About a Uttarakhand trip
Uttarakhand — Devbhoomi — blends spiritual towns on the Ganga with cool Himalayan hill stations. Haridwar and Rishikesh are a short drive from Delhi, and Mussoorie sits just above Dehradun.
The Kumaon side offers Nainital, Bhimtal and Jim Corbett National Park, while the Char Dham pilgrimage (Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath) runs from May to early November.
Day-wise Uttarakhand itinerary (6 days)
Day 1: Delhi to Haridwar
Drive about 220 km; evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri.
Day 2: Haridwar to Rishikesh
Mansa Devi temple ropeway, then 25 km to Rishikesh; Triveni Ghat aarti.
Day 3: Rishikesh adventure
Rafting, Laxman Jhula, Beatles Ashram and cafés.
Day 4: Rishikesh to Mussoorie
Drive about 75 km via Dehradun; evening on Mall Road.
Day 5: Mussoorie sightseeing
Kempty Falls, Gun Hill, Lal Tibba and Company Garden.
Day 6: Mussoorie to Delhi
Drive about 290 km back to Delhi.
Top places to visit in Uttarakhand
- Har Ki Pauri, HaridwarThe famous evening Ganga Aarti on the ghats.
- Laxman Jhula & Triveni Ghat, RishikeshTemples, cafés and the Rishikesh evening aarti.
- River rafting, RishikeshWhite-water rafting from Shivpuri (season roughly September–June).
- Kempty Falls & Gun Hill, MussoorieWaterfall and ropeway viewpoint above Mall Road.
- Naini Lake, NainitalBoating and Snow View Point in the Kumaon hills.
Best time to visit & how to reach
Best time: March to June, September to November.
How to reach: Haridwar is about 220 km (5 hrs) from Delhi with frequent trains. Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport is near Rishikesh. Kathgodam is the railhead for Nainital.
Uttarakhand travel tips
- Haridwar and Rishikesh are vegetarian, alcohol-free zones near the ghats.
- Char Dham Yatra needs online registration.
- Rafting is suspended during monsoon.
- Avoid weekends in Mussoorie for less traffic.
Uttarakhand trip FAQs
How many days are enough for Haridwar, Rishikesh and Mussoorie?
5 to 6 days from Delhi. Add 2–3 days for Nainital or Jim Corbett.
What is the best time for Rishikesh rafting?
Roughly September to June; rafting stops in the monsoon months.
Is Uttarakhand good for a family trip?
Yes — Ganga Aarti, gentle hill stations and wildlife at Corbett suit all ages.
Can I do Kedarnath in this trip?
Kedarnath needs 2–3 extra days and is open from about May to early November.