Uttarakhand is home to some of the most important pilgrimage destinations in India. Religious Uttarakhand tour places like Kedarnath, Badrinath, Haridwar, and Rishikesh attract families, senior citizens, and spiritual seekers every year. These spots are well-connected by road, train, and air from Delhi and Dehradun, making them easy to plan and visit. Whether you want a full Char Dham Yatra or a short temple trip, there are options for every type of traveler
Table of Contents
1. Char Dham Yatra – Himalayan Circuit for Pilgrims
Char Dham is the crown jewel of religious Uttarakhand tour places, covering Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. Each temple is tucked deep in the Garhwal Himalayas and holds immense spiritual significance. The complete circuit takes 10–12 days, and it’s one of the most rewarding religious road trips you can take in India. Ideal for families and elderly travelers with planned logistics.
How to Reach from Delhi/Dehradun
Most of the religious tour places in Uttarakhand like Char Dham are best reached via a combination of train, road, and air. You can start from Delhi or Dehradun and access the route through Haridwar, then move to the hills by road. Helicopter services are available for Kedarnath and Badrinath during peak months.
- By Road: Delhi → Haridwar → Barkot → Uttarkashi → Guptkashi → Badrinath
- By Train: Delhi to Haridwar/Rishikesh; road journey thereafter
- By Air: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun + helipads at Phata, Guptkashi
Char Dham Yatra – 10 Days Itinerary
A fixed 10 day itinerary makes Char Dham one of the most organized religious Uttarakhand tour places. You’ll cover all four shrines with safe pacing for seniors and practical stopovers.
- Day 1: Delhi to Haridwar
- Day 2: Haridwar to Barkot
- Day 3: Yamunotri trek and return
- Day 4: Drive to Uttarkashi
- Day 5: Visit Gangotri and stay
- Day 6: Drive to Guptkashi
- Day 7: Kedarnath Darshan
- Day 8: Return and drive to Badrinath
- Day 9: Visit Badrinath & Mana Village
- Day 10: Return to Delhi
Best Time to Visit Char Dham Yatra
The Char Dham route remains open only for six months due to extreme weather conditions. The best time to visit Char Dham Yatra, one of the most important religious Uttarakhand tour places is from late April to mid-June and again from mid-September to October. These months offer clear skies, stable temperatures, and safer road conditions. Monsoon season should be avoided due to frequent landslides. Winter months are off-limits as all four temples remain closed due to heavy snowfall.
- May–June: 10–20°C (ideal weather)
- July–Aug: Heavy rains, not recommended
- Sept–Oct: Clear post-monsoon season
- Nov–April: All temples closed due to snow
Key Places to See in Char Dham Yatra
Char Dham covers four main pilgrimage sites located in the Garhwal Himalayas. The key places to see in Char Dham Yatra, one of the most visited religious Uttarakhand tour places, include Kedarnath Temple, Badrinath Temple, Gangotri Temple, and Yamunotri Temple. Along the route, you can also explore Mana Village, Bhairavnath Temple, Tapt Kund, Gaumukh Glacier, and Surya Kund. Each spot holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for devotees.
- Kedarnath Temple, Bhairavnath
- Badrinath Temple, Mana Village
- Gangotri Glacier, Gaumukh Trek
- Yamunotri Temple, Surya Kund
2. Haridwar – Gateway to Spiritual Uttarakhand
Haridwar is one of the easiest and most iconic religious Uttarakhand tour places, ideal for families and quick weekend yatras. Known for the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, it’s a great starting point before heading deeper into the Himalayas. The city has excellent connectivity and peaceful riverside hotels. You’ll find ashrams, temples, and street food stalls lining every corner. It’s busy, loud, spiritual, and simple—all at once. Great for a short trip when you just want to reconnect and breathe.
How to Reach from Delhi/Dehradun
Getting to Haridwar is simple and straightforward from both Delhi and Dehradun. It’s one of the most accessible religious tour place in Uttarakhand with smooth roadways, frequent trains, and nearby airport access. You can drive down in under 6 hours from Delhi or take a train that drops you right in the heart of the city. From Dehradun, it’s just a 1-hour drive. Buses, cabs, and autos are available round the clock.
