[anbaras]

Hi all,

I am planning a trip to Uttarakhand as per the following itinerary.

We are a family of four (myself, wifey, and kids aged 10 and 8) from Chennai. We are vegetarians (kindly guide us with some good vegetarian outlets). Only my wife knows Hindi (only read and write, can speak to some extent).

We are planning to take a cab (DZire will suffice) from Dehradun for the entire trip. A friend from Delhi has assured me that he has some contacts in Haridwar who will help in finding a reliable cab. We are not so religious; hence not following the usual Chardham circuit in that order.

We are yet to book hotels: looking for mid range hotels, not exceeding 5000 per day.

We are fully open to new inputs for any changes in the itinerary. Please help with your valuable suggestions for the places to visit, hotels and restaurants. Thanks in advance.

Option 1 (if we don't get the tickets for Kedarnath helicopter trip)

25/9/22 (Sunday): 4.30 pm arrival at Dehradun airport and proceed to Mussoorie
26/9/22 (Monday): Mussoorie sightseeing and stay
27/9/22 (Tuesday): Depart from Mussoorie around 1pm for Rishikesh (arrival 4.00 pm approximately); visit Ram Jhula and witness Ganga aarthi and then proceed to Haridwar for stay.
28/9/22 (Wednesday): Haridwar sightseeing till afternoon and if necessary stay till evening to witness Ganga aarthi or else proceed to Jim Corbett national park
29/9/22 (Thursday): Jim Corbett safari and other sightseeing. Stay at Jim Corbett or Nainital depending upon the safari timing
30/9/22 (Friday): Nainital sightseeing and stay
01/10/22 (Saturday): After breakfast, proceed to Dehradun and rest
02/10/22 (Sunday): Dehradun sight seeing
03/10/22 (Monday): Visit Forest Research Institute in the morning and proceed to airport (reach airport around 12)

Option 2 (if helicopter tickets are available)

25/9/22 (Sunday): 4.30 pm arrival at Dehradun airport and proceed to Mussoorie
26/9/22 (Monday): Mussoorie sightseeing and stay
27/9/22 (Tuesday): Depart from Mussoorie around 1pm for Rishikesh (arrival 4.00 pm approximately); visit Ram Jhula and witness Ganga aarthi and then proceed to Haridwar for stay.
28/9/22 (Wednesday): Haridwar sightseeing till 11 am and proceed to Gupt Kashi for stay
29/9/22 (Thursday): Visit Kedarnath by helicopter and then proceed to Joshimath for stay
30/9/22 (Friday): Visit Badrinath, Cable car and chair ride at Auli. Night stay at Joshimath or Rudraprayag depending upon the timing
01/10/22 (Saturday): After breakfast, proceed to Dehradun and rest
02/10/22 (Sunday): Dehradun sight seeing
03/10/22 (Monday): Visit Forest Research Institute in the morning and proceed to airport (reach airport around 12)

[Samba]

I understand you have 9 days in hand from Dehradun to Dehradun.

I will skip Corbett, because to stay in core zones like Dhikala/Bijrani, these need to be booked 60 days prior to your journey date, plus I wont prefer jungle in monsoon. Now you can stay in the fancy resorts in Ramnagar and go for Safaris, but you will miss the charm of staying inside the jungle.

For the hill part you can choose between Garhwal or Kumaon.

But as you are starting from Dehradun, I will suggest you to stick to Garhwal.

If you can manage helicopter tickets for Kedarnath-

25/9/22 (Sunday): 4.30 pm arrival at Dehradun airport and proceed to Rishikesh.
26/9/22 (Monday): Rishikesh sightseeing & proceed to Mussoorie
27/9/22 (Tuesday): Mussoorie Sightseeing.
28/9/22 (Wednesday): Mussoorie to Tilwara. Tilwara GMVN is a great place to stay beside the Mandakini river.
29/9/22 (Thursday): Tilwara to Phata. Take the helicopter, visit Kedarnath and return to Tilwara by evening.
30/9/22 (Friday) : Tilwara to Auli via Chopta. Stay at Auli Ski resort by GMVN.
01/10/22 (Saturday): Auli to Badrinath and back to Auli.
02/10/22 (Sunday): Auli to Dehradun.
03/10/22 (Monday): Visit Forest Research Institute in the morning and proceed to airport (reach airport around 12)

