Uttarakhand formerly known as Uttaranchal is a state in the northern part of India. Uttarakhand has many tourist spots due to its location in the Himalayas. There are many ancient temples, forest reserves, national parks, hill stations, and mountain peaks that draw large number of tourists. There are 44 nationally protected monuments in the state.[106] Oak Grove School in the state is on the tentative list for World Heritage Sites. Two of the most holy rivers in Hinduism the Ganges and Yamuna, originate in Uttarakhand. Binsar Devta is a popular Hindu temple in the area. Uttarakhand has long been called “Land of the Gods” as the state has some of the holiest Hindu shrines, and for more than a thousand years, pilgrims have been visiting the region in the hopes of salvation and purification from sin. Gangotri and Yamunotri, the sources of the Ganges and Yamuna, dedicated to Ganga and Yamuna respectively, fall in the upper reaches of the state and together with Badrinath (dedicated to Vishnu) and Kedarnath (dedicated to Shiva) form the Chota Char Dham, one of Hinduism’s most spiritual and auspicious pilgrimage circuits. Haridwar, meaning “Gateway to the God”, is a prime Hindu destination. Haridwar hosts the Haridwar Kumbh Mela every twelve years, in which millions of pilgrims take part from all parts of India and the world. Rishikesh near Haridwar is known as the preeminent yoga center of India.
Tour Name: Delightful Uttarakhand
Duration: 8 Nights / 9 Days
City Covered:
Delhi – Haridwar – Auli – Joshimath – Auli – Kausani – Mukhteshwar – Bhimtal – Nainital – Delhi
Day 01: Arrival Delhi / Delhi – Haridwar (225 Kms / 05 Hrs.)
Arrive at the Delhi airport or Railway Station, Drive to Haridwar, by road. On reaching Haridwar in the late afternoon, check in at the hotel. Settle in your room and relax for some time. One of the holiest cities of Uttarakhand, Haridwar is known for housing a number of temples and Har-ki-pauri that is a popular ghat (river bank) where people take a dip in the water of Ganga River to wash away all their sins. It is visited by a huge number of devotees every year.
Evening is scheduled for Ganga Aarti, on the banks of River Ganges. This is one of the most memorable moments. Admire the site when the shadow of thousand of lighted lamps fall in the flowing holy waters of the river. The whole atmosphere becomes absolutely peaceful. Overnight stay at Hotel
Day 02: Haridwar – Auli (280 Kms / 09 Hrs.)
After breakfast, check- out from your hotel and head straight to Joshimath. As you arrive in Joshimath, get on-board a cable car to reach Auli. The cable car connecting Joshimath and Auli is one of the longest ropeways in Asia (16 km). Admire the mesmerizing views of the Himalayan peaks surrounding you and Oak forests, lying right below, while you are in the cable car.
On reaching Auli, complete the check-in formalities at a resort. Enjoy the view of the setting sunset behind the Nanda Devi and other snow- clad peaks from your room. Located at an elevation of 2500 to 3050 meters above sea level, Auli is popular for being a popular Ski destination in India. Trekking and skiing enthusiasts from all around the world come to Auli for some lifetime experiences. Later, enjoy dinner and bonfire music. Overnight stay at Hotel
Day 03: Auli
After breakfast, breakfast, move towards the slopes to learn the basics of skiing. The experience is going to be a lifetime experience. If you wish, you can also partake in sledging. Have your lunch at the resort. Thereafter, enjoy a guided trek to Lake Valentine (a man-made lake) through thick pine forests and savor enchanting views of Helang Valley. The trek is slightly high on difficulty level and you need to be completely fit to embark on it. You are going to love the mesmerizing views and the cool breeze on your face. Overnight stay at Hotel
Day 04: Auli – Joshimath – Auli
After breakfast, set out for a sightseeing tour of Joshimath, the winter seat of Lord Badrinath. Joshimath is one of the four ‘maths’ (monasteries) that were founded by Adi Shankaracharya. The places you visit here include Narasimha Temple- around 1200 years old, this temple is dedicates to Lord Narasimha, the fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu that is half-lion and half- man; Shankracharya Cave- near Kalpvriksha, this is sacred cave where Adi Shankaracharya lived and meditated; Tapovan- a popular tourist attraction here that has hot sulfur water springs. It is believed that these the water of these springs have medicinal properties. Later, board the ropeway back to Auli. Overnight stay at Hotel
Day 05: Auli – Kausani (200 Kms / 07 Hrs.)
