Uttarakhand is the closest Himalayan state to Delhi, and most of its road trips start there. Garhwal, in the west, is entered through Dehradun, Haridwar and Rishikesh, with roads that follow the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda deep into the mountains. Kumaon, in the east, is reached via Kathgodam and Haldwani, with ridge roads linking Nainital, Almora, Kausani and Munsiyari.
The Delhi–Dehradun Expressway, fully opened in April 2026, has shortened the first leg into Garhwal considerably.
Quick answer
The best road trips in Uttarakhand are Delhi to Rishikesh and Mussoorie via the new expressway, the Rishikesh–Rudraprayag–Chopta road, the Char Dham valleys, Lansdowne, and Kumaon's Nainital–Almora–Kausani–Munsiyari route. March to June and late September to November are best; avoid the monsoon and check for yatra traffic in May and June.
Key takeaways
- The Delhi–Dehradun Expressway, inaugurated in April 2026, cuts the drive to Dehradun to a few hours.
- Garhwal roads to the Char Dham are busy with pilgrims from May to June and in autumn.
- Kumaon's ridge roads are gentler and good for a first mountain drive.
- The monsoon brings landslides, especially in Garhwal.
- The Kanwar Yatra in July brings heavy diversions around Haridwar and western Uttar Pradesh.
Uttarakhand's main road trips at a glance
| Route | Approx. distance from Delhi | Typical days | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi–Rishikesh | 240 km | 1 | River town, first stop into Garhwal |
| Delhi–Mussoorie | 290 km | 1 | A classic hill town |
| Delhi–Lansdowne | 250 km | 1 | Quiet cantonment and forests |
| Delhi–Nainital | 300 km | 1 | Kumaon lakes |
| Nainital–Almora–Kausani–Munsiyari | About 280 km | 4 to 6 | Himalayan views |
| Rishikesh–Rudraprayag–Chopta | About 200 km | 2 to 3 | Meadows and Tungnath |
Garhwal: the river valleys
From Rishikesh, NH7 follows the Ganga to Devprayag, where the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda meet, then the Alaknanda to Srinagar, Rudraprayag and Joshimath. At Rudraprayag a branch leads up the Mandakini towards Kedarnath and to Ukhimath and Chopta. Another road climbs the Bhagirathi to Uttarkashi and Gangotri. These are the Char Dham roads, widened in recent years but still prone to slides.
Mussoorie and Lansdowne
Lansdowne
A quiet cantonment town reached via Kotdwar, with oak and pine forest.
Kumaon: the ridge roads
From Kathgodam the road climbs to Nainital and Bhimtal. Beyond, a ridge route links Almora, Kausani and Bageshwar, and continues through Thal and Birthi to Munsiyari, facing the Panchachuli peaks. Distances are modest, but roads are narrow and winding, so allow a full day for 120 to 150 km.
Kumaon
Our guides.
Nainital guide · Kausani guide · Munsiyari guide · Uttarakhand hill stations itinerary
The Corbett foothills
Ramnagar, the gateway to Corbett, is about five to six hours from Delhi and combines well with Nainital. Safaris are booked separately through the official portal.
Yatra and festival traffic
- Char Dham season (roughly May to June and September to October) brings heavy traffic and registration checks on Garhwal roads.
- The Kanwar Yatra in the month of Sawan (usually July) diverts traffic around Haridwar and on highways from Delhi.
- Weekends and holidays bring long queues into Mussoorie and Nainital; some towns restrict vehicles in peak periods.
Good overnight stops
- Rishikesh or Dehradun on the first night from Delhi, before the long valley roads.
- Rudraprayag or Ukhimath before Chopta and Tungnath.
- Bhimtal or Nainital on the way into Kumaon.
- Almora or Kausani to break the long drive to Munsiyari.
- Ramnagar for Corbett, which also works as a stop on the way to Nainital.
When to go
March to June is pleasant but busy. Late September to November gives the clearest mountain views and emptier roads. The monsoon (July to mid-September) is the riskiest time for landslides. Winter brings snow to Auli, Chopta and Munsiyari; some roads close and ice is common in shaded bends.
Safety
- Above about 3,000 m, ascend gradually, rest on arrival and see a doctor before travel if you have heart, lung or blood-pressure conditions.
- Mountain roads close or slow down after heavy rain, snow or landslides; check road status and weather updates each morning and avoid driving after dark.
- Permits, tolls, entry fees, pass openings and road works change; check official sources shortly before you travel.
- Distances and driving times are approximate and vary with traffic, weather, road works and stops.
What to pack
- Driving licence, RC, insurance and PUC certificate, with copies
- Warm layers and a rain jacket
- Motion-sickness tablets for winding roads
- Cash for small towns and barriers
Want the route, stops and stays planned around your dates?
FAQs
What is the best road trip in Uttarakhand?
Kumaon's Nainital–Almora–Kausani–Munsiyari route for views, and Rishikesh to Chopta for Garhwal's valleys.
How long does it take to drive from Delhi to Dehradun?
With the Delhi–Dehradun Expressway, a few hours, traffic permitting.
Is it safe to drive in Uttarakhand in the monsoon?
Landslides are frequent, especially in Garhwal. Avoid if you can, or keep plans flexible.
When is Char Dham traffic heaviest?
May and June, and again in September and October.
How many days do I need for a Kumaon road trip?
Five to six days from Delhi covers Nainital, Almora, Kausani and Munsiyari.
Do I need a four-wheel drive?
Not for the main routes in the dry season; higher and snowbound roads may need one.
