Uttarakhand Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Planning your first trip to Uttarakhand? Here's a simple 7-day itinerary to help you get started. It covers popular spots, short travel times, and easy stays.

Day 1: Arrive in Dehradun
Start your trip in Dehradun. It’s the capital city and well-connected by train, flight, and road. Check into a hotel and take it slow. Visit Robber’s Cave and Sahastradhara. Try local food like momos and thukpa.

Day 2: Dehradun to Mussoorie (35 km)
Leave for Mussoorie in the morning. It’s a 1.5-hour drive. On the way, stop at Mussoorie Lake. Once you reach, visit Mall Road and enjoy the view from Gun Hill. You can stay overnight in Mussoorie.

Day 3: Explore Mussoorie
Visit empty Falls and Company Garden. If you want a quiet spot, go to Landour, just 5 km away. It’s peaceful and has great views. Return to Mussoorie by evening.

Day 4: Mussoorie to Rishikesh (80 km)
Head to Rishikesh early morning. The drive takes about 3 hours. Once you reach, check into your hotel. Visit Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula, and attend the Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat in the evening.

Day 5: Rishikesh Activities
Try river rafting if the weather is clear. You can also go for a short hike or try yoga sessions by the river. Many cafes serve simple food with great views. Stay another night in Rishikesh.

Day 6: Rishikesh to Haridwar (25 km)
Leave for Haridwar. It’s just a 45-minute drive. Visit Har Ki Pauri and the local temples. You can shop for souvenirs in the markets. In the evening, watch the Ganga Aarti again it's very different from Rishikesh.

Day 7: Return to Dehradun (55 km)
Drive back to Dehradun. You can catch your train or flight from here. If you have time, visit the Forest Research Institute or enjoy a quiet lunch before heading home.

Travel Tips
1. Carry light woolens even in summer. Weather can change fast in the hills.
2. Book hotels early, especially in peak season (April to June).
3. Hire local taxis or use shared jeeps in hill areas.
4.Eat local food but avoid street water. Stick to bottled water.

This plan keeps travel time low and gives you enough time at each place. You get a mix of hill views, riverside stays, and cultural spots. Perfect if it’s your first time in Uttarakhand Tourism.