Ranthan Kharak- A Trek To Fairyland In The Kumaon Himalayas
Ranthan Kharak Trek:
I wasn’t very excited when I first heard of the Ranthan Kharak Trek. After all, there were no thrilling passes to cross, no glacial lakes to gaze into. At 12,800 feet, even the ascent didn’t sound very challenging. But, considering it was only six days and the fact that I was getting stir-crazy since my last trek in October 2023, I decided to go for it.
From the outset, I was pleasantly surprised, and then thrilled, and ultimately spellbound!
In all the years I have spent outdoors and trekking in the Himalayas. I have rarely enjoyed any six days as much as on the Ranthan Kharak Trek. This trek is an amazing gem of the Kumaon Himalayas. What added to the magic was the great company of my fellow trekkers, exceptional care and hospitality from the Himalaya Shelter Team, and the fact that this trek is still relatively unexplored, and therefore devoid of the maddening crowds you find on the more popular tracks.
Day 1- Drive to Gogina:
Day one was mostly taken up by the drive to Gogina village, our starting point in Bageshwar district of Uttrakhand. If, like most people, you are driving up from the railhead in Kathgodam or the nearest airport in Pantnagar, this will mean a long 10 to 11 hour drive. I would suggest reaching a day early and spending the night in Almora or Kasar Devi. This will make the journey easier and give you more time to explore interesting areas along the route.
From Almora, it is a pleasant 5-hour drive, with plenty of scenic spots for a break. I especially enjoyed the drive from Bageshwar to Kapkoth along the Saryu River. The road is mostly good except the last 20 kilometers after the turn-off from Sama. From there on, it’s a bumpy ride all the way to Gogina. But, the beautiful surroundings largely make up for the discomfort.
I reached well in time and accompanied our camp cook, Shyam Singh. He is popularly known as “Chacha,” to a nearby house on a quest for fresh buttermilk and vegetables. The evening was spent eating a great meal made with the produce we scored and getting to know the team and around a cheery bonfire.
Day 2- Gogina to Namik:
This day had a spectacular start. The second I unzipped my tent and peeked out, Mt. Dangthal was there to greet me in all its snow-capped glory. Chirping birds and the clear blue sky made for the perfect backdrop as I had breakfast and got ready for the hike. The trail literally started at the end of the road, which is in the process of being extended till the Namik village.
One day soon, people will be driving up. But for now, you can still enjoy the walk. The first kilometer or so is along the under-construction dirt road, before branching off onto the forest trail. There is a cheerful stream that we crossed right at the start, like a beacon for all the fun things up ahead. The trail was relatively easy, and we kept stopping for pictures and laughter.
After crossing the suspension bridge over the Ram Ganga river, there is a sharp ascent that gets you to Namik in the Pittoragargh district. The trail was well-marked and maintained. And we passed some of the local residents going up and down.
At Namik, we camped in a beautiful meadow with a freshwater spring, or “Naula” close by. Some of us read or rested after lunch, and I played spectator at a local cricket match in a nearby field. At night we feasted on ‘gulab jamuns’, bajra rotis and delicious sabji made of Fiddlehead ferns’ or ‘limura’ as they are known locally.
Day 3-Namik to Bajimanian:
After a restful night, I woke up full of beans and excitement for the day’s hike. At around 7,400 feet, Namik was nice and cool, but I couldn’t wait to get higher. After a sumptuous breakfast of pancakes, porridge, and buttered toast, we stretched under the watchful eye of Sonu, our youngest guide, and were all set.
The walk started with a steady ascent through a beautiful broad-leaved forest filled with bird song. Being part of the old trade route to Tibet this trail has exceptionally well-laid stones throughout. I couldn’t help but wonder at the dedication and labour it took to create this path. About halfway through, we crossed a stream where we re-filled our water bottles, and after just a short ascent from there, our trek turned from run-of-the-mill beautiful to astoundingly majestic.
From that point on, we walked through the most magical ancient rhododendron forest. All around us, as far as we could see, we were surrounded by the most beautiful blossoms in every imaginable shade of pink. We seemed to have entered Wonderland, and after the initial excitement and frenzied picture-taking, we could all just stand still and try to take it all in.
This dreamlike walk ended with another unforgettable experience. We reached the campsite at Bajimanian, only to find that most of the residents from Namik had come up there before us to celebrate a yearly harvest festival and offer the first crop of wheat to the gods. After setting up camp nearby, we enthusiastically joined the villagers in the feasting and were lovingly served the mouth-watering aloo, puris, and wheat halwa. By evening the villagers left, after cleaning up and leaving the meadow pristine again. You could never guess that an entire village had cooked and eaten there.
