Ranthan Kharak Trek

Ranthan Kharak Trek

6 Lakh+

Satisfied Trekkers

16+

Years of Experiance

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Tripadvisor Reviews

Quick Information

Trek Duration

7 Days

Trek Difficulty

Easy - Moderate

Trek Group Size

Min-5, Max-12 max

Trek Distance

25 Km

Trek Max Altitude

12,139 ft / 3,700 m

Trek Region

Uttarakhand | India

Trek Pickup

Kathgodam / Pantnagar

Best Season

Summer | Autumn | Monsoon

Best Time

March, April

Trek Basecamp

Uttarakhand

Trek Insurance Fee

₹ 0

Trek Shield Fee

₹ 0

Trek Transportation Fee

₹ 0

Trek Backpack Fee

₹ 0

GST Fee

5%

Ranthan Kharak Trek Overview

There are many Himalayan treks, the names of which can be easily found on everyone's tongue. Ask someone if they have heard about Har ki Dun Trek. The answer will be affirmative. Ask if they have heard about the Om Parvat Trek. The answer will surely be affirmative. And then ask them if they have heard about the Ranthang Kharak Trek, 'Which one?' They will ask while struggling to correctly pronounce the name of the trek.

When someone thinks about trekking in Uttarakhand, they mostly choose treks starting from Dehradun in the Garhwal Himalayas. Very few know that there are beautiful treks lying there in the Kumaon Himalayas, too. One such lesser-known offbeat trek of the Kumaon Himalayas is Ranthang Kharak Trek.

Trekker On Ranthan Kharak Trek
Trekker On Ranthan Kharak Trek

Ranthan Kharak is a trek full of natural beauty. Throughout the trek, you will hike through beautiful dense forests, meadows, 'Kharaks', and ridges. The serenity and beauty that you will be able to experience here on this trek will hardly be found on any other trek.

Ranthang Kharak is a trek with a moderate difficulty level. If you are a first-time trekker, you can embark on this trek. The only condition is that you must have a fit body. You should be able to complete the hike of at least 7-8 km a day. During this trek, you will encounter some steep climbs and steep descents, cross some bridges, walk on the ridges, and camp in meadows from where you will be able to witness the spectacular beauty of the Himalayan mountain range. If the weather remains clear, you will be able to see Panchachuli Peaks, Mt. Dangthal, Mt. Mrigthuni, and many other named and unnamed peaks. Come... Join us on this offbeat and magnificently beautiful Trek.

History Of Ranthan Kharak Trek

Ranthan Kharak trek is located in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand. Though it's a lesser-known place, it has a significant historical connection. The Ranthan Kharak region is mentioned in various Hindu texts indirectly. It is described as a place near Bageshwar, and the surrounding valleys were likely the part of ancient trade routes and pilgrimage routes to the Kailash-Mansarovar. 

The Ranthan Kharak region was on the periphery of the Katyuri dynasty and later of the Chand dynasty (8th-18th centuries) and remained isolated for a long time. Shaukas and Bhotias' communities used these high-altitude pastures seasonally. When the British arrived, the nearby towns like Almora and Bageshwar gained administrative and political importance. In the 19th century, when the British surveyors and explorers started mapping this region, they also ventured into the alpine meadows of the Ranthan Kharak region for botanical research. Still, the Ranthan Kharak region was used as a transit zone rather than a matter of the colonial route.

Post independence, the Ranthan Kharak region continued to be used as a grazing zone and remained untouched and unexplored. In recent years, it gained recognition and importance due to the rise of eco-tourism and trekking in the Kumaon region. For its raw beauty, biodiversity, and panoramic view of Himalayas peaks, many trekkers come here and experience the true essence of Himalayan trekking journey.

More Information

Highlights of Ranthan Kharak Trek

Ranthang Kharak trek is one of the offbeat and authentic Himalayan treks in Uttarakhand region. It offers trekkers a pure Himalayan beauty to soak in. Its quieter ambiance is ideal for those who are looking for solitude and self-introspection. Here are a few highlights of this trek that make this trek an unforgettable experience.

