting channels one is from Barkot to Lakhamandal and the other is Damta to Yamuna Bridge which offers an incredible rafting experience. Whitewater Rafting in Uttarakhand is not only the best way to seek thrill but also to explore the beauty of the state. The meandering rivers take one through dense forest, mighty hills, and rocky terrains. The best time to enjoy whitewater rafting in Uttarakhand is between October and June when the rapids are at their best.
An affluent wildlife is the highlight of the verdant green state of Uttarakhand. What seem to be the dense forests of Oak and Deodar are actually, the homeland to varied number of recognizable and unknown trees and plants. Mostly habituated by innumerable wild species of animals of which Tiger is most prominent, the state is certainly amongst the finest places for wildlife tourism in India. The state also boasts a high number of birds that nest in varied trees and with their sweet chirps add melody to the surreal ambiance. The alpine meadows though seem isolated are an essential piece of the rich and diverse wildlife of Uttarakhand.
There are as many as 12 National Park and Wildlife Sanctuaries in Uttarakhand that covers about 13.8% of the total area. Lay sprawled in the lowlands with maximum altitude of 800m and in highlands at an elevation of 5400m, the various parks and sanctuaries are indeed the haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. The state has two Conservation Reserves – The Asan Barrage and Jhilmil Tal and two World Heritage Sites Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve and Valley of Flowers National Park.
Major wildlife species witnessed in the state include – Tiger, Deer, Sloth bear, Black bear, Indian Elephant, Leopard, Jungle Cat, Rhesus Monkey, Langur, Ghoral (goat antelopes), Wild Dog, Common Otter, Porcupine, Python, King Cobra and a variety of resident and migratory bird species.
Uttarakhand cushions the fall of unhealthy living. Along with its surreal landscape and tranquil environment, it is the seat of the age-old practise of healthy living called Yoga. The state has been an ideal destination for Yoga and Meditation in India, helping people to choose a healthier lifestyle and to get rid of their stress. Both Yoga and Ayurveda along with Meditation assist in achieving mental and physical wellbeing through the setting of the schedule that involves special diets, exercises, breathing practices, herbal remedies, meditation and physical therapies. Yoga and meditation also help in the attainment of an ideal balance between a healthy body and a sound mind, which is a must for survival in the stressful atmosphere. This ancient art of Ayurveda and Yoga in Uttarakhand has been well preserved. The serene environment in the state has offered an ideal setting for the practice of this life-giving practice, where the people without getting trapped into the worldly affairs can come to learn and seek treatments for a range of issues. Where on one hand, the lush forests of Uttarakhand houses multiple medicinal herbs that are later used for the therapies and treatments, the scenic landscape and clean air helps in an automatic renewal of mind, body and soul
Rishikesh is reckoned to be the prominent Centre for Ayurveda and Yoga in Uttarakhand along with its neighbors Haridwar.
These two center’s of Yoga and Ayurveda sitting on the bank of holy River Ganges make an essential part of the Uttarakhand tourism. Haridwar, which is also the venue of India’s largest spiritual fair, Kumbh Mela is an ideal place to seek this ancient wisdom of healthy living. There are a number of Ashrams and Yoga center’s that provide people with numerous short and long term courses in Yoga as well as Ayurveda and meditation. Similarly, Rishikesh, which has eventually turned up as the Yoga Capital of India, gives people a high number of options when it comes to the learning and practicing of this ancient Indian science
The pious Uttarakhand is dubbed the Land of the Gods, and indeed it is. This holy ground of the mighty Himalayas and the glistening Ganga and Yamuna is replete with pilgrimage sites that can offer both the blessings of the divine and the much-needed peace of mind. Uttarakhand is where the popular Chhota Chardham Yatra is performed at high altitude Hindu shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri. It is also the land to witness the divinity at several river confluences or Prayag, which in number are five, and thus, called Panch Prayags. Then there are Panch Kedars and Panch Badris that add to the spiritual ambience of the state. Needless to mention that Uttarakhand is also home to one of the four Kumbh Mela spots in India, Haridwar. Also called the gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas, Haridwar attracts millions of Hindu devotees to its temples as well as its Ganges Ghats.
The region of Kumaon is also replete with a number of Hindu temples like Baijnath, Patal Bhubaneshwar and Jageshwar each being an important religious destination to visit in Uttarakhand. The state of Uttarakhand though may seem to have more temples than a sacred shrine of any other religion but there are a few significant holy sites for people of other faith as well. The state houses the highest Gurudwara in the world, Hemkund Sahib along with other important Gurudwaras like Nanakmatta and Ritha Sahib for the Sikh devotees to obtain blessings at. For the Budhhist pilgrims, the Mind Rolling Monastery in Dehradun is the major pilgrimage site whereas, the Muslim devotees can offer prayers at various mosques in the state as well as the famed Piran Kaliyar Shareef near Roorkee. Uttarakhand also boasts a plethora of British era churches that are both beautiful and sacred places to pay homage in the state.
Uttarakhand takes pride in its popular skiing destination of Auli, which has once hosted the National Skiing Championship. Situated at an elevation 2,500 to 3,050 meters in the Chamoli district of Garhwal region, Auli becomes a hotspot for skiing with the commencement of the month of December and the excitement continues until March. The place boasts fine gradients sparsely lined with Deodar and Oak trees for the skiers who can also witness Nanda Devi, Kamet, Mana Parvat and Dunagiri Peaks while relishing this adventure. This popular ski destination in Uttarakhand offers Auli also flaunts a 500 m long chairlift that itself is a thrill to experience while you are on a ski adventure here.
Apart from Auli, other ski destinations in Uttarakhand include Dayara Bugyal, a high altitude meadow, which covers itself in snow during winters; Munsiyari, the pretty little town of Kumaon Region known for its amazing view of the Panchachuli Peaks; and Mundali, which boasts enormous skiing area and breathtaking sites. In Garhwal Region, there remain some remote and lesser known destination like Kush Kalyan and Kedar Kantha in Uttarkashi district; Panwali and Matya in Tehri Garhwal district and Bedni Bugyal in Chamoli district that with their great gradients display a great skiing tourism potential, however, right now they are the destinations for seasoned skiers only. On the other hand, the Chiplakot Valley in Pithoragarh of Kumaon region also stands as yet another brilliant destination to consider for professional skiing in the state.
Places to visit in Uttarakhand
Frequently Asked Question about Uttarakhand
When is the best time to visit Uttarakhand?
Uttarakhand can be visited year round, however, since it is a Himalayan state, it is visited largely in the summer season i.e April to June. The winter season between October and March is ideal to visit for those who want to see snowfall. In the monsoon season (July to September), treks like Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib open. In the rainy season, the Chota Chardham Yatra (Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri).
Is it safe to travel to Uttarakhand in the monsoon season?
Yes, it is quite safe to travel to Uttarakhand in the monsoon season. However, it is recommended to check the weather forecast before planning a trip.
When does it snow in Uttarakhand?
Uttarakhand receives snow between October and March.
What is the best way to reach Uttarakhand?
Uttarakhand can be reached by best by all three means of transport – air, rail, and road. Dehradun and Pantnagar in Uttarakhand have airports connecting them to other parts of India. Rishikesh, Haldwani, Haridwar, and Dehradun have the railway stations in Uttarakhand connecting to all the major cities and towns in the country. National Highways 7, 707, and 109 connect Uttarakhand to many places in India.
At what time one can take chota Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand?
The Chota Chardham Yatra usually begins from the end of April and ends in the month of October/November.
Are permits required to do treks in Uttarakhand?
Yes, some treks require permits/permission from SDM Office, Forest Department, LIU Office etc.
