Uttarakhand combines some of India's most important pilgrimage sites with easy hill stations and wildlife. Haridwar and Rishikesh sit where the Ganga leaves the mountains, known for evening aarti, ashrams and yoga; Mussoorie and Nainital are relaxed hill towns; Auli offers snow slopes and wide Himalayan views; Kedarnath and Badrinath are two of the Char Dham shrines high in the Garhwal Himalaya; and Jim Corbett is India's oldest national park. It suits families on pilgrimage, those wanting a gentle mountain break, and adventure seekers.
The key trade-off is between comfort and height. Rishikesh, Haridwar and Corbett are low and easy; Mussoorie and Nainital are around 2,000 metres; but Kedarnath is at roughly 3,500 metres and reached by a long uphill trek of around 16 kilometres from Gaurikund, while Badrinath is reached by road but involves many hours on mountain highways. The shrines open only from roughly late April or May to October or November, the yatra season is very crowded, and monsoon rains from July to September often cause landslides.
For parents and seniors, a Haridwar–Rishikesh–Mussoorie trip is comfortable. Kedarnath and Badrinath are deeply meaningful for many families but need careful planning: medical advice before the trip, mandatory yatra registration, extra buffer days, and a decision on whether to trek, ride a pony, use a palki or book a helicopter. Badrinath is generally easier than Kedarnath because vehicles reach close to the temple.
- Ideal trip
- 5–10 days
- Destinations
- 8
- Best season
- Roughly March to June and mid-September to November suit most of the region; the Kedarnath and Badrinath temples are typically open from about late April or May until October or November, with exact dates announced each year. Avoid July and August where possible because of monsoon landslides, and note that most Corbett zones close during the monsoon.
- Start from
- Rishikesh
Destinations in this region
Riverside base for yoga, aarti and rafting, and the usual starting point for the Garhwal shrines.
Read the full Rishikesh guide →- Haridwar · Uttarakhand
The Ganga aarti at Har ki Pauri and the main railhead, a short drive from Rishikesh.
Guide coming soon — plan it with us → - Mussoorie · Uttarakhand
An easy hill-station break above Dehradun, with gentle walks and mountain views.
Read the full Mussoorie guide → - Nainital · Uttarakhand
A lake-centred hill town in Kumaon, often paired with Jim Corbett on a separate loop.
Read the full Nainital guide → - Auli · Uttarakhand
Snow slopes and wide Himalayan views above Joshimath, a possible stop on the Badrinath road.
Read the full Auli guide → - Kedarnath · Uttarakhand
One of the Char Dham shrines, reached by a long high-altitude trek, pony, palki or helicopter.
Read the full Kedarnath guide → - Badrinath · Uttarakhand
A Char Dham shrine reachable by road, usually visited with or after Kedarnath.
Read the full Badrinath guide → - Jim Corbett · Uttarakhand
India's oldest national park, adding jungle safaris in the foothills near Nainital.
Read the full Jim Corbett guide →
Suggested routes
5-day Haridwar, Rishikesh & Mussoorie
- Day 1 — Haridwar. Arrive by train or via Dehradun airport and rest. Attend the evening Ganga aarti at Har ki Pauri; arrive early for a seat and hold on to each other in the crowd.
- Day 2 — Rishikesh. Drive to Rishikesh, under an hour away. Rest, then walk across one of the river bridges if comfortable, or view them from the ghats. Attend the evening aarti at Parmarth Niketan or Triveni Ghat.
- Day 3 — Rishikesh. A quiet morning of yoga or a visit to an ashram, with a long rest in the afternoon. Younger family members can go rafting while others relax by the river.
- Day 4 — Mussoorie. Drive up to Mussoorie, roughly 2.5–3 hours on winding roads. Rest, then an easy evening stroll on the flatter stretches of Mall Road.
- Day 5 — Mussoorie. A short drive to Landour for views and a gentle walk, then descend to Dehradun for the airport or train.
10-day Kedarnath & Badrinath yatra
- Day 1 — Haridwar. Arrive, confirm your yatra registration documents and attend the evening aarti at Har ki Pauri.
- Day 2 — Rishikesh. Move to Rishikesh, rest and prepare. Check weather and road advisories for the route ahead.
- Day 3 — Towards Kedarnath. Long drive towards Guptkashi or Sonprayag, roughly 7–9 hours, following the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. Eat light and rest early.
