Introduction
“The abode of the Gods” is aptly named for Uttarakhand. The Indian subcontinent west of Nepal is considered to be the seat of the great Himalayan mountains. Sacred land and frequent Hindu pilgrimage, the region is home to the magnificent Gangotri Glacier, the source of the Ganges River. The province is also the second tallest mountain in India – Inanda Devi 25,643 feet high. Needless to say, there are plenty of hiking trails in Uttarakhand.
Here let’s take a look at the Top 8 Treks in Uttarakhand:
1. Kedartal Trek
Maximum height: 16,110 feet
Duration of travel: 7 days
The best time to visit: During the months of May-June and September-October
Difficulty Level: Average
Located in the Gangotri area of the Garhwal Himalayas, this Uttarakhand trek is ideal for mountain aficionados as it offers spectacular views of the Great Himalayan range such as Jogin peaks, Bhirgupanth peaks, and Thalayasagar peaks. This magnificent glacier is a hidden gem of Uttarakhand. Among the snow-capped peaks and landscapes, explorers can also see several mountain wildlife species such as the Blue Sheep, Goral, and the famous Himalayan Black Bear on the Kedartal Trek.
2. Rupin Pass Trek
Maximum height: 15,250 feet
Duration of trip: 8 days
Best Season: From May to June and September to October after the monsoon
Difficulty Level: Average
The majestic waterfalls, the spectacular views of the surrounding peaks, and the unusual flower-lined pastures ensure that the Rupin Pass is unforgettable. The journey starts from the small town of Dhaula and within 7 days, travellers must travel about 10,000 feet to reach Rupin Pass, thus crossing from Uttarakhand to Himachal. Along the way, there are several beautiful villages like Jakha that serve as convenient resting places.
3. The Kedarkantha Trek
Altitude: 12,500 feet
Duration of trip: 5 days
Best time: December-April
Difficulty Level: Easy
The idea of covering more than 18 km in just 4-5 days, gaining a height of more than 6,000 feet may seem daunting but the spectacular 360-degree view of the famous Kedarkantha mountain peaks certainly makes it worthwhile at the time. Start from the Sankri village in Uttarakhand and by the time you reach the summit of Kedarkantha, you will feel like you have touched the sky!
4. Bali Pass Trek
Elevation Above Sea Level: 16,250 feet
Travel Time: 9 days
Best Season: May to June and September to October after the Monsoon season
Difficulty Level: Difficult
The Bali Pass Trek is designed for experienced travellers only because of its challenging terrain. This tour route is located inside the famous Govind Wildlife Sanctuary so expect to see an abundance of exotic plants and animals. As you cross the beautiful Tons and Siyan Gad rivers through conifer woodlands, you finally reach the magical lake of Ruinsara Tal, endowed with unparalleled views of Bandarpoonch, Kalanag, and the Swargarohini Peaks.
5. Brahmatal Trek
Altitude: 12,500 feet
Departure Time: 10-14 days
Best time: December to February
Difficulty Level: Easy
This is one of the best winter trips in the Himalayas, overlooking the famous Roopkund Trek. A paradise for snow lovers, an unparalleled view of the Himalayan range should be your first reason for this trek. During the Brahmatal trek, the trail is entirely covered in snow, making it a paradise for snow lovers. Some of the seven most prominent landmarks are Trishul, Nandaghunti, Chowkhamba, Nilkanth, Kamet, Hathi, and the peaks of Ghoda. Most of the Roopkund trek trail can be seen on this tour, which includes views of Ali Bugyal, Bedni Bugyal & Junargali.
6. The Har Ki Dun Trek
Altitude: 11,500 feet
Duration of travel: 7 days
Best Season: Spring-June and Post Monsoon months of September-December
Difficulty Level: Easy
This is one of the easiest ways to accomplish a trip to the Garhwal region in the Himalayas. During a visit to Har Ki Dun, explorers will see the magnificent Tons River valley surrounded by high plateaus and dense jungle. The pre-monsoon spring months are ideal for bird watchers and the post-hot summer season is recommended for plant lovers as they bloom these months. The trail has plenty of snow during December and April, making it ideal for snow lovers. Immersed in myths, this journey is a milestone.
7. Satopant Lake Trek
Altitude: 14,600 feet
Duration of trip: 8 days
Best Season: June, September, and October
Difficulty Level: Average
A trip to the Satopath lake will take you to Satopanth Tal, a magnificent glacier elevated by snowcapped peaks such as Neelkanth, Satopath (23,206 ft), Chaukhamba I, and Balakun. The sight of these amazing mountains in the glistening lake is truly a sight to behold!
Three Saints, Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh are believed to meditate on the three corners of Lake Satopanth. There is a spiritual aspect to the trek to Satopanth Lake as well. This solitary journey is something to do for those who love challenges in a calm environment.
8. Valley of Flowers Trek
Altitude: 14,200 feet
Duration of travel: 4-5 days
Best Season: Monsoon Months June-October
Difficulty Level: Very easy
A trip to the Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO Heritage Site, is probably the easiest trip to Uttarakhand and pedestrians can try to navigate this route without the help of local agencies. This 4-5-day tour attracts visitors with its amazing display of wildflowers. Trekkers should expect enough rain and prepare accordingly. One can also take a trip to Hemkund Sahib, a resort located at an altitude of 14,200 ft. Rest assured that the beauty of wildflowers will cover all the difficulties!
