Uttaranchal, a former part of Uttar Pradesh state, split off from its parent state and became the 27th state of Indian Republic, on Nov 9, 2000 A.D. The state is located in the north east of the country and is bounded by the mighty Himalayas. Uttaranchal shares its international borders with China and Nepal and is neighboured by the states Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, of Indian Republic. Dehra Dun, the largest city in Uttaranchal is also the provincial capital.

Uttaranchal is bestowed with great many tourist attractions. The state is dominated with the presence of mighty peaks and hills of the Himalayas. The state is primarily divided into two zones – Garhwal and Kumaon. There are thirteen districts in all; seven in the Garhwal zone and six in the Kumaon zone. The two zones see a multitude of sky reaching peaks that form parts of the Greater Himalayas. These mountains are also the source of the great rivers of India – the Ganga and the Yamuna. Some of the high peaks in the region include Bandarpunch (6,316 m), Yogeshwar (6,678 m), Sri Kailash (6,932 m), Kedarnath (6,490 m), Bhirigupanth (6,772 m), Chaukhamba (7,068 m), Kamet (7,756 m), Mana Peak (7,272 m), Abl Gamin (7,355 m), Mukut (7,242 m). These snow clad peaks give rise to a number of lakes that flow down and join the tributaries. The slopes at certain places are also ideal for winter sports. One such destination is Auli.

Uttaranchal is one big name in the north Indian tourism industry. The state is blessed with towering peaks, lakes and streams, rolling forests, pilgrimage centres and all of it welcome a great party. As an adventure sports destination and a major pilgrimage centre of Hindus, Uttaranchal generates a good revenue from tourism enterprises. The pleasant climate also makes it a popular vacations spending resort and an escape from the scorching north Indian sun.