- By Road: 5–6 hrs from Delhi, 1 hr from Dehradun
- By Train: Multiple daily trains from Delhi
- By Air: Jolly Grant Airport, 45 km away
Day-wise Itinerary (2 Days)
- Day 1: Delhi to Haridwar, Ganga Aarti in evening
- Day 2: Visit temples, return by afternoon
Best Time to Visit Haridwar
Haridwar stays open and active all year, but the weather can make a big difference. The best time to visit Haridwar, especially for those planning spiritual trips in Uttarakhand is between October and March when the air is cool and the crowd is manageable. Summers can get uncomfortably hot, especially in the afternoons. Monsoon months see fewer tourists but streets can get messy and humid. Festivals bring energy but also heavy rush.
- Oct–Mar: Pleasant and calm, 10–25°C
- April–June: Up to 35°C, avoid midday
- July–Sept: Humid, but less tourist traffic
Key Places to See in Haridwar
Haridwar has no shortage of sacred spots, and most of them are close to each other. The key places to see in Haridwar, one of the oldest temple towns in Uttarakhand, include Har Ki Pauri for the evening Ganga Aarti, Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi temples (both accessible by ropeway), and Daksh Mahadev Temple. You’ll also come across quiet ghats, local bazaars, and dozens of small shrines just by walking around the town.
- Har Ki Pauri
- Mansa Devi Temple (cable car)
- Chandi Devi Temple
- Daksh Temple
- Ganga Aarti
3. Rishikesh – Ganga Ghats, Temples, and Yoga
Rishikesh is a peaceful temple town along the Ganga, known for its spiritual vibe, clean riverbanks, and steady flow of devotees and seekers. It’s one of the most visited spiritual places in Uttarakhand where you’ll find temples, yoga ashrams, river ghats, and small hillside shrines. The town runs at its own calm pace—ideal for quiet walks, morning aartis, or just sitting by the water. It suits families, solo travelers, and anyone looking for a slow, grounded break.
How to Reach from Delhi/Dehradun
Rishikesh is well-connected and easy to reach by road, rail, and air from both Delhi and Dehradun. It’s around 6 to 7 hours by car from Delhi, and just 45 minutes from Dehradun. The nearest railway station is Haridwar, 20 km away, with regular buses and taxis to Rishikesh. Jolly Grant Airport is just 20 km away, making it one of the most accessible spiritual towns in Uttarakhand.
- By Road: 6–7 hours from Delhi, 45 mins from Dehradun
- By Train: Get down at Haridwar (20 km), then drive
- By Air: 20 km from Jolly Grant Airport
Day-wise Itinerary (3 Days)
- Day 1: Delhi to Rishikesh, evening Aarti
- Day 2: Visit Ram Jhula, Neelkanth, local markets
- Day 3: Leisure or yoga session, return
Best Time to Visit Rishikesh
Rishikesh can be visited year-round, but the best time is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and the riverbanks are calm. This season is ideal for temple visits, yoga retreats, and evening aartis without the discomfort of heat or rain. If you’re planning to explore spiritual places in Uttarakhand, this is when Rishikesh feels the most peaceful. Summers are warm but manageable, while monsoon months can get slippery and humid.
- Oct–Mar: Cool and pleasant (10–22°C)
- April–June: Warm but doable (25–35°C)
- July–Sept: Wet and slippery, avoid rafting
Key Places to See in Rishikesh
Rishikesh has a mix of temples, ashrams, and riverfront spots that draw both pilgrims and peace seekers. Key places to see in Rishikesh include Triveni Ghat for the evening Ganga Aarti, Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula for scenic river views, and Parmarth Niketan for morning satsangs. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a short drive uphill. You’ll also find quiet ashrams, local markets, and cafes tucked along the river.
- Triveni Ghat
- Ram Jhula & Lakshman Jhula
- Parmarth Niketan
- Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
- Beatles Ashram
4. Kainchi Dham – Neem Karoli Baba Temple near Nainital
Kainchi Dham is a quiet temple stop tucked between forested hills, best known for the Neem Karoli Baba ashram. Unlike crowded pilgrimage spots, it draws people looking for silence and personal connection rather than rituals. Devotees come here to sit, reflect, and just be—whether they’ve followed Baba’s teachings for years or are simply passing through.
