Uttarakhand vs Himachal – Which Is Better for a Monsoon Getaway?
- Jyoti Sharma
- Jun 24
- 4 min read
Hey you, fellow rain lover!
If you’re here, you’re probably bored of city rains and dreaming of sipping hot chai somewhere in the misty hills. I get you. I’m the same. When I crave mist, Maggi and mountain views, only two places pop in my head — Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
But which is better for a monsoon trip? Let me tell you what I’ve seen, felt, and learned — so you can plan the coziest rainy escape ever.
Why Take a Monsoon Trip to the Hills?
Most people think “Ew, rains = mud and mess.” I think “Yes, rains = mountains wearing their prettiest green saree!”
Last August, I went to Mukteshwar when the rain had just washed everything squeaky clean. I read a whole book by a window, ate a giant bowl of Maggi, and watched clouds roll over my balcony. Zero guilt about doing nothing. That’s the magic of hill stations in monsoon — peace, fresh air, and no pushy tourists bumping into you at Mall.
Road.
Uttarakhand in Monsoon — My Favourites
What I Love:
Uttarakhand feels homely. Small towns like Nainital, Ranikhet, and Mukteshwar get all dreamy during rains. One morning in Nainital, I woke up to fog so thick, the lake had disappeared! Then, by noon, the sun peeked out, and I rowed a boat with drizzle kissing my face—pure bliss.
Best Bits:
Easy drives, good roads (mostly!)
Local chai stalls at every bend
Homely vibes — people treat you like family
Heads Up:
Landslides do happen, so check the forecast. Also, pack a sturdy umbrella. Mine turned inside out in a Mussoorie storm once, lesson learned the hard way. The Uttarakhand tour turned out to be the one I never knew I needed.
Himachal in Monsoon — My Kind of Fairytale
What I Love:
If you want a mix of quiet and a bit of adventure, Himachal wins. I spent three rainy days in Jibhi last monsoon. Imagine this: wooden cottage, constant drumming of rain on the roof, and me eating piping hot thukpa while watching the river swell up in excitement.
Places like Manali, Dharamshala, and Tirthan Valley look straight out of a movie set when it rains. Green forests, gushing rivers, and local cafés playing old Bollywood songs — you’ll fall in love, trust me.
Heads Up:
Roads are winding and steeper than Uttarakhand, so keep motion sickness pills if you get dizzy. And always plan an extra day — sometimes nature makes you stay longer!
Suggested Read: Where to Go in Himachal When Manali is Too Crowded
Budget Breakdown — No Surprises!
Alright, money talk! Let’s see how much to save for a chill, comfy monsoon trip — whether you’re going with family or your gang in a Tempo Traveller on Rent (highly recommend for big groups.
Uttarakhand Budget (per person for 3 days)
Travel (from Delhi):
Bus: ₹500–800 one way
Tempo Traveller (for family/groups):
₹22–28 per km
Delhi to Nainital round trip = ~700 km
So ~₹12,000–15,000 total, split among 8–10 people
Stay:
Budget hotel/homestay: ₹800–1500 per night
Cozy cottage/resort: ₹2000–3500 per night
Food:
Street food & local cafes: ₹200–400/day
One fancy meal? ~₹500 max
Extras:
Boating, ropeway, shopping: ₹500–1000 (per person)
Total for 3 days:
By bus: ₹4000–7000
By Tempo Traveller: ₹7000–10,000 per person for a group of 6–10
Himachal Budget (per person for 3 days)
Travel (from Delhi):
Volvo bus: ₹1000–1500 one way
Tempo Traveller:
₹20–25 per km
Delhi to Manali round trip = ~1100 km
So ~₹22,000–28,000 total, split among 8–12 people.
Stay:
Hostel/homestay: ₹500–1200 per night
Riverside cottage: ₹1500–2500 per night
Food:
Momos, thukpa, maggi: ₹300–500/day
Cute café meal? ~₹500
Extras:
Small local sightseeing: ₹500–1000
Total for 3 days:
By bus: ₹5000–9000
By Tempo Traveller: ₹6000–10,000 per person for a group
Which Place Is Safer in Monsoon?
This is important! Uttarakhand’s main towns have better road conditions in rain than Himachal’s steeper areas. Himachal’s remote spots sometimes face landslides. So, if you’re nervous about roadblocks or travelling with elders, Uttarakhand is a safer bet. But if you plan well and keep extra time, Himachal’s beauty is worth every bump on the road.
Homestay or Hotel?
I always vote for homestay in monsoon. Nothing beats a local auntie handing you hot chai as rain drums on the tin roof. In Mukteshwar, I stayed at a tiny home where Uncle Ji even taught me to make rhododendron juice, they even packed extra parathas for my road trip back home!
Himachal homestays, on the other hand, have a slight backpacker vibe, especially in places like Kasol and Jibhi. Think bonfire nights, guitar music, and new friends from all over the world.
However, if you prefer Wi-Fi and a fancy breakfast buffet, hotels are also a good option. It is the perfect option for family or group tours.
What to Eat in the Hills When It’s Raining?
In Uttarakhand: Try aloo ke gutke, kachmauli (spicy local meat), rhododendron juice, and warm jalebis from roadside shops.
In Himachal: Eat trout fish near rivers, steam momos, and hot thukpa in a small café. And Maggi at a mountain bend is non-negotiable.
Tips For a Wonderful Monsoon Trip
Check the weather app daily
Carry medicines and snacks in the bag
Keep contacts of my homestay host handy
Have one extra day in plan, just in case the rain wants me to stay longer!
Book a reliable vehicle like Tempo Travelller or force Urbania Van on Rent for a comfortable journey.
Between the two, Uttarakhand roads are slightly easier, so for first-timers or families with kids/elders, Uttarakhand feels safer.
Final Words — So, Where to Go?
If you want easy travel, short drives, family-friendly towns, and peaceful lakes, Uttarakhand is your buddy.
If you crave hidden valleys, riverside wooden cabins, more backpacker fun, and a pinch of adventure, Himachal will steal your heart.
No matter what you pick — pack a raincoat, spare socks, your favorite book, and a big appetite for chai and gossip with locals.
So… which hills are you calling home this monsoon? Uttarakhand or Himachal?
Drop me a message when you decide — who knows, maybe I’ll join you too.
That’s my rainy hill story, maybe yours will be different, but I promise it’ll be just as unforgettable. If you go, send me a photo of your chai view. Happy monsoon wandering :)
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