Trekking

Taking a hike is a great way to experience nature and a fun outdoor activity to do with family. It involves a combination of hiking and walking that people do during multiple days in rural, undeveloped regions. People in Uttarakhand who love trekking await the opportunity to go on a trek.

The mountain ranges of India provide a beautiful and captivating trekking experience. You can find a wide selection of Trekking Tours, Mountaineering, Skiing, and River Rafting tours in the Uttarakhand Himalayas and Karakorams.

The Garhwal and Kumaon regions lie at the heart of this enchanting area, and offer special interests for trekkers. Selecting a destination is not the only decision to make for trekking. You have the option of going trekking on your own or to hire a guide. Both have their upsides and downsides.

Photo Credit: Anders Nielsenon Unsplash

Bedni Bugyal Trek

Bedini Bugyal Trek / Photo Credit: Gaurav K on Unsplash

Bedni Bugyal is one of the finest meadow in India. This has got to be one of the most romantic spots in the Himalayas – acres and acres of meadow scooped out of lush mountain scape, a steep ridge arching up into the dusk, and above it, the enormous western flank of Trishul. Bedni is also a major way-station on the Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra, a ritual procession held every 12 years.

Dodital Trek

This trek is actually an ancient route of Gangotri to Kedarnath. The Hindu devotees used this pilgrimage trail very regularly during the times when roads didn't exist and people used to visit all the four holy temples on foot. Gangotri and Kedarnath are Panch Prayag of North. In Gangotri you can see Gaumukh also which is the source of holy river Ganges. The Kedarnath shrine, built in the 8th century, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Kedar is another name of Lord Shiva, the protector and the destroyer.

Gangotri Kedarnath Trek

Bedini Bugyal Trek / Photo Credit: Gaurav K on Unsplash

Situated in north of Uttarkashi and surrounded by dense woods of oak, pine, Deodar and rhododendrons. The crystal clear lake is full of rare fishes and the Himalayan Golden Trouts. The trek from Dodital to Yamunotri takes you through high altitude grasslands and dense virgin forests. The scenery en route is really astounding.The trek to Dodi Tal commence from Uttarkashi to Kalyani and is approachable by motor. Kalyani to Agoda is a gradual climb through woods, fields, and villages on a mule track. The trek from Agoda to Dodi Tal is steep and through thick forests.

Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

Gomukh Tapovan Trek / Photo Credit: Subhadeep Saha on Unsplash

Tapovan is an ideal location for the tourists looking for peace and adventure. It is located at an altitude of 4463m / 14638 ft above sea level. Tapovan is a base camp for shivlinga peak of Uttaranchal hills. The trek takes you to Gomukh (cow’s mouth), the mythological source of the River Ganges, which is at the snout of the Gangotri glacier.

Gomukh is one of the holiest places for Hindu pilgrims who come here to witness the birth of Mother Ganga. The Holy River Ganges is the most sacred river in the Hindu religion and its source at Gomukh on the Gangotri glacier and many other peaks.

Har Ki Dun Trek

Har Ki Dun Trek / Photo Credit: Bhaskar Kasireddi on Unsplash

Har-ki-Dun is situated at an elevation of 3566 meters is surrounded by glittering peaks and dense forests. These forests are rich in wild life and are a paradise for bird-watchers and nature lovers. It’s a holy place and also a base of Swargarohini which is at ht. of 21000 ft. Jaundar Glacier is at south-east of Har-ki-dun.

This trek is meant for people from all age groups. People who are interested in herbs & shrubs for medicinal purpose alos visit this place. According to the mythology, it is said that Pandav went to Heaven through this mountain. The valley is full of flora and fauna, Bhojpatra, tree and Bramhakamal flower.

Hemkund Sahib Trek

Hemkund Sahib Trek / Photo Credit: Swapnil Modak on Unsplash

Hemkund is a holy lake, an important pilgrimage of Sikhs and Hindus. It lies near the Valley of Flowers at an altitude of 3050 meters. The sacred, beautifully shaped Gurdwara near the lake is visited by many pilgrims from all over the world. It is believed that Guru Govind Singh, the tenth guru of Sikhs, meditated and united with God at this place.

