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Venture into the heart of nature’s untamed wonderland as you discover the best treks in Uttarakhand. Uttarakhand, situated in the shadow of the majestic Himalayas in northern India, offers a wide range of breathtaking trekking opportunities. The abundance of treks in Uttarakhand offers a range of trek options for every beginner to expert trekker. It caters to your every whim with Himalayan, Bugyal, Lake, and Pilgrimage Treks. This land will give you an adventurous as well as spiritually rewarding experience and will also provide you with a kaleidoscope of trekking experiences. From snow-capped peaks to lush green valleys, the landscapes of Uttarakhand are a treat to the eyes. Highlighting the major trekking beauty of Uttarakhand, we have listed ten top Uttarakhand trekking tours that will introduce you to the best of the treks. So review the beautiful Uttarakhand treks list in this blog, and get ready for your next trip for trekking in Uttarakhand.
Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarkashi district, Har Ki Doon Trek offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural exploration. This valley, known as the “Valley of the Gods,” boasts majestic peaks, meandering rivers, and ancient villages inhabited by the Garhwali people. The highlight of the trek is reaching the Har Ki Doon valley with panoramic views of the Swargarohini and Jaundhar glaciers. The best time to do this trek is from April to June and September to November. Since Har-ki-Doon comes under the Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary, the chances of spotting wildlife are very bright.
Image Credit – Mr. Raj
Kedarkantha is a winter trek in Uttarakhand, famous for its snow trekking. Located in Uttarkashi at about 3,810 meters, the Kedarkantha trek is for all beginners who want to challenge themselves. Kedarkantha Trek will let you embark on an unforgettable journey through a world of frozen splendor. Please don’t mistake it for Kedarnath; It is a trek that passes through thick deodar forests, beautiful meadows, and a frozen lake. Sankri is the first stop of the Kedarkantha trek, from where the trek begins, which leads to the Kedarkantha peak via Juda Ka Talab, Kedarkantha Base Camp. The Kedarkantha Peak Submit Trek is also considered the last and final trek stop, where one gets a soulful experience of the Himalayas.
Nestled in the awe-inspiring Garhwal Himalayas of Chamoli district, the Valley of Flowers is nature’s ethereal paradise, where the beauty of flowers is the prime focus. The Valley of Flowers hosts a trek included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. A symphony of untouched glaciers, luxuriant meadows, and delicate alpine flowers seems to greet every visitor as you drive through this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trek starts from Govindghat and leads through Bhundar, Ghangharia, along the Hemganga to the Valley of Flowers. The best trekking times are July, August, and September, the rainy season. Most flowers bloom in the rainy season, so this time is most suitable.
Best for novices, the Nag Tibba trek is a quick but exciting trek to “Serpent’s Peak.” This trek is in Tehri Garhwal near Mussoorie and offers beautiful views of the Bandarpoonch and Gangotri ranges. Nag Tiba is a beginner trek that covers an exciting journey to the majestic “Serpent’s Peak.” This trek can be done in 12 months, providing unique enjoyment every season. Pantwari village is the first stop of this trek from where this trek starts. In winter, the snow-capped landscape provides an ethereal charm; in summer, the atmosphere provides respite from the heat. As you reach the Nag Tiba peak, Himalayan ranges like Bandarpoonch and Gangotri greet you with a wonderful view.
The Tungnath – Chandrashila trek is located in the Chamoli District of Uttarakhand. It is particularly famous for its spiritual significance. Due to its combination of spiritual significance, stunning landscape, and moderate difficulty, the Tungnath-Chandrasila trek has gained popularity among trekkers across the world. The trek is one of the spiritual treks and one of the famous Uttarakhand treks. From Chopta, this trek takes you through lush green meadows and rhododendron forests to the Tungnath Temple. When you climb the Chandrashila peak, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba. Although this trek can be done anytime, the best season is April to November.
Pindari Glacier Trek is a great option for enthusiasts looking for an amazing glacier experience. This trek is in the Bageshwar district of the Kumaon region, which provides amazing views of snow-capped mountains, gushing waterfalls, and ice glaciers. The route passes through picturesque villages, dense forests, and serene rivers before reaching the Pindari Glacier. This trek is best done between April and June and September and November when the weather is pleasant, and the view is covered with flowers in bloom. The Pindari Glacier trek begins at the foot of the Pundari River, a major tributary of the Alaknanda River.