That night I went to bed with a big smile, thankful to be there.
Day 4- Bajimanian to Ranthan Kharak and back:
This was our big day with almost 14 kilometers of walking. We had decided to camp at Bajimanian instead of moving ahead to Thal Thok or Chophu as Bajimaninan had a water source and water was going to be scarce further ahead. The plan was to leave camp early, make a push for the Rantank summit, and return back before dark. ‘Chacha’, our super talented cook and the entire Himalaya Shelter team made sure we had a big breakfast and started as per schedule.
The walk initially took us through “Kharaks” or clearings surrounded by more pink rhododendrons in full bloom. There were times when we were walking over a bed of flowers and the crisp mountain air added to the magic. Within 45 mins, we were at Thalla Bugyal, after which the trail moved above the treeline. From here to Thal Thok and beyond we walked through grassy meadows.
The trail of Ranthan Kharak got pretty steep at some places, but our enthusiasm didn’t ebb. By mid-day, the sky was getting very overcast but we were all very keen to make it to the top of the Ranthan Kharak. At Chula, we left our bags under a ledge and made a push for the summit. The heavens greeted us with a loud roar just as we reached Ranthak, and suddenly there was a snow storm with winds that threatened to blow us off the mountain. As we headed back, our guides made sure everyone was safe and kept looking out for us every step of the way.
We reached a small shepherd’s hut in Thal Thok in the midst of a raging storm, and amazingly our guides not only found shelter for us, they served us tea and a hot lunch right there. By the time we had eaten, gotten warm, and laughed, the sun came out again and we made our way back to camp in more docile conditions.
Day 5-Bajimanian to Namik:
This was a spectacular morning, we woke up to clear skies and the magnificent mountain views of Nanda Devi, Nanda Devi East, Nanda Kot, and the Dang Thyal peaks.
After breakfast, I had to really push myself to start walking as I didn’t want to leave and go back. It was a nice easy walk back with lots of breaks just because we all wanted to spend more time in that fairyland. We reached Namik by afternoon and ate a delicious meal which included sabji made from stinging nettle and a roasted spicy chutney.
Day 6- Namik to Gogina:
This last day of our Ranthan Kharak Trek was an easy downhill hike for the first half. We explored Namik village and saw the local school on our way.
After crossing the Ram Ganga, we walked up towards Gogina village. Towards the end of the trail, we met our merry little stream again, and this time, we all happily jumped in, to wash off the dust and create another memory. From Gogina, we said goodbyes and drove back to reality.
Related Blogs
August 30, 2024
Why Himalaya Shelter is one of the Best Trekking Companies in India- Trekker's Perspective
Read more
December 11, 2024
Valley of Flowers Trek: Explore Fulo Ki Ghati And Scenic Valley Trekking
Read more
December 4, 2024
Chopta Uttarakhand Trek Guide: Everything You Need to Know for Your Adventure
Read more
September 10, 2024
Things Beginners Should Know to Avoid Hiking Mistakes on a Himalayan Trek
Read more
August 16, 2024
Day 6 of Bali Pass: A Chilling Ascent, Summit Triumph, and a Snowy Descent
Read more
August 16, 2024
My first ever Himalayan trek: Day 0 of the Bali Pass, arriving in Dehradun
Read more
July 22, 2024
The Top 5, 8000-meter Peaks: This is every climber’s dream if ever one is dreamed, and I hope it is still dreamable.
Read more
July 22, 2024
The Tale of Legendary Mountaineers: An insight into the lives of Iconic Climbers Edmund Hillary, Tenzing Norgay, Reinhold Messener, Rob Hall, Scott Fischer, and Jon Krakauer.
Read more
July 19, 2024
Treks for Family and Kids: Guide to family-friendly Treks adventurous activities
Read more
May 10, 2024
Butter Festival Bliss, Anduri Utsav: Trekking Through Tradition On Dayara Bugyal
Read more
March 28, 2024
Things to do near/at Sankri
A complete guide about the beautiful Himalayan village named Sankri. This article contains all the details that you need to know about Sankri. The best treks from Sankri, The best accommodation in...
Read more
March 20, 2024
Customize your Trek with Himalaya Shelter
A comprehensive guide for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts curious about the structure of a customized trekking program. This article outlines all the facilities provided within our customized trekking programs.
