Adventure, spirituality, and incredible nature come together in the mountains of Uttarakhand. In the lower Himalayas, you’ll see the grandeur of nature as you soar above the mountains and experience the spirituality of holy towns by the River Ganga. Here are four incredible experiences in beautiful Uttarakhand.
Every evening as the sun sets on Rishikesh, the banks of the holy River Ganga at the Parmarth Niketan Ashram come alive. This is the site of the Ganga Aarti, a spectacular riverside ritual with lamps and flowers, bells and chanting. The air is charged with spirituality as priests perform their rituals, chant in unison, light lamps and then immerse them in the river. Hundreds of people gather to watch this holy ceremony in a most scenic natural setting. The riverside aarti is truly the highlight of any visit to a holy city.
For unparalleled views of Himalayan peaks and valleys and a healthy dose of adrenaline, sign up for a paragliding experience in Mussoorie. On this tandem ride, a pilot will navigate as you soar above the Doon Valley with the crisp mountain wind in your hair. Gaze across a carpet of lush green plains and forested mountain peaks, see the busy towns of Mussoorie and Dehradun from up high, and experience the thrill of flying like a bird.
In the lap of the Garhwal Himalaya, Rishikesh is blessed with grand mountains, forests, and the mighty River Ganga. The town is a hub of thrilling adventure activity, and river rafting is among the most popular things to do here. With rapids from grade 1 to 5, there are options for every level of difficulty. Choose from an adrenaline-filled rafting experience as you’re tossed about on large rapids, or a more relaxing ride on the river. You’ll wind between the mountains on an inflatable raft, with stunning views all along the way.
Most cities today are plagued by light pollution. When was the last time you looked up at a truly dark sky, covered in a blanket of stars? In the mountains of Uttarakhand, this is a rather common sight. Venture into quiet, high-altitude towns like Ramgarh, where the night sky reveals its magic to those who seek it. On this wonderful stargazing experience, you’ll see galaxies and planets, asteroids and bright stars under an undisturbed night sky.
