Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Uttarakhand is blessed with spectacular natural beauty, ancient pilgrimage sites, adventure activities, and a rich cultural heritage. From sacred pilgrimages to ski slopes, yoga retreats, and wildlife safaris, Uttarakhand promises diverse experiences for all types of travellers.

If you’re looking to experience the best of the state, Uttarakhand tour packages serve up ready-made itineraries to experience this northern state’s diverse landscapes at their most brilliant- from meditating in Rishikesh’s sacred Ganges waters to trekking through Valley of Flowers meadows to capturing Nainital’s emerald lake vistas.

Things to do in Uttarakhand

As you plan your Uttarakhand itinerary, here are the 25 top attractions and activities you must include:

1. Char Dham Yatra

The Char Dham pilgrimage, which encompasses Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, is one of Uttarakhand’s most popular spiritual journeys. These four abodes of the Hindu gods attract thousands of pilgrims between April and October when the shrines remain accessible.

The journey through the Garhwal Himalayas allows you to soak in spectacular mountain scenery and discover quaint hill towns.

2. Skiing in Auli

With slopes extending over 4km and snow-clad mountain vistas, Auli offers some of the best skiing terrain in India. Gentle slopes make Auli perfect for beginner and intermediate skiers to try their hand at the adventurous snow sport.

The months between November and March bring ideal conditions for an unforgettable skiing holiday.

3. Wildlife Safaris in Corbett National Park

Spot majestic Bengal tigers, elephants and 500+ bird species on jeep safaris inside Corbett National Park.

India’s oldest national park spans 520 sq. km, with the Ramganga River flowing through the evergreen sal forests and grasslands. With abundant wildlife sightings around the year, Corbett promises a thrilling jungle adventure.

4. Camping in Rishikesh

Escape the chaos of Indian cities by pitching tents under starry skies in Rishikesh, the Yoga Capital. Rishikesh offers peaceful settings for disconnecting from busy lives, from riverside campsites to hidden hillside meadows.

Spend days practising yoga, rafting, cliff jumping, meditating, or simply immersing in nature’s tranquillity.

5. Trekking in Valley of Flowers National Park

The Valley of Flowers trek culminates in a fairyland-like valley blanketed in wild alpine flowers and is rated among the most beautiful in India.

The 90km trek starts from Pulna village near Joshimath and takes you through charming mountain hamlets, alpine meadows, and glacial rivers. With breathtaking landscapes throughout, it perfectly combines nature with adventure.

6. Bungee Jumping in Rishikesh

Get your adrenaline pumping as you plunge off an 83m high platform for an epic bungee jumping experience in Rishikesh. Bounce up and down as you take in views of Rishikesh with the Ganges river flowing below.

Rishikesh is home to India’s highest bungee jumping platform, which experts from New Zealand built.

7. Yoga Retreats in Rishikesh

There is no better place to immerse yourself in yogic philosophy than Rishikesh – the birthplace of yoga. Spend days at a spiritual ashram on the banks of the Ganges learning complex asanas, breathing techniques, meditation, Ayurveda and more from veteran yoga gurus.

Rishikesh provides the perfect ambience to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul.

8. Village Hikes around Munsiyari

The remote hill hamlet of Munsiyari serves as the gateway to high-altitude treks covering the Milam, Ralam and Namik glaciers.

Before the trek, spend a day hiking through traditional mountain villages to experience authentic Pahadi culture and hospitality. Interact with locals and feast on magnificent Himalayan vistas along the way.

9. Rock Climbing in Mussoorie

Test your strength and courage with rock climbing in Mussoorie, home to several sheer cliff faces and boulders.

The mountain terrain allows rock climbing opportunities for beginners and advanced climbers with ample safety precautions. Conquer a mighty Himalayan rock wall as you take in gorgeous Doon Valley views.

10. Paragliding in Ranikhet

Take a spectacular paragliding flight over Ranikhet’s rolling meadows and pine forests for panoramic views of Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nandaghunti. Certified pilots accompany you on thrilling tandem flights starting from Chaubatia Gardens.

With favourable wind conditions around the year, Paragliding promises an adrenaline rush you won’t forget!

11. Rafting on the Ganges

Feel your pulse race as you manoeuvre raging rapids on the aquamarine Ganges river, winding through a mountainous landscape.

Rishikesh is the rafting capital of India, with stretches catering to first-timers and seasoned rafters alike, with rapids varying between Grade 1 and 4. Whitewater rafting along this sacred Himalayan river is an exhilarating must-try.

12. Boating in Naini Lake

Soak in picture-postcard views on a pedal or row boat ride in Nainital’s centrepiece—the emerald Naini Lake with lush forested hills all around.

Spend blissful hours admiring the lake’s yacht club, colonial boathouses, and spectacular sunsets over the Himalayan foothills. You can enjoy boating here all year round, though sunsets in winter are particularly magical.