How to Reach from Delhi/Dehradun
Reaching Kainchi Dham is fairly straightforward if you’re coming from Delhi or Dehradun. The nearest major railhead is Kathgodam, about 40 km away, with regular trains from Delhi. From there, taxis or local buses take you to the temple in just over an hour. By road, it’s a 7–8 hour drive from Delhi via Haldwani. Pantnagar Airport is the closest option for air travel, roughly 70 km from the ashram.
- By Road: 330 km from Delhi via Haldwani
- By Train: Delhi to Kathgodam, then 1.5 hr by car
- By Air: Pantnagar Airport (70 km away)
Day-wise Itinerary (2 Days)
- Day 1: Delhi to Kainchi Dham, temple visit
- Day 2: Explore Bhimtal/Nainital, return
Best Time to Visit Kainchi Dham
The best time to visit Kainchi Dham is from March to June and September to November, when the weather is pleasant and the hills are easy to navigate. During these months, temperatures stay between 15°C to 30°C, making it ideal for temple visits and peaceful walks around the ashram. If you’re exploring spiritual places in Uttarakhand, avoid July and August—monsoon rains can cause travel delays. June 15 is the annual bhandara, which draws large crowds, so plan accordingly.
- March–June: 15–28°C
- July: Extremely crowded
- Sept–Nov: Clear, fewer tourists
Key Places to See In Kainchi Dham
Key places to see in and around Kainchi Dham include the Neem Karoli Baba Ashram and Hanuman Temple, which are central to the spiritual experience here. Nearby, you can visit Golu Devta Temple in Ghorakhal and enjoy a peaceful stop at Bhimtal Lake. For those extending their trip, Nainital is just 17 km away with popular spots like Naini Lake and Naina Devi Temple.
- Neem Karoli Baba Ashram
- Hanuman Mandir
- Bhimtal (nearby)
- Golu Devta Mandir (on the way)
5. Jageshwar – Stone Temples in the Kumaon Hills
Jageshwar is one of the most ancient temple towns in Uttarakhand, known for its cluster of over 100 stone temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Surrounded by dense deodar forests, it offers a peaceful and sacred atmosphere rarely found in mainstream destinations. Ideal for offbeat spiritual travelers, Jageshwar stands out among heritage religious places in Uttarakhand for its timeless aura, forest trails, and slow-paced rhythm perfect for meditation and quiet exploration.
How to Reach from Delhi/Dehradun
Jageshwar is best reached by a combination of train and road travel from Delhi or Dehradun. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, about 125 km away, with direct trains from Delhi. From there, taxis and local buses connect you to Jageshwar via Almora. If you’re coming by air, Pantnagar Airport is the closest, roughly 150 km away. The road from Delhi takes around 10–11 hours via Haldwani and Almora, making it a long but scenic drive through the Kumaon hills.
- By Road: 400 km from Delhi via Almora
- By Train: Delhi to Kathgodam → 4–5 hrs drive
- By Air: Pantnagar Airport → 6 hrs by taxi
Day-wise Itinerary (3 Days)
- Day 1: Delhi to Almora (overnight or day halt)
- Day 2: Almora to Jageshwar, temple visit
- Day 3: Explore deodar trails and return
Best Time to Visit Jageshwar
The best time to visit Jageshwar is from March to June and September to November, when the weather is cool and ideal for exploring the temple complex and forest trails. Temperatures stay between 15°C to 25°C, perfect for spiritual walks and quiet stays. These months also align with local festivals like Maha Shivratri, adding cultural depth. Avoid July–August due to rain and December–February if you’re not comfortable with cold or snow.
- April–June: 15–22°C
- July–Aug: Rainy and slippery
- Sept–Nov: Great for photography and walks
Key Places to See in Jageshwar
Key places to see in Jageshwar include the Jageshwar Mahadev Temple complex, home to over 100 ancient stone shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Don’t miss the Dandeshwar Temple, located just before the main complex, and the Vriddha Jageshwar Temple perched higher up with panoramic forest views. The Archaeological Museum nearby displays temple carvings and statues. Together, these sites make Jageshwar one of the most serene and culturally rich spiritual spots in Uttarakhand.
- Jageshwar Mahadev Temple Cluster
- Dandeshwar Temple
- Vriddha Jageshwar
- Archaeological Museum
