Top 5 Weekend Treks

March 12, 2022

Abhishek Sohu

Short Treks that can be done over the weekend!

Trekking is becoming an increasingly popular activity, and more people are drawn to adventure activities these days. However planning a long trek is not easy, given the time it consumes, especially exploring areas without any network coverage in the era of working online, it may not always be possible to plan the much popular treks such as Har Ki Dun, Kashmir Great Lakes and so on, that require commitment of an entire week or more.

We share a few short treks that can be done over the weekends, to help you plan your next adventure, without having to worry much about leaves or being disconnected from the digital world for a long time.

1. Nag Tibba

Duration: 2 Days or 3 Days
Altitude: 3,020 meters | 9,910 feet
Distance: 18 to 20 KM
Best Time: Winters (from Pantwari); April-May & September (from Srikot)

Nag Tibba is a popular trek in Uttarakhand and hundreds flock to the trail especially in the winter months when the trek receives abundant snowfall. The Nag Tibba is a ridge peak rising to slight over 3,020 meters in altitude. Panoramic views of Yamunotri range of peaks is visible from the top.

Peaks visible from Nag Tibba, such as Bandarpunch Massif on the right & Swargarohini on the Left — From right: Bandarpunch I & II, Swargarohini Massif in the left (resembling a Rhino from side), from Nag Tibba peak

There are three trekking routes primarily that take you to the Nag Tibba and the most frequented one starts from village Pantwari. The route from here is a good choice for winter months, but the exposed trail can be very hot during the summers, with little or no shade on the route up-to the first camp. The other routes start from Srikot (Bhatwari) & Devalsari. The route from Srikot is fantastic to trek in summers. It goes through dense forests, with a stream running parallel to the trail. What’s interesting is you can start from one village and descend to the other village making it a circular route & a more interesting trek. These all three routes converge at the Nag Tibba base camp.

The beautiful Ridge at the Nat Tibba Temple — The beautiful Ridge section at the Nag Tibba base camp in summers. All three trek routes meet here, i.e. Pantwari, Srikot & Devalsari

Nag Tibba is surrounded by thick forests of Rhododendrons that bloom in spring and autumn. As we approach the peak, deodar trees become common too.

2. Deoban or Devban Trek

Duration: 2 Days
Altitude: 2,850 meters | 9,350 feet
Distance: 15 KM
Best Time: All Year (except Monsoon), trek may close due to heavy snowfall in peak winters

Deoban/Devdar trek derives its name by the Deodar trees that dominate the landscape around the entire forest. It is rare to come across dense deodar forests in Uttarakhand. Some people confuse Deodar with pine, but the former is a species native to the Himalayas, a type of cedar that is highly valued for its wood, and is an ornamental tree as well.

Featured — The forest at Deoban covered in snow in peak winters

Deoban trek starts from Chakrata but there are other approach routes too, as the forests in this region are vast, including the Rikhand forest and these are all connected by shepherd trails.

The trek can be easily done in 2 Days. Chakrata is a great place to spend a night and other major attraction nearby is the beautiful Tiger Falls, as well as the Jadi watefall.

3. Chopta Chandrashila

Duration: 3 to 5 Days (with Deoriatal)
Altitude: 3,675 meters | 12,060 feet
Distance: 10 KM, or 17 KM (with Deoriatal), or 31 KM (with Rohini Bugyal)
Best Time: All Year except Monsoon

Chandrashila is a very popular trek, starting from the much known hill station of Chopta. Chopta is a winter abode that receives a lot of snow & is known for its lush grassland & forests in summers. Furthermore, the highest Shiva temple in the world at Tungnath only makes this trek to Chandrashila peak more interesting.

The trek is ideally completed in 5 to 6 days if we include Deoriatal & trek from Deoriatal to Chopta. However it can even be managed in 3 days if we just choose to trek to Tungnath & Chandrashila.

4. Dayara Bugyal

Duration: 3 to 5 Days
Altitude: 3,780 meters | 12,400 feet
Distance: 20 KM (3 Day Trek from Barsu)
Best Time: All Year except Monsoon

Dayara Bugyal trek leads to a massive meadow, one of the largest in Uttarakhand that stretches over 4 KM wide. Dayara Bugyal stays covered in snow in winter months and the slopes are great for skiing enthusiasts. In summers the meadow blooms with vivid flora in all directions. The meadows are surrounded by Buransh or Rhododendron forests. While the trek is majorly done in 5 or 6 days, starting from Raithal, the trek can be done in 3 days as well. The route from Barsu village allows the trek to be completed in a short span of time.

The Dayara Bugyal meadows covered in snow with snow capped peaks in background

The Dayara Bugyal top rises to a significant 12,400 feet in altitude almost as high as the Kedarkantha peak, which happens to be the most popular trek in India.

5. Benog Hill & George Everest

Duration: 1 or 2 Days
Altitude: 2,250 meters | 7,380 feet
Distance: 8 to 12 KM
Best Time: All Year

George Everest peak is hilltop near George Everest’s house in Mussoorie. Benog Hill top overlooks George Everest hilltop nearby and goes through the dense Mussoorie wildlife sanctuary. It is not a trek per se, however it can be a rewarding hike for those visiting Mussoorie. The Benog Hill hike is 8 KM (4 KM one way), while George Everest is just half of that with 2 KM one way.

From Benog hill we can see the river Yamuna and surrounding valleys. It is a quaint place which rarely anyone visits. Forest entry charges of INR 150 per person are to be paid to enter this forest. It can be undertaken without any guide. By driving to clouds end, we come across the entry to the wildlife sanctuary and the trail is very well laid from there.

4 comments

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