Mountain Tour Destinations
India’s mountains offer something for every traveller, from the snow peaks of Kashmir and Ladakh to the tea hills of Darjeeling and the green valleys of Kerala. This guide covers the best mountain tour destinations in India, with a short overview of each place and the best time to go.
Indian Tour and Travel, a Delhi-based operator, plans every mountain tour with private cars, handpicked hotels and local guides. Browse the destinations below, then send us an enquiry and we will build a customised mountain tour around your dates and budget.
Mountain Tour Destinations in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand offers the Kumaon and Garhwal hills, lakes, snow views and a quieter pace, within a few hours of Delhi.
Nainital Tour
Nainital is a glittering jewel in the Himalyan necklace, blessed with scenic natural spledour and varied natural resources. Dotted with lakes (Naini Lake, Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal, Khurpatal, Sattal), Nainital has earned the epithet of ‘Lake District’ of India.
Additional info: Go boating on Naini Lake and ride up to Snow View Point. Best time: March to June; September to November. Duration: 2–3 days.
Naukuchiatal Tour
Naukuchiatal is a mystique lake with 9 corners surrounded by forests and hills on all sides. It is one of the best places to find solace and peace in the hills away from the maddening crowd in the plains.
Additional info: Boating and birdwatching are the main activities. Best time: March to June; September to November. Duration: 1 day, or an overnight stay.
Mussoorie Tour
Mussoorie provides a welcome relief to the hundreds of tourists taking a break from the hot and sultry weather of the plains. This beautiful hill station is famous for its lovely, lush green hills, varied flora and fauna and the fascinating view of the Doon Valley and the Shivalik Ranges.
Additional info: Known as the Queen of the Hills. Visit Kempty Falls, walk the Mall Road and Camel’s Back Road, and ride the cable car to Gun Hill. Best time: March to June; September to November. Duration: 2 days.
Almora Tour
Nestled between the Kosi and the Suyal rivers, Almora is famous for its picturesque landscape and a wonderful climate. Developed by Chand Rajas and nurtured by the British, Almora had been an important cultural and political region of the Kumaon for more than 400 years. It is famous for its temples like Chitai (Golu Devta Temple) and Nanda Devi, magnificent snowy peaks of the Himalayas, quaint cottages, and the abundance flora and fauna.
Additional info: Best time: March to June; September to November. Duration: 2 days.
Binsar Tour
Binsar is surrounded by dense forests where oak, rhododendron, pine and deodar grow in large numbers. Binsar is famous for the excellent view that it offers of the Kumaon hills and the greater Himalayas. The main attraction is the 3000km stretch of the majestic Himalayas and its lofty snow-capped peaks like Kedarnath, Trishul, Nanda Kot, Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, and Panchachuli. Binsar is particularly famous for its wildlife sanctuary which is spread over an area of 45.59 square km and is home to over 200 bird species.
Additional info: Best time: March to June; September to November. Duration: 1–2 days.
Ranikhet Tour
The lush green forests, the majestic Himalayas, the sights, sounds and smell of the flora and fauna have an enchanting effect on the visitors. Ranikhet draws hundreds of tourists each year for its unforgettable natural beauty, ancient temples, fascinating picturesque picnic spots and exciting treks.
Additional info: Ranikhet is a calm cantonment hill town. Visit Chaubatia Gardens and Jhula Devi Temple. Best time: March to June; September to November. Duration: 2 days.
Kausani Tour
Originally known as Valna, Kausani is a famous hill resort in Uttarakhand providing an excellent view of the 350km stretch of the Himalayas on a clear sky. The peaks like Nanda Devi, Trisul, and Panchchuli are visible from Kausani.
Additional info: Visit the tea gardens and Anasakti Ashram. Best time: March to June; September to November. Duration: 2 days.
Mukteshwar Tour
Mukteshwar is a gorgeous hill station with its own unique charm and easy accessibility. It is now famous for the Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Mukteshwar Reserve Forest and the Mukteshwar Temple.
Additional info: It is an easy add-on to Nainital. Best time: March to June; September to November. Duration: 1–2 days.
Auli Tour
Auli is one of the less explore hill stations in India. Auli, located in the northern state of Uttarakhand, is a new entrant in the tourist map of India. Located in the cradle of snow-capped mountains, Auli is one of the very few places in India where skiing is a major pastime. Gradually Auli is growing like other hill stations in India. The bitter cold winds, the vast snow-covered landscape, the sylvan mountains, all add up to make Auli a skier’s paradise.
Additional info: A ropeway from Joshimath makes access easy, and there are views of Nanda Devi. Check current road conditions in the region before you travel. Best time: January to March for skiing; April to June for views. Duration: 2–3 days.
Valley of Flowers Tour
The Valley of Flowers was declared a National Park in 1982 and stretches over an area of 87.50 sq.km. In 2005, UNESCO added The Valley of Flowers to the list of World Heritage Sites.
