Geographically speaking Uttarakhand is located in one of the most favourable destinations for spending your vacation no matter what time of the year. Being home to a variety of hilly landscape with a number of winding routes and a rich forest cover the trekking paths are dotted with a variety of flowers, plants and a rich biodiversity. Some of the trekking trails are made for avid mountaineers while there are several others that are apt for beginner and moderate level trekkers. Here are some of the greatest trekking trails in Uttarakhand some of which are even combined with soulful pilgrimages as well.
Har Ki Dun Trek
This has to be one of the most beautiful and enthralling treks in the western region of the Himalayas. This trek is accessible throughout the year and displays the pure and untouched nature which is only accessible through the famous Govind Pashu Vihar national park. The trail takes you through the lush meadows, alpine valleys, glacier basins, ancient villages, forest covers and many such remarkable sites. From experiencing the local Pahadi culture and having spectacular views of the surroundings this trek is worth every effort you make. Home to a variety of high -altitude animals like black bears, wild boars, langoor etc. it is surely a treat for wildlife enthusiasts.
Gangotri Gaumukh Trek
This has to be one of the most popular treks in Uttarakhand which is undertaken by a number of avid trekkers and spiritual seekers as well. It is located beyond Badrinath Dham and is adorned in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas. Situated on the foothills of the Gangotri glacier Gaumukh is the origin point of the holiest river of India Ganga. This path is rock strewn and surrounded by arid cold, jagged terrain. It takes 11 days to complete the circuit and can be visited during your Char Dham Yatra from Haridwar. It takes you through the dense green forests of Tapovan, Bhojbasa etc and is on almost every explorer’s bucket list. It can be visited as a part of your Gangotri yatra since this place lies beyond Gangotri temple.
Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek
Nanda Devi trekking journey will take you on an adventure of a lifetime lasting for 17 whole days where you will be climbing up to an altitude of 4,800 metres above sea level. It is one of the more difficult treks in Uttarakhand and the people involved need to be physically fit. Your trekking route will start from Munsiyari and will take you through the villages of Lilam, Bugdiyar, Martoli, Patta, Bitalgwar and then finally ending your trek at Nanda devi base camp. The surroundings here are unbelievably and surreally beautiful with vast snow fields and rolling majestic hills. You will be kept with a constant company of Gori Ganga river and several waterfalls which beautifies this place.
Kuari Paas Trek
This is a relatively easier trek to indulge in Uttarakhand and takes you on an elevation of 3,800 metres above sea level through some of the most pristine beauty of the Himalayas. This will be a trekking expedition of 9 days and is also probably one of the best treks for beginner trekkers who wish to get a taste of the Himalayas. The route makes its way through wide open lush meadows, thriving forests of rhododendrons and oak wood the journey is totally worth it. In the end savouring and gazing at the spectacularly majestic peaks of nanda devi, Mt. Dronagiri, Ghoda peaks etc. which will feel like something straight out of a fantasy story book.
Satopanth Tal Trek
This glistening clear blue lake or Tal which is fed by the Satopanth glacier is a unique triangular place which is not only a remarkable trekking spot but it also holds immense mythological significance. Located on an elevation of 4,330 metres above sea level, 8 days of trekking through green fields, gently rolling hills, and significant sightseeing places is something that you must do once in a lifetime. The trekking will take you through places like Badrinath, Mana village, Laxmi van, Chakrateerth and then finally Satopanth Tal. You can visit but camping here is impossible due to the uneven and rocky landscape but the visit is surely very refreshing.
Garuda Peak Base Camp Trek
This has to be one of the most enchanting treks that one can undertake in Uttarakhand. The best part is that people who have little or moderate trekking experience can take a part in this trip. It will take you up to a height of as high as 6,000 metres above sea level and throught eh remarkable beauty of the natural surroundings. Camping on the snowy mountains will be something that you will cherish for a lifetime. The route makes its way from Jumma village to Ruing village, Dronagiri village then finally at Garuda peak base camp. This will be one of those rare experiences that will surely leave an enchanting impression on you.
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