Trekking is the best outdoor activity, to keep yourself fitter, and healthier for life. Nowadays, with the addition of new places, each passing day, trekkers are getting, encouraged to go on an adventure spree, exploring the unexplored/unbeaten trails, amidst the forest, across the mountains, between the railway tracks, athwart a waterfall, etc… Mingle with like-minded trekkers, to learn new aspects, tour that place, meet, the local people to learn about their culture, and try out new cuisines.
There are plenty of trekking trails across India, which are not just picturesque, but also equally challenging… The more you trek, the better will be your understanding, of the place. There are different levels of trekking, for beginners as well as experts. So, choose the route, that better suits you, as it can be treacherous, for a beginner to scale a precipitous mountain or a hillock.
Before, embarking on a trekking adventure, beginners should go on a 5kms run, and also, go on a smaller/easier trek, before attempting the difficult one.
Here are a few trekking destinations in Uttarakhand, that are sure to enthrall you!
01 - Nag Tibba trek
Nag Tibba is an ultimate trekking destination, in Uttarakhand. It takes two days to trek this place, from Dehradun. The trekking distance, being 4kms, the summit is just 7kms, away from the base camp. Once you reach the pinnacle, you can have a splendiferous outlook of, magnificent peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Kedarnath, and Gangotri. Getting to Nag Tibba is an easy one, as you can get a direct flight, train, or bus to Dehradun, after which you can hire a private taxi or local bus that, will take you to, the Pantwari village. From this point, you can trek to, Nag Tibba as it is just 8kms. The difficulty level, of Nag Tibba, is easy.
Nag Tibba Trek or trek to the Serpent’s peak is a trekker’s paradise for ardent trekkers. Nature around is, so serene and is amidst lush green forests/meadows, that you will be lost in its beauty. This trekking spot is situated at, an altitude of 9914.698ft approximately. You can spend, a perfect weekend getaway in this place, away from the bustling city traffic. A place, less explored by tourists, Nag Tibba is located near Mussorie. Shadowed by Garhwal Himalayas, Nag Tibba is the highest peak in the Shivalik Range, of the lesser Himalayas.
Reverently known as, Learner’s Peak in the expedition world, it can be your perfect, stepping-stone to becoming an avid mountaineer. Nag Tibba, is an awesome choice, to relish the views of Bandarpoonch Peak, the Gangotri Peaks, Kedarnath Peak, Changabang Peaks, and the Doon Valley. The uniqueness, of this trekking, is that Nag Tibba is a circular trek with a different finishing point, from its beginning point. The trail is even, and while descending the summit, you can witness vibrant landscapes.
Some, quaint villages and extremely ravishing Deodar forests will welcome you, warmly. Also, they will give you a refreshing atmosphere to make your enervation go away. Nag Tibba trek is, as well, highly recommended for beginners or, those with reasonable physical fitness. The trek to this trekking spot starts and ends at, Dehradun/Delhi depending on the variant you choose. Dehradun is the nearest railway station, and Jolly Grant, in Dehradun is the nearest, airport. You can find ATMs in Mussoorie and Nainbhag.
02 - Kedarkantha trek
A utopia, for a zealous trekker, Kedarkantha is one of the most breathtaking, trekking places in Uttarakhand. The view of the other mountains, from its zenith, is so splendorous that, you will cherish this memory, for your lifetime. During, the time of your trek, you will trek across, some of the most captivating sights with snow-capped mountains, emerald green valleys, and frozen ponds. While trekking here, you will witness various kinds of flora, and fauna, on your way. Each of the campsites is known for, its enchanting surroundings, with alluring beauty, pine trees.
One of the winsome snow trekking destinations in India, Kedarkantha can be trekked from, Dehradun. En route to this picturesque peak, you will pass through Mussoorie and some verdant landscapes, of this resplendent hill station. Continuing further, you will reach Sankri. When you are trekking, you will witness alluring vistas, of the snow-capped Himalayas. As you trek, a bit forward, you will get to see, a small town where you will witness, many underprivileged women and children, carrying bundles of wood logs/sticks, along with dry leaves, for cooking/setting-up bonfires, in the chilling night.
Situated, at an elevation of 12,500ft, near the renowned Har ki Dhun valley, this wondrous place is not visited frequently, by tourists. Imbued and unrivaled beauty, of the captivating villages, Kedarkantha, has vast stretches of green foliage, snow-clad paths, and enthralling sights of the great Himalayas. You will come across, courteous local people, who follow unique culture and practice. Amid the tranquil nature, along with scenic environs, pristine lakes, mammoth mountains, as well as ascending Himalayan peaks, this is one of the trekking expeditions, which is worth visiting, and should not be missed scaling.
