The following is a comparison between Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, two states in the Himalayan region of northern India. Let’s read.
Uttarakhand vs Himachal Pradesh
Which state is larger in area, Uttarakhand or Himachal Pradesh?
Himachal Pradesh is slightly larger than Uttarakhand in area.
- Area of Uttarakhand – approximately 53,500 sq km
- Area of Himachal Pradesh – approximately 55,670 sq km
Which state is more populous, Uttarakhand or Himachal Pradesh?
The population of Uttarakhand is higher than that of Himachal Pradesh, according to the last census. This is understandable, as Uttarakhand has major cities such as Dehradun, Haridwar, Haldwani, and Roorkee.
- Population of Uttarakhand – around 1 crore (2011 census)
- Population of Himachal Pradesh – around 69 lakh (2011 census)
GDP
| Uttarakhand | Himachal Pradesh | |
|---|---|---|
| GDP rank in India (2025-26) | 20th | 22nd |
Overview
| Uttarakhand | Himachal Pradesh | |
|---|---|---|
| Area | approximately 53,500 sq km | approximately 55,670 sq km |
| Area rank | 18th | 17th |
| Population (2011 census) | around 1 crore | around 69 lakh |
| Population rank (2011 census) | 19th | 20th |
| Capital city | Bhararisain (summer) and Dehradun (winter) | Shimla (summer) and Dharamshala (winter) |
| Largest city | Dehradun | Shimla |
| Statehood | 9 November 2000 | 25 January 1971 |
| Most spoken langauge | Hindi | Hindi |
Geography
| Uttarakhand | Himachal Pradesh | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Indian Himalayas | Indian Himalayas |
| Major rivers | Ganga, Yamuna, Bhagirathi, Alaknanda, Mandakini, Sarju, Kali, Ramganga, etc. | Beas, Sutlej, Chenab, Ravi, Parbati, Spiti, etc. |
| Borders | China to the north, Nepal to the east, Uttar Pradesh to the south, and Himachal Pradesh to the west | Ladakh to the north and northeast, China to the east, Uttarakhand to the southeast, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to the South, Punjab to the west and southwest, and Jammu and Kashmir to the northwest |
| Highest mountain peak | Nanda Devi (7,816 m) | Reo Purgyil (6,816 m) |
| Forest cover (2023) | 45.44% | 27.99% |
| Major soil type | Mountain soil | Mountain soil |
| Largest district | Chamoli | Lahaul and Spiti |
| Coastline | No | No |
| International border | Yes | Yes |
State symbols
| Uttarakhand | Himachal Pradesh | |
|---|---|---|
| State bird | Himalayan monal | Western tragopan |
| State animal | Alpine musk deer | Snow leopard |
| State tree | Rhododendron arboreum (Burans) | Deodar cedar |
| State flower | Brahmakamal | Rhododendron campanulatum (Pink Rhododendron) |
(Also read: 10 major mountain ranges in India | subranges | destinations)
Tourism
Both states are popular Himalayan travel destinations with strong spiritual, trekking, and nature tourism. Uttarakhand attracts a higher share of pilgrimage focused visitors, while Himachal Pradesh is often associated more with leisure travel, hill stations, and adventure tourism, though both offer a mix of experiences.
(Also read: Tamil Nadu vs Kerala – Indian states comparison)
Popular places to visit in Uttarakhand
Haridwar, Rishikesh, Jim Corbett National Park, Nainital, Mussoorie, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Mana village, Dehradun, etc.
Popular places to visit in Himachal Pradesh
Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, Kasol, Kufri, Dalhousie, Spiti Valley, Kaza, Tirthan Valley, etc.
6 National Parks of Uttarakhand
- Gangotri National Park
- Govind National Park
- Jim Corbett National Park
- Nanda Devi National Park
- Rajaji National Park
- Valley of Flowers National Park
5 National Parks of Himachal Pradesh
- Great Himalayan National Park
- Inderkilla National Park
- Khirganga National Park
- Pin Valley National Park
- Simbalbara National Park