Read more
March 14, 2024
Top 30 Best Places to Visit and best treks to do in Mussoorie:
A complete guide about the best places to visit near Mussoorie, the famous picnic destinations in Mussoorie, best trekking places near Mussoorie
Read more
March 11, 2024
Best Treks to do & Best Places to Visit in Dehradun
A complete guide about the best places to visit near Dehradun, the famous picnic destinations in Dehradun, best trekking places near Dehradun
Read more
February 2, 2024
National Parks of Uttarakhand-A Journey through Uttrakhand's Spectacular National Parks
A complete guide to the most popular and famous National parks of Uttrakhand, India along with the trekking destinations associated with them.
Read more
September 28, 2023
8 Essential Safety Tips for Trekking in the Himalayan Mountains for a Safe Journey
Trekking in the Himalayas offers a unique experience, combining imposing peaks, serene valleys, and diverse cultures. Preparation and safety are crucial.
Read more
September 25, 2023
14 Best Destinations for Spiritual Trekking in India Himalayas
Explore the divine heights of the Indian Himalayas with our guide to the 14 Best Destinations for Spiritual Trekking.
Read more
September 22, 2023
Solo Trekking vs Group Trekking in the Himalayas: Which is Best?
Explore the pros and cons of solo and group trekking in the majestic Himalayas to find out which suits your trekking style best.
Read more
September 22, 2023
13 Best Himalayan Treks To Do in October, November, and December in India
Discover stunning treks to do in Himalaya in October, November, and December in India.
Read more
September 18, 2023
Himalayan Trekking Permits: A Complete Guide for Adventurers
Explore our comprehensive guide to Himalayan Trekking Permits, designed for adventurers like you.
Read more
September 18, 2023
Top 15 Trekking Places in Kashmir: From Lakes to Peaks
Discover the top trekking places in Kashmir featuring stunning lakes and towering peaks.
Read more
August 23, 2023
Hiking Essentials for Beginners in the Himalayas: Need to Know
Prepare well for beginner Himalayan treks: essentials, best routes, high altitudes, fees, and cultural immersion for a secure adventure.
Read more
August 18, 2023
Understanding Acute Mountain Sickness: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Discover the causes, symptoms, prevention strategies, and effective treatments for Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Read more
August 16, 2023
10 Stunning Treks Near Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Explore Himachal's stunning landscapes with thrilling Manali treks. Experience extraordinary walks amidst magnificent mountains and serene roads.
Read more
August 14, 2023
9 Best Short Treks in Uttarakhand for 1, 2, or 3 Days for a Weekend Escape
Explore Uttarakhand's stunning weekend getaways with short treks, immersing yourself in nature's beauty and adventure on these breathtaking trails.
Read more
August 9, 2023
10 Toughest and Most Difficult Treks in India to Push Your Boundaries
Discover the toughest and most difficult treks in India and test your endurance in the breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas.
Read more
August 2, 2023
Essential Camp Hygiene for Health and Safety
Maintaining camp hygiene and sanitation safeguards health, environment, and water sources, ensuring an enjoyable, compliant, and safe camping experience.
Read more
July 25, 2023
11 Best Places to Visit in Sonamarg, Things to Do & Attractions
Sonamarg, in India, captivates with its stunning landscapes. Nestled in Kashmir, it's a serene haven for nature and adventure enthusiasts.
Read more
July 24, 2023
Nanda Devi National Park, Uttarakhand - How To Reach, Best Time to Visit
Nanda Devi National Park, in Uttarakhand, India, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning Himalayan landscapes.
Read more
July 19, 2023
15 Best Himalayan Treks for Beginners in India
Discover beginner-friendly treks in India's Himalayas. Experience breathtaking mountain beauty, push limits, and connect with nature in stunning landscapes.
Read more
July 18, 2023
Top 15 Highest Mountain Peaks of Uttarakhand
The state of Uttarakhand boasts of two of the top three mountains in India. Read the blog to find out about the famous peaks of Uttarakhand...
Read more
September 10, 2021
Why Is Hydration Important during Himalayan Treks?
Garhwal Himalaya offers thrilling treks. Hydration is crucial, and it's essential to drink water regularly, even in colder temperatures.
Read more
February 28, 2023
Why is Har Ki Dun Valley a Popular Trekking Destination in Uttarakhand?
Har Ki Dun: Popular Trek in Uttarakhand with Breathtaking Views of Himalayan Peaks, Meadows, and Rivers.
Read more
February 1, 2024
Why Bali Pass Should Be Your Next Trek?
Why Bali Pass Trek should be your very next trek? The complete guide. This artiucle has answer of almost all your questions.
Read more