Garhwal is the western Himalayan heartland of Uttarakhand, renowned for its sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites, snow peaks, and lush valleys cradling the Ganga and Yamuna river sources. It offers spiritual journeys alongside trekking, rafting, and serene hill retreats for diverse travellers.

Tourism in Garhwal

Tourism thrives on religious circuits like Chota Char Dham (Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath), alongside adventure in rivers, glaciers, and high meadows. Visitors balance temple darshan with nature camps, yoga retreats, and eco-stays, peaking during summer yatra season.

Location

Garhwal spans Uttarakhand’s northwest, covering districts like Dehradun, Haridwar, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarkashi, Pauri Garhwal, Rudraprayag and Chamoli. Bordered by Tibet north, Himachal Pradesh northwest, Kumaon east, and plains south, it features rugged Greater Himalaya ranges from 400–7,800m.

History

Garhwal’s roots trace to ancient kingdoms, with the Panwar dynasty ruling from 823–1803 before Gorkha invasion and British control. Post-independence, it formed core Uttarakhand districts, preserving Panch Kedar and Char Dham traditions central to Hindu pilgrimage for centuries.

Fairs and Festivals

Key events include Char Dham temple openings (Akshaya Tritiya) and closings (Diwali), Nanda Devi Raj Jat (12-year cycle), and harvest fairs like Harela with folk dances. Local celebrations of Makar Sankranti, Kanwar Yatra and nine-day Navratris fill valleys with music, processions and community feasts.

How to reach

• By Air: Jolly Grant (Dehradun) as main hub, 25km from city centre.
• By Rail: Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh as gateways; Kathgodam for Pauri routes.
• By Road: NH7/94 from Delhi (250–300km to Dehradun/Haridwar); seasonal buses to hill towns via Rishikesh–Devprayag–Srinagar highways.

Tourist Attractions

• Char Dham & Panch Kedar: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath temples plus Tungnath, Madmaheshwar shrines.
• Valleys & Lakes: Harsil, Chopta (Mini Switzerland), Deoria Tal, Satopanth Lake.
• Adventure: Gaumukh-Tapovan trek, Valley of Flowers, Rafting on Ganga/Alaknanda.
• Hill stations: Mussoorie, Lansdowne, Chakrata with viewpoints and colonial charm.

Cuisine of Garhwal

Garhwali food emphasises local grains: mandua/jhangora rotis, bhatt ki churkani (black soybean), gahat dal, aloo ke gutke, kafuli (spinach curry). Simple, warming dishes like chainsoo (black gram), jhangore ki kheer suit high altitudes, paired with chai and festival