Underrated and Unexplored Places in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand :

Uttarakhand is also called 'Devbhoomi' (the land of gods) due to its purity and divinity. It is believed that even deities have dwelled here and carried out their duties for the welfare of humanity. Here are many unexplored and underrated but undoubtedly beautiful places. Each place tells the numerous mythological stories of how Devbhoomi actually became Devbhoomi due to its religious and spiritual significance. In this article, we will learn about few of those unexplored places which will certainly put you in the mood to explore them further.

Gaumukh and Tapovan

Gaumukh, meaning 'cow's mouth', is the source of the holy Bhagirathi River which later becomes the Ganga. It is a high-altitude (approx 4023) place. According to Hindu mythology, King Bhagirath prayed here to bring the Ganga from heaven to Earth to free his ancestors' souls and get them salvation. Ancient texts describe Gaumukh as the sacred mouth of a celestial cow, Kamadhenu which granted the Ganga to humanity. Since the Ganga's force was too strong which could destroy the Earth, Lord Shiva held the river in his locks before releasing it gradually.

Tapovan, located above Gaumukh, is a serene and high-altitude meadow (approx 4,463 meters) where many sages and saints have meditated for centuries. It is surrounded by the towering peaks like Mount Shivling and Mount Meru.

It is said that Narad Rishi and other deities performed rigorous penance here to gain wisdom. Tapovan is also associated with Lord Shiva who meditated here in deep tranquility. Even today, this place is known for its peaceful environment and attracts spiritual seekers and trekkers who wish to experience its divine beauty. It's an ideal place for doing Yoga and Meditation and getting rid of worldly distractions. Though Tapovan is a peaceful and serene place, it is also one of the most challenging places to reach due to steep climbs and unpredictable weather.

Rakta Van

Rakta Van is a somewhat hidden or lesser-known place in Uttarakhand. This mountain range is famous for its bright red-colored rock formations. The name 'Rakta' comes from the Sanskrit word meaning blood, as the slope-side of mountains appear deep red, especially during sunrise and sunset. The red color comes from iron oxide and ferruginous deposits in the rocks.

According to mythology, Rakta Van was stained red by the blood of demons (Asuras) slain by Lord Shiva in an ancient battle. People also believe that the Pandavas from the Mahabharata passed through these mountains during their final journey to heaven.

This region remains largely unexplored and underrated, but this is actually what makes it a hidden gem for adventure seekers and geologists. It is also an important stop for trekkers heading to peaks like Nanda Devi and Trishul.

Nandan Van

Located at an altitude of approx 4,500 meters, Nandan Van is a meadow or sort of plateau rather than a mountain near Gaumukh. It is often confused with the Nandan Van of New Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat or even with NandanKanan Zoological Park in Odisha. However, the Nandan Van located in Uttarakhand is known for its location amidst the beautiful Garhwal Himalayas which makes it special among all.

It offers beautiful views of the Bhagirathi peaks, Shivling and Kedar Dome. It is believed to be named after 'Nandan Kanan', the celestial garden of Lord Indra Dev. Nandan Van location gives it a privilege as it serves as the base camp for the Shivling peak, one of the most challenging peaks to climb in the Himalayas.

Trekkers find Nandan Van a more undisturbed and peaceful substitute of Tapovan. The area is rich in rare Himalayan flora, including Brahma Kamal, a sacred flower in Hinduism.

Vasuki Tal

Vasuki Tal is a pristine high-altitude (approx 4,978 meters) lake surrounded by snow-clad peaks. It is located near Kedarnath and is considered one of the most beautiful and sacred lakes in Uttarakhand. The lake is named after Vasuki Naag, the king of serpents who is believed to have meditated here. 

Vasuki played a key role in Samudra Manthan (the churning of the ocean) where he served as the rope used to churn the ocean. Vasuki was also the one who released the vish (poison) 'Halahal' which Lord Shiva drank to save human welfare. Later Vasuki offered himself to Shiva as an ornament coiling around his neck as a symbol of his devotion and pledge to protect the world. 

It is also said that Lord Vishnu took a bath in this lake to make its waters pure and holy. The lake remains frozen for most of the year and provides an amazing view of Mt. Chaukhamba, reflecting beautifully in the water. The trek to Vasuki Tal is less crowded which makes it an ideal spot for solitude seekers.

Kirti Glacier

Kirti Glacier is one of the most challenging glacial regions in Uttarakhand. It is located at an elevation of about approx 4,500 meters. It is a tributary glacier of Gangotri Glacier and plays a crucial role in the flow of Alaknanda River.

The region is home to several high-altitude Himalayan species, including the highly elusive snow leopard who is also called 'the Ghost of the Himalayas'. Kirti Glacier is the starting point for some of the most difficult level trekking destinations, including treks toward Kalindi Khal and Vasuki Tal.

Kalindi Khal

Kalindi Khal is India’s one of the toughest,  the highest (approx 5,947 meters) and the most difficult mountain pass or trek in Uttarakhand. It crosses multiple glaciers, crevasses and moraines. Kalinfi Khal pass connects Gangotri to Badrinath which is one of the most dangerous yet thrilling treks in the Himalayas. Adventure enthusiasts and trekkers love this trek for it. It provides a jaw-dropping view of Mt. Kamet (7,756m), Mana Parvat and Abi Gamin. However, few trekkers attempt this pass due to its extreme altitude and unpredictable weather.

Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is a land of stories, mysteries, spirituality and mesmerising natural beauty. This land opens a door of many unexplored, underrated and uncharted places which can give you truly 'once in a lifetime' experience. If you're a travel enthusiast or a nature explorer, you will certainly explore the treasure of beautiful places here that will enrich your life-journey forever.