Garhwal and Kumaon are close on the map but far apart by road, so most trips pick one. Garhwal, reached via Dehradun, combines Rishikesh with the ridge towns of Mussoorie, Landour and Dhanaulti. Kumaon, reached via Kathgodam, links the lake district around Nainital with ridge villages such as Mukteshwar, Kausani and Binsar that face the high Himalaya.
Both routes suit March to June and October to December. In the monsoon, landslides are common, so keep drives short and flexible.
Quick answer
Two good Uttarakhand hill-station itineraries: a five-day Garhwal route (Rishikesh, then Mussoorie and Landour, with a day at Dhanaulti) via Dehradun; and a seven-day Kumaon loop (Nainital and Bhimtal, Mukteshwar, Kausani and Binsar) via Kathgodam. Combining both takes about 11 to 12 days. The best months are March to June and October to December; avoid long drives in the monsoon.
Key takeaways
- Garhwal is reached via Dehradun or Haridwar; Kumaon via Kathgodam.
- Mussoorie and Landour suit walkers; Kumaon's ridges suit view-seekers.
- Kausani, Mukteshwar and Binsar face Nanda Devi, Trisul and Panchachuli in clear weather.
- October to December has the clearest views.
- Combining Garhwal and Kumaon needs a long transfer day.
Route 1: Garhwal in five days
| Day | Base | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rishikesh | Arrive via Haridwar or Dehradun; evening Ganga aarti |
| 2 | Mussoorie | Drive up; Mall Road and Camel's Back Road |
| 3 | Mussoorie | Landour walk, Lal Tibba, Char Dukan |
| 4 | Mussoorie | Day trip to Dhanaulti and Surkanda Devi |
| 5 | Return | Down to Dehradun for the train to Delhi |
Guides
Garhwal stops.
Things to do in Rishikesh · Mussoorie guide · Dhanaulti guide
Route 2: Kumaon in seven days
| Day | Base | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nainital | Train to Kathgodam; Naini Lake and the Mall |
| 2 | Nainital | Snow View, Tiffin Top; Bhimtal and Sattal |
| 3 | Mukteshwar | Cliffs at Chauli ki Jali, orchards, sunset |
| 4 | Kausani | Drive via Almora; sunset over Trisul and Nanda Devi |
| 5 | Kausani | Sunrise, tea estate, Baijnath temples |
| 6 | Binsar | Forest sanctuary walks and a view point at Zero Point |
| 7 | Return | Drive to Kathgodam for the train |
Combining both
To see Garhwal and Kumaon together, allow 11 to 12 days and plan a long transfer between Mussoorie or Rishikesh and Nainital (a full day by road). Alternatively, return to Delhi between the two by train and start the second route fresh.
Extensions
- Munsiyari: add two days from Kausani for the Panchachuli view.
- Chopta and Tungnath: add two days from Rishikesh for an easy trek.
- Lansdowne: a quiet night on the way from Delhi.
- Jim Corbett: combine with Nainital for a safari.
Getting there
- Delhi to Dehradun or Haridwar by Shatabdi or Vande Bharat for Garhwal.
- Delhi to Kathgodam by Shatabdi for Kumaon.
- Pantnagar and Dehradun have airports with limited flights.
- Hire a car and driver locally for the hill sections.
Where to stay
In Mussoorie, Landour and the Camel's Back Road end are quieter than the Library Chowk end of the Mall. In Kumaon, Bhimtal or Sattal are calmer lake bases than Nainital, and Mukteshwar, Kausani and Binsar have small resorts and heritage bungalows with views. Binsar's stays are inside the sanctuary and simple, with limited electricity.
Season notes
- March to April: rhododendrons in bloom across Kumaon.
- May to June: busy in Mussoorie and Nainital; book early.
- October to December: the clearest Himalayan views of the year.
- January to February: cold; snow is possible at Mussoorie, Dhanaulti, Mukteshwar and Binsar.
Food to try
- Kumaoni bhatt ki churkani (black soybean curry) and aloo ke gutke.
- Bal mithai and singori, Almora's sweets.
- Garhwali kafuli (greens) and mandua roti.
- Landour's bakeries and cafés.
Safety
- Drive times are approximate and depend on traffic, weather, landslides and road works; allow extra time and avoid driving after dark.
- Permits, e-passes, ropeways and pass openings change; check official portals before you travel.
- In the monsoon, check the state disaster-management updates before driving.
What to pack
- Layers and a warm jacket for October to February
- Walking shoes
- Binoculars for mountain views
- Rain jacket
Want to combine several mountain destinations into one trip?
FAQs
How many days do I need for Uttarakhand's hill stations?
Five days for Garhwal, seven for Kumaon, or about 12 for both.
Which is better, Mussoorie or Nainital?
Mussoorie suits walkers and views; Nainital suits families with its lake. Both are busy in summer.
Where can I see the Himalaya best in Kumaon?
Kausani, Binsar, Mukteshwar and Munsiyari in clear weather, especially from October to December.
Can I combine Rishikesh with Mussoorie?
Yes, easily; they are about two hours apart by road.
When should I avoid Uttarakhand?
During heavy monsoon weeks in July and August, when landslides are common.
Is Binsar suitable for families?
Yes, for families who enjoy forest walks and quiet; stays are simple and electricity can be limited.
Can I do the Kumaon loop by public transport?
Buses and shared taxis connect the towns, but a hired car saves a lot of time and allows sunrise and sunset stops.
