Top 10 Uttarakhand Bike Tours:
Uttarakhand, the “Land of the Gods,” is not just a spiritual haven, but also a paradise for adventure seekers, especially bikers. With its winding roads, majestic mountains, and breathtaking landscapes, Uttarakhand offers some of the most incredible bike tour experiences in India.
Here are 10 exciting bike tours to choose from, catering to different interests and experience levels:
1. The Himalayan Odyssey:
Start your journey in Delhi, the bustling capital. From there, you traverse to the spiritual haven of Rishikesh, known for its yoga and meditation centers. As you ride on, you encounter the confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers at Devprayag, forming the holy Ganges. The route then takes you through Rudraprayag, a gateway to holy shrines like Kedarnath and Badrinath. You conquer the challenging climb to Auli, a popular ski resort, and reach Joshimath, offering stunning Himalayan views. The adventure continues with a visit to Mana, the last village on the India-China border, before heading to the picturesque Nainital, a hill station nestled amidst lakes. Finally, you cap off the journey by spotting wildlife in Corbett National Park before returning to Delhi.
- Duration: 10 days
- Level: Moderate to Difficult
- Itinerary: Delhi – Rishikesh – Devprayag – Rudraprayag – Auli – Joshimath – Mana – Nainital – Corbett National Park – Delhi
- Highlights: Experience the spiritual aura of Rishikesh, conquer the challenging Auli climb, witness the beauty of Nainital, and spot wildlife in Corbett National Park.
2. The Garhwal Delight:
Starting your ride in Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand. You cruise through the hill stations of Mussoorie, known as the “Queen of Hills,” and Dhanaulti, offering panoramic views. The tour takes you to Kanatal, a peaceful getaway amidst nature, before reaching the vibrant city of Rishikesh. Immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere, participate in adventure activities like white water rafting, or simply relax by the Ganges. The journey concludes in Haridwar, another holy town known for its “Kumbh Mela” festival, before returning to Dehradun.
- Duration: 7 days
- Level: Easy to Moderate
- Itinerary: Dehradun – Mussoorie – Dhanaulti – Kanatal – Rishikesh – Haridwar – Dehradun
- Highlights: Explore the scenic beauty of Mussoorie and Dhanaulti, experience the adventure activities and spiritual vibes of Rishikesh and Haridwar.
3. The Valley of Flowers Enchantment:
Beginning in Dehradun, you head to Govindghat, the starting point for treks to the Valley of Flowers National Park. From there, you take a scenic ride to Bhangshaku and Ghangaria, nestled amidst mountains. The highlight is reaching the Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, bursting with colorful blooms during the summer months. You then proceed to Hemkund Sahib, a revered Sikh pilgrimage site, before returning to Joshimath and Auli for breathtaking Himalayan vistas. Finally, you make your way back to Dehradun.
- Duration: 8 days
- Level: Moderate
- Itinerary: Dehradun – Govindghat – Bhangshaku – Ghangaria – Valley of Flowers – Hemkund Sahib – Joshimath – Auli – Dehradun
- Highlights: Witness the vibrant floral carpet of Valley of Flowers, visit the holy shrine of Hemkund Sahib, and enjoy scenic views from Auli.
4. The Kumaon Explorer:
Starting in Haldwani, the gateway to Kumaon region, you ride to Nainital, a charming hill station nestled around a lake. Next stop is Almora, known for its scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage. You then explore Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to diverse flora and fauna. The tour concludes in Ranikhet, a hill station offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas, before returning to Haldwani.
- Duration: 5 days
- Level: Easy to Moderate
- Itinerary: Haldwani – Nainital – Almora – Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary – Ranikhet – Haldwani
- Highlights: Explore the charming hill stations of Nainital, Almora, and Ranikhet, enjoy nature walks in Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary.
5. The Pilgrim’s Path:
Starting in Haridwar, a holy town on the banks of the Ganges, you proceed to Rishikesh, the “Yoga Capital of the World.” From there, you embark on a pilgrimage to Kedarnath, one of the four Dhams, located amidst the majestic Himalayas. The route then takes you to Rudraprayag, the confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers, before reaching Badrinath, another revered Dham dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Finally, you return to Haridwar via Joshimath, a scenic town nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas.
- Duration: 6 days
- Level: Easy to Moderate
- Itinerary: Haridwar – Rishikesh – Kedarnath – Rudraprayag – Badrinath – Joshimath – Haridwar
- Highlights: Visit the holy shrines of Kedarnath and Badrinath, experience the spiritual significance of Haridwar and Rishikesh.
6. The Offbeat Uttarakhand:
This tour takes you off the beaten track. Starting in Dehradun, you head to Chakrata, a cantonment town offering serene natural beauty. The journey takes you through Lohajung, a popular base camp for treks, and the picturesque Sari Village. Witness the tranquility of Dodital Lake, surrounded by lush forests, before reaching Mori, a hidden village nestled in the Himalayas. The tour culminates in Agoda, a charming town known for its apple orchards, before returning to Dehradun.
