Uttarakhand Photography Guide: Best Spots & Camera Tips 2026

Introduction

Uttarakhand is a photographer's paradise - from snow-capped Himalayan peaks to ancient temples, rushing rivers to dense forests. Whether you're a professional or smartphone enthusiast, this guide will help you capture the magic of Devbhoomi.

Best Photography Locations

Mountain & Landscape Photography

1. Chopta - Mini Switzerland

• Best Shot: Chandrashila peak at sunrise

• Timing: 5:00-7:00 AM (sunrise), 4:00-6:00 PM (sunset)

• Season: October-November, March-May

• Pro Tip: Camp overnight for star trails and sunrise

2. Auli

• Best Shot: Nanda Devi range panorama

• Timing: Early morning for snow-capped peaks

• Season: December-March (snow), October (clear skies)

• Pro Tip: Cable car ride offers unique perspectives

3. Kausani - The Switzerland of India

• Best Shot: 300km Himalayan panorama

• Timing: Sunrise (5:30 AM in summer)

• Season: October-March

• Pro Tip: Anasakti Ashram viewpoint is best

4. Munsiyari

• Best Shot: Panchachuli peaks reflection

• Timing: Early morning, golden hour

• Season: October-November, March-April

• Pro Tip: Khalia Top offers 360° views

5. Binsar

• Best Shot: Zero Point Himalayan range

• Timing: Sunrise

• Season: October-March

• Pro Tip: Stay overnight at KMVN for easy access

Temple & Spiritual Photography

1. Ganga Aarti, Haridwar

• Best Shot: Fire ceremony with devotees

• Timing: 6:00-7:00 PM (winter), 7:00-8:00 PM (summer)

• Season: Year-round

• Pro Tip: Position yourself on the steps for elevated angle

2. Ganga Aarti, Rishikesh (Triveni Ghat)

• Best Shot: Reflection of flames in water

• Timing: Sunset timing (varies seasonally)

• Pro Tip: Use a tripod for long exposure of fire trails

3. Kedarnath Temple

• Best Shot: Temple with mountain backdrop

• Timing: Early morning (fewer crowds)

• Season: May-June, September-October

• Pro Tip: Drone photography prohibited

4. Jageshwar Dham

• Best Shot: Ancient temples in deodar forest

• Timing: Morning light filtering through trees

• Season: Year-round (monsoon for mystical shots)

• Pro Tip: Use wide-angle for temple clusters

Wildlife Photography

1. Jim Corbett National Park

• Best Subject: Bengal tiger, elephants

• Timing: Early morning safaris (6:00 AM)

• Season: November-June

• Pro Tip: Dhikala zone for best tiger sightings

2. Rajaji National Park

• Best Subject: Elephants, deer, birds

• Timing: Dawn and dusk

• Season: November-June

• Pro Tip: Chilla zone is most photogenic

3. Valley of Flowers

• Best Subject: Rare Himalayan flowers

• Timing: Mid-morning (flowers open)

• Season: July-September

• Pro Tip: Macro lens essential

River & Waterfall Photography

1. Rishikesh Rapids

• Best Shot: Rafting action shots

• Timing: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

• Season: September-June

• Pro Tip: Waterproof camera housing needed

2. Kempty Falls, Mussoorie

• Best Shot: Long exposure of falling water

• Timing: Early morning (fewer tourists)

• Season: Post-monsoon (September-October)

• Pro Tip: ND filter for silky water effect

3. Neergarh Waterfall, Rishikesh

• Best Shot: Three-tiered cascade

• Timing: Morning light

• Season: Monsoon and post-monsoon

• Pro Tip: Trek for 15 minutes for better angles

Camera Settings Guide

Mountain Photography

• Mode: Aperture Priority (Av)

• Aperture: f/8 - f/11 (maximum sharpness)

• ISO: 100-400

• Focus: Manual, focus on peaks

• Extras: Polarizing filter reduces haze

Sunrise/Sunset

• Mode: Manual (M)

• Aperture: f/11 - f/16

• ISO: 100-200

• Shutter: Varies (bracket exposures)

• Pro Tip: Expose for the sky, recover shadows in post

Temple & Low Light

• Mode: Manual (M)

• Aperture: f/2.8 - f/4 (let in more light)

• ISO: 800-3200

• Shutter: As slow as possible without blur

• Extras: Tripod essential, remote shutter

Aarti Photography

• Mode: Manual (M)

• Aperture: f/2.8 - f/4

• ISO: 1600-6400

• Shutter: 1/60 - 1/125 (freeze motion)

• Pro Tip: Burst mode for best moments

Wildlife

• Mode: Shutter Priority (Tv)

• Shutter: 1/500 - 1/1000 (freeze animals)

• ISO: Auto (up to 6400)

• Focus: Continuous AF (AI Servo)

• Pro Tip: Pre-focus on likely spots

Waterfall Long Exposure

• Mode: Manual (M)

• Aperture: f/11 - f/16

• ISO: 100

• Shutter: 1-30 seconds

• Extras: ND filter (6-10 stops), tripod mandatory

Essential Gear

Must-Have Equipment

• Camera Body - Weather-sealed preferred

• Wide-Angle Lens (16-35mm) - Landscapes

• Telephoto Lens (70-200mm or 100-400mm) - Wildlife, mountains

• Tripod - Sturdy, lightweight

• ND Filters - Waterfalls, long exposures

• Polarizing Filter - Reduce glare, enhance skies

• Extra Batteries - Cold drains batteries fast

• Memory Cards - Multiple, high capacity

• Rain Cover - Monsoon protection

• Cleaning Kit - Dust is everywhere

Smartphone Photography Tips

• Use Pro/Manual mode

• Clean lens before shooting

• Enable HDR for high contrast scenes

• Use grid lines for composition

• Shoot in RAW if available

• Invest in a phone tripod

• Download editing apps (Lightroom Mobile, Snapseed)

Best Times for Photography

Golden Hour

• Morning: 30 minutes before to 1 hour after sunrise

• Evening: 1 hour before to 30 minutes after sunset

Blue Hour

• Morning: 30-45 minutes before sunrise

• Evening: 20-40 minutes after sunset

• Best For: Temple lights, city scenes

Night Photography

• Star Trails: 10 PM - 4 AM (new moon nights)

• Milky Way: March-October (visible in dark zones)

• Best Locations: Chopta, Munsiyari, Nainital outskirts

Seasonal Photography Guide

Spring (March-April)

• Rhododendron blooms

• Clear mountain views

• Cherry blossoms

Summer (May-June)

• Dramatic clouds

• Lush meadows

• Alpine flowers

Monsoon (July-September)

• Waterfalls at peak

• Mystical fog

• Valley of Flowers

Autumn (October-November)

• Clearest skies

• Snow-capped peaks

• Festival photography

Winter (December-February)

• Snow landscapes

• Frozen waterfalls

• Minimal haze

Photography Ethics

• Respect Privacy - Ask before photographing locals

• Temple Rules - Follow photography restrictions

• Wildlife - Never disturb animals for shots

• Environment - Leave no trace

• Drones - Check regulations (banned in many areas)

• Sacred Sites - Be discreet and respectful

Conclusion

Uttarakhand's diverse landscapes offer endless photographic possibilities. With the right preparation, timing, and techniques, you can capture images that do justice to Devbhoomi's beauty. Remember, sometimes the best photograph is the one you don't take - some moments are meant just for your eyes. Plan your photography tour with Travel My Bharat for access to the best spots and local guidance!