  • Spectacular Views of the Great Himalayan Peaks: From the higher reaches of Ranthan Kharak trek, trekkers can view the iconic peaks like Nanda Devi, Panchachuli range and Nanda Kot. When golden sunlight touches these snow-capped peaks, it offers a stunning view which is every photographer's dream to capture.
  • Offbeat and Untouched Trails: Unlike the other popular treks in Uttarakhand, Ranthan Kharak remains largely unexplored and untouched. To embark on a trekking journey here offers an opportunity to explore its raw beauty and discover something new with every step. For nature enthusiasts, it's an absolute treasure trove.
  • Rich Biodiversity: Ranthan Kharak trail passes through the dense forests of oak, pine and rhododendron. You may spot Himalayan monals, barking deer, bears or even signs of elusive leopards. For wildlife enthusiasts, it's a perfect opportunity to watch Himalayan fauna so closely. Also, the floral diversity with blooming colorful flowers during spring and summer has its own unbeatable charm. 
  • Cultural Encounters: Ranthan Kharak trekking journey passes through remote Kumaoni villages offers trekkers to feel the traditional charm of authentic mountainous culture. The warmth of locals and their simple lifestyle invite trekkers to slow down, connect and breathe in.
  • Ideal for Experiential Trekkers: Ranthan Kharak trek is ideal for the experienced trekkers who crave something beyond and unusual Himalayan circuits. Indeed, the journey demands physical efforts but also rewards you with soul-stirring landscapes. Whether you're an experienced trekker or an adventurous soul, Ranthan Kharak has exactly what you're looking for.

Difficulty Level of the Ranthan Kharak Trek

Ranthan Kharak trek is a moderate to challenging trek suitable for those who have prior trekking experience or a good fitness level. The elevation point of the trek is around 3,700 m (12,139 ft) which makes it considerable but manageable during the trekking journey.

The trek is not ideal for kids and elderly people, especially those who have no prior high-altitude trekking experience. The trail demands physical and mental endurance as trekkers have to walk for 5-7 hours in a day through uneven terrain, steep ascents, rocky sections along with narrow forest paths. Although no particular mountaineering skills are needed for hiking, due to remote areas and limited access to emergency facilities, the path's difficulty increases.

Beginners can attempt this trek but they have to be physically fit and need guidance from experienced trek leaders. Better they practice on easy trails before attempting Ranthan Kharak. The terrain includes dense forests of oak, pine and rhododendron and high-altitude meadows (kharaks). Chances of encountering wildlife are also there, especially in forest sections hence taking help of a local guide or joining a group is recommended. 

Weather is also an important factor. The best time is early summer and autumn. Outside of these windows, rain and snowfall make the trail slippery and unsafe. Trek duration is one week hence making all preparations for overnight stays is essential.

Best Time to Visit Ranthan Kharak Trek

Ranthan Kharak trek is best done during early summer (April to June) and autumn (September to November). This time the weather is more stable and the sky is more clear to spot the stunning views of Kumaon Himalayas.

April to June

During this time, the snow starts melting and opens up the trails into reviving alpine meadows. Spring makes forests greener and flowers colorful. This is the right time to do adventure and explore more about the places. The daytime temperature is around 12°C to 18°C while the night time temperature can drop to 5°C to 2°C at higher camps.

September to November 

After the monsoon, the weather becomes dry and crisp but the sky is at its clearest which makes mountain visibility perfect. Forests start turning golden and red which give cozy-romantic vibes. Due to visibility, photography can be done at its best. The daytime temperature remains around 10°C to 16°C while at night time can drop below 0°C. The trails are dry and comfortable for walking.

Months to Avoid

From Late June to August should be avoided due to the monsoon and heavy rainfall. Trails become slippery and prone to landslides. Leeches are common and chances of bacterial infection are high. Similarly,  after November, heavy snowfall can block the trails and the weather is too cold to acclimatize.

How to Reach Ranthan Kharak Trek

For trekking in Ranthan Kharak, start your journey from Kathgodam (Uttarakhand).

  • By Air: Fly to Pantnagar Airport (IATA: PGH), located approx 34 km from Kathgodam. From here, take a taxi or bus to Kathgodam which may take about 40 mins to reach. 
  • By Train: Regular trains like Ranikhet Express and Shatabdi Express run to Kathgodam Railway Station. It's well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Lucknow and Kolkata. 
  • By Road: Take a regular bus from Delhi, Nainital and other nearby towns. Kathgodam is accessible via National Highway 109.

From Kathgodam, head to Gogina. Gogina is the base camp for the Ranthan Kharak trek. It takes about 10-11 hours (approx 230 km) by passing through Almora,  Bageshwar and the Saryu River valley.

The final path includes winding and bumpy Himalayan roads. It's recommended to start your journey early and take an overnight stay in Kathgodam or Almora before a long drive.

Upon reaching Gogina, start your trek which is approx 40 km and is covered in 6-7 days to reach the Ranthan Kharak summit at 12,887 ft. The trail includes forested paths, alpine meadows, rocky sections and panoramic Himalayan views.

