10 Best Trekking Places In Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand, also known as the “Land of Gods,” is a haven for trekkers and adventurers who love exploring the scenic beauty of the Himalayas. Uttarakhand offers a range of treks suitable for both amateur and professional trekkers, categorized as easy, moderate, and strenuous. The treks in Garhwal and Kumaon are some of the most popular in the region, attracting visitors from around the world. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best treks in Uttarakhand that offer a unique and unforgettable experience.
Roopkund Trek
Roopkund trek is a popular and mysterious trek located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is also known as the “mystery lake” due to the human skeletons and horse remains found here, dating back to the Paleolithic era. The trek starts from Lohajang and passes through lush green grasslands and conifer forests clinging to the hills’ slopes. The lake is surrounded by rock-strewn glaciers and snow-capped peaks, making it a mesmerizing sight to behold. The trek is easily accessible from Almora and Ghat, connected by a motorable road with Nandprayag, situated on the main highway of Badrinath.
Lal Tibba Trek
Lal Tibba, at an altitude of 7500 feet, is one of the best places for trekking in Uttarakhand. It offers a picturesque view of the snow-capped Himalayas, dense deodar forests, and peaceful slopes, making it a place worth visiting. Being the highest point in Mussoorie, the trek offers telescopic views of Kedarnath, Baderpunch, Badrinath, and many other beautiful places. The trek is suitable for a two-day trek, making it an ideal weekend getaway.
Brahmatal Trek
The Brahmatal trek is another gem of Himalayan treks that is popular amongst trekkers worldwide. The trek revolves around the lake dedicated to Lord Brahma, located at an elevation of 12,150 feet. It is set against the backdrop of the Himalayas and blanketed in snow, making it a sight to behold. The trek promises to take the traveller to some of the most breathtaking locations and well-known tourist attractions. The journey takes you through the oaks and forested areas before crossing the rocky paths. On a clear day, you can catch a glimpse of the Garhwal Mountains of Uttarakhand in the distance, melting your heart.
Pindari Glacier Trek
The Pindari Glacier trek is a popular trekking route located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. It is an easy to moderate trek that passes through some of the most stunning landscapes in the region. The trek starts from a small village called Saung, which can be reached from Kathgodam by car. From Saung, the trek passes through dense forests, beautiful meadows and quaint villages before reaching the Pindari Glacier.
The highlight of the trek is the Pindari Glacier, which is a 3.2-kilometre-long glacier located at an altitude of 3,660 meters above sea level. The glacier is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, including Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, and Panwali Dwar. The trek also provides a chance to explore the culture and lifestyle of the local people living in the nearby villages.
Rupin Pass Trek
The Rupin Pass trek is one of the most exhilarating and stunning treks in Uttarakhand, India. The trek begins in the small village of Dhaula in the Uttarkashi district and finishes at Sangla in Himachal Pradesh. The Rupin Pass Trek is a high-altitude trek that will take you through steep climbs, boulder-hopping, gushing streams, and snow bridges, making it an adventurous and challenging trek. The trail takes you through breathtaking landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, gushing rivers, lush green meadows, and dense forests. The trek will also take you through some of the remote and untouched villages, providing a glimpse of the local culture and tradition. The Rupin Pass trek is a must-do for adventure enthusiasts who are looking for a challenging and rewarding trekking experience.
Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
The Gaumukh Tapovan Trek, also known as the Gangotri Glacier Trek, is a challenging trek in Uttarakhand, India. It is renowned for its difficulty and requires determination and physical fitness to complete. The trek begins with an 18-kilometre journey from Gangotri to Gaumukh, which is considered the true source of the Ganga River as it originates from the Bhagirathi River.
The Gaumukh area is breathtakingly beautiful, with panoramic views of the Bhagirathi peaks, and provides a serene and peaceful environment. Beyond Gaumukh lies Tapovan, a magnificent meadow located at the foot of Mount Shivling. The trekking trail to Tapovan is mostly flat, but it can be treacherously steep at times. The trek involves various activities such as trekking, bouldering, rock climbing, and glacier traversing.
Valley of Flowers Trek
The Valley of Flowers trek is one of the most scenic treks in Uttarakhand, India. This trek will take you through the most picturesque meadows filled with wildflowers, and snow-capped peaks in the background. This trek is perfect for nature lovers, as it offers an opportunity to witness the beauty of nature at its best. The Valley of Flowers trek starts from the small village of Govindghat and takes you through dense forests, gushing waterfalls, and vast meadows filled with wildflowers. The highlight of this trek is the valley itself, which is a paradise for nature lovers. The valley is home to several rare and exotic species of wildflowers, making it a photographer’s delight.
Kedarkantha Trek
The Kedarkantha trek is a winter trek that takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in Uttarakhand. The trek starts from the small village of Sankri in the Uttarkashi district and takes you through dense forests, snow-clad mountains, and vast meadows. The Kedarkantha summit offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, including Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Black Peak. The trek is relatively easy and can be done by beginners, making it an ideal trek for those who are looking for a winter adventure. The trek will also take you through some of the remote and untouched villages, providing an opportunity to experience the local culture and tradition.
Chopta-Tungnath-Chandrashila Trek
The Chopta-Tungnath-Chandrashila Trek is a one-day trek that is perfect for the summers. It offers breathtaking views of the Garhwal Himalayas. The trekking route starts early in the morning and passes through Tungnath Temple, the world’s highest and most probably the oldest Shiva temple. The highest point of the trek, Chandrashila, is quite tedious and requires physical fitness.
Har ki Doon Trek
The Har ki Doon Trek, also known as the Stairway to Heaven, is the best summer trekking spot in Uttarakhand. The trek takes you through ancient villages dating back 3000 years, alpine meadows, glacier basins, moraine ridges, and pine forests. You’ll see Himalayan peaks such as Bandarpunch (6316 m), Black peak (6387 m), and Ruinsara Peaks. This trekking trail is the only trail that allows you to see all three peaks of Swargarohini – I, II, and III, although it is one of the most challenging treks in Uttarakhand.
In conclusion, Uttarakhand is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers, offering some of the most stunning and challenging treks in India. From the remote villages tucked away in the high peaks to the picturesque meadows filled with wildflowers, these treks offer an opportunity to witness the beauty of nature at its best. So pack your bags, put on your trekking shoes, and head out to explore the best of Uttarakhand.
