If you’re planning a spiritual tour in India, Uttarakhand should be high on your list as it hosts Top religious Uttarakhand travel destinations . Locals call it “Dev Bhoomi” — the land of gods — for a reason. Most of the major Hindu pilgrimage sites are tucked away here in the mountains. From the famous Char Dham Yatra to ancient temples hidden in pine forests, this region offers both high-altitude shrines and riverside aartis. Whether you’re traveling with family, elderly parents, or on a solo spiritual retreat, there’s something deeply grounding about these places.
Table of Contents
1. Kedarnath
Kedarnath is famous for being one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and a Char Dham temple. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and attracts lakhs of pilgrims every year. The temple sits at an altitude of 11,700 ft and is accessible by trek or helicopter.
- Accessibility: 255 km from Dehradun, 450 km from Delhi. Drive till Gaurikund, then 16 km trek or helicopter from Phata/Sersi.
- Weather: -2°C to 18°C (May to Oct)
- Best Time: May–June, mid-Sept to mid-Oct
- Pro Tip: Helicopter service is available but weather dependent. Always plan for delays.
2. Badrinath
Badrinath is a sacred Vishnu temple and one of the four Char Dham sites. It is located near the Alaknanda River and is also a part of the India-wide Char Dham circuit. Easy road access makes it ideal for families and senior travelers.
- Accessibility: 300 km from Dehradun, 540 km from Delhi via Joshimath
- Weather: 5°C to 18°C
- Best Time: May–June, Sept–Oct
- Pro Tip: Roads are steep but motorable. Avoid rainy season due to landslide risk.
3. Gangotri
Gangotri is the origin point of River Ganga and one of the Char Dham temples. The temple sits by the Bhagirathi River and is a key site for performing pind daan rituals for ancestors.
- Accessibility: 240 km from Dehradun, 480 km from Delhi via Uttarkashi
- Weather: 4°C to 20°C
- Best Time: May–June, mid-Sept to early Oct
- Pro Tip: Ideal to combine with nearby Harsil for a peaceful overnight stop.
4. Yamunotri
Yamunotri is the first stop of Char Dham Yatra. It is the source of River Yamuna and requires a 5 km uphill trek from Janki Chatti. Surya Kund, a natural hot spring, is located near the temple.
- Accessibility: 180 km from Dehradun, 430 km from Delhi via Barkot + 5 km trek
- Weather: 6°C to 20°C
- Best Time: May–June, Sept–Oct
- Pro Tip: Ponies and palkis are available. Trek early morning for best weather.
5. Haridwar
Haridwar is known for Har Ki Pauri ghat and Ganga Aarti. It is one of the seven holiest cities in Hinduism and a starting point for Char Dham Yatra. It also hosts the Kumbh Mela every 12 years.
- Accessibility: 55 km from Dehradun, 210 km from Delhi (road/train)
- Weather: 8°C to 35°C
- Best Time: Oct–March
- Pro Tip: Visit Har Ki Pauri by 5:30 PM to get space for the evening aarti.
6. Rishikesh
Rishikesh is known for Triveni Ghat, yoga ashrams, and the Ganga Aarti. It is a popular spot for spiritual retreats, meditation, and short religious stays. Famous temples include Neelkanth Mahadev and Bharat Mandir.
- Accessibility: 45 km from Dehradun, 230 km from Delhi (road/train)
- Weather: 10°C to 32°C
- Best Time: Oct–March
- Pro Tip: Stay near Ram Jhula or Laxman Jhula for easy access to ashrams.
7. Jageshwar
Jageshwar is a cluster of over 100 ancient stone temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is surrounded by dense deodar forests and is believed to be one of the Jyotirlinga sites.
- Accessibility: 380 km from Dehradun, 420 km from Delhi via Almora
- Weather: 4°C to 20°C
- Best Time: April–June, Sept–Nov
- Pro Tip: Stay in Almora; visit Jageshwar as a half-day tour.