After Breakfast, leave by road for Kausani. Also known as ‘Mini Switzerland of India’, Kausani is placed at an altitude of 1850 m above the sea level. The serene surroundings, romantic weather, snow-clad peaks, lush surroundings of conifer trees attract a decent amount of tourists from all around. This small hill town is a beautiful one. On arriving in Kausani, check-in at a hotel. After completing the check-in formalities, get to explore this lovely place. Here you will visit Anashkati Ashram- also known as Gandhi Ashram, this was the place where Mahatma Gandhi had stayed for around 2 weeks in the year 1929. He had described the place as the ‘Switzerland of India’. The last visit of the day is to Chai Bagaan or aromatic tea estate of Kausani. Take a stroll here. Enjoy the sunset views over the Himalayan ranges. Overnight stay at Hotel
Day 06: Kausani – Mukhteshwar (110 Kms / 04 Hrs.)
After breakfast, drive straight to Mukteshwar, your next destination. On the way, halt at the beautiful town of Bhowali that is popular for housing the biggest fruit market of the country and then at the mesmerizing hill town of Ramgarh, famed as the fruit bowl of Kumaon. Later, continue to Mukteshwar. Placed at an altitude of 2285 m above the sea level, Mukteshwar is a pleasing hill town with a serene ambiance. The place derives its name from Lord Shiva’s temple, Mukteshwar Dham. Treat your eyes to the mesmerizing scenery and let the cool breeze brush past your face.
On reaching, check-in at a hotel. After relaxing for a while, head out to explore the surroundings. Visit Shiv temple, one of the most revered sites here that is also known as Mukteshwar Dham. The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Mukhestwar or Lord Shiva. It is believed that the temple is around 350 years old and Lord along with Goddess Parvati, his son Lord Ganesha and his Vahana (vehicle), Nandi bull. In the evening, witness sunset over the snow-covered peaks. Overnight stay at Hotel
Day 07: Mukhteshwar – Bhimtal – Nainital (50 Kms / 02 Hrs.)
After breakfast, leave by road for Bhimtal. On the way, visit Ghorakhal, famous for Army School or Sainik School (one of India’s best school for students for the officers of cadre of Armed forces) and admire scenic views. Your next visit is to Naukuchiatal, a Lake with nine corners- bounded by forests and greenery, this magnificent Lake is a popular picnic spot that also offers parasailing as well as boat riding and then to Sattal, an interconnected network of 7 freshwater lakes. You can boat riding and bird watching here. The air around the Lake is very fresh.
As you reach Bhimtal, complete the check-in formalities at a hotel. Explore the lush surroundings on your own, as per your liking. Lying at an altitude of 1370 m above the sea level, Bhimtal is a town that houses the picturesque Bhimtal Lake that lies amidst mountains and greenery. On the banks of the Lake is Bhimeshwar Maha Dev temple that is believed to have been built by Bhima, one of the 5 Pandava brothers of Mahabharata. It was later renovated in the 17th century by Baz Bahadur of Chand Dynasty. Overnight stay at Hotel
Day 08: Nainital – Sightseeing
After Breakfast, breakfast, visit one of the most popular hill towns in Uttarakhand. Nainital is quite famous for its lakes. You visit Khurpataal- this small hamlet around12 km away, it has crystal clear lake and a pleasant climate; Hanuman Mandir or Hanuman Garhi- constructed by a popular local saint Neem Karoli Baba around 1950, this temple is dedicated to Lord hanuman; Nainital Waterfall- around 5 km away, this is fall has white milky water and ARIES Observatory- founded in 1955, it is a popular attraction here. Later, take delight in cable car ride to Tiffin Top- admire nice views of the surroundings and the Lake and then boating in the very popular Naini Lake. In the evening, do not miss shopping at the Tibetan market/Bhutiya Bazaar and Mall Road. Overnight stay at Hotel
Day 08: Nainital – Delhi Drop (310 Kms / 07 Hrs.)
After breakfast, check out from the Hotel. Transfer to Delhi for Onward Destination
TOUR ENDS..!!
- Assistance on arrival & departure at airport or railway station.
- Accommodation at hotels/resorts as per the itinerary.
- Breakfast & Dinner at the hotels/resorts
- All transfers, excursions and sightseeing tours will be by air-conditioned vehicle
- Road taxes, parking fee, fuel charges and interstate taxes.
- GST (5%)
- Any Airfare or Train
- Any Kind of Personal Expenses or Optional Tours / Extra Meals Ordered
- Anything not specifically mentioned under the head “Prices included”.
- The Services of Vehicle is not included on leisure days & after finishing the sightseeing tour as per the Itinerary
- Guide fee, Camera fee & any monument Entrances
- Medical & Travel insurance
- Any changes you may choose to make during your tour
- Additional costs due to flight cancellation, road blocks etc.
- AC will not work in Hill Stations
- Monument Entry Charges/Heating system/Any Local Ride Not Included.