UTTARAKHAND

As it lies on the holy banks of river Ganga, Rishikesh has been a hub of Sadhus (saints) with numerous ashrams teaching spirituality, yoga, meditation and Ayurveda springing up. Since it is a religious town, non-vegetarian food and alcohol are strictly prohibited here. Rishikesh sees the most beautiful evening aarti on the banks of the river Ganga, which is not too crowded unlike its contemporaries in Varanasi, and Haridwar. The International Yoga Festival is organised here in the first week of March which sees yoga enthusiasts from all over the globe.

Rishikesh is divided into two main areas - the downtown area known as Rishikesh town which is where the popular Triveni Ghat is situated. 2 km upstream from the popular Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula is the other side of Rishikesh where most of the popular ashrams, cafes, accommodation and tourists can be found. Haridwar and Rishikesh are the first Indian cities to be given the title of "twin national heritage cities".

Pre-Booking: Pre-booking is essential for skiing lessons and equipment during the peak winter season (December to February).
Seasonal Accessibility: Heavy snowfall may restrict access during winter. Best time to visit is from November to March for skiing and April to June for sightseeing.
Network Connectivity: Network connectivity is limited in some areas. BSNL and Jio have the best coverage.
Cash Dependency: Auli doesn't have ATMs and nearest ATM vestibule is located in Joshimath. Carry sufficient cash, preferably in Indian Rupees, as card payments may not be widely accepted.
Local Transport: Auli is accessible by cable car, ropeway, and trekking paths from Joshimath. Local taxis are available but limited.
Language Barrier: English and Hindi are widely understood. Learning basic Hindi phrases can be helpful.
Health and Safety: Acclimatize properly to the high altitude to avoid altitude sickness. Carry necessary medications and stay hydrated.
Parking System: Limited parking facilities are available. It's advisable to use public transport or park in Joshimath and use the cable car to reach Auli.
Multi-Destination Stay: Consider staying in Joshimath for easy access to Auli and nearby attractions like Badrinath and Valley of Flowers.

Nainital was founded by the British in 1841. It served as a summer retreat for British colonial officers. The legacy of the British era is evident in the town's architecture, with buildings like the Raj Bhawan, St. John in the Wilderness Church, and various old bungalows adding to its charm. Nainital also offers a delightful culinary experience, with local eateries serving Kumaoni delicacies like Bhatt ki Churkani, Aloo ke Gutke, and Bal Mithai, as well as various Indian and international cuisines.

For adventure seekers, Nainital provides ample opportunities for trekking, rock climbing, and paragliding. The nearby Naina Peak, the highest point in Nainital, offers an exhilarating trek with breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Wildlife enthusiasts can visit the Nainital Zoo, home to a variety of Himalayan species, or explore the Jim Corbett National Park, located about 65 kilometers away, for a chance to spot tigers and other wildlife.  Pangot and Sattal villages near Nainital are a birdwatcher's haven. 

The capital of Uttarakhand, Dehradun is a valley-town in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. This is an ideal retreat for those who want some peace and beauty by their side, away from the mundane routine of the city life or the blazing summers in most of India. This hill station is also the gateway to some of the famous tourist hotspots like Mussoorie, Nainital, Haridwar, Rishikesh etc.

Dehradun is also home to the ever-famous Indian Military Academy, producing some of the best officers of the Indian Army. Known as a centre for education, the Doon Valley also houses the famous Doon School established in 1935, unequivocally renowned as the best boarding school for boys in India. If you're looking for a soothing retreat, without the hustle and bustle of the adventurous hilltops, Dehradun is the right choice for you.

Mussoorie's pleasant weather, with cool summers and snowfall in winters, makes it an ideal year-round destination. Visitors can explore Lal Tibba, the highest point in Mussoorie, for an unobstructed view of the snow-clad peaks. The nearby Landour, a quaint cantonment town, offers a serene escape with its quiet lanes, old churches, and bakeries. For wildlife enthusiasts, the Benog Wildlife Sanctuary provides an opportunity to spot rare bird species and enjoy the region's diverse flora and fauna.

