Things to Do in Uttarakhand: Experiences Worth Planning Around

The experiences most worth planning around in Uttarakhand are the Ganga aarti in Rishikesh and Haridwar, rafting on the Ganga, a safari in Jim Corbett National Park, Nainital's lakes and Mussoorie's Mall — and, for the adventurous, Auli, Chopta and the Valley of Flowers. With a week, choose Garhwal or Kumaon, or one base in each.

Uttarakhand combines spiritual towns, wildlife and the high Himalaya. This guide groups 17 experiences by place and type and explains who each one suits, so you can build a balanced trip. Pair it with our 7-day Uttarakhand itinerary and Uttarakhand cost guide.

At a glance

Rishikesh and Haridwar

1. The Ganga aarti. At Parmarth Niketan or Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh, and Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar.

2. River rafting. Grade-rated stretches on the Ganga, from gentle to lively.

3. Yoga and meditation. Drop-in classes or longer courses at ashrams.

4. Lakshman Jhula and the Beatles Ashram. Suspension bridges and the old ashram with murals.

5. Neer Garh waterfall. A short walk to a series of pools near Rishikesh.

Mussoorie and Dehradun

6. Mussoorie's Mall and Landour. Colonial-era walks, cafés and views of the Himalaya.

7. Kempty Falls. A popular waterfall near Mussoorie.

8. Robber's Cave and the Forest Research Institute. Dehradun's stream-filled cave and grand colonial building.

Kumaon

9. Naini Lake. Boating and the Mall around Nainital's lake.

10. Bhimtal and Sattal. Quieter lakes for kayaking and birdwatching.

11. Mukteshwar and Binsar. Orchards, forests and Himalayan panoramas.

12. Jim Corbett National Park. Jeep safaris and forest stays for tigers, elephants and birds.

The high Himalaya

13. Auli. Ski slopes and a ropeway with Nanda Devi views.

14. Chopta and Tungnath. A meadow and a short trek to the world's highest Shiva temple.

15. The Valley of Flowers. A UNESCO-listed alpine valley, best in July and August.

16. Kedarnath and Badrinath. Char Dham shrines, by trek, pony or helicopter in season.

17. Har Ki Dun and Kedarkantha. Popular treks for fitter travellers.

The aarti in detail

In Rishikesh, the Parmarth Niketan aarti includes chanting by the ashram's students and a large fire offering on the river, while Triveni Ghat's aarti is simpler. In Haridwar, the Har Ki Pauri aarti draws large crowds; arrive early and keep belongings secure. Floating a small leaf boat of flowers and a lamp on the river is a moving ritual for many visitors.

Choosing a rafting stretch

Rafting on the Ganga runs on graded stretches above Rishikesh, from short, gentle runs suitable for beginners to longer runs with stronger rapids. It usually operates from about September to June, pausing in the monsoon. Choose licensed operators with safety kayaks and helmets, and follow age and fitness rules.

Planning a Corbett safari

Corbett has several zones: Dhikala, inside the park, is the most sought after for its grasslands and forest stays; Bijrani and Jhirna are popular for day safaris. Permits are booked on the official Corbett online booking site. Plan at least three or four drives. Our Enchanting Wilderness Getaway combines safaris with a riverside stay.

More of Nainital

Beyond the lake, Nainital has the Snow View point by cable car, the Naina Devi temple, Tiffin Top and the Mall. Nearby, Pangot is good for birdwatching. Food lovers can follow A Journey of Taste and Tradition of Nainital.

The Valley of Flowers and Hemkund

The Valley of Flowers trek starts at Govindghat, with a night at Ghangaria before the walk into the valley, where hundreds of alpine flower species bloom in the monsoon. Hemkund Sahib, a high-altitude gurudwara beside a glacial lake, is reached from the same base. Both need fitness, good shoes and rain gear, and the valley is usually open from June to October.

Chopta, Tungnath and Chandrashila

Chopta is a meadow surrounded by rhododendron and oak forest. A trek of a few kilometres leads to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple, and on to Chandrashila peak for sweeping Himalayan views at sunrise. It suits fit beginners and is often snowbound in winter.

More of Haridwar

Haridwar's Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi temples are reached by ropeway, with views over the Ganga. The Har Ki Pauri ghat is busiest at the evening aarti, and the old bazaars sell religious items and sweets. Rajaji National Park, between Haridwar and Rishikesh, offers jeep safaris for elephants and birds.

More of Mussoorie

Mussoorie's Landour, above the Mall, has quiet lanes, bakeries and views of the snow peaks. The Company Garden, Lal Tibba viewpoint and the George Everest House are easy outings. Dhanaulti, about an hour away, has deodar forests and eco-parks, and Dehradun's Mindrolling Monastery is worth a stop.

Food experiences

Rishikesh is a vegetarian town with many cafés. Kumaoni and Garhwali dishes such as bhatt ki churkani, kafuli and bal mithai are worth trying.

Festivals

The Kumbh Mela in Haridwar every twelve years, the Ardh Kumbh at six-year intervals, Kanwar Yatra in the monsoon and the International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh in March draw large crowds.

When to go

March to June and September to November are best. Corbett's core zones open from mid-November to June. The monsoon brings landslides.

In winter

Auli has skiing from about January to March, and the lower hills are crisp and clear.

What you can safely skip

You do not need both Mussoorie and Nainital on a short trip. Choose Garhwal or Kumaon.

Getting between experiences

Trains to Haridwar and Kathgodam, then a car and driver for the hills.

Free and low-cost experiences

The aarti, riverside walks, ashram talks and viewpoints cost little.

Best views

Sunrise over the Himalaya from Mukteshwar or Binsar, the aarti lamps on the Ganga, and Nanda Devi from Auli.

Etiquette

Rishikesh and Haridwar are holy towns: alcohol and meat are restricted in central areas. Dress modestly at ghats and temples.

How to choose

With five nights, choose Rishikesh and Mussoorie or Nainital and Corbett.

For families and parents

Children enjoy safaris and boating; parents may prefer canter safaris and short walks.

For couples

Couples often favour a riverside resort near Rishikesh and a jungle lodge at Corbett.

Practical tips

Carry warm layers, cash and motion-sickness tablets. Read our Uttarakhand planning guide for more.

A BagPackerMe planner can choose and plan these experiences privately, with one named planner, WhatsApp support throughout and vegetarian and Jain food planned in.

Your questions, answered

What is the one thing not to miss in Uttarakhand?

For most first-time visitors, the evening Ganga aarti in Rishikesh or Haridwar, followed by a morning safari in Jim Corbett National Park.

Which Uttarakhand experiences suit families?

Children usually enjoy Corbett safaris, boating in Nainital, the Mussoorie ropeway and short riverside walks in Rishikesh. Rafting suits older children within operators' age limits.

When is the Valley of Flowers open?

The Valley of Flowers is usually open from June to October, with the best blooms in July and August. The trek starts from Govindghat via Ghangaria; check official notices before planning.

How many days do I need?

Four to five nights covers Rishikesh and Mussoorie or Nainital and Corbett. A week allows both, and treks need more time.