8. Triyuginarayan Temple
Triyuginarayan temple is believed to be the wedding site of Lord Shiva and Parvati. The sacred fire burning in the temple is said to be eternal. It is located near Sonprayag on the Kedarnath route.
- Accessibility: 210 km from Dehradun, 420 km from Delhi via Sonprayag
- Weather: 5°C to 20°C
- Best Time: May–June, Sept–Oct
- Pro Tip: Combine with Kedarnath or Guptkashi stay.
9. Hemkund Sahib
Hemkund Sahib is a Sikh pilgrimage site at 4,329 m altitude. It sits beside a glacial lake and is open only in summer. The 6 km trek from Ghangaria is steep and scenic.
- Accessibility: 300 km from Dehradun, 520 km from Delhi via Govindghat + trek
- Weather: 1°C to 15°C
- Best Time: June–Sept
- Pro Tip: Stay overnight at Ghangaria before the trek. Not suitable for people with breathing issues.
10. Neelkanth Mahadev
This Shiva temple is associated with the Samudra Manthan legend. It’s a popular spiritual trip from Rishikesh and is located on a forested hilltop.
- Accessibility: 40 km from Dehradun, 240 km from Delhi via Rishikesh
- Weather: 10°C to 28°C
- Best Time: Oct–June
- Pro Tip: Avoid visiting on Shivratri if you want to skip the rush.
11. Panch Kedar
Panch Kedar includes five temples—Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, Kalpeshwar—linked to Shiva. It is done as a pilgrimage circuit with moderate to tough treks.
- Accessibility: Entry points are 220–250 km from Dehradun; requires trekking
- Weather: 0°C to 18°C
- Best Time: May–June, Sept–Oct
- Pro Tip: Not for beginners. Plan at least 10–12 days for full circuit.
12. Panch Prayag
These five river confluences—Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Nandaprayag, Vishnuprayag—are key spiritual halts on the way to Badrinath. Each has religious value.
- Accessibility: On Rishikesh–Badrinath NH
- Weather: 10°C to 30°C
- Best Time: March–June, Sept–Nov
- Pro Tip: Ideal for short halts. Temples and ghats are located roadside.
13. Baijnath
Baijnath temple is located along the Gomti River near Bageshwar. It’s an old stone temple dedicated to Shiva and offers a quiet spiritual setting.
- Accessibility: 370 km from Dehradun, 440 km from Delhi via Almora
- Weather: 6°C to 22°C
- Best Time: Oct–March
- Pro Tip: Visit in the morning; combine with Kausani sightseeing.
14. Chitai Golu Devta
This temple is famous for thousands of petitions written to Golu Devta, considered the god of justice in Kumaon. Devotees tie bells as offerings.
- Accessibility: 360 km from Dehradun, 420 km from Delhi via Almora
- Weather: 5°C to 20°C
- Best Time: Oct–March
- Pro Tip: Quietest time to visit is early morning or post noon.
15. Kainchi Dham
Kainchi Dham is the ashram of Neem Karoli Baba near Nainital. It has global attention due to famous visitors like Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg.
- Accessibility: 300 km from Dehradun, 340 km from Delhi via Nainital
- Weather: 8°C to 25°C
- Best Time: March–June, Sept–Nov
- Pro Tip: Silence is expected inside. Visit with intent to meditate, not sightsee.
Plan a Meaningful Spiritual Trip with Travel Vaidya
Travel Vaidya is based in Uttarakhand and helps travelers explore sacred routes with ease and local insight. We assist with trip planning for families, senior citizens, and spiritual seekers across key pilgrimage circuits.
Our support includes:
- Itinerary planning for Char Dham by taxi or helicopter
- Stay options in Kedarnath and Badrinath with basic comforts
- Panch Kedar and Panch Prayag route guidance
- Senior-friendly pacing and family-oriented travel advice
📞 Call +91-9990383938 for help planning your yatra.
