Guide To Trekking In Uttarakhand

Introduction–

Defining breathtaking landscapes, mesmerizing views, captivating peaks, and homely local culture; Uttarakhand is the ultimate destination for trekking in the Himalayas. Guide to trekking in Uttarakhand, a land of unparalleled and uncharted beauty, has a reputation for offering treks that are distinctive in their own right. Whether you trek during the summers, monsoons, or winters; Uttarakhand will readily offer you treks that are stupendously mind-blowing. From being blessed with India’s second and third highest peaks, Nanda Devi (7,816m) and Kamet (7,756m) respectively to fostering treks like Valley of Flowers (a world heritage site); Uttarakhand’s trekking and expedition routes cannot be challenged. Besides providing alluring treks, Uttarakhand is also popular amongst pilgrims for it has important temples of India and is also the home to the yoga capital of the world, Rishikesh. 

With a hike in Uttarakhand’s tourism, there is also a hike in trekking companies in the state; making it prone to the influx of trekkers and travelers. Enchanting us with its unique identity and culture, trekking in Uttarakhand thus has unparalleled features. 

Here is a comprehensive guide of treks in Uttarakhand

Treks for beginners

Uttarakhand’s demography provides a few of the best Himalayan treks for beginners! Treks like the Nag Tibba Trek Package and Chopta Chandrashila Trek are a treat to someone who is stepping into the sphere of trekking. All these treks are short and offer wondrous views of the surrounding environment making them equally happening like the longer treks. 

Nag Tibba is a 1N/2D trek that offers grandeur views of ranges like Banderpoonch and Swargarohini. 

Best time to visit- October to April 

Chopta Chandrashila, on the other hand, is a trek that takes you across beautiful meadows before reaching the summit that offers mesmerizing views of the surrounding peaks. The duration of the trek is 3N/4D. 

Best time to visit- April to June/September to November 

The temperature, the weather, and the distance from Dehradun are all bearable!  A beginner trekker can always start her/his journey from the easier treks and march towards the more strenuous and rigorous ones. All of these treks also include camping at their respective base camps. 

Tip for trekking for beginners:

1. Choose an easy test to measure your endurance and capabilities.
2. Start exercising a few weeks before your trek.
3. Always plan your first trek; carry your essentials and research about your trek.

Pilgrim treks

Commonly known as the Devbhoomi (Land of Gods), Uttarakhand is the ultimate destination for those who trek and also seek spiritual and religious inclinations. Home to famous temples like Kedarnath and Badrinath; the world’s highest Shiva temple (Tungnath) is also located in the heart of Uttarakhand. 

Various pilgrim treks can be added to your bucket list if you’re looking to conquer one are:

1. Panch Kedar – a 15-day-long trek, Panch Kedar literally stands for 5 Shiva temples. The treks take you to the 5 famous Shiva temples starting from Kalpeshwar, Rudranath, Tungnath, and Madhyamaheshwar and ending at Kedarnath or vice versa. 
   The best time to trek- June to July/ September to October.
2. Satopanth Tal– Starting from the religious town of Badrinath, Satopanth Tal is a trek that takes you to the starting point of the Alaknanda River. This 6N/7D trek is packed with meadows, rocky terrains, and snow sheets before reaching the auspicious lake.
   The best time to trek- April to July/September to October.
3.  Gaumukh Tapovan– The 7-day trek takes you to the Gangotri glacier, the origin of the holy Ganga River.
   Best time to trek- May to June/September to October

Daunting passes

With great reputations come daunting treks, mountain passes, and expeditions. Uttarakhand lives up to its might and glory with the kind of dangerous, rigorous treks that it offers. Moderate passes like Kuari Pass and Bali Pass also make it to the list. Kuari Pass, also known as Lord Curzon’s trail, is a famous trek that leads to Pangarchulla Peak. Bali Pass, on the other hand, is located near Har Ki Dun valley and is a famous crossover trek between Har Ki Dun valley and Yamunotri. 

Following is a list of passes that are less transverse upon:

1. Lamkhaga Pass (5,300 meters) – The challenging yet beautiful route takes you through some of the most remote areas of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, like the Jalandhari valley which is covered with flowers in the post-monsoon season.
2. Borasu Pass (5,360 meters) – Trek amongst wildflower shrubs, visit a village lost in time, hike on glaciers and moraines, and experience two different cultures – Garhwal and Kinnaur.
3. Mayali Pass (5,400 meters) – Mayali Pass is an offbeat trek that crosses from the Bhagirathi Valley to the Mandakini Valley making it one of the most difficult treks to complete.
4. Auden Col’s trek (5,490 meters) – Auden’s Col is one of the Highest Mountain passes spanning between the valleys of Rudragaira and Bhilangana in the Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of 5490 meters.
5. Dhumdhar Kandi (5,500 meters) – A difficult pass at 5,490 m going over the base of two major peaks. It connects Bhagirathi and Tons Valley.
6. Gupt Khal (5,835 meters) – The trek crosses over the twin passes of Bhyundar Khal and Gupt Khal. One has to negotiate the moraines and glaciers such as Gauri Glacier, Rataban Glacier, Tipra Glacier, Bankund Glacier, Nilgiri Glacier, and Nakthani Glacier.
7. Kalindi Khal (5,950 meters) – A trek which reaches to almost 6,000m has been gifted with features of moraines, glaciers and majestic peaks.

