Treks in Uttarakhand aren’t a rare sight. It’s a place where mountains dot the skyline and hold spiritual, cultural and economic significance. With just one look at the ravishing peaks of the Himalayas that inherit glaciers, forests, rivers and tons of lakes of piercing blue colour will tickle your adventure side. And in all likelihood, you’ll sling a rucksack on your back and tread up to the heights and hit the most challenging and panoramic treks that India has to offer.
- Suggested Reading: Hill Stations in Uttarakhand
If that has piqued your curiosity, join me on a journey through some of the most scenic treks that you can find in Uttarakhand. Some traveler’s tips and plenty of relevant information also come by default.
- Suggested Reading: Historical Places in Uttarakhand
Treks In Uttarakhand
1. Valley Of Flowers
Starting this list with the rightful beauty queen of Uttarakhand is Valley of Flowers. You will find this secluded sanctuary in the western region of the Himalayas, stretching across 87.50 sq km. The only way to experience the beauty of over 400 different species of alpine flowers is through this trek. In 2002, the Valley of Flowers was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it a godsend for every mountain lover and a nature enthusiast.
- Suggested Reading: National Parks in Uttarakhand
Difficulty Levels:
However, the Valley of Flowers trek is not a cakewalk, and you need to be prepared for continuous incline and decline throughout the trek at a high altitude. The trekking days are slightly longer than usual, and you will be having a steep ascent to Hemkund Sahib. That will test your endurance, make no mistake.
How to Reach:
The closest major city accessible to trekkers is Rishikesh. It has excellent connectivity from roads and railways. From Rishikesh, you will be taking cabs to Poolna, and from there, you will start your trekking expedition. For someone who is going for a trek for the first time, we would recommend you take some shorter treks first and then go for the Valley of Flowers.
Furthermore, it is said that the beauty of the Valley of Flowers is enough to make anyone fall in love with the Himalayan mountains. Trekkers eagerly wait for the trekking season to embark on this epic adventure, year after year. Perhaps, they come back to witness the magnificent untouched Himalayas in their full glory in the Valley of Flowers.
- Total number of days:- 6 days
- Difficulty level:- Moderate
- Best time:- July August September (Monsoon season)
- Average cost:- 12,000 Rs – 15,000 Rs
Source: Here.
2. Roopkund Trek
If high-altitude treks fascinate you, then Roopkund will exceed your expectations. As one of the best treks in Uttarakhand, the trail takes you across winding paths, untouched forests, and white, frothy streams flowing with no restraints whatsoever. Even the campsite on this trek gives you clear view of the night sky, ideal for a night of stargazing.
The trek starts at an elevation of 8,000 feet and goes all the way up to 16,000 feet. Once you are through the trek’s dark forest area, Ali and Bedni Bugyal greet you with open arms. Trust me, no other meadow in India matches its beauty and elevation. Once you move past Ali and Bedni Bugyal, be ready to be enamored by some breathtaking and hard-to-navigate alpine stretches.
Climbing up towards the summit of this trek is a heart-pounding adventure, and that too on snow-covered mountains. As you get closer to the Roopkund, you will see that Mount Trishul starts getting closer and closer. At the ridge, the only thing that separates you from Mount Trishul is the thin air present in the atmosphere. You will find plenty of snowy patches on this trek, even during peak summers in the northern region of India.
Difficulty Level:
It’s a moderately difficult trek in Uttarakhand, involving several steep climbs and rugged terrain. On the final stretch for the summit, you will be using all four limbs to climb up the snowy flank. Even though this area is relatively small and probably takes 10 to 12 minutes to complete, you may run short of breath. You need to be in good physical and mental health to safely navigate this trek.
- Total number of days:- 9 Days
- Difficulty level:- Moderate – Difficult
- Best time:- May – June & August – October
- Average cost:- 15,000 Rs to 20,000 Rs.
3. Kedartal Trek
Kedartal, also known as Shiva’s Lake, is one of the highest lakes in Uttarakhand, sitting pretty at an elevatiuon of 5,580 ft. in the Uttarkashi district. The ravishing glacier lake owes its origin to the melting of the Kedar glacier. The glacier is the source of the Kedar Ganga River, which is one of the most important tributaries of river Bhagirathi.
The Kedartal Lake is surrounded by towering snowy mountains. Think of it as a vantage point for the mesmerizing views of the Mt Thalay Sagar, Mt Bhrigupanth, Manda Parvat, Mt Jogin, and Mt Gangotri. Feel free to pitch your tents in the shadows of Mt Thalay Sagar and Mt Bhrigupanth.
Perhaps, no other trek in the world brings you so close to high-altitude mountains and even provide an opportunity to stay there for longer durations. The trail is exceptionally remote and lonely. Any human habitation is hard to come by at such an altitude. However, you might come across a few experienced trekking groups on this trek.
For trekkers seeking solitude and nature at its raw best, this is one of the best treks in Uttarakhand, or for that matter, in india.
Difficulty Level:
The trek is difficult, period. For beginners, this is not the trek to test their trekking skills and endurance. The 18 km trek from Gangotri to Kedartal is quite arduous, suitable only for experienced trekkers who have successfully completed challenging treks previously. Despite the difficulty levels, the trek is once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- Total Number of Days:- 7 days
- Difficulty level:- Difficult
- Best time:- September – October (Autumn season)
- Average cost:- 15,000 Rs – 30,000 Rs.
4. Har Ki Dun Trek
How about traversing through a cradle-shaped valley? Well, Har Ki Dhun is exactly that, nestled at an astonishing height of 11700 feet in the heart of Govind Ballabh Pant National Park. As one of the most beautiful treks in Uttarakhand, it flabbergasts you with panoramic views of snow-capped mountains and alpine vegetation. It seems to be straight from a canvas painting.