Ranthan Kharak Trek Short Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Pantnagar Airport/Kathgodam to Kasar Devi

Drive Distance: 123 km/ 88 km | Duration: 3 to 4 Hours | Pick up point: Pantnagar Airport/Kathgodam | Stay: Homestay

Day 2: Drive from Kasar Devi to Namik 

Drive Distance: 143 km | Duration: 6 hrs | Altitude: 6,940 ft-7,390 ft | Stay: Camp

Day 3: Trek from Namik to Banjimania

Trek Distance: 6 km | Duration: 5-6 hrs | Altitude: 7,390 ft-9,690 ft

Day 4: Trek from Banjimania to Thal Tok

Trek Distance: 5 km | Duration: 3-4 hrs | Altitude: 9,690 ft-11,130 ft 

Day 5: Trek from Thal Tok to Ranthan Kharak Top and back to Banjimania

Trek Distance: 11-12  km | Duration: | Altitude: 11,130 ft-12,887 ft-9,690 ft

Day 6: Trek from Banjimania to Namik and drive back to Kasar Devi
Trek Distance: 6 km | Drive Distance: 143 km | Duration: 8 hrs  

Day 7: Drive from Kasar Devi to Pantnagar Airport/Kathgodam Railway Station

Drive Distance: 123/88 km | Duration: 3 to 4 hrs  

Ranthan Kharak Trek Itinerary

Drive Distance: 123 km/88 km | Duration: 3 to 4 Hours | Pick up point: Pantnagar Airport/Kathgodam | Stay: Homestay

The pickup is from Pantnagar Airport/Kathgodam railway station. The distance from Kathgodam to Namik is long, making the road trip hectic, so the Himalaya Shelter breaks it up. On the first day, you will come to Kasar Devi, which is 123 km and on the second day, 143 km. 

On day one, the drive starts from one of the two places. The drive passes through the Naini range and the Bhowali range on NH 109A towards the north.  

This drive is going to be very beautiful. First, you will see Sal forest, and you will cross beautiful Himalayan towns such as Kaichidham, Bhowali and the big and famous Almora. The Kaichidham is famous for its spiritual ashram and temples, and Bhowali is the gateway to the Kumaon region. After Bhowali, the road starts to get narrow with sharp turns. Then, after a long drive, you reach Almora, but before Almora, you will see so many sweet shops which are especially famous for the local sweet ‘Bal Mithai’ and ‘Singuri’. Almora is a beautiful mountain town in Kumaon, known for its spread-out layout across the hills and rich cultural heritage. It is especially famous for the Nanda Devi Temple and Kasar Devi Temple, which attract both devotees and travellers. And your stay in Kasar Devi, which is 10 km ahead of Almora.

Himalaya Shelter kept their stay there because our trekker can visit the Kasar Devi Temple. 

Kasar Devi Temple sits on the Van Allen Belt, which has a strong geomagnetic field. In the world, there are three Van Allen Belt sites, and the Kasar Devi temple is one of those. People from all over the world come here for meditation and Yoga. 

Here in the Kasar Devi Temple area, lots of fancy cafes and beautiful homestays. And your stay is in any of those homestays. 

 

Drive Distance: 143 km | Duration: 6 hrs | Altitude: 6,940 ft-7,390 ft | Stay: Camp

On day two, the drive is 143 km. After Kasar Devi, the drive goes through a thick chir forest. The road is surrounded by that, and your eyes will stick to the windows. After some kilometres, the drive goes down and down and reaches Bageshwar, another district. It is situated at a lower altitude. You see here a confluence of the Saryu and the Gomati. Then, the drive now goes up again, the road starts surrounded by pine trees, and the road gets narrower, and now the mountains are very dense, deep, raw and untouched. Small villages are on the road, and you see terraced farming villages. And then the drive reaches Sama village. From here, two roads lead to Gogina on the left side, and the right one is to Namik. Now, this road towards Namik is very scenic. You cross the bridge on the Ramganga River. This river originates from the Namik glacier. As you go forward, snow-covered mountains start appearing, then finally you reach the offbeat village of Namik, and you stay at the campsite in Namik. Namik is very beautiful. You will see villages on the other side of the valley, and all over, terraced farms and snow-covered mountains, which are unnamed; the Namik glacier is also visible from here. The place Namik is serene and has peaceful silence with lots of chirping of birds. And must interact with local people there, they are all very nice and innocent. And remember, be respectful towards their culture. People believes to much in their ‘devi’.