This trek is an ideal destination for nature lovers, to immerse in the exquisiteness of nature. The best time to visit the Kedarkantha trek is, from December to April. The entire region is covered with shimmering white snow, and the base of alpine trees is half-deluged with it. If the snowy mountains attract you, then this is an ideal time for you to witness, the true beauty of nature. The months of June to September are the monsoon months, and one must avoid trekking, at this time. The trekking route remains open in the summertime, but the charm in the winter months, is truly blissful, which makes it the best time, to visit Kedarkantha.
Being a winter trek, you would also face strong snowfall and chilly gusty winds. Hence, be well-prepared, to complete the trek, successfully. Dehradun, which is at a distance of 248 km from Delhi, is the nearest point. Once you reach Sankri, you can start your trek to Kedarkantha, mostly, embarked the next day morning.
03 - Har ki Dun trekking
Har ki Dhun, is a trekker’s paradise, and one of the serene places to trek in Uttarakhand. Placed, at an altitude of 11,647ft, in Garhwal, of the Himalayas, Har Ki Dhun is acclaimed, for its magnifico, hanging valleys, and pulchritude landscape, enveloping the emerald green mountains. This mountain is known as a beginner’s trek. Hence, even an inexperienced trekker, can try exploring this elegant, snow-capped mountain range, and enjoy the tranquil nature, uphill.
Bask in the elegance of the region, with the dense alpine forests and the panoramic view of the mountains. Har Ki Dun trek is heaven for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and also photographers. Capture some of your best shots, while you head out for this trek. This is an undiscovered trekking destination, is like a hidden gem, in the Himalayan region. While trekking, you will come across a mountain range, called Swargarohini, and as per the legend, it is believed that when the Pandavas, tried to reach heaven, through a mythical stairway, only Yudhistira, the eldest amongst the Pandava brothers, could reach heaven.
The place of interest, in Har Ki Dhun, is the famous Duryodhana temple, situated in a village known as, Osla. You can relax, and unwind, gazing at the shining stars, of the night sky, sitting around the warmth, of the bonfire. Sipping a hot cup of coffee, in the biting cold, is like an elixir, to the trekkers. While in Sankri, don’t miss the spectacular Sunrise. The trekking difficulty level is easy to moderate. The trek starts and ends in Sankri. Railway Station: Dehradun is the nearest railway station
Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, and Base Camp: Sankri 10 hrs drive from Dehradun. The snowfall season is from December to April.
04 - Kalindi pass trek
Kalindi Pass Trek is one of the admirable trekking spots in Uttarakhand. Considered, one of the most onerous treks of the Himalayas, the trek is not advisable for beginners/inexperienced trekkers. But, if you are physically very fit, adventure enthusiast, and possess abilities, of mountaineering along with high altitude trekking, then it is best suited for you. Located at an altitude of 19,507.87ft, this trekking gives mesmerizing, yet fidgety experience.
While trekking in this place, trekkers, on the way can visit some of the, most renowned Hindu pilgrimages. Kalindi Pass is a dwelling place for, some of the most endangered mammals like bulbuls, owls, cuckoos, bearded vulture, golden eagle, Himalayan snowcock, brown bear, and so on. The best time to visit is during July-September. The difficulty level of this trek is moderate to difficult.
You can reach Kalindi Pass, by opting for a route from Delhi to Dehradun. From there, travel to Harshil/Gangotri to reach.
05 - Dodital Hanumanchatti trek
Situated at an altitude, of 13,615.48ft, Dodital Hanumanchatti is one of the quintessential, places to trek. The path, from Dodital to Hanumanchetti, has a thrilling route, that can be embarked upon, by both experienced, as well as inexperienced trekkers. If you are keen, to have a spectacular outlook of the Himalayas, then this is a perfect place for you. The unruffled Dodital lies above, the valleys of the Bhagirathi River between Ganga and Yamuna river ravines.
If you scale a bit further, it will lead you to the Darwa Top, which is at an altitude of 14,599.737ft. Swargarohini Bandarpunch mountain is situated, so close to the pinnacle of Darwa Top mountain, that it seems like you can touch this mountain, by just stretching your hand. This route was originally used by local Gujjar shepherds, who used to bring their cattle, for grazing. The route was also occasionally used, by saints to travel in the midst of the Gangotri and Yamunotri temples.
The best season to visit this place is from, May to October. It will take 10-days to complete this trekking. The difficulty level to trek this mighty mountain is moderate.
06 - Chandrashila - Tungnath trek
The holy Tungnath shrine, is nestled on the pinnacle, of Chandrashila mountain, at an altitude of 12,083ft, above sea level. This place is apt, for relaxing and unwinding yourself. You can rejuvenate, meditate, betwixt the swaying trees, absorbing the pure radiation of the Sun. Chandrashila Summit trek gives you, a great chance to view Kedar, Chaukhamba, along with, some of the other major mountain ranges, as they come closer to you, the more you mount further. You can spot Golden Eagles, more frequently from the pinnacle of this mountain.
