Uttarakhand Travel Guide
Everything you need to know to plan your perfect trip to the Land of the Gods.
Best Time to Visit
Summer (Mar - Jun)
15°C - 30°C
Best Activities:
- Trekking
- River Rafting
- Paragliding
- Camping
Crowd Level: High
Pro Tip: Book accommodations in advance as this is the peak tourist season.
Monsoon (Jul - Sep)
12°C - 25°C
Best Activities:
- Valley of Flowers
- Scenic Drives
- Monsoon Treks
Crowd Level: Low
Pro Tip: Beware of landslides and check road conditions before traveling.
Autumn (Oct - Nov)
10°C - 22°C
Best Activities:
- Trekking
- Pilgrimage
- Clear Himalayan Views
Crowd Level: Moderate
Pro Tip: Post-monsoon clarity offers the best Himalayan views. Perfect for photography.
Winter (Dec - Feb)
-5°C - 15°C
Best Activities:
- Skiing in Auli
- Snow Treks
- Winter Carnivals
Crowd Level: Moderate to High (in ski resorts)
Pro Tip: Pack heavy woolens. Mountain passes may be closed.
How to Reach Uttarakhand
By Air
- Jolly Grant Airport (DED) in Dehradun is the main airport.
- Connects to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru.
- Pantnagar Airport (PGH) serves the Kumaon region.
By Train
- Major railway stations: Haridwar, Dehradun, Kathgodam.
- Well-connected to all parts of India.
- Scenic train journeys available on certain routes.
By Bus
- Extensive network of state and private buses.
- Regular services from Delhi, Chandigarh, etc.
- ISBTs in Dehradun, Haridwar, and Haldwani are major hubs.
By Car
- Well-maintained national highways connect to the state.
- Ideal for flexible travel and exploring offbeat places.
- Hire a local driver for navigating mountain roads.
Essential Packing Checklist
Clothing
- Layered clothing (T-shirts, fleece, jacket)
- Waterproof/windproof jacket
- Comfortable trekking shoes
- Woolen socks, cap, and gloves
Electronics
- Power bank and chargers
- Camera with extra batteries
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Universal travel adapter
Health & Safety
- Personal first-aid kit
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Medication for mountain sickness
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
Documents
- Government-issued ID (Aadhaar/Passport)
- Printed copies of tickets & bookings
- Emergency contact list
- Necessary permits (if applicable)
Do's and Don'ts
Do's
- Respect local customs and traditions.
- Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious places.
- Carry a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste.
- Hire registered guides for treks and adventure activities.
- Acclimatize properly before ascending to mountain areas.
Don'ts
- Don't litter. Keep the mountains clean.
- Don't play loud music in serene places.
- Don't disturb wildlife or damage flora.
- Don't trek alone in remote areas.
- Don't consume alcohol or non-vegetarian food in holy towns.
Emergency Contacts
Police
112
Ambulance
108
Disaster Management
1070
Tourism Helpline
1364