10

High Altitude Treks in Uttarakhand

Opening Hours: 06:00 am to 07:00 pmPrime Day & Hours: Weekends, morning and evening aarti Suggested Duration: 2-3 hoursTickets: Free entryNearest Railway Station: Kathgodam railway station, about 74 km awayNearest Airport: Pantnagar, about 108 km away Nearest Bus Stop: Ranikhet Bus Stand, about 6 km awayThe Jhula Devi Temple, located in the lush Chaubatia area of Ranikhet, was built in the 8th century and rebuilt in 1935. It honours goddess Durga, where her deity is famously sitting on a wooden swing ("jhula"), and is one of the best things to do in Uttarakhand. She appeared in a shepherd's dream, which led to the discovery of the idol and the building of the temple.The temple has a traditional Kumaoni style, with a slate-tiled sloped roof, wooden pillars, and iron-plated doors with brass fittings. Thousands of bells are left by grateful devotees who say their wishes came true.A calm hanging bridge leads to the inner sanctum, which is surrounded by separate shrines for Rama, Sita, and Hanuman. The site has a vibrant, lively energy because of the daily aartis and Navratri celebrations. It has stunning views of the Himalayan valley, making it a great place to think and connect with your spirituality.Offering expansive Himalayan valley views, it’s a place where folklore, faith, and nature converge, perfect for reflection and spiritual connection. With the swing legend, tinkling bells, and mountain panorama coming together in poignant harmony.

Prime Day & Hours: Weekends, sunrise and sunsetSuggested Duration: 4-5 hoursTickets: freeNearest Railway Station: Rishikesh New Railway Station, about 255 km awayNearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 271 km awayNearest Bus Stop: Joshimath bus stand, about 11 km awayAuli Artificial Lake, about 3,000 meters high and near the Cliff Top Club, is one of the highest man-made lakes in the world, and a must addition to your Auli tour packages. It was built to provide snow guns and extend skiing carvings when there is less snow, and it also attracts tourists looking for a peaceful place to visit.You can either trek 1-2 km from the GMVN rest-house or take the chairlift to the edge of the lake. You will be surrounded by Himalayan giants like Nanda Devi, Kamet, and Neelgiri. In the winter, the lake freezes into a beautiful ice mirror surrounded by snowy slopes. In the summer, its clear blue waters reflect the mountains all around it, making for great photos.Visitors can relax on benches by the lake, enjoy the peacefulness of the mountains. They can also combine their visit with skiing, ropeway rides, and hikes in the meadows at Gurso Bugyal, Chattrakund, and Joshimath.

Kilbury Bird Sanctuary, located in the charming village of Pangot about 12 km from Nainital, is a wildlife and nature lover's delight. Established in 2000, this sanctuary stands at an elevation of 2,528 metres and offers a tranquil break amidst dense oak, pine, and rhododendron forests. It is known for having approximately 240 bird species, including rare and vivid species like woodpeckers, thrushes, eagles, and the elusive Cheer Pheasant.Additionally, you can take guided bird-watching tours to see the rich avian life in its natural habitat. The sanctuary's well-marked trails offer excellent chances for trekking and photography, with breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. Nature lovers can also explore the lush vegetation, which includes a variety of wildflowers and medicinal plants. Experience the tranquility of Kilbury Bird Sanctuary in our Uttarakhand packages, offering birdwatching and nature walks amidst lush Himalayan forests.Kilbury Bird Sanctuary is an excellent choice for travellers seeking relaxation, adventure, and close touch with nature. Bring binoculars, a camera, and a decent field guide to get the most out of your visit to this biodiversity hotspot.