GHT Trek In Uttarakhand For Beginners

GHT Trek In Uttarakhand For Beginners

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Quick Information

Trek Duration

19 Days

Trek Difficulty

Easy - Moderate

Trek Group Size

2 - 5 max

Trek Distance

110 Km

Trek Max Altitude

14,290 ft (4,356 m)

Trek Region

Uttarakhand | India

Trek Pickup

Dehradun/Delhi

Best Season

Summer | Autumn | Monsoon

Best Time

May, June, September, November

Trek Basecamp

Kedarkantha to Dayara GHT, Uttarakhand

GST Fee

5%

GHT Trek In Uttarakhand For Beginners Overview

The Great Himalayan Trail (GHT) is a very long trekking route. These trails have diversity. You can connect different regions with land variations. It runs from one end of India’s northern mountains to the other. It connects every state from Arunachal Pradesh to Kashmir. Now it depends on you which regions you want to cover in circuit.

The GHT trek for Beginners, there is a good stretch in Uttarakhand. This route connects several iconic treks into one long journey. It is like walking through a mountain story. You start in snow forests, cross high ridges, touch cold lakes, and end in huge alpine meadows.

This GHT Trek in Uttarakhand for Beginners is from Kedarkantha to Dayara Bugyal. You can start from Kedarkantha and slowly move through connected trails: Phulara Ridge, Saru Tal, Fachukandi Pass, and down via Hanuman Chatti to Dodital, Darwa Top, and finally end at Dayara Bugyal.

This is how that journey works. This trail connects some of the best treks of Uttarakhand and makes a good starting point for Uttarakhand trekking.

1. Kedarkantha - The Trek Start (12,500 ft / 3,810 m)

You start your GHT from Sankri. It is a small village gateway with many treks. It is just a 20 km trek and easy. Perfect for starting and to get warm up. From top of Kedarkantha you will see many snow covered mountains such as Swaragarohini, Bandarpunchh, and Black peak and views of Har ki dun valley. From kedarkantha trek you can access phulara ridge trek. It is very easy trek in Uttarakhand

2. Phulara Ridge - (Around 12,150 ft / 3,700 m)

From the same region, your path moves toward Phulara Ridge. This is one of the few ridge walks in India. It is a natural next step from Kedarkantha. You move from the forest to the open sky.

Here, you walk along a long ridge. You get 180-degree mountain views on both sides. Kedarkantha is behind you. The Dhauladhar ranges, the Swaragarohini Massif, black peak, and Bandarpounch. From there, you will reach Pushtara camp or Saru tal camp. From Kedarkantha, it is around a 17 to 18 km trek.

3. Saru Tal - (13,780 ft / 4,200 m)

From Phulara, the trail goes toward Saru Tal. This is a high-altitude lake hidden deep in the alpine zone. The climb gets steeper, but the forest feels untouched. The campsites are peaceful.

When you reach the lake, it sits like a mirror among snow peaks. It is calm, cold, and glows blue in sunlight. This is a place where you understand why people call the Himalayas sacred.

4. Fachukandi Pass - (14,290 ft / 4,356 m)

After Saru Tal, the journey continues toward Fachukandi Pass. This is a lesser-known trail, but it is rewarding. It is like walking through three treks at once. Forests, meadows, and high ridges all blend together.

The pass is around 14,000 feet. From there, you see wide Himalayan valleys stretching forever. This part gives you a true GHT feeling. It is remote, raw, and full of new things to see. Few people walk here.

5. Dodital and Darwa Top - (10,100 ft / 3,078 m)

From Fachukandi, you go down toward Hanuman Chatti. This is a quiet base village that opens the door to another beautiful trail. This is the Dodital and Darwa Top trek.

The trail winds through forests of oak and rhododendron. You reach Dodital Lake. It is a still, emerald green lake surrounded by silence. A short, steep climb takes you to Darwa Top. The view opens to a huge stretch of the Greater Himalayas. This is a perfect place to stop and look back on how far you have walked.

6. Dayara Bugyal – (12,450 ft / 3,795 m)

The last part of this beginner-friendly GHT route links from Darwa Top to Dayara Bugyal. You walk through Barsu or Raithal to get there.