If you can't manage helicopter tickets for Kedarnath-

25/9/22 (Sunday): 4.30 pm arrival at Dehradun airport and proceed to Rishikesh.
26/9/22 (Monday): Rishikesh sightseeing & proceed to Mussoorie
27/9/22 (Tuesday): Mussoorie Sightseeing.
28/9/22 (Wednesday): Mussoorie to Tilwara. Tilwara GMVN is a great place to stay beside the Mandakini river.
29/9/22 (Thursday): Tilwara to Auli via Chopta. Stay at Auli Ski resort by GMVN.
30/9/22 (Friday): Auli to Badrinath and back to Auli.
01/10/22 (Saturday): Auli to Rudraprayag.
02/10/22 (Sunday): Rudraprayag to Dehradun.
03/10/22 (Monday) : Visit Forest Research Institute in the morning and proceed to airport (reach airport around 12)


You can also check out my Uttarakhand Itinerary from the trip we did in May.

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/trave...uster-awd.html (Sailed through Uttarakhand in a Nexon & a Duster AWD)

[libranof1987]

If you do decide on the Kedarnath trip, be mentally prepared to have your itinerary dictated by the weather (and landslides). We've done Valley of Flowers and Badrinath and although weren't stuck ourselves, there was a two day long blockage caused by landslides between Joshimath and Rudraprayag just the preceding day of our travel.

The other thing: I'd suggest choosing something like a Tavera-like vehicle (not sure what's in vogue now). a) You get better space, b) it may fare better on bad roads. The DZire might just be too cramped, considering you'll have a fair amount of luggage and you're four of you (fully occupied back seat).

Do check if Auli is a good idea at this time considering the rain. It is generally visited in the winter.

[anbaras]

Originally Posted by Samba

I understand you have 9 days in hand from Dehradun to Dehradun.

I will skip Corbett, because to stay in core zones like Dhikala/Bijrani, these need to be booked 60 days prior to your journey date, plus I wont prefer jungle in monsoon. Now you can stay in the fancy resorts in Ramnagar and go for Safaris, but you will miss the charm of staying inside the jungle.

For the hill part you can choose between Garhwal or Kumaon.

But as you are starting from Dehradun, I will suggest you to stick to Garhwal.

You can also check out my Uttarakhand Itinerary from the trip we did in May.

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/trave...uster-awd.html (Sailed through Uttarakhand in a Nexon & a Duster AWD)

Thank you very much for your immediate response.

I thought of replying to your message after going through your Uttarakhand trip. But replying now on half way mark of reading your trip.

That was a nice trip with so many beautiful pics. Will give a detailed reply after going through fully.

Will discuss with my wife and finalise our itinerary based on your suggestions.

Thank you once again.

[airguitar]

A. There are 3 ways to do this trip.

1. Stick to Garhwal fully for 9 days. Entry and exit via Dehradun.
2. Stick to Kumaon(that includes Corbett or not) for 9 days. Entry and exit via Pantnagar airport.
3. If you have 14 days then mix and match Garhwal and Kumaon. Entry via Dehradun exit via Pantnagar. Since you don't have 14 days, this is ruled out.

B. Purpose could be clarified more - if it's more of pilgrimage places like Kedarnath - it's important to know if you want to stay overnight. Further it's easier to get heli Dehradun to Dehradun for all of chardham (Rs. 99000 per person ) if pilgrimage is the focus.


C. Check if Corbett is going to be open at all. Normally national parks open only after the rains. Ditto for Binsar. Even if open you will have to plan well to stay inside the forest. Accommodations run out quickly inside the forest. Alternatively, you stay outside the forest and visit for safaris.

D. Auli will be a disappointment in Sep. If lucky you may spot Maa Nandadevi peak. Else just a regular cable car trip. No grand views like in Jan or Feb.

Plan 1

Dehradun - Mussoorie and around ( 2 nights ) - New Tehri : Floating huts Le Roi ( 1 night ) - Guptkashi ( 2 nights .. choose a good resort like Nirvana or Buransh that gets you beautiful views. You can also take Heli to Kedar from nearby if you get the tickets 10 mins flight from Guptkashi ) - Badrinath ( 1 night you can also visit Mana village) - Auli cable car (no stay) - Chopta (1 or 2 nights - you can do small treks like Deoria Taal or Tungnath or Chandrashila provided you are ok with high altitudes ) - Lansdowne ( 1 or 2 nights ) - Dehradun. Do not stay or plan for too much sightseeing inside Dehradun.