- Day 4 — Kedarnath. Start before dawn from Gaurikund on foot, by pony or by palki, or take a pre-booked helicopter from the helipads in the valley. Go slowly, drink water and rest often. Overnight near the temple if accommodation is arranged.
- Day 5 — Kedarnath. Early darshan when queues are shorter, then descend to Gaurikund and drive back to Guptkashi or Sonprayag. This is a demanding day, so plan nothing else.
- Day 6 — Rest day. A buffer day for weather, fatigue or delays. Rest at Guptkashi or move slowly towards the Badrinath road.
- Day 7 — Towards Badrinath. Drive towards Joshimath or Badrinath, roughly 6–8 hours depending on road conditions. Rest on arrival and keep dinner light.
- Day 8 — Badrinath. Morning darshan at Badrinath temple, a short walk to the Tapt Kund area if comfortable, and a visit to Mana village nearby by car. Rest in the afternoon.
- Day 9 — Towards Rishikesh. Begin the long drive back, breaking the journey at Rudraprayag or Srinagar in Garhwal. If conditions allow, stop at Auli via Joshimath for mountain views on the way.
- Day 10 — Rishikesh. Complete the drive to Rishikesh and rest before onward travel the next day.
Getting around
Dehradun's Jolly Grant airport is roughly 45 minutes to an hour from Rishikesh, and Pantnagar airport serves Nainital and Corbett. Haridwar and Dehradun are the main railheads for Garhwal, with Kathgodam for Nainital and Ramnagar for Corbett. Most travellers use a hired car with driver. Approximate road times, traffic and weather dependent: Haridwar to Rishikesh roughly 45 minutes to an hour, Rishikesh to Mussoorie roughly 2.5–3 hours, Rishikesh to Sonprayag near the start of the Kedarnath trek roughly 7–9 hours, Rishikesh to Badrinath roughly 9–11 hours, usually split over two days, and Nainital to Corbett roughly 2–3 hours. Helicopter services to Kedarnath operate in season; book only through the official channel named on the state government's yatra information, as fraudulent booking sites are common.
Travelling with parents
- Registration for the Char Dham Yatra, including Kedarnath and Badrinath, has been mandatory; register through the official Uttarakhand portal and carry the confirmation and ID, and check for any health screening requirements.
- Kedarnath is at roughly 3,500 metres and the trek is long and steep; older travellers, especially with heart, lung, diabetes or blood-pressure conditions, should consult a doctor well before booking and carry their medicines and prescriptions.
- Ponies, palkis (carried chairs) and pithus (carried baskets) are available on the Kedarnath route through registered operators; they reduce walking but can be uncomfortable for hours, and riders still need to get on and off safely.
- Helicopter services can shorten the Kedarnath journey considerably, but seats sell out and flights stop in bad weather; book only through the official channel and keep a buffer day in the plan.
- Temperatures near the temples can fall close to freezing even in summer; pack warm layers, rain gear and good walking shoes.
- Avoid monsoon travel where possible, and check state disaster and road advisories each morning during the yatra.
Uttarakhand Himalayas FAQs
Do we need to register for the Kedarnath and Badrinath yatra?
Yes, registration has been mandatory for the Char Dham shrines. Use the official Uttarakhand registration portal and check the latest rules before you travel, as requirements can change each season.
Can elderly parents visit Kedarnath?
Many do, using ponies, palkis or helicopters, but the altitude and weather are serious considerations. Consult a doctor first, keep extra days in the plan, and be ready to change plans if anyone feels unwell.
Is Badrinath easier than Kedarnath?
Generally yes, as vehicles reach close to the temple. The drive is long and winding, however, and the altitude is still above 3,000 metres.
When do the temples open and close?
They usually open around late April or May and close around October or November. Exact dates are announced each year, so check official sources before booking.
Is Rishikesh suitable for a relaxed family trip?
Yes. Rishikesh and Haridwar are low in altitude and easy to reach, with aarti, ashrams and riverside walks. Crowds peak on festival days and weekends.
Can we combine Jim Corbett with Nainital?
Yes, they sit roughly 2–3 hours apart by road. Safaris must be booked through the official online system, and most zones close during the monsoon.
Is it safe to travel during the monsoon?
July to September brings a high risk of landslides and road closures in the hills. Most families should plan for spring or autumn instead.
Sources and further reading
- Uttarakhand Tourism
- Uttarakhand Tourism — Char Dham yatra registration portal
- Incredible India — Rishikesh
- Wikipedia — Chota Char Dham
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.