Dayara is special. This is a big, open meadow. Its colors change with the seasons. In summer, it's green with flowers. In winter, it's white and quiet with snow. You can see the Bandarpoonch and Gangotri peaks. And you see layers of blue mountains that fade far off. It's a peaceful way to finish your trip in the Himalayas. You feel open, calm, and quietly proud.

Why This Route Is Good for Uttarakhand Trekking

  • The altitude rises slowly. This gives you time to adjust and build stamina.
  • You experience nearly every Himalayan landscape: forest, ridge, lake, pass, and meadow.
  • Trails are well-connected. They are less crowded than popular commercial routes.
  • The journey teaches patience. Each climb earns you a new kind of beauty.

More Information

GHT trek in Uttarakhand for Beginners Short Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Delhi/Dehradun to Sankri
Day 2: Explore the Sankri
Day 3: Sankri to Kedakantha Basecamp
Day 4: Kedarkantha basecamp to Kedarkantha summit to Dunda
Day 5: dunda to taloti via phulara ridge
Day 6: relax day (exploring day)
Day 7:  Taloti to saru tal
Day 8: sarutal to leka dogri via Fachukandi
Day 9: Leka dogri to Hanuman Chatti
Day 10: Rest day
Day 11: Hanuman chatti to Seema 
Day 12: Seema to Dodital via Darwa Pass
Day 13: rest day
Day 14: Dodital to Manjhi camp
Day 15: Manji Camp to Devi Kund 
Day 16: Devi Kund to Gui camp via Dayara Bugyal 
Day 17: Gui Camp to Raithal Village
Day 18: Raithal to Delhi/Dehradun
Day 19: Buffer day

GHT Trek In Uttarakhand For Beginners Itinerary

Pickup time: 7:30 AMย  | Pickup from: Dehradun railway station/ Gollygrant airport (on extra charge)
Drive distance: 190 km | Duration: 8 - 9 hoursย 
Altitude:1,950m(6,300 feet)
Accommodation: Himalaya shelter Guesthouse

On 2nd Day, Exploring Sankri

Trek Distance: 8 km | Duration: 5 - 6 hoursย 
Altitude Gain: 3,429m(11,247 feet)
Accommodation: Alpine tents

On Day 3 Sankri to Kedarkantha basecamp

Trek distance: 7- 8 km | Duration: 5 - 6 hours | Altitude Gain and loss: 11,247 ft - 12,496 ft
Accommodation: Alpine tents

Trek Distance: 12 - 13 km | Duration: 7 - 8 hours | Altitude Gain: 11,000 ft - 12,470 ft
Accommodation: Alpine tents

Rest Day (exploring day)

Trek Distance: 6 - 7 km | Duration: 4 hours | Altitude Gain: 13,000 ft - 13,779 ft
Accommodation: Alpine tents

Trek distance:11 - 12 km | Duration: 7 - 8 hours | Altitude: Ascend to 14,000 ft, then Descend to 10,761 ft
Accommodation: Alpine tents

Trek Distance: 6 km | Duration: 3 hours | Altitude loss: 10,761 ft - 7,872 ft
Accommodation: Alpine tents

Rest day

Trek Distance: 10-12 km | Duration: 7 - 8 hours | Altitude Gain: 7,872 ft to 11,152 ft
Accommodation: Alpine tents

Trek distance: 15 - 16 km | Duration: 10 - 11 hours | Altitude: 10,850 ft โ€“ 13,600 ft via 12,000 ft
Accommodation: Alpine tents

Rest Today

Trek Distance: 5 km | Duration: 3 - 4 hours | Altitude loss: 10,850 ft - 9,843 ftย 
Accommodation: Alpine tents

Trek Distance: 8 km | Duration: 5 - 6 hours | ย Altitude: 9,843 ft - 11,679 ftย 
Accommodation: Alpine tents

Trek Distance: 9 km | Duration: 6 - 7 hours | Altitude: 11,679 ft - 9,630 ft via 11,830ft
Accommodation: Alpine tents

Trek Distance: 6 km | Duration: 2 - 3 hoursย 
Accommodation: Guesthousse

Drive: 184 km | Duration: 8 - 9 hours

Buffer Day Rest

Best Time to Go

May to June and September to November are the best times for this part of the GHT. The weather is good then. The sky is usually clear, so you get big, long views.

Just skip the rainy season and the coldest winter months.