2. Plan 2 (Without Corbett)
With rains Kumaon will be beautiful. But you will have to ensure locally what roads are affected etc.

Pantnagar - Nainital ( 1 night ) - Jageshwar ( 2 nights, stay at good places like Vanserai and explore locally ) - Kausani ( 1 night ) - Baijnath+Bageshwar (pass through) - Chaukori ( 1 night ) - Munsyari ( 3 nights - get a good place with views of thr panchachuli. You will have precious peace in this town - you can just sit and stare at the mountains all day or do short treks nearby ) - Dharchula ( 1 night ) - Lohaghat (1 night ) - Pantnagar.


3. Plan 3 with Corbett if it's open:

Pantnagar - Corbett ( 2 nights, preferably Dhikala FrH ) - Nainital ( 2 nights ) - Jageshwar ( 2 nights ) - Binsar ( 2 nights ) - Kausani/Almora ( 1 night) - Pantnagar.

Once you firm up on the itinerary, let me know and I will guide you on the hotels.

Be aware of rain induced cold weather and landslides overnight. Always check with locals as the first thing in the morning on road conditions. However given it's going to be in late Sep concerns should be less.

Pardon typos as typing from cab.

[anbaras]

Originally Posted by libranof1987

If you do decide on the Kedarnath trip, be mentally prepared to have your itinerary dictated by the weather (and landslides). We've done Valley of Flowers and Badrinath and although weren't stuck ourselves, there was a two day long blockage caused by landslides between Joshimath and Rudraprayag just the preceding day of our travel.

Do check if Auli is a good idea at this time considering the rain. It is generally visited in the winter.

Thank you so much for your reply.

At what time did you visited Badrinath and Valley of Flowers?

After reading your suggestion regarding the vehicle, I talked to my Delhi friend and he told me that he will arrange an Ertiga.

If I am able to get the tickets only, I will plan for Badrinath and Auli. Otherwise I will skip Nainital, Jim corbett and will try to explore Tehri, Chamba and other nearby places. Still working it out after reading the suggestions here.

Originally Posted by airguitar

A. There are 3 ways to do this trip.

1. Stick to Garhwal fully for 9 days. Entry and exit via Dehradun.
2. Stick to Kumaon(that includes Corbett or not) for 9 days. Entry and exit via Pantnagar airport.
3. If you have 14 days then mix and match Garhwal and Kumaon. Entry via Dehradun exit via Pantnagar. Since you don't have 14 days, this is ruled out.

Pardon typos as typing from cab.

Thank you very much for your elaborate and detailed reply.

As I have already booked the Flight tickets to and from Dehradun, I am now looking to concentate on Mussourie, Rishikesh,Kedarnath, Badrinath and other nearby places.

My friend from Delhi also suggested to skip Jim corbett and Nainital now, as it is easily reachable from Delhi and we can do it from Delhi in the future.

Definitely this is not a Pilgrimage tour. I am trying to do a 70% sight seeing and 30% temple visit Tour. As Our kids are small, I am not interested in doing trekking tours.

I have also read about Dehradun - Kedarnath - Badrinath - Dehradun, Heli Tour for 99,000 per head. This is beyond our Budget and We are not so religious to undertake such a Tour.

Planning to cover Auli since it is enroute to Badrinath. Not expecting much and trying our luck,that's all.

Plan 1 suggested by you seems to be perfect and I will take a decision once the slot for heli ticket booking opens up for the September End. Do you have any idea about getting confirmed Heli tickets through some travel Agency. Because the tickets are being sold out immediately once the Bookings open like Railway Tatkal tickets.

Since the return flight is around 2.20 PM on Monday, I am planning to reach Dehradun one day earlier to avoid any last minute Panic. The only Place I wish to visit in the Dehradun is FRI. Since It will be closed on Saturdays and Sundays, planning to visit on Monday Morning.

Thank you once again for your valuable inputs. Will definitely seek your help to finalise the Hotels once the itinerary gets confirmed.

[anbaras]

This is an update of my Uttarakhand trip. My sincere thanks to Samba, libran of 1987 and airguitar for their valuable inputs and guidance.

I have manged to book the helicopter tickets from Phata to Kedarnath through online.

My friend from Delhi has arranged an Innova for the entire trip through his Haridwar friend (8 nights and 9 days) for a sum of Rs40,000/- all inclusive.