13. Shopping in Almora

Shop for authentic Kumaoni handicrafts like bal mithai (fudge), brassware, hand-woven rugs and exquisitely carved woodwork in Almora’s bustling bazaars. Wander through narrow lanes lined with vibrant stalls selling local arts, crafts and apparel.

Remember to bargain for the best deals on these unique mementoes of Uttarakhand’s cultural heritage.

14. Tea Tasting in Kausani

Visit tea estates in Kausani to taste some of India’s finest teas, such as Girias and Kausani tea, which are known for their rich flavour.

Before a tea-tasting session, you can tour tea gardens and factories to observe production processes. The surrounding mountain vistas make sipping fresh hillside tea here even more special.

15. Photography in Chopta-Tungnath

With sprawling meadows carpeted with wildflowers against a backdrop of mighty Himalayan peaks, the Chopta-Tungnath trek route is a paradise for photography enthusiasts.

Along the way, you can frame spellbinding images of peaks like Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, and Trishul, mirrored in the crystal clear waters of serene high-altitude lakes.

16. Skiing in Auli

With slopes extending over 4km and snow-clad mountain vistas, Auli offers some of the best skiing terrain in India. Gentle slopes make Auli perfect for beginner and intermediate skiers to try their hand at the adventurous snow sport.

The months between November and March bring ideal conditions for an unforgettable skiing holiday.

17. Stay in Kumaoni Village Homestay

Experience authentic Pahadi hospitality and culture by spending a night or two at a village homestay in the Kumaon region.

This community-based rural tourism initiative allows visitors to observe local lifestyles while enjoying home-cooked food and mountain views. Nothing beats holidaying in the Kumaoni hills like a local!

18. Visit Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary

Take a day trip to Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can watch 200 bird species and animals like leopards, barking deer, and Himalayan black bears amidst oak and rhododendron forests.

If lucky, catch magical views of panoramic Himalayan peaks like Kedarnath, Nanda Devi, Panchachuli and Chaukhamba from Zero Point.

19. Camping by Tehri Lake

Pitch your tents by the sparkling blue-green waters of Tehri Lake, ringed by verdant hills, for a peaceful getaway from city chaos.

Spend days lazing on the pristine beach, swimming in the cool waters, stargazing at night and finding inner calm amidst sublime lakefront views. Camping here feels like a sublime natural retreat.

20. Visit Jageshwar Temples

Marvel at one of the oldest temple complexes in North India, Jageshwar, near Almora.

This sacred site, constructed in the 8th century, consists of over 100 stone temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and has remarkably preserved architecture showcasing temple building eras between the 7th and 18th centuries.

21. Crossing the Frozen Lakshman Jhula

Get a unique winter perspective of Rishikesh by crossing the frozen Lakshman Jhula bridge. In peak winters, when temperatures take a polar plunge, the iconic suspension bridge across the Ganges stiffens with ice, offering a rare seasonal experience for travellers.

Despite the chill, don’t take advantage of capturing photos of sadhus and pilgrims using the bridge.

22. Visit the Beatles Ashram

Travel back to the 1960s at the erstwhile Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram in Rishikesh, which hosted The Beatles during their days in India.

Wander through the remains of the sprawling ashram, observing crumbling meditation domes and lecture halls with iconic graffiti by John Lennon and Ringo Starr adorning the walls and doors!

23. Celebrate Holi Festival

Plan your Uttarakhand trip around the vibrant festival of Holi, celebrated with infectious zeal and enthusiasm across the state.

Join in the colourful fun as locals smear ‘gulal’ on faces, participate in processions and burn bonfires signifying victory over evil. It’s a beautiful spectacle reflecting the joie de vivre of Uttarakhand’s people.

24. Visit the Valley of Flowers

Visit this magical UNESCO site to behold meadows carpeted with over 500 flower species, including orchids, poppies, primulas, daisies, and anemones, set against the mighty Himalayan peaks.

Covered in snow most of the year, the Valley of Flowers comes alive in summer with blossoms that seem straight out of a fairytale!

25. Attend the Nanda Devi Fair

Each September, Uttarakhand hosts the vibrant Nanda Devi Fair in honour of the patron goddess of Uttarakhand at Nanda Devi Temple in Almora.

Catch colourful Mahila Utsav dance performances by local women, sample Kumaoni cuisine and shop for traditional crafts at this lively fair, soaking in regional culture.

Conclusion

From sacred pilgrimages and yoga retreats to skiing adventures, wildlife spotting, village hikes and more – Uttarakhand offers incredible diversity in tourism experiences.

For travelers seeking a streamlined route to uncover Uttarakhand’s picturesque Nainital hill station and top sights worry-free, all-inclusive Nainital tour packages offer ready-made itineraries bundled with transportation, activities and more.

Use this list to plan an epic holiday across Uttarakhand, taking back beautiful memories!