Table of Contents
Introduction
It’s 11 PM. Your room fan is working overtime, but the heat still feels unbearable. Delhi and most North Indian cities are touching 40°C, and suddenly everyone around you is talking about a quick mountain escape. The real question is, where do you actually go that isn’t overcrowded or overrated?
This is exactly when people start searching for the best places to visit in Uttarakhand. With cool mountain weather, pine forests, Himalayan views, and dozens of scenic towns, it has become one of the most popular summer escapes in India. In fact, the state attracts over 35 million tourists every year.
But here’s the catch: most guides show the same crowded places again and again. This list is different. It includes both popular destinations and offbeat places locals actually recommend.
If you’re planning a summer trip, here are the top places to visit in Uttarakhand for summer 2026 — whether you want adventure, quiet mountain towns, or Instagram-worthy views.
Why Uttarakhand is Perfect for Summer 2026
One simple reason people search for places to visit in Uttarakhand during summer is the huge difference in weather.
While plains like Delhi, Lucknow, or Jaipur experience temperatures above 40°C, most hill stations in Uttarakhand stay between 15°C and 25°C during May and June. That’s exactly why these places to visit in Uttarakhand become a perfect escape, offering cool mornings, comfortable afternoons, and chilly evenings — ideal weather for exploring.
The best months to visit are May and June, just before the monsoon arrives. July and August bring beautiful greenery but also occasional landslides and travel delays in higher altitudes.
Best Months to Visit Uttarakhand
| Month | Weather | Recommended Destinations |
| April–May | Pleasant and cool | Mussoorie, Ranikhet, Dhanaulti |
| May–June | Best summer weather | Auli, Chopta, Kausani |
| July–August | Monsoon greenery | Lansdowne, Chakrata |
For tourists escaping the summer heat, Uttarakhand offers the perfect mix of mountainous weather, scenic views, and affordable travel.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Uttarakhand for Summer 2026
1. Dhanaulti
If you’re looking for a peaceful hill town that isn’t overcrowded like Mussoorie, Dhanaulti is the perfect choice. Located about 25 km from Mussoorie, it offers dense forests, fresh mountain air, and incredible Himalayan views.
Top things to do
- Visit Eco Park and walk through the pine forests
- Trek to Surkanda Devi Temple
- Try forest camping and explore apple orchards
Best time: May–June
Distance from Delhi: ~310 km (7–8 hrs)
Budget: 10k-15k
📸 Instagram spot: Eco Park sunrise viewpoint
2. Chakrata
If you want an offbeat destination where tourist crowds are minimal, Chakrata is one of the best options. This quiet cantonment town offers waterfalls, mountain views, and peaceful hiking trails.
Top things to do
- Visit Tiger Falls
- Watch sunset from Chilmiri Neck
- Explore local culture and cantonment area
Best time: May–June
Distance: ~320 km (7–8 hrs)
Budget: 10k-15k
📸 Instagram spot: Tiger Falls viewpoint
3. Ranikhet
Known for its calm atmosphere and colonial charm, Ranikhet is perfect for a slow and peaceful mountain getaway.
Top things to do
- Walk through Ranikhet Golf Course
- Visit Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum
- Enjoy views from Majkhali
Best time: April–June
Distance: ~350 km (8–9 hrs)
Budget: 10k-15k
📸 Instagram spot: Majkhali sunrise view
4. Auli
Auli is famous for skiing, but summer is equally magical with lush green meadows and clear Himalayan views.
Top things to do
- Ride Auli Gondola
- Trek to Gorson Bugyal
- View Nanda Devi peak
Best time: May–June
Distance: ~500 km (11–12 hrs)
Budget: 10k-15k
📸 Instagram spot: Ropeway viewpoint
5. Kausani
Often called the “Switzerland of India”, Kausani offers stunning Himalayan panoramas.
Top things to do
- Visit Anasakti Ashram
- Explore tea gardens
- Visit Baijnath temples
Best time: April–June
Distance: ~410 km (9–10 hrs)
Budget: 9k-12k
📸 Instagram spot: Sunrise view
6. Mussoorie
Despite crowds, Mussoorie remains one of the most iconic hill stations.