Trek to Hemkund begins at Govindghat, which also acts as a base camp for the trek. From Govindghat, a strenuous trek of 19 Km leads to Hemkund. To reach Govindghat, if you are coming from Delhi, you can take NH58 to Govindghat via Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Nandprayag, Chamoli and Joshimath. From Govindghat, Hemkund is just 19 Km which you have to trek. The nearest rail destination is Rishikesh (273 Km) and the nearest airport is Jolly Grant of Dehradun.

Kafni Glacier Trek

Kafni Glacier Trek / Photo Credit: Swapnil Modak on wikimedia.org

It’s a ten days trip which involves drive to Gangotri , the ancient source of the holy river Ganga and trek to the finest high altitude Himalayan lake, Kedar tal (4912 meters) punctuated with breath stopping close view of Greater Himalayan peaks e.g. Thaleysagar (6904 meters), Brigupanth (6772 meters) and Jogin Group of peaks.It is one of the finest lakes in the Himalayas, and the trail is punctuated with breath-taking views of snow-capped peaks.

The lake is the brightest shade of emerald green your eyes have ever seen. The river Kedarganga originates from the Kedar glacier and eventually joins the Bhagirathi. The entire route is enriched with flora and fauna typical to these mountains, and has ample scope for wildlife expeditions.

Kedar Tal Trek

Kedar Tal Trek / Photo Credit: Lay Naik on Unsplash

Kafni glacier is situated on the left side of Pindar Valley under a majestic mountain, Nandakot. This region has its own charm with the solitude it presents. This region is very rich in wildlife.

As this place is full of forest region, there are no rest houses beyond Dwali. So if you are planning for this trek, then make arrangement of tents as well. Some people also spend their night in caves. Main peaks near the glacier are Nandakot, which is 6860 metres and Nandabhanar, which is 6104 metres.

Kuari Pass Trek

Kuari Pass Trek / Photo Credit: Lay Naik on Unsplash

Kuari Pass, which is in the heart of Chamoli District of Uttarakhand, is at elevation of 4265m. It is in the northeastern part of Garhwal. The Kuari pass is one of the most beautiful trek, famous for the enchanting view of the snow-clad peaks of Neelkanth (6596m), Kamet (7756m), Mukut Parbat, Mana, Nilgiri Parbat, Trishul (7120m), Hardeol, Dronagiri, rishi pahar, Kalanka, Chaukhamba (7128m), Lampak, Changabang (6864m) , Ronthi , Beathertoli, Kamatt (7757m) and others.

Milam Glacier Trek

Milam Glacier is about 28 km long, the biggest glacier of the Kumaon, Uttarakhand. It originates from the slope of Kohli and Trishul peaks and is situated on the south facing slope of the main Himalayan range. This trek starts at Munsyari and the route ascends up the Gori Ganga river gorge, which separates the Nanda Devi range from the beautiful peaks of the Panch Chulli range.

The initial part of the trek leads you through the high Himalayan ridges to open up into the wide expanse of the gentler trans-Himalayan region. Milam Village, which is located near the glacier, is one of the highest villages in the Himalayan range. Munsyari is the base for the trek route leading to Milam glacier.

Nanda Devi Trek

The three week long Nandadevi Raj Jaat Yatra is the world famous festival of Uttaranchal. People from entire Garhwal-Kumaon as well as other parts of India and the world participate in Nandadevi Raj Jat Yatra. The jaat starts from Nauti village near Karnprayag and goes upto the heights of Roopkund and Haemkund with a four horned sheep. After the havan-yagna is over, the sheep is freed with decorated ornaments, food and clothing, and the other offerings are dischared. People also celebrate the annual Nanda jaat.