Located at an altitude of about 5,490 meters in the Bhilangana Range in Uttarkashi, the Auden Col Trek connects the valleys of Gangotri and Kedarnath. It is a difficult trek and is only recommended for experienced hikers. Glaciers, moraines, and alpine meadows can all be seen in the mesmerizing scenery. The trek through alpine meadows leads to the Audeen Col summit, from where the Khatling Glacier, Gangotri 1, or Jogin 1 peak can be easily seen. It is best to do this trek between June and September when the weather is generally favorable.
Image Credit – Sandeep Sugathan
Dodital Trek is a lake trek situated at an altitude of about 3024 m. It is a beautiful trek, passing through dense forests and serene meadows. Dodital is also known as the birthplace of Lord Ganesha. This walk leaves Sangam Chatti and leads to the serene Dodital Lake, famous for its clear water and abundant trout. The route provides beautiful views of the Himalayan peaks in the region and a chance to see the diverse flora and fauna of the region. April to June and September to November are the best times to undertake this trek when the weather is pleasant, and the landscape is decked out in vibrant colours. The experience of this trek makes you feel that you have reached a completely different world of natural beauty.
Image Credit – Dhiren Pindoriya
Kuari Pass Trek is a famous trekking route of Uttarakhand located in the Chamoli district. It is also known as the “Lord Curzon Trail” because of its association with Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of British India. The route to Kuari Pass starts from Dhak village, which includes forested areas, picturesque meadows, and high-altitude views. Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayan peaks, the Kuari Pass trek offers a glimpse of spectacular landscapes, with the Nanda Devi Sanctuary at its center. On reaching the top of Kuari Pass, you will get a panoramic view of the snow-capped peaks, which is the main attraction of this trek. This trek is best done between April and June and September and November when the weather and views are good.
Image Credit – Bishwanath Sinha
At an altitude of 5,029 meters, Roopkund – also known as Skeleton Lake – is a mysterious glacial lake. This lake is situated between the three peaks of the Himalayas, which are called Trishul because of their trident-like appearance. The Roopkund trek takes you through dense oak and rhododendron forests, high-altitude grasslands, and tough moraines. The high point of the trek is the discovery of human skeletons at the bottom of the lake, which gives it an interesting twist. This trek is suggested for experienced hikers, and the best months to undertake it are May and June or September and October.
Due to the challenging terrain, high altitude, and unpredictable weather conditions, the Roopkund Trek and the Auden Col Trek are counted among the toughest treks in Uttarakhand. Both these treks go to a height with low oxygen, which is considered very difficult to complete easily. They also require a good level of physical fitness and previous tracking experience.
The Nanda Devi East Base Camp trek is one of the longest treks in Uttarakhand, which takes around 12-14 days to complete. It offers a wonderful view of the Nanda Devi Peak and the Himalayan beauty surrounding it.
Nag Tibba Trek and Valley of Flowers Trek are often considered one of Uttarakhand's easiest treks. Both these treks are considered perfect for beginners and nature lovers.
Kedarkantha Trek is highly recommended for beginners in Uttarakhand. It is a fairly easy trek with a well-maintained path that offers panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayas. It is a great introduction to trekking in this area.
Yes, permits are required for most treks in Uttarakhand. These permits can be obtained from the concerned forest officers or the officers responsible for a particular trekking area. Checking and obtaining the necessary permits before starting the trek is essential.
The best time for trekking in Uttarakhand is usually during the summer and autumn months, from May to October. This period provides pleasant weather, clear sky, and better visibility. However, it is advisable to check the ideal weather for a particular trek as it may vary depending on its altitude and location.
Although age restrictions may vary depending on the trek, most treks in Uttarakhand are suitable for anyone above 12 or 14. However, treks with high altitudes or difficult terrain may have stricter age restrictions for safety reasons.
Things needed to pack for trekking in Uttarakhand include trekking shoes, comfortable clothes, a backpack, a sleeping bag, trekking poles, a headlamp, sunscreen, a first aid kit, water bottles, energy bars/snacks and a map or Navigation devices included.