Adventurous Trekking in Uttarakhand on a Shoestring Budget
Sunday December 31: Arrival in Dehradun
Welcome to Uttarakhand! Begin your journey by arriving in Dehradun, the capital city. In the morning, explore Robber's Cave, a scenic natural formation with a river flowing through it. Enjoy a leisurely picnic amidst the tranquil surroundings. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Clock Tower, a popular landmark offering stunning views of the city. As the evening approaches, take a stroll on Rajpur Road, lined with shops, cafes, and bustling markets.
A popular breakfast spot in Dehradun is Cafe Marigold, known for its delicious pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a meal here is about 300 INR per person.
If you're looking for a satisfying lunch, head to Kumar's Restaurant located near Clock Tower. They serve a variety of Indian and Chinese dishes at reasonable prices. The average cost for a meal here is about 250 INR per person.
For dinner, try Tavern Restaurant & Bar in Rajpur Road. It offers a cozy ambience and a wide range of North Indian and Continental cuisines. The average cost for a meal here is about 500 INR per person.
Monday January 1: Mussoorie - "Queen of Hill Stations"
On the second day, head to Mussoorie, also known as the "Queen of Hill Stations." In the morning, take a cable car ride to Gun Hill, the second-highest peak in Mussoorie. Enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas and explore the nearby souvenir shops. In the afternoon, visit Kempty Falls, a popular tourist attraction where you can take a refreshing dip in the cascading waterfalls. As the evening sets in, explore the bustling streets of Mall Road, lined with shops, restaurants, and local delicacies.
Gun Hill: Cable Car Ride - ₹200, Time Spent - 2 hours
For breakfast, head to The Little Llama Cafe located in Mussoorie. This cozy cafe offers a variety of delicious breakfast options, including pancakes, sandwiches, and omelettes. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try Chic Chocolate situated in Mussoorie. This restaurant serves a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, including burgers, pastas, and pizzas. The average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Char Dukan in Mussoorie. This quaint little place offers a range of street food options, such as Maggi noodles, sandwiches, and momos. The average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Tuesday January 2: Rishikesh - "Yoga Capital of the World"
On the third day, visit Rishikesh, renowned for its spiritual significance and adventure activities. In the morning, embark on a thrilling river rafting expedition in the Ganges River. Experience the adrenaline rush and take in the breathtaking scenery. In the afternoon, explore the famous Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula, suspension bridges offering scenic views of the river and surrounding mountains. As the evening approaches, attend the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at the Triveni Ghat, a spiritual ritual dedicated to the holy river.
River Rafting: Starting from ₹500, Time Spent - 3 hours
Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula: Free, Time Spent - 2 hours
Triveni Ghat: Free, Time Spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
Café Nirvana: Enjoy a delicious breakfast with a view of the Ganges River at Café Nirvana. They offer a variety of vegetarian options, such as freshly baked bread, omelettes, and fruit bowls. The average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Chotiwala Restaurant: For lunch, head to Chotiwala Restaurant, a popular eatery known for its traditional Indian cuisine. Feast on dishes like dal makhani, butter chicken, and biryani. The average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
The Sitting Elephant: For a memorable dinner experience, visit The Sitting Elephant. This restaurant offers a mix of Indian and international cuisines, with options like grilled fish, paneer tikka, and pasta. The average cost for a meal is about ₹600 per person.
Wednesday January 3: Auli - "Skiing Paradise"
On the fourth day, head to Auli, a picturesque hill station known for its snow-capped mountains and skiing opportunities. In the morning, take a cable car ride to reach Auli from Joshimath. Enjoy mesmerizing views of the Himalayas during the scenic journey. In the afternoon, indulge in thrilling skiing activities on the slopes of Auli. If you're visiting in December, there's a high chance of experiencing fresh snowfall. As the evening sets in, relish a warm cup of tea or hot chocolate while enjoying the breathtaking sunset.
Auli Cable Car Ride: ₹750 (return), Time Spent - 3 hours
Skiing Activities: Starting from ₹500, Time Spent - 3 hours
Sunset View: Free, Time Spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to the charming Wood Garden Restaurant, located in Auli. This quaint eatery offers a variety of delicious Indian and Continental breakfast options to start your day on a delightful note. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹200 per person.
If you're looking for a satisfying lunch, visit the renowned XRA Café and Restaurant. This popular dining establishment in Auli serves mouthwatering Indian, Chinese, and Tibetan dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹400 per person.
For dinner, indulge in a culinary treat at the cozy Cliff Top Restaurant. Located in Auli with mesmerizing views of the surrounding landscapes, this restaurant offers a range of delectable Indian and International cuisines. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹600 per person.
Thursday January 4: Nainital - "The Lake District"
On the final day, visit Nainital, a charming hill station famous for its beautiful lakes and serene surroundings. In the morning, explore Naini Lake by taking a boat ride or simply enjoying a peaceful walk along its shores. In the afternoon, visit the famous Naina Devi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi. Enjoy the panoramic view of Nainital from the temple premises. As the evening approaches, take a leisurely stroll on the Mall Road, shop for souvenirs, and savor some local street food.
Naini Lake: Boating - ₹200, Time Spent - 2 hours
Naina Devi Temple: Free, Time Spent - 1 hour
Mall Road: Free, Time Spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
The Good Morning Cafe: A cozy cafe near Naini Lake offering a variety of breakfast options including pancakes, omelettes, and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Zayka Restaurant: Located in the heart of Nainital, Zayka Restaurant serves delicious North Indian and Chinese cuisine. Enjoy their flavorful biryanis, butter chicken, and hot soups. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Piccadilly Restaurant: A popular choice for dinner, Piccadilly offers a wide range of cuisines including Indian, Chinese, and Continental. Their rooftop seating provides stunning views of Nainital. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
If you have some extra time, consider exploring the off the beaten path attractions in Uttarakhand. Visit the village of Chopta, known as the "Mini Switzerland," famous for its panoramic Himalayan views. You can also hike to Tungnath and Chandrashila, the highest Shiva temple and peak in Uttarakhand, respectively. Another hidden gem is Kanatal, a serene hill station offering breathtaking views of the snow-clad peaks. These lesser-known destinations will provide you with unique experiences while staying within your shoestring budget.