Top things to do
- Visit Kempty Falls
- Walk on Mall Road
- Watch sunset at Lal Tibba
Best time: April–June
Budget: 8k-10k
📸 Instagram spot: Lal Tibba
7. Lansdowne
A quiet and less commercial hill station, perfect for relaxing trips.
Top things to do
- Visit Tip-n-Top viewpoint
- Explore Tarkeshwar Mahadev temple
- See Bhim Pakora
Best time: April–June
Budget: 10k-12k
📸 Instagram spot: Sunset at Tip-n-Top
8. Chopta
Chopta – A paradise for trekkers, often called the Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand.
Top things to do
- Trek to Tungnath Temple
- Continue to Chandrashila peak
- Walk through forests
Best time: May–June
Budget: 10k-12k
📸 Instagram spot: Chandrashila summit
9. Binsar
Perfect for nature lovers, surrounded by wildlife and forests.
Top things to do
- Visit Zero Point
- Explore Wildlife Sanctuary
- Visit Kasar Devi temple
Best time: April–June
Budget: 8k-10k
📸 Instagram spot: Zero Point
10. Munsiyari
One of the most breathtaking and adventurous destinations in Uttarakhand.
Top things to do
- Trek to Khaliya Top
- Explore Johar Valley
- Visit Milam Glacier
Best time: May–June
Budget: 10k-15k
📸 Instagram spot: Panchachuli peaks
How to Reach Uttarakhand
By Air
Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun), around 30 minutes from Rishikesh.
By Train
Major stations: Haridwar, Dehradun, Kathgodam.
By Road
- NH-58 → Garhwal region
- NH-74 → Kumaon region
Distance and Travel Time
| Destination | Distance from Delhi | Travel Time |
| Dhanaulti | 310 km | 7–8 hrs |
| Chakrata | 320 km | 7–8 hrs |
| Ranikhet | 350 km | 8–9 hrs |
| Auli | 500 km | 11–12 hrs |
| Kausani | 410 km | 9–10 hrs |
Suggested Summer Itineraries
3-Day Delhi Escape (₹6,000–9,000)
Day 1 — Delhi → Dhanaulti
Day 2 — Dhanaulti → Chakrata
Day 3 — Chakrata → Delhi
5-Day Garhwal Circuit (₹9,000–13,000)
Day 1 — Delhi → Rishikesh
Day 2 — Rishikesh → Chopta
Day 3 — Chopta → Auli
Day 4 — Auli → Dhanaulti
Day 5 — Return
7-Day Kumaon Circuit (₹12,000–18,000)
Day 1–2 — Ranikhet
Day 3 — Kausani
Day 4 — Binsar
Day 5–6 — Munsiyari
Day 7 — Return
Summer Travel Tips for Uttarakhand
- Carry a light jacket (temperatures drop in evenings)
- Book hotels 3–4 weeks in advance
- Keep cash for remote areas
- Download offline maps
- Hire local guides for treks
What to Pack for a Summer Trip in India
Essentials:
Light clothes like cotton tshirts, Comfy tees and hoodies for cold destination
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Comfortable shoes
Conclusion
Uttarakhand offers something for every type of traveller. Whether you want Himalayan views, quiet forest towns, or peaceful retreats, there are countless places to visit in Uttarakhand that cater to every travel style.
If you’re planning a summer trip in 2026, the best time to explore these places to visit in Uttarakhand during summer is between May and early June, when the weather is perfect and trekking routes are open.
The mountains will still be there in August, but your leave days may not be. So it’s a great idea to start planning your trip now and discover the best places to visit in Uttarakhand without the last-minute rush.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Which is the best place to visit in Uttarakhand in summer?
Dhanaulti is excellent for beginners, Auli for trekking lovers, and Munsiyari for adventure seekers.Q1.
Q2. Is Uttarakhand safe in June?
Yes, most destinations are safe. Some areas may see early monsoon rains after mid-June.
Q3. How many days are enough?
4–5 days for one region, 7 days for a complete trip.
Q4. What is the budget?
₹5,000–8,000 for a short trip, ₹12,000–18,000 for a longer circuit.
Q5. Most offbeat place?
Chakrata, Lansdowne, and Munsiyari.