Ranthang Kharak Trek
TREK DIFFICULTY
Easy - Moderate
TREK DURATION
7 Days
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
12,885 ft
GROUP SIZE
12
TREK DISTANCE
40 Km
BASECAMP
Uttarakhand
BEST TIME
April to June and September to November
PICKUP POINT
Dehradun (Prince Chowk)
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 Kedarkantha Trek. The answer will be affirmative. Ask if they have heard about 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.
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 full of the Ranthan Kharak region for botanical research. Still the Ranthan Kharak region was used as a transit zone rather than a matter of 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.
Ranthan 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.
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.
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.
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 Route Overview (Approx 40 km Round Trip)
Day 1: Kathgodam to Gogina (Base Camp)
Drive: 230 km (10–11 hrs)
Altitude: 1,820 ft to 6,415 ft
Route: Kathgodam → Almora → Bageshwar → Gogina
Accommodation: Alpine tents
Day 2: Gogina to Namik Campsite
Trek: 6–7 km, (6 hrs)
Altitude: 6,415 ft to 7,390 ft
Highlights: Village trails, oak/maple/deodar forests, descent near Ramganga River
Accommodation: Alpine tents
Day 3: Namik Campsite to Bajimanian Kharak
Trek: 5–6 km, (6–7 hrs)
Altitude: 7,390 ft to 9,690 ft
Highlights: Dense forests, alpine meadows, ridge walks
Accommodation: Alpine tents
Day 4: Bajimanian Kharak to Ranthan Top and Return to Thal Tok
Trek: 10 km round trip (7–8 hrs)
Altitude: 9,690 ft to 12,887 ft (Ranthan Top)
Highlights: Panoramic views of Nanda Devi, Panchachuli, Mt. Mrigthuni
Accommodation: Alpine tents
Day 5: Thal Tok to Namik Campsite
Trek: 6–7 km (5 hrs)
Highlights: Descent through forests and meadows
Accommodation: Alpine tents
Day 6: Namik Campsite to Gogina, Drive to Kathgodam
Trek: 6–7 km, (5 hrs)
Drive: 230 km, (10–11 hrs)
Route: Gogina → Bageshwar → Almora → Kathgodam
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.
Day 1: Drive from Kathgodam to Gogina
Drive: 230 km, 10-11 hrs
Trek: 1-2 km, 1 hr
Accommodation: Alpine Tents
Altitude: 1,820 ft to 6,415 ft
We will begin our journey early in the morning from Kathgodam with the intention of reaching Gogina by evening. Initially, we will drive through well-constructed roads. However, the final 15-20 km drive is really bumpy through winding Himalayan roads. Upon reaching Gogina, we will pitch our campsite, enjoy well-deserved delicious meals, and rejuvenate ourselves for tomorrow’s trek.
Day 2: Gogina to Namik Campsite
Trek: 6-7 km, 6 hrs
Accommodation: Alpine Tents
Altitude: 6,415 ft to 7,390 ft
Wake up early in the morning and witness the divine beauty Mother Nature creates during the sunrise. The trek from Gogina to Namik Campsite is full of ups and downs! In the initial moments, the trek will lead you through the village trail, and after 1-2 km, it will enter into a lush green forest with stony and sometimes slippery trails. You will pass through forests of green oaks, maple, and deodar. During the last stretch of the trek, you will come across a steep descent near the Ramganga River. There is a suspension bridge built over the river, and walking over it is going to be a thrilling experience for you. After crossing the river, you will have to climb towards the Namik Campsite, which is going to be a steep climb. After completing the climb, we will reach the Namik Campsite and retire for the day.
Day 3: Namik Campite to Bajimanian Kharak
Trek: 5-6 km, 6-7 hrs
Accommodation: Alpine Tents
Altitude: 7,390 ft to 9,690 ft
Today’s trek will start from the forest line and enter into the meadows where you will walk on a stony trail that passes through beautiful meadows; not exactly meadows but ‘Kharak’ with beautiful small huts built over it. After a while, you will again enter the forest… beautiful Himalayan forests where you will get the first glance of Rhododendrons. 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.