Mussoorie is easily accessible by road from Dehradun, which is well-connected by rail and air to major cities across India. The town's vibrant markets, offering everything from woollens to local handicrafts, and the delightful local cuisine, including Garhwali dishes like Aloo ke Gutke and Bal Mithai, add to the overall charm of the place. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or a cultural experience, Mussoorie promises a memorable and enriching getaway amidst the serene beauty of the Himalayas.

 
Jim Corbett National Park offers jeep safaris, elephant safaris and canter safaris.

Jeep Safari is the most popular one for spotting the wilderness in an open four-wheeler. It is allowed in all the five tourism zones - Bijrani, Jhirna, Durgadevi, Dhela and Sitabani. A jeep safari can carry 6 adults and 2 children along with the driver and a guide.
Price: Indian: INR 4500 per jeep, Foreigner: INR 9000 per jeep
Timings: 6:00 AM - 9:30 AM and 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Canter Safari is the only option for exploring the Dhikala tourism zone which is inhabited by the most number of Bengal tigers. Canter safari, which is conducted in two shifts, is the best option if you are travelling in a group of 11-12 people. Canter is an open-air vehicle, but much larger than jeeps.

Price: Indian: INR 1500 per person, Foreigner: INR 3000 per person
Timings: 6:00 AM - 11:50 AM and 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

The tickets for the safari has to be booked 45 days in advance by Indian and SAARC visitors while foreigners have to book it 90 days in advance. Passport details are required to make bookings for foreign tourists.

Online Registration

Visit the official website dedicated to Char Dham Yatra registration. https://registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in/
Fill in the required details, including personal information, ID proof, and the proposed date of visit.
After filling in the details, you will be required to upload a scanned copy of an ID proof like Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, or Passport.
After successful registration, you will receive a Registration Number. Keep this number handy as it will be required for future references.
Print the Yatra e-pass, which will be generated after successful registration.
Offline Registration

Biometric registration counters are available at prominent locations, including Haridwar, Rishikesh, and a few more starting points of the Yatra.
You will need to fill a form and provide a photo identity card at these counters.
Once your details are verified, you will be issued a Yatra pass.
Additional Points to Remember:

The registration is free of cost.
Make sure to carry the original ID proof (the same one used for registration) during the Yatra.
Registration is essential for everyone, irrespective of age.
It's recommended to register well in advance to avoid last-minute hassles and to get a preferred date for the Yatra.

Bathing in River Ganga in Haridwar 

Bathing in River Ganga is one of the must-do lists of every Hindu. Haridwar is considered as one of the holiest cities in India. The city is well known because it is the primary area from where river Ganga emerges. The city is known to reaffirm every devotee's wandering faith in God. Bathing in river Ganga not only gives a sense of purity but also is a starting point for many. Many people believe that one dip in the holy river and all your sins get washed away.

Family Genealogy Registration in Haridwar, India
Death rites are carried out in the city of Haridwar as it is a holy site. Immersing the ashes of the deceased in the river Ganga is said to grant them an entry into heaven. Hence, many people visit Haridwar to carry out death rituals for their deceased family members. Due to this, the Pandits who carry out this rituals, started keeping a record of the family's trees gotra, marriages and other crucial information. With this, intricate genealogical information of families was recorded over centuries and has now become a source through which one can track history of their family.

Hardwar - The Land of Lord Vishnu

 
Har ki Pauri is a ghat located on the banks of River Ganga. Har is the name of Lord Shiva and Pauri means footstep. During the Vedic period, Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu were said to have visited this place. There are footsteps of Lord Vishnu that are embedded in a stone wall there. Hence, this place holds a great religious importance and is visited by pilgrims from all around the country.

History of Haridwar 

Haridwar, known as the ‘doorway for the gods’ is a city located in the state of Uttarakhand and is home to the famous Ganga river. According to ancient stories, the city came to be when a drop of Amrit, a potion for immortality being made by the gods and demons together, fell on the earth. Haridwar was one of the four sites where the Amrit was spilt. This city has a very interesting and rich mythological background. It is considered to be one of the holiest places in India. The city was first mentioned in the scriptures of the Mauryan empire in 322-185 B.C and then of in the travelogue written by Hiuan Tsang in the 629 A.D. Emperor Akbar, kept jars of the water from River Ganga and drank from it during his travels as the water of the river was said to grant immortality. Raja Maan Singh laid the foundation of the Haridwar that exists today. He built two dams on the Ganga river which severely affect the course of the river.

