7-Day Uttarakhand Itinerary for Shoestring Budget Travellers

1. Day 1: Haridwar
   23 km (14 miles) from Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun

   In the morning, visit Har Ki Pauri Ghat to witness the captivating Ganga Aarti. In the afternoon, explore Mansa Devi Temple via cable car and indulge in some street food. In the evening, take a stroll in the vibrant market of Haridwar.

2. Day 2: Rishikesh
   20 km (12 miles) from Haridwar

   Start your day with an early morning yoga or meditation session by the Ganges. In the afternoon, visit the Beatles Ashram, explore the local markets and enjoy the sunset at Triveni Ghat. In the evening, indulge in local cuisine at one of the many affordable restaurants in Rishikesh.

3. Day 3: Mussoorie
   76 km (47 miles) from Rishikesh

   Take a morning walk along Camel's Back Road for picturesque views of the Himalayas. In the afternoon, explore the tranquil Kempty Falls and enjoy a cable car ride to Gun Hill. In the evening, experience the charm of Mall Road and indulge in some local snacks.

4. Day 4: Nainital
   286 km (178 miles) from Mussoorie

   Start your day with a visit to the Naina Devi Temple and a boat ride in Naini Lake. In the afternoon, explore the Governor's House and take a scenic walk in the Eco Cave Gardens. In the evening, enjoy local cuisine at one of the many affordable restaurants in Nainital.

5. Day 5: Jim Corbett National Park
   66 km (41 miles) from Nainital

   Start your day with an early morning safari in the Jim Corbett National Park. In the afternoon, explore the Garjia Temple and take a dip in the Kosi River. In the evening, stroll around the local markets and try some local delicacies.

6. Day 6: Dehradun
   162 km (100 miles) from Jim Corbett National Park

   Start your day by visiting the Robber's Cave and Tapkeshwar Temple. In the afternoon, explore the Forest Research Institute Museum and the Mindrolling Monastery. In the evening, enjoy some street food at Paltan Bazaar.

7. Day 7: Haridwar
   52 km (32 miles) from Dehradun

   Start your day with a visit to Chandi Devi Temple via cable car. In the afternoon, take a dip in the holy Ganges at Har Ki Pauri and explore the local markets for some souvenirs. In the evening, witness the magical Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri Ghat once again.

Recommendations

Other local attractions and experiences to consider are the Rajaji National Park, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary and Tungnath Temple. You can also plan a day trip to Auli for skiing or to the Valley of Flowers National Park for trekking. To maximise your fun, try to interact with the locals and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Har Ki Pauri Ghat (2 hours, free)
• Mansa Devi Temple (2 hours, INR 300)
• Beatles Ashram (2 hours, INR 150)
• Triveni Ghat (1 hour, free)
• Camel's Back Road (2 hours, free)
• Kempty Falls (2 hours, INR 50)
• Gun Hill (1 hour, INR 75)
• Naina Devi Temple (1 hour, free)
• Eco Cave Gardens (2 hours, INR 50)
• Jim Corbett National Park (4 hours, INR 400)
• Garjia Temple (1 hour, free)
• Robber's Cave (1 hour, INR 25)
• Tapkeshwar Temple (1 hour, INR 20)
• Forest Research Institute Museum (2 hours, INR 10)
• Mindrolling Monastery (2 hours, free)