After landing at Dehradun Airport, We proceeded to Dehradun(1 night) , Mussourie(2 nights), Tilwara(2 nights), Auli(1 night), Tilwara(1 night) and Haridwar (1 night) and to Dehradun Airport for return flight.

Visiting Kedarnath was really a memorable experience. My advice to anyone who is planning to go to Kedarnath by helicopter is to book the onward journey slot by 6AM to 9AM and return to the Base by 12 Noon.

During Our visit, My wife and Daughter returned to the Base around 1.45PM. The services were interrupted thereafter for 3 hours. I was able to reach the base around 4.45PM along with my son.

The Mandakini resort at Tilwara was very nice. The Food and the rejuvenating experience at Mandakini river was outstanding.

The trip was really nice in all aspects.

[Vishal.R]

Planning to visit Garhwal in first week of May (I know may not be an ideal time due to rush), Kedarnath and Badrinath are primary places of interest.

We are planning to walk to Kedarnath, therefore as per current plan will reach Dehradun by flight and after a break / rest day at Rishikesh, shall first reach sonprayag and start for Kedarnath next day.

Sill I have some confusion is about 1. Reaching Badrinath 2. spending additional days post completion of two dham pilgrimage.

Planning to keep one additional day at Kedarnath, so assume that If we start earliest in morning, at what time We can expected to start onward journey from Sonprayag? (Three of us are in 40s and one is 9 years old)

For reaching Badrinath, I understand that Sonprayag to Badrinath or nearby is not possible in a single day, but question is where should We take break for one night?

Rudraprayag looks doable but I believe next day It may delay reaching Badrinath,

I think pipalkoti might be farthest We can target but not sure if Its doable.

Once done with Darshan at Kedarnath and Badrinath, Planning to take break for 1-2 days as Badrinath - Dehradun/Rishikesh is anyways not possible in one day. Any suggestions for that? Chopta?

Planning to hire a taxi from Rishikesh.

Thanks in advance.

[libranof1987]

Originally Posted by Vishal.R

Planning to visit Garhwal in first week of May (I know may not be an ideal time due to rush), Kedarnath and Badrinath are primary places of interest.

Hope you are following all the news coming out of Joshimath; not sure if/how it affects travel to this region.

As preparations begin for the upcoming Char Dham yatra, fresh fissures have appeared on the road connecting Narasingh temple in subsidence-hit Joshimath and Badrinath, according to local activists.

The road, which is a bypass of the Badrinath highway leading to the Himalayan temple, is used for taking pilgrims from Joshimath to Badrinath during the yatra season.

Cracks on the roads have led to concern among locals about the safety of the yatra to Badrinath which begins on April 27.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...le66532181.ece

[anbaras]

Originally Posted by Vishal.R

Once done with Darshan at Kedarnath and Badrinath, Planning to take break for 1-2 days as Badrinath - Dehradun/Rishikesh is anyways not possible in one day. Any suggestions for that? Chopta?

Planning to hire a taxi from Rishikesh.

Thanks in advance.

Day 1: Reaching Dehradun and stay at Rishikesh.

Day 2: Reaching Sonprayag and Stay.

Day 3: Visiting Kedarnath Temple and Return. From the inputs I got from some pilgrims who trekked to the Temple from Gaurikund, the minimum and maximum time taken will be around six to eight hours depending upon the person. So plan accordingly. If possible you can also stay there for one day and have Darshan in the evening too. You can take a Pony for the nine year old. This is based on my experience with my kids (9 and 11 years old). Plan to start around 5 AM.

Day 4: From Sonprayag to Badrinath and Stay(This is doable, If there is no traffic pile up due to Road blocks. We were stranded for nearly two hours near Joshimath on our way to Auli).

Day 5: Badrinath Darshan and then proceed to Chopta or Auli or Tilwara, depending upon your choice and availability of accomodation and Stay for one night.

Day 6: Local sight seeing till afternoon and then proceed to Rishikesh and Stay.

Day 7: To Dehradun airport and Flying back.

Kindly get pre registered in the visitor portal for both Kedarnath and Badrinath at the earliest, as the authorities will restrict the number of devotees visiting the Temple per day. Try to book the accomodation at the earliest. Thank you.

[ValarMorghulis]

Originally Posted by Vishal.R

Planning to visit Garhwal in first week of May (I know may not be an ideal time due to rush)...

Calling the May crowd "rush" is a massive understatement.

