Top 5 Summer Treks In Uttarakhand

May 23, 2024

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Nowadays, trekking has been a popular vacation for families and friends. People more often choose Summer treks due to the unique landscape, pleasant weather, and many other reasons. However, factors like this make Summer treks more popular among trekkers. Let’s take a look at the top 5 Summer treks in Uttarakhand.

Kedarnath Trek

Duration- 2-3 days (depending on your pace)
Altitude- 3,583 meters

The most popular pilgrim trek of Uttrakhand is Kedarnath also known as Kedarnath Yatra. This trek is included in the Char Dham Yatra; lord Shiva is worshiped in the Kedarnath Temple. Hence, this is one of the best treks from the top 5 treks. Many people who trek in Kedarnath are mesmerized by the beauty, however, Kedarnath trekking is a blend of beauty and spirituality. There is a long history behind Kedarnath Temple, it is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, which Pandavas built. Moreover, many Hindu pilgrims visit the temple every year.

The Kedarnath Trekking starts from Gaurikund and ends at the temple. However, the trek is a bit long in terms of walking, it can be tiring for some people. Although the Kedarnath walking distance from Gauri Kund is around 16km which is 1 way. Moreover, the best time to visit Kedarnath is from May to June and September to October. As, in months like July and August, there can be a chance of landslides. However, you can visit Kedarnath Temple from November to April but be careful because there can be heavy snowfall.

The Kedarnath route is from Gauri Kund to Jungle Chatti, Jungle Chatti to Bheembali, Bheembali to Linchauli, and then Linchauli to Kedarnath Temple. This is the basic route that you can take while trekking. Nevertheless, there are many treks near Kedarnath. moreover, some of them are Vasuki Tal Trek, Chorabari Tal Trek, Triyunginarayan Trek, and Kedartal Trek. These all are short treks.

Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek

Duration- 3 days
Altitude- 3,700 meters

Along with the spiritual belief the Chopta Tungnath Trek is known for its stunning view. This trek is easy for beginners as well as experienced trekkers can also opt for it. This trek is famous for being the highest Shiva temple in the world. However, the trekking distance is around 16km. Chopta Tungnath Trek offers you a magnificent view throughout the route.

Mini Switzerland is the name given to the Chopta basecamp. It is all over covered with pine trees, lush meadows, and rhododendrons (Buransh). Let’s talk about Tungnath Temple which is the highest Shiva temple in the world and is located at an altitude of 3,680m. Also top 5 summer treks in Uttarakhand. Moreover, the temple is 1000 years old and many locals have respected the temple for generations. It’s time to know about Chandrashilla Summit which is 1.5 km away from Tungnath temple. Nevertheless, the summit offers you a view of peaks like Nanda Devi, Bandarpunch, Kedar Peak, and Chaukhamba.

The Route of the Chopta Tungnath Trek starts from Dehradun, Rishikesh, or Haridwar. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun, which is well connected with major cities of India. Then we have to reach Chopta and rest overnight there. Moving forward, trek for Tungnath temple in the morning and explore the surroundings while staying in tents. After that, we have to move to Chandrashila and return on the same day as the distance of 1.5 km is not much to cover from Tungnath to Chandrashila.

Phulara Ridge Trek

Duration – 6 days
Altitude- 12,150 Ft.

Phulara Ridge Trek is a moderate trek situated in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttrakhand. This trek provides you with a breathtaking cinematic view of snow-capped mountains, although the route includes fresh meadows with picture-perfect locations. hence we can say it as the top 5 summer treks of Uttarakhand. This trek is less crowded than the other treks because it is an uncommon one.

Sankri is the basecamp of the Phulara Ridge Trek. However, Sankri is a basecamp of many other treks like Har Ki Dun, Kedarkantha, Bali Pass, etc. The height of Phulara Ridge Trek is approximately 12,127 ft. This is the highest and offers an impressive view. Moreover, if you want to do the trek, choose an agency with a trek package like Guide, meals, transportation, accommodation, permits, and entry fees.

Along with all the breathing and fresh views of the meadows, the Phulara Ridge Trek provides thrilling and electrifying views of peaks like Swargaorohini, Bandarpoonch, Black Peak, etc. Through the route, you will cross bridges and enter the pine forest. Additionally, the local people are so rich in culture and hospitality that they will make you one of their own so, you do not feel left out. One difficulty that you can have is temperature, as Phulara Ridge Trek has a lower temperature as compared to other regions. The terrain is challenging due to rocky ridges.

Har Ki Dun Trek

Duration- 7 days
Altitude – 11,600 ft

Har Ki Dun Trek is situated in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary and surrounded by green bugyals, called meadows. The Har Ki Doon Trek in Uttrakhand is known as the Valley of Gods. The valley is so rich in greenery, and the view each day is different and picture-perfect. You will get so much peace over here that you can forget about all your stress.

The main highlights of the Har Ki Dun Valley are that it offers breathtaking landscapes, snow-capped peaks, lush green valleys, and the forest. thus, Har Ki Dun Trek is a top 5 summer treks in Uttarakhand. Nevertheless, it provides you with a view of peaks like Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, and Black Peak. Along with the snow-covered peak, the trek allows us to experience many waterfalls and streams, like the Supin River.

According to Hindu mythology, there is a history related to this valley that, during the time of Mahabharata Pandav too this route of Har Ki Doon Uttrakhand was on the way to heaven. Additionally, Har Ki Dun has a common and beautiful basecamp like Sankri nevertheless in the terrain you will pass through another village Sankri; Taluka, and Osla which will let you enhance the beauty of the valley.

The valley includes many mammals and birds. The mammals found in the valley are Musk Dear, Snow Leopard, Bharal (Blue Sheep), Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Tahr etc. Species of birds found in the valley are; Golden Eagle, Brown Dipper, Himalayan Monal, Snow Partridge, etc.

Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

Duration- 8 days
Altitude- 14,203 ft

The hiking of the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is around 46 km which you have to cover in 8 days. So, it is a moderate difficulty however, there can be some challenges. This trek is famous as it offers views of famous Peaks like Shivling and Bhagirathi along with the Himalayas view. moreover, this is the last last trek from the top 5 summer trek. Many trekkers observe that the Bhagirathi Sisters are bigger than Mt. Shivling. The pilgrims called it Gaumukh because it appeared as a cow’s mouth.

Gangotri Tapovan Trek includes highlights like the Gangotri temple which is one of the Char Dham and is dedicated to the river Ganga. Gamukh river emerges from Gangotri Glacier. Therefore it is the top 5 summer treks in Uttarakhand. Tapovan which is high altitude, Medow, the Glaciers and Sandhus, and Ascetics which are caves and huts in the Himalayas. Moreover, if you start your trek your base camp is Gangotri. Although, the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is also the nearest trek which is a bit challenging and requires experience however, the distance of the trek is about 18km long including the Bhagirathi peaks and Mt. Shivalinga.

The best time to do the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is from May to June and September to October. Due to the pleasant weather, the trails are less challenging so, you can easily do the trek. However, sometimes there are chances that you can face difficulties like high altitude, slippery terrain, and the Glaciers, the main task is to cross the Glaciers because due to its slipperiness, attempts by many people have failed.the trek climbs to over 14,000 ft, which can create fuss in high altitudes so be careful. you can find hurdles like Boulders so be steady.