Lush with Himalayan forests and the mighty Garhwal and Kumaon Ranges, Uttarakhand is one of the most sought out destinations, known for its rare variety of flora and fauna, the region has attracted numerous adventure enthusiasts, hikers, trekkers and scientists to the region.
As the season of some of the most famous treks of the region open out, we bring you some of the top 11 treks in Uttarakhand:
1- The Roopkund Trek
One of the most intriguing and mysterious treks of the region, the Roopkund trek is known for its Lake, the lake that is known to be filled with human bones and skeletons since the 14th century. Totally uninhabited, this lake set at a height of 16,499 feet. The lake is located on a significant pilgrimage route to Nanda Devi Cult where comes the famous Nanda Devi Raj Festival, which is held once in every 12 years. The trek route is amongst the most beautiful routes of the region, passing through snow clad peaks of the Trishul and Bedni Bugyal, virgin forests, bubbling streams and temples. Starting from Lohajung, the trek ascends up to Ran ki Dhar to Bhaguwagasa and then to Roopkund.
Quick Facts
- Grade: Moderate – Difficult
- Region: Chamoli, Garhwal
- Altitude: 4000 to 4,900 mts
- Trek Distance: 38 kms
- Duration: 7 to 8 Days
- Best time to visit: May-Oct
2- Har Ki Dun
Surrounded by pine forests and snow clad Himalayan peak, the Har Ki Doon located on the western Ganges of the Garhwal mountains, us a treat to nature lovers, trekkers, photographers and bird watchers. Situated at the base of the Fateh Parvat, the trek to Har Ki Dun starts from Netwar to Osla and passes through lush chinar, willow, chestnut and walnut trees. The region is popularly known to be the hanging valley of the Gods. A trek of a moderate level, the route passes through some of the most beautiful and less travelled regions of the Garhwal. The region is also famous for its beautifully carved temple dedicated to Duryodhana, the Kaurava Prince. Another sight that enamours all trekkers is the Jaundhar Glacier at 4300 metres.
Quick Facts
- Grade: Easy
- Region: Uttarkashi, Garhwal
- Altitude: 1950 – 3560 mts
- Trek Distance: 54 kms
- Duration: 6 to 7 Days
- Best time to visit: Jan-Jun, Sep-Dec
3- Valley of Flowers
No mention of the top Uttarakhand treks can be complete without the mention of Valley of Flowers. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the second core zone of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, stretching upto over 87.5 sq kms in the Western Himalayan region, the region is known for its over 500 unique varieties of flowers. From the months of June to October the Valley of Flowers bloom with lush and the most beautiful flowers of the world, while during the other times of the year, the Valley of Flowers is covered with snow. Flowing through the valley is the beautiful Pushpawati River, one step into the meadow and you begin to understand why, the region is believed to have been inhabited by fairies according to local legends.
Quick Facts
- Grade: Easy
- Region: Chamoli, Garhwal
- Altitude: 3352 to 3658 mts
- Trek Distance: 17 kms
- Duration: 3 to 6 Days
- Best time to visit: May-Nov
4- Rupin Pass
A great hill-walking route, the Rupin Pass is one of the lesser known regions of Uttarakhand. Untouched by human population, the Rupin Pass is located at a staggering height of over 15000 feet above sea level in the Dhauladhar Ranges. Another one of the beautiful treks of the region, the path is known for its streams dug out of rock faces, deep dark folds of the mountains, icy slopes, glaciers and snowfields. Rated among the moderate to difficult levels, following the way to the evergreen Deodar forests, the Rupin Pass trek gives its trekker a beautiful plethora of cultures of Hinduism in the Garhwals to the Hindu-Buddhism mix in the Sangla Valley.
Quick Facts
- Grade: Easy
- Region: Uttarkashi, Garhwal
- Altitude: 1600 to 4,650 mts
- Trek Distance: 55 kms
- Duration: 8 Days
- Best time to visit: May-Jun, Sep-Oct
5- Pindari Glacier
It is said by many that trekking in India is incomplete without trekking the Pindari Glacier. Known as the trekker’s paradise, the Pindari Glaciers can arguably called as one of the most easily reachable glaciers in the Kumaon region. A huge and steep glacier located between the Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot mountains, the Pindari Glacier is believed to be a completely never-ending and a breath-taking experience.
The valley drained by the Pindari River arises from the Pindari Glacier. Running through sedimentary rocks in the initial course, the river finally meets the Alakananda River. The path moves downhill from Phurkia to Khati and passes through several rock faces, beautiful valleys and numerous waterfalls.
Quick Facts
- Grade: Moderate to Difficult
- Region: Bageshwar, Kumaon
- Altitude: 3,660 mts
- Trek Distance: 64 kms
- Duration: 7 to 10 Days
- Best time to visit: Apr-Jun, Sep-Nov
6- Chopta – Chandrashila Trek
Starting from Ukhimath, the trekking route passes through Deoria Tal, Chopta and finally summiting at Chandrashila. At a height of 13,000 feet, located in Rudraprayag, Chopta is popularly called – Mini Switzerland, and Chandrashila literally translates to Moon Rock. Providing the trekker with one of the most magnificent views of the Himalayas, the region is specifically known to be the protected sanctuary of the endangered musk deer. This trek is one of the few Himalayan treks that can be undertaken round the year excepting the months of December and January.