The Nanda Raj Jat war started by ancestors of Rajas of Garhwal. The ancient tradition of taking out Nanda jats among all the Garhadhipatis was combined by the raja into a Royal pilgrimage every twelve years. Raja Ajay Pal (Shesh Pal) of Chandgarh started the Nanda Raj Jat in 15 century. Since then, the royal family takes the pilgrimage along with their purohit to seek forgiveness from Nanda Devi, and offer 'Tarpan' for the ancestors who had died at the Roopkund, along with his pregnant wife and courtesans.

Om Parvat Trek

Om Parvat (also known as Adi Kailash, Little Kailash, Jonglingkong Peak, Baba Kailash, Chhota Kailash)[3] is an ancient holy Hindu mountain in the Himalayan mountain range, lying in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. It’s at an altitude of 6191 meters. This peak is near to Sinla pass, similar to Mount Kailash in Tibet.

In this peak, the snow deposition pattern gives the impression of “Om” written over it, which is a sacred Hindu Mantra or chant. nearby Om Parvat, a beautiful “Parvati lake” and “Jonglingkong lake” is situated. The Jonglingkong Lake is sacred like Mansarovar to the Hindus. The opposite of this peak is a mountain called Parwati Muhar. Snow over it shines like a crown in the sun.

Pindari Glacier Trek

Pindari Glacier is the world famous glacier. It is also known as trekker’s paradise because it is easier to visit than most other glaciers. This glacier is situated between snow capped Nanda Devi and Nandakot mountains. The river Pindar originates from this glacier. The glacier is at an altitude of 3353 mtrs. the entire trekking tour route is filled to the brim with natural beauty.

The trek to the Pindari Glacier is amongst the most favorite of treks in the Kumaon region of the Himalayas. At the final destination of the trek, the Pindari Glacier provides so eye catching view that it remains etched in the mind for life.

Roopkund Trek

Roopkund situated at a height of 5029m in the lap of Trishuli massif. Situated in Chamoli district of Garhwal is famous for natural lake. This area is also known as “Mystery Lake”, since human skeletons and remains of horses from the Paleolithic age were found here. The lake is surrounded by rock-strewn glacier and snow-clad peaks.

Trekkers can start their trek from Lohajung, which is the starting point. Lohajung is easily approachable by motor from Almora.The road head for roopkund is lohajung 155km from Almora, 217 kilometers from nainital and 235km from Kathgodam. You can also reach Roopkund by ghat, connected by a motorable road with Nanda Prayag situated on the main highway of Badrinath.The trek of Roopkund passes through lush green grassy land and conifer forest clining into the sloper of hills.

The trek thereafter winds its way along the Pindar River. Then to round off this trek, one can approach hemkund via Shail Samundras glacier and then move on ghat. Bedni bugyal and Bhagwawasa are the most beautiful places in this trek. You must found lots of “Bramhakamal” near Bhawawara. The best time of come here is last week of August to last week of October. You must have 8 days to trekking for Roopkund. It is a 40km trek from the road head.

Satopanth Trek

Satopanth is a triangular lake of serene water has a perimeter of about half a kilometer. Satopanth is about 25 Kms. from Badrinath. It is a glacier lake surrounded by high snow-capped peaks. The trek sometimes is tough but sometimes remains moderate but is full of dramatic scenery. If you are planning for this trek, then it will be good to mention that there is no place to rest between, except caves.

Trekkers are requested to carry cooked food or stove from Badrinath itself.It is believed that Hindu Gods Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar (Lord Shiva) have occupied one corner each, and which are named after them. There is no place to rest between, except caves. Cooked food, stove etc. have to be carried from Badrinath itself.

Valley of Flower Trek

Valley of Flowers Trek / Photo Credit: Lay Naik on Unsplash

Valley of flowers is spread over an area of 87.5 sq. kms. has the largest collection of wild flower species. This scenic beauty is created by nature. The river Pushpawati enhances its beauty, which flows in the vicinity overlooked by a towering Rataban peak in the background. You can see more than 300 species of wild flowers blooming and swinging with life during the monsoons. Legends associate this valley with the area from where Hanumanji of Ramayana collected “Sanjeevani” herbs to revive Lakshmana, the younger brother of Rama. This valley can be visited only during the day. Overnight stay is prohibited.