Things to do in Garhwal Himalaya
Discover the best attractions and experiences Garhwal Himalaya has to offer
Historic Monuments
Explore ancient stones and fortifications that tell Garhwal's story, from rock edicts to hill forts.
Kalsi Ashokan Rock Edict
An ancient Ashokan inscription set on a hill overlooking the Yamuna-Tons valley.
Tehri Fort Ruins
Ruins of a historic hill fortress with views over Tehri Lake and the surrounding landscape.
Museums
Gain insights into Garhwal’s natural and cultural heritage through these curated collections.
Regional Museum of Natural History, Dehradun
Displays on local geology, flora and fauna with kid-friendly exhibits.
Forest Research Institute Museum, Dehradun
Part of the iconic campus, showcasing forest ecology and regional bio-diversity.
Religious Monuments
Garhwal's sacred landscapes are home to ancient temples and pilgrimage sites.
Kedarnath Temple
An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, set amid the Garhwal peak scenery.
Badrinath Temple
One of the holiest Vishnu temples, nestled in the sacred Nar Narayan mountain valley.
Hemkund Sahib
Sikh pilgrimage site perched beside a pristine glacial lake in high Garhwal.
Tungnath Temple
Highest Shiva temple in the world, part of the Chopta–Tungnath trek route.
National & Theme Parks
Garhwal’s protected areas showcase dramatic peaks, meadows and wildlife.
Valley of Flowers National Park
Colorful alpine meadows and rare flowers in a UNESCO-listed valley.
Nanda Devi National Park
Spectacular high-altitude park and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Rajaji National Park
Green corridors along the Ganges with wildlife safaris and forest trails.
Neighborhoods
Base yourself in Garhwal’s gateway towns to access trails, markets and ambience.
Dehradun – Rajpur Road / Paltan Bazaar
Tasting local markets and gateway to the Garhwal hills.
Mussoorie – Mall Road
Colonial-era promenade with shops, cafes and views.
Rishikesh – Laxman Jhula area
Sacred riverfront streets with temples, cafes and a lively vibe.
Free Things to Do
Experience Garhwal without spending a fortune—many highlights are free to enjoy.
Lal Tibba, Mussoorie
Panoramic sunset and valley views from Mussoorie’s highest lookout.
Camel's Back Road, Mussoorie
A scenic stroll with uninterrupted hill views.
Rishikesh Riverfront Walk
A leisurely riverside walk along the Ganges with temples and bridges.
Strolling the streets of Dehradun markets
Casual wandering through Paltan Bazaar and nearby lanes.
Gastronomy
Try Garhwal specialties that highlight local grains, greens and bold flavors.
Aloo Ke Gutke
A simple Garhwali potato dish with fresh spices.
Chainsoo
Roasted lentil-based preparation with robust rustic flavors.
Bhatt ki Churkani
Traditional black-pea preparation with local greens.
Jhangora Ki Kheer
Millet pudding commonly served in Garhwal households.
Nightlife
Evenings in Garhwal offer riverside vibes, forest retreats and music-friendly venues.
Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia), Rishikesh
Hidden-stay exploring the historic Beatles-era ashram site.
Rishikesh riverside cafes with live music
Relaxed evenings with Indian music and riverside ambience.
Entertainment
Cultural experiences and iconic sites add color to your Garhwal itinerary.
Mindrolling Monastery, Dehradun
A grand Tibetan Buddhist monastery with vibrant murals and events.
Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh
Evening ritual with prayers and music along the river.
Sports
Adventure sports and trekking opportunities abound in Garhwal’s hills.
White-water rafting on the Ganges, Rishikesh
Navigate rapid stretches on a guided rafting trip.
Chopta–Chandrashila Trek
A scenic high-altitude trek to a panoramic summit.
Skiing at Auli
Seasonal slopes with cable car access and alpine scenery.
Off the Track
Tread lesser-known paths to discover Garhwal’s quiet corners.
Deoria Tal Trek
A short trek to a tranquil lake framed by peaks.
Kuari Pass Trek
Classic ridge trek offering sweeping mountain views.
Tiger Falls Trek, Chakrata
A refreshing trek ending at a tall waterfall near Chakrata.