This Chandrashila Trek is comparatively easy, making it suitable for beginners and also children. Yet, you should be fit enough, to trek Chandrashila, and those who love nature deeply would get delighted, embarking on a trekking journey here. Bird watching is, one of the popular activities, that keeps inviting, nature lovers, and ornithologists in plenty to the region.
An amicable, lakeside picnic can be the best activity to embark on, with your family, watching the blossoms in the forest ranges around. While on an expedition here, you will be walking for 6-7 hours on average, every day. However, it will be very soothing for your, body and mind, for sure. The trek difficulty level is easy, to moderate. Railway Station: Haridwar is the nearest railway station, and Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.
07 - Gangotri - Tapovan trek
A source of the river Bhagirathi, Gaumukh is considered, as the quintessence, of the river Ganga. You need to trek 18kms, from Gangothri, to reach the alluring, and serene Gaumukh mountain. From its summit, Gaumukh proffers a panoramic view of the captivating Bhagirathi peaks. Tapovan, situated at an ascendence of 14,200ft, is above, Gaumukh and comprises the enchanting, meadows nestled, at the foot of Mount Shivling.
The Gaumukh Tapovan trekking trail is usually benign but gets, precariously steep, at some places. The trek is a combined experience of trekking, bouldering, rock climbing, and glacier traversing. On reaching Tapovan, you get to see, the ensorcelling view of the beautiful, snow-capped peaks, bound in sunlight. Another attraction, of this trekking trail, is the sight of Akash Ganga, where the actual river Ganga, flows from the Jata of Lord Shiva. According, to a belief, the water, falls exactly on the Shivalinga, like doing an abhishekam.
The circumambient beauty and the placidness of Tapovan will surely magnetize, ease and alleviate, your mind. The best season to trek this place is, from May to October. It takes, 6-days to complete this trek. The difficulty level to trek this mountain is moderate.
08 - Auden's Col trek
Auden Col, is one of the most elevated mountain passes, situated at an altitude of 18,011.81ft. This Col is in a chine that lies amid, Gangotri and Jogin massifs, in the Garhwal Himalayas. The Auden’S Col Trek connects the canyons, of Bhilangana and Rudragaira, and is one of the toughest, non-technical treks in, the country. It is indicated by dicy ridges, dangerous rivels, numerous abyss, a long strenuous trail, and boulder sections.
There is also a temple, in Auden’s Col, where you can have a darshan of many Hindu deities, in one complex. While trekking, you can witness, the magnificent outlooks of the Kedar Dome, Bhagirathi, Jogin, and Rudragaira peaks. This trail that passes through several towns, gushing streams, dense alpine woodlands, and meadows dotted with a variety of blossoms, will leave you bewildered.
As the Auden’S Col Trek is one of, the toughest treks in, the Garhwal Himalayan region, it has not been explored much by regular trekkers. The trail will take, you through some of the dangerous moraines, narrow cliffs, along with stony, anfractuous, and fidgety macadams. For an ardent trekker, this is not just a trek, but an expedition, that would rejuvenate, and inspire that person! The difficulty level of Auden’s Col trek is – Challenging.
09- The Valley of flowers & Hemkund Sahib
Valley of Flowers is situated in North Chamoli and Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand. This valley is nestled in the upper plains of Bhyundar Ganga near Joshimath in the Garhwal region. The lower reaches of Bhyundar Ganga near Govindghat are known as Bhyundar Valley. The Valley of Flowers is in the Pushpawati valley 23 km north-northwest of Nanda Devi Park.
Well-known for its lush green meadows of endemic alpine flowers, and variety of different other floras, this richly divergent area is also a dwelling place for rare and endangered animals, including the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, musk deer, brown bear, red fox, and blue sheep. Birds found in the park include Himalayan monal pheasant and other high altitude birds.
The Valley of Flowers is a high-altitude Himalayan valley that has long been acknowledged by famous mountaineers, botanists, and literature experts. It has been recognized internationally for over a century and is referred to in the Hindu religion. Local people have paid a visit to the valley since ancient times. Indian yogis are known to have meditated on this valley. There are hundreds of different colorful flowers, with various shades of colors in this valley.
The valley was declared a national park in 1982. In 2002, it was proclaimed as a World Heritage Site and has gained importance as a region containing, a range of alpine flora, representative of the Western Himalayan alpine shrub and meadows of the ecoregion.
The place was little known to the outside world due to its inaccessibility.
In 1931, Frank S. Smythe, Eric Shipton, and R.L. Holdsworth, all British mountaineers, lost their way while returning from a successful expedition to Mt.Kamet and happened upon the valley, which was full of flowers. They were attracted to the beauty of the area and named it the “Valley of Flowers.” Frank Smythe later authored a book of the same name.