 

Trek Distance: 6 km | Duration: 5-6 hrs | Altitude: 7,390 ft-9,690 ft

You will wake up today not with an alarm but with chirpings, calling, and the chime sound of the bell of cattle, how healing it is, right? 

After having breakfast, you left such a beautiful campsite. You will walk a little up from the Namik campsite, and that opens into a wide meadows it has huts for cattle, also called ‘channi’ locally. Stones trail made through it for you to walk. Then, after a 300 m walk, you enter the rhododendron and oak forests, and in spring, it feels like a fairyland because it is red rhododendrons all around. You will afraid to walk because there are flower sheet on trail. The trek is have continuous ascend and you reach to first concrete bridge where you can lunch break and small stream flow below and this point to refill refreshing water. But rhododendron tree continuous. After then 2 concrete bridges waiting but that is dry. The trail will again bring you to the kharak known as Bajimanian Kharak, where you will camp for tonight.

If you are a fascinated bird watcher, today, you will get many opportunities to spot the rare birds of the Himalayas.

 

Trek Distance: 5 km | Duration: 3-4 hrs | Altitude: 9,690 ft-11,130 ft 

The morning starts with view of Nandkot with golden glimpse on that. This easy day, just 5 km trek and the trail is gradual. In this route there are rhododendron trees with pink and deep red colors. After trekking 2 km the forest starts clearing because its going above 10,000 ft after tree starts fade. You see wide view landscape and wide meadows with huge boulders. Here last ascend is tough steep trail to Thal Tok.

 

11-12  km | Duration: 8-9 hours | Altitude: 11,130 ft-12,887 ft-9,690 ft

The day starts with a steep climb from Thal Tok. You will gain altitude quickly. The trail is mostly open. It follows high ridges. You get wide views of the mountains.

The landscape feels expansive as you go toward Ranthan Kharak Top. The views are dramatic. You can see peaks like Nanda Devi or Trishul from the top. You might see Nanda Kot if the sky is clear. This is one of the best viewpoints on the trek.

Start walking down the same way after you finish at the summit. The downhill walk is long. It is still manageable. You will end the day back at the Banjimania campsite for the night.

 

Trek Distance: 6 km | Drive Distance: 143 km | Duration: 3–4 hours trek + 8 hours drive

The last trekking day starts with a walk down from Banjimania to Namik village. Most of this trail goes downhill. You will walk through forest sections. The path eventually leads to traditional Kumaoni settlements. Settlements are small villages where local people live.

You will see local life as you get closer to Namik. There are stone houses. You will see terraced fields. These are flat steps cut into hills for farming. The trek ends when you reach Namik.

Next you start the drive to Kasar Devi Temple near Almora. The drive is long. It follows winding mountain roads. You eventually reach the quiet area around Kasar Devi. This is a calm way to finish your trip.

 

Drive: 128 km, 4 hrs
We will start our day after having an early breakfast with the intention of reaching to Kathgodam on time. Taking the same route we will reach back to Kathgodam from where you will depart for your respective destinations.

Going back home is always a bittersweet moment, but the journey is made easier by taking the picturesque road to your next destination. As we leave behind the dense pine forests and descend towards the city, the landscape slowly changes and opens up into wider roads. Hold on to as many beautiful memories as you can in your heart and bid farewell to the Himalayan trails with gratitude and fondness.

Customize Your Ranthan Kharak Trek with Himalaya Shelter (HS)

In Himalaya Shelter, we provide you with the option to customize your Ranthan Kharak trekking experience. Whether you're a beginner, solo traveller or a group of friends, you can opt for our personalized tailor-made trekking program. This customized trek will be exclusively designed for you, taking into account your specific requirements for transportation, accommodation, meals and any other premium facilities you may need during the trek. 

Starting from Kathgodam, Ranthan Kharak trek's trail passes through dense pine, oak and maple forests and alpine meadows that lead to the scenic Gogina (basecamp), Namik, Bajimanian Kharak and eventually to beautiful Ranthan Kharak Top. Himalaya Shelter ensures your journey is safe and memorable with experienced local guides and all necessary permits. You can even request offbeat routes or sunrise hikes for a more immersive Himalayan experience.

Moreover, no other participants will be added to your group. Choosing a customized trek will enable you to fully enjoy the trek with your loved ones.

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 that 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,n 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.

Inclusion

  • Transport support from Kathgodam to Kathgodam, 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.

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 400 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.
  • 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 Aluminium foil.

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

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