Kumbh Mela in Hairdwar 

In every 12 years in Haridwar, Kumbh Ka Mela is organised. This is a mass Hindu devotee gathering in Haridwar. The number of people is in millions. The gathering is one of the most peaceful gatherings and is also considered as the World’s largest congregation of religious pilgrims. People take a dip, light lanterns and diyas and pray to gods and goddesses. It is one of the most religious gatherings in India. This mela is considered as one of the holy rituals of Hindus. The mela also has many games, shops, eating facility, rides and much more.

Must Know Before You Travel to Kedarnath
Registrations at Sonprayag Office:
Sonprayag is a major town near Gaurikund (Starting point of yatra). The biometric registration is required for the yatra that happens in Sonprayag and takes about 1-1.5 hours in the queue.

Temple Hours:
The opening time of the temple is 5:00  AM - 9:00 PM and people start to queue up as early as 2 AM. Temple is closed between 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Transport Options to Gaurikund:
Public buses run till Sitapur during the yatra, while public jeeps are available from Sonprayag jeep stand to Gaurikund for 50 INR per person.

Transport to Kedarnath
Options include horses, baskets, or palkis. Rentals available from Gaurikund Horse Stand or Gaurikund Jeep Stand.
Via Helicopter:
Helicopter rides to Kedarnath can be booked online or through tour agents from Sirsi, Phata & Guptkashi, costing up to 8500 INR round trip.
Bookings:
Devotees can book helicopter rides to Kedarnath via https://www.heliyatra.irctc.co.in/. A one-way ticket costs between INR 3,000 to INR 3,500 with applicable taxes.
Via Palki & Horses:
A Palki is a palanquin. Horses can be rented from the Gaurikund Horse stand for 3200 INR one way. Baskets can be rented from Gaurikund Jeep Stand or trek starting point for 2500 INR one way. Prepaid counters are available at Gaurikund for rental services Horses and baskets can also be rented midway through the trek, with prices negotiable based on distance.

* All these prices vary as per the weight of the passenger, luggage, and season. These prices are for both sides with return on the next day

Parking Facilities:
Parking available at Sitapur and Sonprayag for 100 INR/12 hours. Charges may vary during peak times, so plan accordingly.

Luggage Storage Services:
Shops in Gaurikund and Sonprayag offer luggage storage services at rates up to 200 INR for 48 hours.

Accommodation Options:
Prebook your stay at Kedarnath Base Camp due to potential overcharging during peak times. Hot water service available at additional cost. Accommodation options are available at both Phata and Kedarnath.

Important Points for Kedarnath:

Bottled water scarcity: Purchase water on the trek route due to limited availability and higher prices.
Free darshan tokens: Collect tokens at the temple entrance for a free darshan.
Medical services: Available at various camps along the trek for emergencies.
Footwear storage: Facility available at the temple entrance for a nominal fee.
Recommended gear: Carry waterproof shoes, clothing, and warm attire.
Trek path conditions: Narrow, uneven, and crowded; used by all modes of transport.
Toilet facilities: Free toilets provided along the trek route.
Photography restrictions: Prohibited inside the temple, extendable to the entire compound during peak times.

1. Valley of Flowers National Park

Resting in the Western Himalayas, the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand is a lively and beautiful national park famous for its meadows of alpine flowers. Combined with Nanda Devi National Park, the two of them together constitute the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. It was also included in the list of the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 2005. Initially known as Bhyundar Valley, its name was changed to Valley of Flowers by the British mountaineer Frank S Smythe in the year 1931. Gifted with a diverse range of flora and fauna, this picturesque beauty is one of its kind. Situated high in the lofty Himalayas of the Garhwal region, this enchanting valley is also considered as the place from where Hanuman collected Sanjeevani Buti to cure Lakshmana.

2. Nanda Devi National Park

Himalayan snow leopard is the major attraction of Nanda Devi National park amidst the valley of flowers and mountain ranges. Other animals found here are the endangered Asiatic black bear, blue sheep, and brown bear.

3. Fauna & Flora

This area is home to several rare and endangered species including the Snow leopard, Asiatic black bear, musk deer, flying squirrel, tahr, brown bear, red fox and blue sheep.