With the Har Ki Dun trek, you will be able to witness untouched valleys that are part of the Garhwal region of the Himalayas. The trail ventures through some isolated villages that managed to stay unaffected by the “progress” of the civilisation. Also, the people of this region are kind-hearted, and welcome trekkers with warmth.
This is one of the most popular treks for both summer and winter seasons. Since the conditions and sights completely changes with changing seasons, you enjoy a completely new experience. During the months of December to March, the Valley transforms into a snowy wonderland. The trek’s most exciting part is the jaw-dropping views of mighty Himalayan peaks, such as the Swargarohini Peaks, Kala Nag, Bandarpoonch, and many more.
Difficulty Level:
One big reason for the popularity of the Har Ki Dun trek is that it is easy to pull off even for beginners. Anyone who has good endurance and stamina can go for it even if it’s their first-ever trek. I can go at length talking about the Har Ki Dun trek but the firsthand experience of it is something nobody should ever miss.
- Total number of days:-
- Ideal For: Beginner & Intermediate
- Best time:- March – June & September – November
- Average cost:- 12,000 Rs – 18,000 Rs
5. Chopta Trek
As one of the most frequented treks in Uttarakhand and North India, Chopta Trek is a rage among trekkers from all walks of life, especially millennials. The centre of attraction is the bewitching views of the great Himalayas and other landscapes the trail has to offer. Chopta is a small hamlet and a part of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary located in the Rudraprayag district. Situated 10,000+ feet above sea level, Chopta makes trekkers fall in love with the peaceful wilderness that surrounds this small hamlet.
Besides, it is one of the few treks that allows many trekking options. For example, you can start trekking to Chopta from Tungnath temple or start from Chandrashila and from other trails as well. When you reach Chopta, you won’t be able to sit around as there are so many scenic views all around, and mother nature is presented in its full glory.
Difficulty Level:
The best thing about Chopta is that you can go for this trek all by yourself at any time of the year even if you lack any trekking experience. For a snowy experience, it is best to undertake it during the months of December to March. The trek distance is just 3.5 Km, and the whole trek can be done in just one day if you do it from the Tungnath side.
- Total number of days:- 1
- Difficulty level:- Beginner
- Best time:- December – March (Winter season)
- Average cost:- 2,500 Rs – 5,000 Rs
6. Rupin Pass Trek
Rupin Pass is one of those high altitude treks in Uttarakhand where adventure awaits you at every corner. For a lot of experienced trekkers, this one trek is like a symphony filled with surprises with the scenery changing each hour. The changes in surroundings come without a warning, making this trek more mesmerising and unforgettable.
- Suggested reading: Dhauladhar Range
On the very first day of the trek, the hanging village of Jakha welcomes you. Perched on a ridge, this sleepy little village will leave you awestruck. On the second day, you will be crossing the tall and dark coniferous trees covering most of the forest region. The forest trails end all of a sudden. And with that, you will be pressing your feet against snow bridges, which is a thrilling experience.
On the same day, you will see the famous Rupin waterfall, with water cascading from a height of 1,500 feet. As if that wasn’t enough, the picturesque “U” shaped glacial Valley, Dhanderas Thatch makes itself visible right after the Fall. The valley is home to more than a hundred waterfalls gushing down the stream.
Next day, you will find yourself climbing to the very top of the Rupin Pass with the help of numerous snow bridges. Upon reaching the summit, you will see the Rupin River in all its calmness. That’s where most of the trek groups will take a halt for the night.
Difficulty Level:
The Rupin Pass trek is not for faint-hearted and inexperienced trekkers. You need to carry an experience of at least 4 – 5 different Himalayan treks, of which 2 have to be of high altitude. I suggest you to improve your fitness levels and get accustomed to high altitudes before taking up Rupin Trek.
- Total number of days:- 7 days
- Difficulty level:- Difficult
- Best time:- May – June & September – October
- Average cost:- 15,000 Rs – 30,000 Rs
7. Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
Want to witness the birth of the holy Ganga? Well, then, Gaumukh Tapovan trek is for you. This is one of the most rewarding treks in Uttarakhand, especially for spiritual seekers and nature lovers.
The summit view of this trek is a far cry from any other summit view. Here, you will experience the magnificence of the Himalayas along with the best view of Mount Shivling from its bottom. Also, savor the views of the Bhagirathi sisters that sometimes look bigger than Mount Shivling. That’s because all three of them, when combined, form a massif that completely dominates the surrounding landscape.
Difficulty Level:
Now, you might be wondering why only a handful of people go for this trek? The plain answer is that several new treks in Uttarakhand have come up in recent times, which resulted in lower popularity of the Gaumukh Tapovan trek. It is more of a true mountain lover’s trek, and even beginners can do it with proper preparation.
- Total number of days:- 8 days
- Difficulty level:- easy-moderate
- Best time:- May – June (Summer season) & September – October (Autumn season)
- Average cost:- 15,000 Rs – 25,000 Rs
Wrapping Up
So these were some of the breathtaking treks in Uttarakhand. For those who dream of trekking someday, Uttarakhand is heaven on earth. Trekking here can be easy or difficult depending on the trek you choose.
Himalayan mountains, no matter how beautiful and mystical they look, are unforgiving. So, I strongly recommend you to respect the conditions and be well prepared, physically and mentally before setting out on an excursion. Regardless of the doffocultu level, you need to have good physical strength and high endurance.
I hope this write-up will help you find your next trekking expedition in Uttarakhand. Let us know your experience and stories related to trekking in Uttarakhand in the commen section below.
Till then, keep on exploring, and keep the adventurer in you alive!!
People are also reading: