Uttarakhand is a state located in Northern India, West of Nepal, which boasts of having the great Himalayas as its epicenter. This state is not only known as a holy land and a pilgrimage spot for Hindus, but it is also home to many beautiful trekking routes. The Gangotri Glacier, which is the source point of the Ganges River, is one of the many natural wonders to be found in Uttarakhand, along with Nanda Devi, the second tallest mountain in India. In this article, we will be looking at ten of the best treks in Uttarakhand that will take you through forests, valleys, and glaciers.
1- Kedartal Trek
• Maximum Altitude: 16,000 feet
• Trek Duration: 6-8 days
• Best Season: May-June and September-October
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
The Kedartal Trek, situated in the Gangotri region of the Garhwal Himalayas, is a haven for mountain lovers as it presents breathtaking vistas of the mighty Himalayan ranges including the Jogin peaks, the Bhirgupanth peak, and the Thalayasagar peak. This trek is a true gem of Uttarakhand as it leads to a high altitude glacial lake hidden amidst snow-capped peaks and stunning landscapes. Along the way, trekkers may even encounter some of the rare mountain wildlife species such as the Blue Sheep, Goral, and the legendary Himalayan Black Bear. The Kedartal Trek is a dream come true for those seeking adventure, serenity, and the unparalleled beauty of the Himalayas.
2- Rupin Pass Trek
• Maximum Altitude: 4,650 m
• Trek Duration: 8-10 days
• Best Season: May, Jun, Jul, September
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Rupin Pass Trek, a trail that takes you through lofty waterfalls, vibrant flower-filled meadows, and stunning views of neighboring peaks. Starting from the quaint town of Dhaula, this trek is a 7-day journey that involves climbing almost 10,000 feet to reach Rupin Pass, which marks the crossing from Uttarakhand to Himachal Pradesh. Along the way, trekkers will come across charming villages like Jakha that provide ideal rest stops.
3- Kedarkantha Trek
• Maximum Altitude: 3,810 m
• Trek Duration: 5-7 days
• Best Season: April-June and December-March
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
The Kedarkantha Trek is an easy five-day trek that takes you through various celebrated mountain peaks in Kedarkantha. Starting from the village Sankri in Uttarakhand, the trek covers over 18 km in just 4-5 days, gaining an altitude of over 6000 feet. The stunning 360-degree views of the celebrated mountain peaks make it worth the while. By the time you reach the Kedarkantha peak, you will feel as if you’ve touched the sky! The best time to undertake this trek is from December to April.
4- Bali Pass Trek
• Maximum Altitude: 1900 to 5000 mts
• Trek Duration: 7-9 days
• Best Season: May to October
• Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
The Bali Pass Trek is a challenging route meant for experienced trekkers only. Situated inside the famous Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, the trek promises sightings of exotic flora and fauna. As trekkers navigate through coniferous forests and cross the beautiful rivers of Tons and Siyan Gad, they will eventually reach the enchanting Ruinsara Tal lake, where they will be rewarded with stunning views of Bandarpoonch, Kalanag, and Swargarohini peaks.
5- Roopkund Trek
• Maximum Altitude: 16,499 feet
• Trek Duration: 8 Days
• Best Season: May-June and September-November
• Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
Roopkund trek is famous for the mystery surrounding the human skeletons that were discovered at Roopkund lake. The trek offers a variety of landscapes ranging from lush green meadows to rocky terrain, and from snow-capped peaks to ice-cold lakes. Trekkers can also spot a variety of flora and fauna like rhododendrons, oak trees, and musk deer. The best time to do this trek is between May and June, and September and November.
6- Valley of Flowers Trek
• Maximum Altitude: 14,100 feet
• Trek Duration: 6 Days
• Best Season: June-September
• Difficulty Level: Easy
Valley of Flowers is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its diverse and exotic flora. The trek offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the valley is home to several rare species of plants like the Himalayan bellflower, Himalayan cobra lily, and Himalayan blue poppy. The trek is easy and suitable for beginners and families with children.