On the path is the Tungnath temple, above which is the rock face of the Chandrashila summit. The summit provides one of the most spectacular views of the Kedar, Chaukhamba, Trishul and Nanda Devi Peaks.
Quick Facts
- Grade: Easy to moderate
- Region: Rudraprayag , Garhwal
- Altitude: 2700-4,000 mts
- Trek Distance: 64 kms
- Duration: 4 to 6 Days
- Best time to visit: Apr-Jun, Sep-Nov
Also Check Out: Chopta Tungnath Trek Guide
7- Khatling Glacier Trek
Travelling along the Bhilangna River valley, at the Khatling Glacier, trekking through the Khatling Glacier can be a truly rewarding experience. The Khatling trek gives you one of the most outstanding and magnificent views of the most famous and gigantic Himalayan peaks – Bhare Khunta, Jaonli, Thalay Sagar and Kirti Stambh. Camping along the Khatling trek is an experience a trekker is not likely to forget… tents pitched along the green pastures of Chowki, the lush Himalayan meadows and the rugged peaks surrounding you.
Quick Facts
- Grade: Moderate – Difficult
- Region: Tehri, Garhwal
- Altitude: 5,000 mts
- Trek Distance: 45 kms
- Duration: 11 to 15 Days
- Best time to visit: Apr-Jun, Sep-Oct
8- Kuari Pass
Popularly known as the Curzon trail, since 1905, when Lord Curzon made a trek to the Kuari Pass, this trek gives a rather spectacular view of the Eastern peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas. The Kamet, Dronagiri, twin peaks of Nanda Devi, Hathi-Ghoda Parvat, Neelkanth Bethartoli and Mana peaks to name a few. Passing through deodar, oak and the famous Himalayan Rhododendron forests, this trekking path gives the trekker sightings of some rare Himalayan Flora. This route also offers rock climbing and moon light trekking prospects.
Quick Facts
- Grade: Easy-Moderate
- Region: Chamoli, Garhwal
- Altitude: 4250 mts
- Trek Distance: 33 kms
- Duration: 5 to 6 Days
- Best time to visit: Mar-Jun, Sep-Dec
9- Vasuki Tal
Vasuki Tal – Vasu ki Tal is also a very popular pilgrim spot apart from a great trekking destination. Located at an altitude of 14200 feet, at Kedarnath Dam, the region is replete with a striking view of Himalayan Peaks, colourful miniature flowers around the lake… and other flora and fauna. The best time to visit Vasu Ki Tal is from June to October, when the weather is rather easy and pleasant.
Quick Facts
- Grade: Moderate – Difficult
- Region: Rudraprayag, Garhwal
- Altitude: 4330 mts
- Trek Distance: 63 kms
- Duration: 8 to 9 Days
- Best time to visit: May-Jun, Sep-Nov
10- Dodital
A fresh water lake located in the Garhwal division in the Uttarkashi District, Dodital is famous for a temple dedicated to Ganesh located in the region. The name Dodi comes from the local name of the trout – Dodi; the lake is specifically known to be known to be replete with the Shining red spotted Himalayan Golden Trout. Bounded by snow-capped peaks, nestled within the high mountains, Dodital trek takes one across mesmerizing grasslands, virgin forests, imposing oaks, rhododendron and deodar trees.
Quick Facts
- Grade: Easy – Moderate
- Region: Uttarkashi, Garhwal
- Altitude: 1500-4150 mts
- Trek Distance: 22 kms
- Duration: 5 to 6 Days
- Best time to visit: Feb-Jul, Sep-Dec
11- Sunderdhunga Trek
The Bageshwar Sunderdhunga is just 54 kms from Bageshwar which is at the confluence of the rivers Saryu and Gomati which lies in this religious town of Bageshwar which is full of places of worship and temples which is always equated with pilgrims, with Varanasi in its divinity and religion. Bageshwar is also a most popular base for the popular trekking routes of Sunderdhunga, Kafni and Pindari glaciers.
The trek is a one way trek of 54 kms which starts from Bageshwar Sunderdhunga to Song which covers the distance of 53 kms from road, the accommodation, lunch and dinner is arranged at any private Hotel. On the second day of the journey of Song to Dhakuri which has a distance of 14 kms by trek the accommodation, lunch and dinner are arranged in tourist bungalows, Public Works Department Rest House and rest house.
On the third day the journey starts from Dhakuri to Khati which covers a distance of 8 kms by trek, here accommodation, lunch and dinner are arranged in tourist bungalows, Public Works Department Rest House, rest house and the Pvt hotels. The fourth day starts from Khati to Jatoli which is at a distance of 7 kms by trek, here accommodations, lunch and dinner is all done at the Pvt hotel in the nearby area. On the fifth day of the trek at Jatoli Sunderdhunga which covered a distance of 12 kms this is a camping site.
Quick Facts
- Grade: Easy – Moderate
- Region: Bageshwar, Garhwal
- Altitude: 2500-4320 mts
- Trek Distance: 13 kms
- Duration: 6 to 10 Days
- Best time to visit: Apr-Jun, Sep-Oct
