Ultimate 8-Day Uttarakhand Itinerary: Explore Himalayan Serenity and Adventure

Day 1: Holy Haridwar Start

Haridwar, India on April 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Gulshan Ji Ka Dhaba

Enjoy traditional North Indian breakfast with stuffed parathas and chai; a local favourite to kick off your Uttarakhand journey.
INR150, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Har Ki Pauri

Experience the sacred ghats of Haridwar on the banks of the Ganges and immerse in the spiritual atmosphere with prayers and rituals.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Hoshiyar Puri

Savor delicious North Indian thali meals featuring local flavors at this recommended take-away eatery.
INR250, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Mansa Devi Temple

Take a cable car ride up to the hilltop temple and enjoy panoramic views of Haridwar.
INR200, 2h0m

5:30pm

Attend Ganga Aarti Ceremony

Witness the mesmerizing evening Aarti on Har Ki Pauri, a spiritual ritual involving lamps, chants and music.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Chotiwala Restaurant

Dine on authentic vegetarian North Indian cuisine, well-known for its quality and traditional recipes.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 2: Rishikesh Adventure

Rishikesh, India on April 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Little Buddha Cafe

Start your day with continental and healthy options, including fresh juices and pastries.
INR350, 1h0m

9:00am

White Water Rafting on Ganges

Thrill yourself with a 2-3 hour rafting session amidst the exciting rapids of the Ganges; tours operate from morning till late afternoon.
INR1200, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Sitting Elephant

Enjoy delicious Indian cuisine with scenic riverside views at this peaceful cafe.
INR500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Beatles Ashram

Explore the unique graffiti art and peaceful surroundings of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, closed on Mondays but open from 9am to 6pm otherwise.
INR150, 2h0m

6:30pm

Attend Evening Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat

A quieter but equally spiritual evening Aarti experience by the river.
Free, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Pure Soul Cafe & Organic Kitchen

Dine on wholesome organic and vegan options amid a tranquil ambience.
INR600, 1h0m

Day 3: Dehradun Exploration

Dehradun, India on April 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ellora’s Melting Moments

Relish freshly baked goods and hot beverages in this cozy cafe.
INR300, 1h0m

9:30am

Robber's Cave Visit

Explore the natural river cave, a popular picnic spot; open 9am to 6pm.
INR30, 2h0m

12:00pm

Sahastradhara

Experience the sulphur springs, offering therapeutic baths amidst scenic beauty.
INR20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Kalsang Friends Corner

Enjoy delicious Tibetan cuisine like momos and thukpa in downtown Dehradun.
INR350, 1h0m

3:00pm

Forest Research Institute Tour

Tour the grand colonial building and surrounding botanical gardens; open till 5pm.
INR30, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Urban Turban

Feast on North Indian and Mughlai cuisine with a warm ambiance.
INR600, 1h0m

Day 4: Hill Station Mussoorie

Mussoorie, India on April 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Ivy

Enjoy a variety of breakfast options including eggs and pancakes in a quaint garden setting.
INR400, 1h0m

9:00am

Kempty Falls Visit

Spend time at the famous waterfall; enjoy the scenic beauty and take refreshing dips. Open 7am to 6pm.
INR20, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Lovely Omelette Center

Try a variety of omelettes and local snacks in the bustling Mall Road area.
INR300, 1h0m

1:30pm

Camel's Back Road Walk

Enjoy an easy scenic walk offering panoramic views of the valley and Himalayas.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Gun Hill Point

Take the ropeway up to Gun Hill for spectacular sunset views; open 9am to 6pm.
INR120, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Kalsang Friends Corner

Enjoy authentic Tibetan cuisine again in Mussoorie with momos and noodles.
INR500, 1h0m

Day 5: Tranquil Dhanaulti

Dhanaulti, India on April 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local eatery

Enjoy a peaceful breakfast with local Himachali flavors or hotel offerings before starting your day.
Variable, 1h0m

9:30am

Eco Park Visit

Explore lush greenery and adventure activities like ziplining; park open 9am to 5pm.
INR50, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at a local café

Taste fresh organic food and local vegetables at a nearby café in Dhanaulti.
INR350, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Surkanda Devi Temple

Take a moderate hike to the temple, offering stunning Himalayan views; temple open from 7am to 6pm.
Free, 3h0m

6:30pm

Relax at your hotel

Enjoy the serenity of Dhanaulti with time to unwind amidst scenic surroundings.
Included, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at hotel or local restaurant

Try regional delicacies in a cozy setting to end the day peacefully.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 6: Nainital Lakeside

Nainital, India on April 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Sakley's Restaurant & Pastry Shop

Relish fresh bakery items and coffees with a view of the Naini Lake.
INR350, 1h0m

9:00am

Boat ride on Naini Lake

Enjoy a peaceful boat ride along the lake surrounded by mountains; operates 8am to 6pm.
INR200, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Naina Devi Temple

Explore the sacred lakeside temple dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi.
Free, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Machan Restaurant

Dine on Indian and continental cuisine with panoramic views of the lake.
INR600, 1h0m

2:00pm

Tiffin Top Trek

Take a moderate trek to Tiffin Top for breathtaking views of Nainital and surrounding mountains; recommended duration 3-4 hours roundtrip.
Free, 4h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Zooby's Kitchen

Savor local Kumaoni and Indian dishes in a cozy setting.
INR500, 1h0m

Day 7: Cultural Almora

Almora, India on April 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Yellow Chilli

Enjoy a flavorful start with North Indian cuisine in Almora.
INR300, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Almora Market and Kasar Devi Temple

Shop traditional handicrafts and visit the serene temple known for spiritual energy; open 7am to 6pm.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Cafe Rudra

Sample Indian and international dishes in this charming cafe.
INR400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Baidyakanath Temple and nearby viewpoints

Visit this ancient temple and enjoy nearby panoramic views of the valley.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at local eatery

Enjoy traditional Kumaoni cuisine in a local setting to soak in the culture.
INR350, 1h0m

Day 8: Ranikhet Serenity

Ranikhet, India on April 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

A relaxing breakfast amid the hills to start your last day.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Chaubatia Gardens

Explore these beautiful botanical gardens famous for fruit orchards and panoramic Himalayan views; open 9am to 6pm.
INR50, 2h0m

11:30am

Haunted Brewery Walk or Golf Course Stroll

Take a leisure stroll at the historical brewery ruins or visit the serene Ranikhet Golf Course.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at The Pavilion Restaurant

Enjoy multi-cuisine dishes at this hotel restaurant with scenic hill views.
INR500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax and pack up for departure

Spend remaining time in peaceful surroundings before onwards journey.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Farewell Dinner at hotel

Celebrate your Uttarakhand adventure with a comforting dinner featuring local and Indian dishes.
INR600, 1h0m