10-Day Uttarakhand Tour Packages
Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Uttarakhand tour itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaUttarakhand travel expert at TourRadar
8 Days in Northern India, incl. Delhi and Rishikesh
This carefully crafted 8-day tour of Uttarakhand combines 2 nights in Delhi, 1 night in Haridwar, and 4 nights at a Rishikesh ashram. The package includes daily breakfast and air-conditioned transportation throughout.
- Day 1
Arriving in Delhi
Try to arrive in the afternoon when Delhi's traffic is lighter. Get some small rupee notes ready for your initial expenses. It usually takes 45-60 minutes to reach central Delhi. Use this first day to rest and adjust to the new timezone and weather.
- Day 2
Exploring Old & New Delhi
Start your day at Qutub Minar around 8 AM before it gets crowded and hot. Visit the Lotus Temple before 11 AM to beat the crowds. In the afternoon, take a cycle rickshaw through Old Delhi's bustling Chandni Chowk spice markets. Wear sturdy closed shoes since the streets aren't always even. In the busy market areas, keep your valuables in a crossbody bag.
- Day 3
Delhi to Haridwar by Train
The morning train journey to Haridwar takes 5-6 hours. Bring some snacks since train food can be unreliable. Once in Haridwar, go to Har ki Pauri for the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony. Get there by 5:30 PM for a good spot. Remember to dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered.
- Day 4
Haridwar to Rishikesh
The scenic 30-minute drive to Rishikesh takes you through beautiful hills. Plan to reach your ashram by early afternoon. Remember that ashrams have strict rules about alcohol, meat, and noise levels. Pack loose, modest clothes for yoga. Visit Triveni Ghat for the evening aarti to get your first taste of Rishikesh's spiritual side.
- Days 5-7
Immersion in Rishikesh
Your ashram schedule includes yoga and meditation starting at 6 AM daily. Remember to bring a water bottle and light shawl for morning sessions. Between classes, you can visit the Beatles Ashram or walk to Laxman Jhula bridge. A recent visitor shared: "The sunrise yoga sessions overlooking the Ganges were transformative - just remember to bring layers as mornings can be cool."
- Day 8
Return to Delhi
Leave by 7 AM for the 5.5-hour drive back to Delhi to avoid traffic on mountain roads. Book your flight for after 6 PM to give yourself enough time. Sit on the right side of the vehicle for the best views of the Himalayan foothills.
- Day 1
Delhi
Your North India journey starts in Delhi. Get in early to avoid the heavy morning traffic from the airport. Visit India Gate after 4 PM when the crowds are smaller and the heat less intense. Book a prepaid taxi from the airport through your hotel - it costs about $15-20.
- Day 2
Haridwar
Take the Shatabdi Express train at 6 AM for a 4-hour ride to Haridwar. Head to Har Ki Pauri for the evening Ganga Aarti at 7 PM. Get there by 6 PM to find a good spot. Remember to bring shoes you can easily remove for temple visits.
- Days 3-5
Rishikesh
Your yoga experience begins in Rishikesh. Stay in Tapovan for quick access to major ashrams. Yoga sessions usually start at 6 AM - bring warm clothes since mornings by the river can get cold. Book afternoon rafting trips when the water is warmer. Visit the Beatles Ashram before 11 AM to beat the heat. Entry costs about $8.
- Day 6
Rishikesh to Joshimath
Start your 7-hour mountain drive early. Stop at Devprayag to see the river confluence. The viewing platform offers excellent photo spots. Bring motion sickness medication and stay hydrated as you climb in altitude.
- Day 7
Joshimath & Auli
The Auli cable car starts running at 9:30 AM. Get there early to avoid long lines. Pack warm clothes since temperatures drop even in summer. Look for Nanda Devi peak in the morning before clouds move in.
- Day 8
Return to Rishikesh
Start your return journey early to avoid mountain fog. The trip takes 6-7 hours with stops. Book evening Ganges boat rides ahead of time during peak season from October to March.
- Days 9-10
Delhi
Drive back to Delhi takes 5-6 hours. Leave Rishikesh before 8 AM to beat traffic. Stay in Paharganj if you're leaving from Delhi station or Aerocity for easy airport access.
- Day 1
Delhi to Haridwar (205 km)
Leave Delhi early to avoid traffic. The drive takes 6-7 hours. Plan to reach Haridwar in time for the evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri. Get there by 5:30 PM in summer or 4:30 PM in winter to find good spots. Remember to wear modest clothing.
- Day 2
Haridwar to Guptkashi (223 km)
Start your day early. The mountain drive takes 8-9 hours with rest stops. Bring motion sickness medicine if you need it. Once you reach Guptkashi (4,330 ft), visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple before sunset for clear views of Chaukhamba peak.
- Day 3
Guptkashi to Kedarnath Trek
Drive to Sonprayag (27 km) early morning before starting the challenging 19 km trek to Kedarnath. A fellow traveler advises: "Start the trek by 7 AM to reach before afternoon - the weather typically deteriorates later in the day. Carry only essentials as the altitude makes every extra pound feel heavier."
- Day 4
Kedarnath to Guptkashi
Visit the temple early before crowds arrive. The downhill trek is easier but still takes 5-6 hours. Make sure you have sturdy hiking boots with good grip. Head back to Guptkashi for a well-deserved rest.
- Day 5
Guptkashi to Badrinath (180 km)
The scenic drive to Badrinath takes 7-8 hours. Stop at Joshimath to see the historic Adi Shankaracharya Math. When you reach Badrinath (10,170 ft), take it easy and drink plenty of water. The evening aarti starts at 7 PM in summer or 6 PM in winter.
- Day 6
Badrinath to Rudraprayag (158 km)
Start with morning prayers at Badrinath Temple. Visit Mana, the last Indian village before Tibet, plus Bheem Pul and Vyas Gufa. Drive to Rudraprayag along the meeting point of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. Stay near Koteshwar Temple for morning prayers.
- Day 7
Rudraprayag to Rishikesh (133 km)
Travel to lower altitudes through Devprayag, where the Ganges forms. Reach Rishikesh by afternoon to explore Laxman Jhula bridge. One visitor notes: "The evening aarti at Parmarth Niketan is less crowded than Haridwar but equally mesmerizing. Arrive by 5:45 PM for the best spots."
- Day 8
Rishikesh to Delhi (224 km)
Start early to avoid mountain fog. You should reach Delhi by afternoon. This completes your 1,120 km journey through some of India's most important spiritual sites and challenging mountain terrain.