Originally Posted by Vishal.R

...Planning to keep one additional day at Kedarnath, so assume that If we start earliest in morning, at what time We can expected to start onward journey from Sonprayag? (Three of us are in 40s and one is 9 years old)...

Completing the trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath and back in one day is really really challenging, unless you are very fit (by that I mean you can run a marathon easily). If you start early morning, you should be able to reach Kedarnath in about 8-10 hours. The duration for actual darshan there is entirely dependent on the crowd. Keep a day in reserve.

Originally Posted by Vishal.R

...For reaching Badrinath, I understand that Sonprayag to Badrinath or nearby is not possible in a single day, but question is where should We take break for one night?

Rudraprayag looks doable but I believe next day It may delay reaching Badrinath...

If you are interested in another Lord Shiva temple there is Tungnath in Chopta. It is a smaller trek (compared to Kedarnath) of 4 km but quite steep. The entire trek is amazing with beautiful scenery and the region of Chopta is pristine. On the way to Badrinath you also have Omkareshwar temple at Ukhimath which is the winter residing place of Lord Kedarnath and Lord Madhmaheshwar.
For stay, you can rest at various government owned GMVNs which are quite good.

Do book you tickets in advance before venturing to Kedarnath or Badrinath.

Jai Badri Vishal. Jai Bholenath.

[kushagra452]

I and my wife are planning to visit Jim Corbette National Park and Nainital during the Good Friday long weekend (7-9 April 2023).

I will be reaching Ramnagar on 7th April morning by train/bus from Delhi. We plan to visit Nainital on 8th April.

What options are available for traveling to Nainital from Ramnagar on the morning of 8th April? We plan to return to Ramnagar on the same day.

How much would a return journey cost, if we were to take a cab? Are shared cabs also available?

Thank you!

[varunasok]

Hello Fellow travelers, I'm planning a trip to Uttarakhand this April. The plan is to fly to Dehradun and visit Mussoorie, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Auli, Nainital, and Jim Corbett by road. It will be a 14-day trip

1. Any well-recognized travel agency for a comfortable ride? Preferably the driver should know English.
2. How is the road condition between Rishikesh and Joshimath? How much duration would it take?
3. Since we are visiting in April, is it worth visiting Nanda Devi national park?
4. How is the road condition from Joshimath to Nainital? How much duration would it take?
5. How to book tickets for Jim Corbett safari.

[hothatchaway]

Originally Posted by varunasok

Hello Fellow travelers, I'm planning a trip to Uttarakhand this April. The plan is to fly to Dehradun and visit Mussoorie, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Auli, Nainital, and Jim Corbett by road. It will be a 14-day trip

1. Any well-recognized travel agency for a comfortable ride? Preferably the driver should know English.

2. How is the road condition between Rishikesh and Joshimath? How much duration would it take? -
Road conditions were good in October last year. We had driven up to Harsil (near Gangotri) before driving down to Tilwara, which is closer to Joshimath. It took us about 4 hours from Tilwara via Rudraprayag to reach Auli (Joshimath) We took it easy with breaks for photos. Roads were good with minor bad patches. Could be different in April especially near Joshimath in case it snows between now and then and then of course, starts melting in April.

3. Since we are visiting in April, is it worth visiting Nanda Devi national park?
Definitely do the Valley of Flowers trek if you can. We could not as time was a constraint. Check online for how the conditions are in April

4. How is the road condition from Joshimath to Nainital? How much duration would it take?
We drove down to Kausani from Auli before moving on to the plains. Roads were quite good but again, difficult to predict in the mountains. We skipped Nainital, but the bypass road to Haldwani was good. Nainital often sees weekend crowds with choked roads. So factor that in. Check gmaps for estimated time taken before starting. Roads in Uttarakhand in the mountains are all twisty, 100% of the time. So that does affect travel time.

5. How to book tickets for Jim Corbett safari.

Cannot help with the first and fifth point as we drove up and skipped Corbett, please see answers inline for the rest.

[varunasok]

Originally Posted by hothatchaway

Cannot help with the first and fifth point as we drove up and skipped Corbett, please see answers inline for the rest.

Thank you so much, Sir.

Looks like the Valley of Flowers or Badrinath will not be open in April. Do you know if that would be the case?

Just wanted to know if it would be snowing near Auli during the first/second week of April.

Any other low-stress activity say trek or nature walk (traveling with my 7-year-old kid) that I can do at Auli?