Additional info: The alpine meadows bloom in the monsoon, and the trek starts from Govindghat via Ghangaria. Best time: July to August for flowers (the park is open roughly June to October). Duration: 5–6 days.
Lansdowne Tour
Nestled between the Kosi and the Suyal rivers, Almora is famous for its picturesque landscape and a wonderful climate.
Additional info: Lansdowne is a quiet Garhwal hill town in Pauri Garhwal, roughly 250 km from Delhi, with a cantonment atmosphere, St. Mary’s Church and Bhulla Tal lake. It suits short weekend trips from Delhi. Best time: March to June; September to November. Duration: 1–2 days.
Mountain Tour Destinations in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh
From lakes and meadows to high-altitude deserts, this region has India’s most dramatic mountain scenery.
Srinagar Tour
Aptly termed as the “Paradise on Earth”, Srinagar is surrounded by gleaming rivers, placid lakes, snow-capped mountains and marvelous gardens. As a tourist, you would be zapped by the beauty of the city. The Dal lake enhances the beauty of the place.
Additional info: Stay on a houseboat on Dal Lake, take a shikara ride and visit the Mughal gardens, including Nishat and Shalimar. Best time: April to October (tulip season in April). Duration: 3–4 days.
Gulmarg Tour
As the name suggests, Gulmarg is indeed blessed by Mother Nature. It is one of the most beautiful hill stations of India located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is covered with massive fir and pine forests and snow capped mountain peaks. It is also dotted with colourful flowers like bluebells, daisies, buttercups and forget-me-nots. Gulmarg attracts thousands of tourists each year from all over the globe mainly because of its exquisite natural beauty and opportunities for trekking, riding, and golfing during summer months and skiing during winter months.
Additional info: Ride the gondola. Best time: December to March for snow; May to September for greenery. Duration: 2 days.
Patnitop Tour
Unlike other hill stations in North India, Patnitop is a less explored destination. However, this place is no less beautiful or serene. The meadows are surrounded by lofty pine trees and dense forests.
Additional info: Patnitop is on the Jammu–Srinagar route, suits families and has light snow in winter. Best time: March to October; December to February for snow. Duration: 1–2 days.
Ladakh Tour
Known as “Little Tibet”, you would be bewildered by the geographical and cultural difference with the rest of India because of the extensive Tibetan influence.
Additional info: Ladakh combines monasteries such as Hemis and Thiksey with Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley and high passes. Permits are required for some areas, and you need 1–2 days to acclimatise in Leh before travelling higher. Best time: June to September. Duration: 6–8 days.
Mountain Tour Destinations in Darjeeling and Shillong
Darjeeling Tour
Darjeeling, a famous hill station of West Bengal is popular for its lofty, snow-capped mountain peaks and lush green valleys. It is famous for the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway which has found a place among the World Heritage Sites. It is the first and the most extraordinary example of hill passenger railway.
Additional info: Catch sunrise at Tiger Hill and visit the Batasia Loop. Add Kalimpong and Gangtok for a longer mountain tour. Best time: March to May; October to November. Duration: 3 days (5–7 days with Kalimpong and Gangtok).
Shillong Tour
Known as the “Scotland of the East”, Shillong is famous for its veritable climate, tall pine trees covered with whispering green leaves, lovely waterfalls, excellent scenic beauty and picturesque setting.
Additional info: Visit Elephant Falls and Umiam Lake. Shillong is also the base for visiting Cherrapunji. Best time: October to May. Duration: 2–3 days.
Mountain Tour Destinations in South India
Ooty Tour
Ooty is noted for its unadulterated beauty where people come to relax away from their busy lives. It used to be a common getaway for the Britishers during the colonial times.
Additional info: Ooty is known for its botanical gardens, lake, tea estates and the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. Best time: April to June; September to November. Duration: 2–3 days.
Coonoor Tour
Coonoor is a popular tourist spot and a quiet getaway for people in Coimbatore. If you are a bird lover, then you must visit Coonoor for birdwatching as a variety of birds can be spotted here. Other important places of attractions are Sim’s Park, Lamb’s Rock and Dolphin’s Nose.
Additional info: Best time: April to June; September to November. Duration: 1–2 days.
Munnar Tour
Munnar is one of the busiest and has the world’s best tea estate. The quaint little hill station is famous for its sprawling tea gardens, winding lanes, and trekking options.
Additional info: Eravikulam National Park shelters the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Best time: September to March. Duration: 2–3 days.
Kodaikanal Tour
Kodaikanal is one of the most beautiful hill stations of Tamil Nadu and is famous for its pristine natural beauty, cold streams, spectacular views and rows of silky pine trees. Kurunji (Strobilanthus Kunthanus), the unique flowering plant hat last blossomed in 2004 is nature’s precious gift to Kodaikanal.
Additional info: Visit viewpoints such as Coaker’s Walk. The Kurunji flower blooms only once every twelve years. Best time: April to June; September to October. Duration: 2–3 days.