7- Pindari Glacier Trek
• Maximum Altitude: 12,300 feet
• Trek Duration: 7 Days
• Best Season: May-June and September-October
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Pindari Glacier trek takes you through beautiful villages, dense forests, and stunning mountain scenery. The trek is easy and can be done by people of all ages. Trekkers can spot several species of birds and animals like the Himalayan black bear, bharal, and snow leopard. The best time to do this trek is between May and June, and September and October.
8- Auden's Col Trek
• Difficulty: Very Difficult
• Duration: 16 days
• Best Season: May and October
• Maximum Altitude: 18,020 feet
Auden's Col is considered one of the most challenging trekking routes in Uttarakhand. This trek starts from Gangotri and takes you through pine and cane woodlands as you trek towards Nala Camp. From Nala Camp, you will reach the Rudra Gaira Base Camp where you can catch breathtaking views of snow-laden Himalayan peaks. The trek connects the peaks of Jogin I and Gangotri III, as well as the Khatling and Jogin I glaciers. It features a path through endless glaciers, moraines, narrow cliffs, and snow ridges that demand excellent physical fitness.
9 Har Ki Dun Trek
• Difficulty: Easy
• Duration: 7 days
• Best Season: March to June and September to December
• Maximum Altitude: 11,500 feet
Har Ki Dun Trek is one of the easiest treks to accomplish in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas. The trek offers picturesque views of the Tons River valley, surrounded by highlands and dense woodlands. The pre-monsoon months are perfect for birdwatching, while the post-monsoon season offers magnificent flora as it blossoms during these months. The trail is covered in snow from December to April, making it ideal for snow lovers. Steeped in mythology, this trek is a sublime experience.
10- Satopanth Lake Trek
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Duration: 6 to 8 days
• Best Season: June, September, and October
• Maximum Altitude: 4600 meters
The Satopanth Lake Trek takes you to Satopanth Tal, an incredible glacial lake surrounded by soaring snow-garbed foothills like Neelkanth, Satopanth (23,206 ft), Chaukhamba I, and Balakun. The reflections of these beautiful mountains on the crystal-clear glacial lake are truly a sight to behold! The trek is a spiritual journey as well, as it is believed that the Holy trio, Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh, meditated at the three corners of the Satopanth Lake. This isolated trek is a must-do for those who love challenges as well as serene nature.
11- Brahmatal Trek
• Difficulty: Easy
• Duration: 10-14 days
• Best Season: December to February
• Maximum Altitude: 12,200 feet
Brahmatal Trek is one of the best winter treks in the Himalayas and is located opposite to the famous Roopkund Trek. The inimitable views of the Himalayan ranges should be your top reason to go on this trek, which is entirely covered in snow. The trek is a paradise for snow enthusiasts, and prominent seven-thousanders such as Trishul, Nandaghunti, Chowkhamba, Nilkanth, Kamet, Hathi, and Ghoda peaks are visible. You can also see most of the trail of Roopkund Trek, including views of Ali Bugyal, Bedni Bugyal & Junargali.
12- Kalindi Khal Trek
• Difficulty: Very Difficult
• Duration: 13 to 15 days
• Best Season: June and September
• Maximum Altitude: 19,520 feet
The Kalindi Khal Pass Trek, spanning nearly 100 km, is widely considered the most challenging trek route in the Garhwal Himalayas. Connecting the pilgrimage sites of Gangotri and Badrinath, this demanding trek requires basic mountaineering skills, making it suitable for experienced trekkers only. The rugged terrain takes trekkers through glaciers, crevassed snowfields, and rocky moraines, all while offering stunning vistas of prominent Himalayan peaks such as Shivling, Meru, Kedar Dome, Nilkant, Avalanche Peak, Kamet, and Mana. This legendary trek promises an unforgettable adventure for those brave enough to take it on.
In conclusion, Uttarakhand is a paradise for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts. With its magnificent mountains, glacial lakes, and diverse flora and fauna, it is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an adventure in the lap of nature. The state offers treks of varying difficulty levels, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers. The best time to do these treks is between May and June, and September and October, but some treks can be done throughout the year.
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