Uttarakhand Trip Itinerary and Cost Estimate
Trip Overview
Starting Point: Varanasi
Main Destination: Kainchi Dham, with stops at nearby Uttarakhand
locations
Total Distance: ~2,200 km (round trip)
Duration: 10 days
Travel Group: 5 people in a CNG/petrol car
Estimated Total Cost: ~INR 79,665 (about INR 15,933 per person)
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Travel from Varanasi to Kathgodam/Nainital
Distance: ~750 km
Travel: Start from Varanasi, drive via Lucknow and Bareilly to
Kathgodam/Nainital.
Fuel: Use CNG if possible along highways.
Stay: Nainital or Kathgodam (INR 3,000 for 2 rooms)
Day 2: Visit Kainchi Dham (Neem Karoli Baba Ashram)
Distance from Nainital: ~20 km (approx. 1 hour)
Activity: Spend time at Kainchi Dham Ashram, a spiritual spot for
meditation and peace.
Nearby Places:
- Bhimtal: A serene lake around 45 minutes away.
- Nainital: For evening relaxation.
Stay: Nainital (INR 3,000 for 2 rooms)
Day 3: Nainital Exploration
Activities:
- Naini Lake: Enjoy boating or a lakeside walk.
- Naina Devi Temple: Visit this revered temple.
- Snow View Point: For a Himalayan panoramic view.
Stay: Nainital (INR 3,000 for 2 rooms)
Day 4: Travel to Ranikhet
Distance: ~60 km (approx. 2-3 hours)
Activities:
- Jhula Devi Temple: Famous for its hanging bells.
- Chaubatia Gardens: Known for scenic orchards and panoramic
views.
- Haidakhan Babaji Ashram: Spiritual place.
Stay: Ranikhet (INR 3,000 for 2 rooms)
Day 5: Almora and Jageshwar Dham
Distance: Ranikhet to Almora ~50 km (1.5 hours), then Jageshwar
round trip ~70 km
Activities:
- Jageshwar Dham: Ancient Shiva temples set in deodar forests.
- Kasar Devi Temple: Known for its peaceful energy and spiritual
vibes.
Stay: Almora (INR 3,000 for 2 rooms)
Day 6: Binsar
Distance: ~30 km from Almora
Activities:
- Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary: Ideal for nature walks, spotting wildlife.
- Zero Point: Scenic viewpoint offering a 360-degree view of the
Himalayas.
Stay: Binsar or Almora (INR 3,000 for 2 rooms)
Day 7: Kausani
Distance: ~50 km from Binsar
Activities:
- Anasakti Ashram: Mahatma Gandhi stayed here, serene
surroundings.
- Baijnath Temple: Ancient temple complex on the Gomti River.
- Tea Gardens: Guided tours of local tea plantations.
Stay: Kausani (INR 3,000 for 2 rooms)
Day 8-9: Rishikesh and Haridwar
Distance: ~250 km from Kausani
Activities in Rishikesh:
- Triveni Ghat: Evening Ganga Aarti.
- Laxman Jhula & Ram Jhula: Iconic suspension bridges.
- Parmarth Niketan Ashram: Renowned for yoga and meditation.
Day Trip to Haridwar: ~40 km round-trip from Rishikesh
- Har Ki Pauri: Attend the Ganga Aarti, experience spiritual
ambiance.
Stay: Rishikesh (INR 3,000 for 2 rooms)
Day 10: Return to Varanasi
Distance: ~800 km
Travel: Drive back to Varanasi via highways, with CNG refueling stops
where available.
Estimated Cost Breakdown
Expense | Total Cost (INR) | Per Person (INR)
Fuel (CNG & Petrol) | 11,165 | 2,233
Tolls | 5,500 | 1,100
Accommodation | 30,000 | 6,000
Food | 30,000 | 6,000
Miscellaneous | 3,000 | 600
Total | 79,665 | 15,933
Key Tips
- CNG Availability: Refuel in Delhi, NCR, and Haridwar as CNG is
limited in the hills. Carry a full petrol tank when heading into hilly
areas.
- Weather: February-end can be cold in Uttarakhand, so bring warm
clothing.
- Advance Booking: Book accommodations early, especially if
planning to stay at any ashrams.
This itinerary provides a balanced mix of spiritual sites, nature, and
cultural exploration in Uttarakhand, with all essential details
integrated for a smooth, well-prepared trip.