Alpine treks

Alpine treks, which are very common and famous throughout the state are frequently trekked upon making them an important part of Uttarakhand’s tourism package. Part of Uttarakhand’s Garhwal and Uttarkashi regions, alpine treks are the most sought amongst the trekkers. Treks like Har Ki Dun, Kedarkantha, and many more are a part of the tourism season. 

Har Ki Dun, which means the valley of God, is a trek that takes you through Uttarakhand’s remotest villages like Taluka and Osla. Har ki Dun trek has a bearable weather throughout the year making it accessible during all the seasons. It has a diverse flora and fauna as it is a part of the Govind National Park. 

Best time to trek- March to June/September to November.

Kedarkantha is a peak that offers 360 degree view of peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Black peak, Ranglana among the Yamunotri and Gangotri ranges Kedarkantha is famous during the winters however, one can still summit it during the months of July and August. The weather and temperature of Kedarkantha are bearable making it a popular destination in Uttarakhand. 

Best time to trek– March to June/September to February.

Another alpine trek famous for its meadow is Dayara Bugyal. Peaks set in the background, horses grazing on the meadows, scent of oak and pine trees in the air, swift wind blowing over your face; if you can picture this, then you are in Dayara Bugyal! 

Best time to trek- March to June/September to February.

Glacier treks

The glacier treks of Uttarakhand are highly renowned and auspicious. Often termed as the origin of many holy rivers flowing in India, the glaciers of Himalayas are quite up to the mark for experienced trekkers. Glacier treks are perfect for those seeking thrill, adventure and rush at the same time! With huge peaks in the backdrop, rough and rusty terrain, barren landscape, icy sheets and high altitude environment; embarking on glacier treks in Uttarakhand is a must once in a lifetime.

Here are the major glacier treks of Uttarakhand:

1. Milam Glacier trek– Starting from Munsiyari in the Kumaon district of Uttarakhand, the Milam Glacier trek originates from the Kohli and Trishul peaks of the Himalayan range. A 12 day trek, the route takes you across Uttarakhand’s best kept secrets. 
   Best time to trek: May to June/September to October.
2. Pindari Glacier trek– Another glacier trek in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, the Pindari glacier is the source of the river Pindar. 
   Best time to trek: May to June/September to October.
3. Khatling glacier trek– Surrounded by peaks that reach 6000m, the trek starts from Guttu and takes you across remotes villages, meadows and tedious terrain. 
   Best time to trek: Mid June to Mid October. 
4. Sunderdhunga Glacier trek– Towards the right side of the Pindari Glacier, the Sunderdhunga glacier trek takes you to an elevation of 4320m. Peaks like Tharkhot and Maiktoli are easily visible. 
   Best time to trek: April to June/ September to October.

High-Altitude Lake treks 

There is nothing that the Himalayas cannot offer. Peace, tranquility, serenity and lakes! High altitude lakes, especially in Uttarakhand, are a major feature of Uttarakhand. Dotted all over the state, most of these lakes are accessible during the winters as well. The lakes are also holy as the locals have been worshipping them or around them. The high altitude lakes of Uttarakhand are also a part of the Indian trekking making them a must visit for the community. 

Here are a few treks that lead to high altitude lakes: 

1. Ruinsara Tal trek– A significant lake in the Har Ki Dun valley, Ruinsara Tal is a beautiful trek that goes through the Govind National Park. Famous for its wild flowers and meadows, the trek follows the Tons rivers. 
   Best time to trek: March to June/September to November.
2. Kedartal trek– Emerald in colour, Kedartal is a high altitude lake close to the Gangotri glacier. The trek is still unknown to many trekkers making it an ideal destination for those looking for a secluded trek.
   Best time to trek: May to June/September to October.
3. Brahmatal-Offering majestic views of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti peaks, Brahmatal is a trek that takes you through oak forest finally opening up to views that are breathtaking and stunning. It is also a winter trek. The lake freezes during the winter making it highly iridescent and pristine.
   Best time to trek: September to April.
4. Kagbhusandi Tal– A relatively unknown trek, the Kagbhusandi trek lies in the Badrinath region. The starting point of the trek is Ghangaria, which is also the base camp of Valley of Flowers. 
   Best time to trek: June end to September.
5. Dodital– Considered to be one of the most beautiful treks in Uttarakhand, Dodital is a lake situated near … It is also considered to be the place where Lord Ganesha was born and hence there is a Ganesha temple near the lake. 
   Best time to trek: March to June/September to November.

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