Coorg Tour
Dubbed as the ‘Scotland of India,’ Coorg has a lot to offer to its tourists. Coffee and tea plantaions, deep, dense forests and lush green valleys, misty mountain peaks and breathtaking views make Coorg and Madikeri the district headquarters an unforgettable experience.
Additional info: Coorg is also called Kodagu. Visit waterfalls such as Abbey Falls. Best time: October to March. Duration: 2–3 days.
Wayanad Tour
Nestled in the mountains of Western Ghats, Wayanad is one of the most beautiful hill stations of Kerala. Wayanad is famous for its unending paths of greenery, hills, rocks and valleys.
Additional info: Visit caves such as Edakkal, and the lakes and dams. In the monsoon, check local conditions before you travel. Best time: October to May. Duration: 2–3 days.
Spiritual Mountain Destinations
These sacred sites sit in the mountains and suit pilgrims who want a mountain tour with a spiritual focus.
Gangotri and Gaumukh
The main source of the Ganges, Gaumukh, is at the mouth of the Gaumukh glacier where blocks of glacier ice fall into the river and pilgrims take a bath in freezing water to cleanse themselves of all the sins. The sight of Gaumukh is incredible with Bhagirathi emerging out of an enormous cavern. Gaumukh is like paradise where one would find things in its purist form. One must visit Gaumukh for the panoramic view and lovely clean air. The holy glacier has much to offer than just its religious significance.
Additional info: The Gangotri shrine usually opens around late April or May and closes around Diwali.
Uttarkashi
Uttarkashi is an important pilgrimage center having some major temples and places of religious importance like Gangotri and Yamunotri. Besides being a major pilgrim centre, Uttarakashi district is famous for the natural scenic spots like Harsil and Maneri.
Jageshwar
Jageshwar is dedicated to Lord Shiva and houses more than 200 temples. Hundreds of tourists visit Jageshwar each year especially during Shivratri as it is believed to represent one of the 12 jyotirlingas in India. Jageshwar is famous as a center of worship of Lord Shiva and is believed to possess tantric powers.
Bageshwar
Bageshwar is a beautiful town known as the “Abode of Gods” as it is an important place of worship. Bageshwar is a pious and holy land with the famous Bagnath Temple situated here. The annual Uttaraini fair is held in January each year. It is also a great place for adventure sports lovers. The famous Pindari, Sunderdunga and Kafni glaciers can be reached via Bageshwar.
Vaishno Devi
Vaishno Devi resides in a holy cave at the folds of a three peaked mountain named Trikuta or Trikoot. Mother Goddess in the Holy Cave is in a natural rock form which is one at the base but has three heads at the top known as the Holy Pindies and are worshipped as the revelation of the Mother Goddess.
Additional info: The shrine is near Katra, one of India’s most visited pilgrimages. The trek from Katra is about 12 km and the shrine is open year-round.
Amarnath
Amarnath cave is famous for the natural formation of the ice Shiva Linga along with two other formations of Ganesh and Parvati. It is believed that the lingam grows and shrinks with the phases of the moon, reaching its height during the summer festival.
Additional info: The Amarnath yatra is held in summer. Registration is mandatory and dates are set by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, so check the current schedule before booking.
Mountain Tour FAQs
Plan your mountain tour with confidence. Straight answers on seasons, snow, permits and what is included.
Which are the best mountain tour destinations in India for families?
Shimla, Manali, Nainital, Mussoorie, Ooty and Munnar are easy choices for a family mountain tour. They have good road access, a wide range of hotels and short drives between sights.
What is the best time to plan a mountain tour in India?
March to June suits most Himalayan hill stations, while September to November gives clear mountain views. Winter is best for snow in Auli, Gulmarg and Manali. Ladakh and Spiti are best from June to September or October. South Indian hill stations are pleasant from October to March.
How many days are needed for a mountain tour to Shimla and Manali?
Plan about 5 to 7 nights for a comfortable round trip from Delhi covering Shimla, Manali and the drives in between.
Which mountain tour is best for a honeymoon?
Manali, Shimla, Darjeeling, Srinagar with Gulmarg, Munnar and Coorg are popular honeymoon mountain tours. See our honeymoon tour packages for ideas.
Which mountain destinations are best for snow?
Auli, Gulmarg, Manali (Solang Valley), Shimla with Kufri, and Dalhousie are the main choices from December to February.
Do I need permits or acclimatisation for Ladakh?
Some areas of Ladakh need permits, and you should rest in Leh for 1 to 2 days before going to higher places such as Pangong Lake or Nubra Valley. We arrange the permits and a suitable itinerary for you.
What is included in a mountain tour package?
Our mountain tours are arranged with a private car and driver, hotel stays and local guides where needed. Exact inclusions depend on the package and destination, so ask us for the full itinerary and inclusions before you book.
Can you customise a mountain tour for my group?
Yes. Tell us your dates, group size and budget, and we will build a private itinerary with cars, hotels and guides. You can call or WhatsApp us on +91 9871274394 or email info@indiantourandtravel.com.