- Duration: 9 days
- Level: Moderate to Difficult
- Itinerary: Dehradun – Chakrata – Lohajung – Sari Village – Dodital Lake – Mori – Agoda – Dehradun
- Highlights: Explore the offbeat beauty of Chakrata and Lohajung, experience the serenity of Dodital Lake, discover the hidden village of Mori.
7. The Monsoon Magic:
This tour lets you experience the lush greenery and cascading waterfalls of Uttarakhand during the monsoons. Starting in Delhi, you ride to Mussoorie, where the mist-clad hills offer a unique charm. You explore Dhanaulti and Kanatal, enjoying the scenic beauty enhanced by the rains. The tour concludes in Rishikesh, where you can relax by the Ganges or indulge in thrilling water adventures.
- Duration: 5 days
- Level: Easy to Moderate
- Itinerary: Delhi – Mussoorie – Dhanaulti – Kanatal – Rishikesh – Delhi
- Highlights: Experience the lush greenery and waterfalls during the monsoon season, enjoy the scenic beauty of hill stations in misty clouds.
8. The Heritage Ride:
This tour takes you on a historical journey. Beginning in Dehradun, you explore Landour, a cantonment town known for its colonial architecture. From there, you visit Rajaji National Park, a haven for diverse wildlife and historical sites. The ride continues to Rishikesh and Haridwar, where you can immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of these holy towns.
- Duration: 7 days
- Level: Easy to Moderate
- Itinerary: Dehradun – Landour – Rajaji National Park – Rishikesh – Haridwar – Dehradun
- Highlights: Explore the historical town of Landour, visit Rajaji National Park, experience the cultural heritage of Rishikesh and Haridwar.
9. The Family Fun Ride:
This short and easy tour allows you to enjoy a relaxed ride around Rishikesh. Starting and ending in the “Yoga Capital of the World,” you can take scenic rides along the Ganges, explore the town, and participate in fun activities like river rafting in Shivpuri. You can also visit the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills.
- Duration: 4 days
- Level: Easy
- Itinerary: Rishikesh – Shivpuri – Neelkanth Mahadev – Rishikesh
- Highlights: Enjoy easy rides around Rishikesh, experience river rafting and other adventure activities in Shivpuri, visit Neelkanth Mahadev temple.
10. The Himalayan Challenge:
This challenging tour takes you through the rugged terrain of the Himalayas. Starting in Delhi, you ride to Shimla, the “Queen of Hills,” before tackling the challenging climb to Narkanda. From there, you enter the breathtaking Spiti Valley, known for its remote villages, monasteries, and stunning landscapes. Explore the towns of Sangla, Reckong Peo, and Kalpa, experiencing the unique culture and breathtaking mountain vistas. Finally, you ride through Manali, another popular hill station, before returning to Delhi.
- Duration: 12 days
- Level: Difficult
- Itinerary: Delhi – Shimla – Narkanda – Sangla – Reckong Peo – Kalpa – Spiti Valley – Manali – Delhi
- Highlights: Conquer the challenging terrain of Spiti Valley, experience the unique culture, and witness breathtaking mountain landscapes.
Remember:
- These are just a few examples, and numerous other bike tours cater to various interests and preferences.
- Choose a tour based on your experience level, fitness level, and desired duration.
- Ensure proper safety measures by wearing helmets and carrying appropriate gear.
- Respect the local environment and culture during your ride.
Conclusion
Uttarakhand, with its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and spiritual significance, offers the perfect playground for an unforgettable bike tour adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned rider seeking a challenging Himalayan climb or a family looking for a leisurely ride around Rishikesh, there’s a tour waiting for you.
Choose your adventure based on your experience, fitness level, and interests. Remember to prioritize safety, respect the environment, and pack your sense of adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. What is the best time to go on a bike tour in Uttarakhand?
The ideal time depends on your preferences. April to June offer pleasant weather for riding, while the monsoon season (July to September) showcases lush greenery and waterfalls. September to November provide comfortable temperatures, while winter (December to February) offers a unique experience for experienced riders comfortable with cold weather.
2. What kind of bike do I need?
A touring bike or adventure bike is recommended for most tours, offering comfort and handling for various terrains. Consult with the tour operator for specific recommendations based on the chosen tour.
3. Do I need any special permits for biking in Uttarakhand?
Some restricted areas might require permits. Check with the tour operator if any specific permits are needed for your chosen route.
4. What are the road conditions like in Uttarakhand?
Road conditions vary depending on the location. Some routes might have well-maintained highways, while others might have off-road sections requiring experience and caution. Choose a tour that suits your riding skill and comfort level.
5. What are the safety precautions I should take?
Always wear a helmet and appropriate riding gear. Carry a first-aid kit, repair tools, and essentials like water and snacks. Be aware of your surroundings, ride responsibly, and respect traffic rules.