Day 4: Bajimanian Kharak to Chophu Camp via Thal Tok
Trek: 6 km, 7 hrs
Accommodation: Alpine Tents
Altitude: 9,690 ft 11,750 ft
Today’s trek is a mix of forest and meadow walks. Initially, you will walk through meadows and enter the Rhododendron forest. At a point when you will be crossing Thal Tok, you will have to endure a steep climb. From there, the view is spectacular. From Thal Tok, we will descend to Chopu where we will camp for tonight. You will be mesmerized by the spectacular views of the Himalayan mountain range like the Nanda Devi mountain range.
Day 5: Chophu Camp to Parava Thor via Ranthan Top
Trek: 9 km, 8-9 hrs
Accommodation: Alpine Tents
Altitude: 11,750 ft to 9,310 ft
Today, try to rise at dawn to welcome the rising sun. The first rays of light will fall beautifully on the Nanda Devi range and light up the south face of it. Trust us, if you are fortunate enough to see this view, you will cherish this moment forever. Today is going to be the summit day. Hence, the climb will be challenging. However, the view that you will enjoy will be unmatched. Today’s trek will have steep ascents and gradual descents. Walking through ridges, you will reach the summit, which is at an altitude of 12,880 ft. From the summit, you will descend down to the place called Parava Thor where we will pitch our campsite.
Day 6: Parava Thor to Gogina
Trek: 11 km, 5-6 hrs
Accommodation: Alpine Tents
Altitude: 9,210 ft to 6,415 ft
Today’s journey involves descending from Parava Thor to return to Gogina. As you make your way back, you’ll pass through Namik once again, retracing your steps along the same route, including crossing the suspension bridge and navigating familiar trails. By evening, you’ll arrive back in Gogina, where you can finally rest and recuperate after the trek.
While on the return journey, you might want to take some time to explore Namik village. Like many other villages nestled in the Himalayas, Namik is known for its warm and welcoming residents. You may have the opportunity to interact with locals, learn about their culture and traditions, and perhaps even partake in some local hospitality. Exploring Namik village adds a cultural dimension to your trekking experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of life in the Himalayan foothills.
Day 7: Gogina to Kathgodam
Trek: 1 km, 1 hr
Drive: 230 km, 10-11 hrs
Altitude: 6,415 ft to 1,820 ft
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.
Inclusions
- Transport support from Kathgodam to Kathgodam
- All vegetarian meals starting from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the last day
- Professional guide, cook and support staff
- Rent for camping equipment like clean sleeping bags and foam mattresses, Camping Stools,
- Kitchen tents, common tents, toilet tents with portable toilet seats
- First aid kit with Oximeter and Oxygen cylinder
- Forest entry charges (Additional Charges for Foreign Nationals)
- Tented accommodation throughout the trek on a triple-sharing basis
- All applicable taxes
Exclusions
- Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc.
- Any transport support during the trek apart from what is included above
- Any cost or services not mentioned in the Inclusions
- Accommodation in Kathgodam
- Cost arising due to unforeseen incidents like bad weather, medical evacuation, roadblocks etc
- Porter and mule support to carry personal Luggage can be arranged at an additional cost of INR 350 per bag per day (weighing up to 12 kg)
- Please carry a lunch box for packed lunch/breakfast to avoid using polythenes and Aluminium foils. Keeping the Himalayas clean is our own responsibility. Reduce the use of Plastic when you are in the abode of the Sacred Himalaya. 🌱
It is located in Bageshwar district of the Kumaon region in Uttarakhand, India.
Yes. Ranthang Kharak reaches an altitude of around 4,100 meters (13,450 feet).
May–June and September–October are ideal for this trek.
It is a moderate to difficult trek, suitable for experienced trekkers.
It takes around 6–7 days to complete the trek.
It usually starts from Gogina village.
Yes, inner line permits may be required as it is close to the Indo-Nepal border.
Yes, the trek follows the Gori Ganga river valley and crosses several streams.
Yes, you get stunning views of Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot and Panchachuli peaks and traditional charm of villages.
It’s not recommended to trek solo due to remoteness and lack of connectivity.
‘Kharak’ in the local dialect refers to a high-altitude meadow or grazing land.
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