This connected route is a slow, beautiful introduction to the Great Himalayan Trail. It is an easy trek in Uttarakhand to plan. It is not just about covering miles. It is about learning how every turn, every sunrise, and every ridge changes the way you see the mountains.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Our treks are specially designed by the experienced team at Himalaya Shelter, taking you on an adventure of a lifetime all while making you connect not only with the bountiful nature but also with yourself and with others on the trek with you creating wonderful memories which will last you a lifetime. All Himalaya Shelter treks are guided by experienced Trekkers having vast knowledge and experience of the region, providing with insightful information and stories pertaining to the region’s flora and fauna and the history of the region whilst the trek. It is safe to say that on successfully completing the trek, one will gain tremendous insight and experience along with lifetime memories.

GHT Trek Package Inclusions

  • Transport support from Dehradun to Dehradun (Pick-up location: Prince Chowk, near Dehradun Railway Station, Pick-up Time: Around 7:30 am )
  • Accommodation – At Base Camp, stay at a local homestay or guest house for one night each, which will give you an insight into the authentic lifestyle of the locals. (INR 5000 per person extra for single sharing throughout the trek )
    On Trek stay in a 2-person Vango Halo Pro/A-Shape tent, which is to be shared by two trekkers, built to withstand extreme weather conditions and at the same time making you comfortable after a hard day’s trek.
  • Camping Equipment – specially designed sleeping bags that can withstand harsh weather conditions, foam mattresses. Other safety gear like microspikes, gaiters, an ice axe, and helmets will be provided.
  • Medical Kit – our team will be equipped with an extensive medical kit, which our team is trained and experienced to use. Oxygen cylinders are used after they are thoroughly inspected throughout the Trek. Even campsites have large oxygen cylinders as backups.
  • Permission  -  Forest entry charges for Indian nationals (Additional charges will be applicable for international tourists)
  • Meals – Breakfast, packed lunch (on trek days), evening snacks, and dinner will be served. A hearty, delicious, and nutrition-filled Veg meals with egg preparation will be provided throughout the trek. (Jain and Vegan Food can also be arranged on prior notification.)There will be a dedicated Kitchen Tent along with a dining tent, which will have a dining table too.
  • Our Team – A highly experienced and AMC-certified Trek Leader who will help ensure that the entire trek goes smoothly and safely while navigating the challenging conditions during the trek, and is skilled enough to navigate any medical emergency that can arise during the trek. Local and route Guides who are well-versed with the region and provide an in-depth insight into the local customs and knowledge of the flora and fauna endemic to the region. A dedicated Kitchen staff, which includes a Cook, a helper, and other support staff. There will also be porters and mules to carry common equipment.
  • Cloakroom - We have a cloakroom facility available for extra luggage. Every trekker is permitted to leave their luggage behind at no charge.

GHT Trek Package Exclusions

  • Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc.
  • Travel Expenses -  Travel expenses from your hometown to the mentioned Pick-Up Point are not included in the trek fee.
    From the scheduled pick-up spot to the base camp, we have our own fleet of vehicles like Bolero, Innova, Dezire, or Tempo Traveler (12-seater). This is be shared by trekkers for a pre-decided amount. All vehicles are non-AC.
  • Personal Equipment - Any personal gear like jackets, shoes, cutlery, or backpacks are not included in the trek fee. We recommend renting them from our Rental Store for an affordable fee. This can be pre-arranged to avoid last-minute hang-ups. 
  • Offloading - We encourage carrying your backpack to get into the true spirit of trekking. However, if needed, you can opt to offload your personal luggage of up to 12 kgs for an additional cost of INR 350 per bag per day.
  • Trek Insurance - A mandatory trek insurance fee is charged in addition to your trek fee. Since most medical insurance doesn’t cover adventure activities, trek insurance offers essential coverage, enhancing your safety without a significant financial burden. Adventure Insurance (compulsory โ‚น380)
  • Buffer day on the trek - We have kept a buffer day on the trek to account for any weather-related delay. If this is utilized, you will need to pay an extra amount to your trek leader. 
    Anything apart from inclusions
  • Please carry a lunch box for a packed lunch/breakfast to avoid using polythene and Aluminum foil.

Keeping the Himalayas clean is our own responsibility. Reduce the use of Plastic when you are in the abode of the Sacred Himalaya. ๐ŸŒฑ

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