Garhwal is the northern region of Uttarakhand, which is nestled among snow-capped peaks, captivating rivers, wild flora and fauna, and pilgrimages. The place allows travellers to quench their traveling lusts with its beauty. And if you are a trekking enthusiast, then this destination is heaven for you. Furthermore, you will be able to witness a good variety of fauna and some of them include snow leopards, tigers, panthers, jackals, musk deer, and bears. The valleys and meadows of the Garhwal region have flora of over 500 species and some of them are deodar, fig, chestnut, and many different flowers. Are you impressed? If you are planning a trip to Uttarakhand, we will highly recommend exploring this region.
A Tourist’s Guide to Garhwal Uttarakhand: A Summary of the Top 10 Must-See Places and Surrounding Attractions
| Name of the Place |
Nearby Spots to Visit |
| Harshil Valley |
Wilson Cottage, Dharali, Gangnani, Sattal Harsil. |
| Deoria Tal |
Omkar Ratneshwar Mahadev, Sari Village, Omkareshwar Temple. |
| Chopta Tungnath |
Tungnath Temple, Chandrashila. |
| Mussoorie |
Kempty Falls, Lal Tibba, Gun Hill Point, Company Garden, Jharipani Falls, Mussoorie Lake, Cloud’s End. |
| New Tehri |
Tehri Dam, Surkanda Devi Temple, Kanatal, Dhanaulti. |
| Dhanaulti |
Deogarh Fort, Eco Park, Dashavatar Temple. |
| Auli |
Auli Artificial Lake, Gorson Bugyal, Chattrakund, Joshimath, Chenab Lake. |
| Lansdowne |
Bhulla Tal, Garhwali Museum, St. Mary’s Church, Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple. |
| Kartik Swami Temple |
Ukhimath, Sari Village, Tungnath, Chandrashila. |
| Rishikesh |
Triveni Ghat, Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula, Shree Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, The Beatles Ashram. |
Popular Tour Packages for Garhwal Uttarakhand
Discover the Beauty of Harshil, a Hidden Paradise in Uttarakhand
Harshil is a hidden gem of Uttrakhand, mainly because of the low population and visitors. It is situated on the banks of the Bhagirathi River which awakens this sleepy and peaceful town in the laps of the Himalayas.
It might sound hilarious that Harshil is a quiet town situated on the main road from Rishikesh to Gangotri, which means the route for thousands of tourists every year but is still overlooked by the people rushing for their main destinations. If you are a fan of Yoga and meditation this place is heaven for you. It will be a rejuvenating experience for people from busy cities, looking for serenity.
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Find Peace in the Scenic Surroundings of Deoria Tal
Deoria Tal, a crystal-clear lake in the midst of lush green slopes of Chaukhamba peaks, is popular and can be counted as one of the most visited tourist destinations in Garhwal. There are many things to do here, one of them is spotting a variety of animals, mainly spotted deer quenching their thirst in this lake. If you are someone who enjoys a peaceful time in solidarity and stargazing at night, this is the right place for you.
People who camp near the Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary frequently see wild animals at sunrise. We would recommend visiting during spring and autumn as the winters here get too cold and below the freezing point. However, if you are comfortable with it you will get to enjoy the most iconic white peaks here in winters.
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Chopta Tungnath– Climb to the Top of Himalayas for a Spiritual & Nature Journey
Chopta is a quaint little hamlet town untainted by commercialization. It gives off the most beautiful views of snow in green fields, truthfully one of the most beautiful places to visit in Garhwal. The region’s dwindling pines, deodars, rhododendrons, and other conifers, give this place a surreal feel.
Chandrashila, and Tungnath which are the trekking destinations nearby makes it an adventure destination. Because of its similarity to the landscapes, it is famous by the name “Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand”. Apart from this, the main charm of this place is Tungnath Temple, the highest temple of Lord Shiva in the world. In contrast to its title of the highest temple, it is easiest to reach- just a little trekking, and you are done!! We recommend avoiding the winter season here as the temple receives heavy snowfall.
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Mussoorie– Unwind in the Lap of Nature
If you want to experience tranquil hills and are a fan of watching nature in its purest form, Mussoorie is the place to go. Called the “Queen of Hills” by travellers, it is situated in the Garhwal Hills. As the place usually has a pleasant and cool temperature, people from all over the nation visit here to escape the heat of summer.
You will notice many handicrafts and lamp shops in the streets of Mussoorie giving off colonial vibes. As it is strongly influenced by the British era, the location is filled with its charm. The old architecture of hotels and churches strewn across the landscape, and the tiny details of old-timey lamp posts, will help you time-travel to the early 19th century.
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New Tehri– A Serene Escape from the Hustle and Bustle
The Tehri dam, the highest-known dam in India is a magnificent and astounding sight for visitors. If you have a lust for exploring and capturing the world from different dimensions then this place will serve right for you. Apart from the enormous dam, the place is also famous for many famous temples and the headquarters of Tehri Garhwal District.
Tehri lake is the main tourist attraction here. Take a boat ride on the New Tehri Lake and enjoy the stunning scenery. You can also enjoy top adventure activities such as water zorbing, jet skiing, paragliding, rock climbing, and rappelling. Tehri’s nearest railway station is Rishikesh and the nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, which is 91 kilometers away. The transportation is very convenient here, especially from Rishikesh.
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Dhanaulti– A Nature Lover’s Paradise in the Himalayas
This little hill station in Uttarakhand, located 62 kilometers from Mussoorie, offers you all the comforts and tranquility you need to escape from your busy and tiring lives. With minimal to no human intervention, the place provides you a break to relax amidst the purest form of nature which helps to rejuvenate a person.
It is one of the famous Garhwal tourist destinations. Situated near many popular and famous hill stations like Mussoorie, Tehri, and Chamba Dhanaulti is a hidden jewel of Uttarakhand. Moreover, it is about an hour’s drive from Mussoorie. The nearest airport to Dhanaulti is Jolly Grant Airport, which is located in Dehradun.
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Auli– A Perfect Destination for a Winter Vacation in Uttarakhand
Auli is abundant in natural beauty, with apple orchards, old oaks, and pine trees. It is one of the most scenic places we have been to, from watching the scenery of beautiful canopies to skiing; Auli is famous for many things. You will be able to find numerous treks in the hills that offer breathtaking views of the snow-draped mountains.
Apart from the gleaming slopes and clean environment, which make Auli a popular skiing destination in India, the place has countless places to visit. Moreover, the hill station can be visited in almost every season but if you are planning on trying skiing, we would recommend exploring the winter season there. Auli, at a height of 2,800 meters, offers the most magnificent and alluring views of mighty peaks.
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Lansdowne– A Place to Reconnect with Nature
If you are someone who enjoys small vacations but you don’t like crowds either then this place is for you!! Lansdowne is one of the most well-known tourist destinations in Garhwal but is also an unspoiled place in Uttarakhand. Though the charming hillsides and nearby villages are gaining popularity day by day, it’s still not a very visited place in the state.
The short climb and easy roads make it an ideal destination for short trips. Lansdowne is a beautiful location lined with beautiful pine, and deodar trees, and with a gorgeous backdrop of the lush green mountainscape. It is located in the Pauri-Garhwal region at a height of 1,700 metres. The nearest airport is in Dehradun, which is 178 kilometers away from Chopta, and the nearest railway station is in Rishikesh, which is 162 kilometers away.
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Kartik Swami– The Ultimate Destination for Spiritual Seekers & Mountain Lovers
The Kartik Swami Temple is well-known for the trek from the dense forest to the ridge. The place is home to a number of religious abodes and has exquisite views and a mystic ambiance. Kartik Swami Temple is also famous for its sunrises and sunsets views that allure visitors from all over the nation.
If you are lucky to explore the location on a clear day you will be able to watch many famous mountain peaks such as Nanda Devi, Banderpoonch, Kedarnath, Neelkanth, and Chaukhamba. You will find many exotic destinations near it. The place is known for its sacredness and is the only temple for Kartikeya, the elder son of Lord Shiva in North India. So, if you are a religious person, we would recommend picking this place on your vacation list.
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Rishikesh– A City of Adventure, Culture, and Spirituality
This vibrant city is considered sacred by the people of Hinduism. The Ganges, a tranquil river, has been flowing forever in this holy city, providing nourishment to all the living beings here. The whole town is religious and you will find numerous temples and ashrams to explore there.
The people here believe that only meditation and yoga can lead you to salvation. People from all over the world make time to visit this place in search of spirituality and peace. It is surrounded by hills from all sides except the Ganga and is a neighbour to Haridwar. If you are an adventure enthusiast this place is heaven for you. Do you like Rafting? Or are you more interested in Bungee Jumping? Rishikesh has it all!! From Rock Climbing to Hiking, this place will never disappoint you.
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Conclusion
We have completed this travel guide to help you explore all the beauties of the Garhwal region in Uttarakhand. It was November when we planned our trip to Uttarakhand, and it was pretty cold already so we had to check on our clothing essentials– who wants to get cold on the first day of the trip!! The Garhwal region took us by surprise, the scenic views of sloppy fields and mighty mountains made our hearts race. The overall trip was worth it for us and I hope that you enjoy all the beauties of this region too. Also share your views about these places below in the comment section. Goodbye and see you soon in our other travel guide!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which are some of the must-visit places in Garhwal, Uttarakhand?
Some of the must-visit places in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand are-
- Auli
- Lansdowne
- Rishikesh
- Mussoorie
- Chopta
- Tungnath
- Deoria Tal
- Haridwar
- Kartik Swami Temple
- Dhanaulti
- Tehri
- Badrinath
- Kedarnath
- Gangotri
- Yamunotri
What is the best time to visit Garhwal?
The best time to visit Garhwal is summer. However, if you want to experience snowfall you have to visit the places from December to February.
Which are some of the famous treks in Garhwal region?
Some of the famous treks in Garhwal region are-
- The Valley of Flowers Trek
- Chopta Tungnath Trek
- Kedarnath Trek
- Dayara Bugyal Trek
- Rupin Pass Trek
- Auli Gorson Bugyal Trek
- Dodital Lake Trek
- Roopkund Trek
- Kuari Pass Trek
What are famous must visit temples in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand?
Some must visit temples in Garhwal, Uttarakhand are-
- Kedarnath Temple
- Badrinath Temple
- Dhari Devi Temple
- Koteshwar Mahadev Temple
- Gangotri Temple
- Yamunotri Temple
- Tungnath Temple
- Surkhanda Devi Temple
- Kartik Swami Temple
About the author
From a very early age, she found fun in writing and as she is growing up as a young writer, she is interested in travelling and writing down facts and tales of her experience.
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