Nature, Adventure, and Spirituality of Uttarakhand

9 Days / 8 Nights

Steeped in a rich colonial past and alive with memories of the Raj, the hill stations of Uttarakhand offer a glimpse of Imperial India. And yet just a few hours drive away in Haridwar the ancient pilgrimage rituals of Hinduism go on as they have for centuries. A little further up the Ganges from Haridwar is the town of Rishikesh, a magnet for spiritual seekers from the west for over 40 years. A small state with some of India’s most picturesque forests and hills, and rapidly becoming a centre for adventure tourism, the contrasts on offer in Uttarakhand are remarkable and this short tour will offer a taste of this diversity

Duration: 8 Nights & 9 Days

Destination Covered: Delhi - Dehra Dun – Mussoorie – Haridwar – Rishikesh

Tour Highlights
Delhi	Qutb Minar, Chandni Chowk
Dehradun	Buddhist Stupa
Mussoorie	Kempty Falls, Mall Road
Haridwar	Evening Aarti ceremony on River Ganges
Rishikesh	Ashrams, Temples, Trekking, Rafting

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrive Delhi

On arrival in Delhi airport you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. India’s capital is an amazing city - a place of endless contradictions and contrasts, where rich and timeless traditions meet the grinding day to day reality of life in a modern Asian mega-city. The welcome is warm and the parade of humanity endless. Take today to acclimatise and perhaps take a first foray into the markets and bazaars of the city. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 2 : Delhi Sightseeing

One day hardly does justice to the myriad facets of Delhi but your day’s sightseeing will include many highlights from both New Delhi, with its grandiose colonial architecture and the majestic monuments of Old Delhi including Humayun’s Tomb and Qutb Minar, the tallest minaret tower in Asia. Round off your first day with a cycle rickshaw ride around the lanes and alleys of Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi’s most famous market area. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 3 : Delhi – Train to Dehra Dun

An early start and transfer to New Delhi railway station where you will board a first-class carriage on the Shatabdi Express train bound for Dehra Dun, the capital of Uttarakhand. On arrival at 12.40 hours, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Afternoon sightseeing around Dehra Dun will include Ram Rai Darbar mausoleum, and a 60 metre high Buddhist stupa, said to be the tallest in the world. Overnight in Dehra Dun.
Day 4 : Dehra Dun - Mussoorie

After breakfast, drive a short distance to Mussoorie, a delightful hill station and a favourite retreat for the British during the Raj era. Like all the hill stations of this region, Mussoorie retains elements of its British past and again like all the other hill stations it is a great place to walk, both in the town and on short walks and hikes to nearby scenic spots. Take the rest of the day to enjoy the crisp mountain air and natural beauty on offer. Overnight in Mussoorie.
Day 5 : Mussoorie

A free day in Mussoorie - walking can be arranged or your driver will take you out of town to see some truly stunning scenery in this transition zone between the expansive plains below and the Himalayan foothills above. Overnight in Mussoorie.
Day 6 : Mussoorie - Haridwar

Drive 4 hours to Haridwar and explore this bustling pilgrimage town. Staying near the Ganges gets you right into the heart of the pilgrimage scene. Every day at dusk thousands of tiny oil lamps are set afloat on the river – the ensuing ceremony is as intense as it is chaotic! Overnight in Haridwar.
Day 7 : Haridwar – Rishikesh

Drive one hour to Rishikesh - another Ganges-side holy city, once best known as the place where the Beatles stayed in India but now a major centre for spiritual seekers, yoga aficionados and adventurers. Talk a walking tour of the town – it is very compact and a lot of fun to explore on foot. Afternoon at leisure, or explore the wonderful nearby waterfalls – a nice walk to a lovely natural pool superb for swimming. Overnight Rishikesh.
Day 8 : Rishikesh

If you’ve got a taste for adventure, then you have the option for white-water rafting (or longer for the really keen) - plunging down the Ganges in an inflatable boat which is an unforgettable experience. If you’d rather enjoy something more serene you can enjoy the river scenery on a drive up the valley where there are some delightful temples. Overnight in Rishikesh.
Day 9 : Rishikesh – Delhi Airport

This day depart Rishikesh and drive directly to Delhi airport for your flight home or to explore another part of India.

**End of the Tour**

FAQ

Delhi offers a mix of historic and modern attractions. Highlights include Humayun’s Tomb, Qutb Minar, and a cycle rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk.

The journey from Delhi to Dehra Dun is by first-class carriage on the Shatabdi Express train, offering comfort and scenic views.

Dehra Dun sightseeing includes visits to Ram Rai Darbar mausoleum and a 60-meter-high Buddhist stupa, among other cultural landmarks.

Mussoorie, a picturesque hill station, offers serene walks, scenic views, and a glimpse into its British colonial past.

Rishikesh offers options for spiritual exploration, adventure activities like white-water rafting on the Ganges, and visits to scenic waterfalls.

The journey from Rishikesh to Delhi airport is by road, providing a comfortable transfer back for your flight home.

Haridwar is known for its daily Ganga Aarti ceremony and its status as a major pilgrimage site along the Ganges.

Yes, our itineraries can be tailored to your preferences, whether you prefer more adventure, cultural exploration, or leisure time.

We recommend packing comfortable clothing suitable for both city explorations and mountain climates, along with essentials like sunscreen and walking shoes.

Yes, this itinerary is family-friendly with opportunities for both cultural enrichment and outdoor activities suitable for all ages.