Uttarakhand is a paradise for trekkers, with its breathtaking mountain landscapes, pristine lakes, and dense forests. The state has numerous trekking trails that cater to all levels of expertise, from beginners to seasoned trekkers. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 treks in Uttarakhand.
1. Roopkund Trek
Roopkund Trek is one of the most popular treks in Uttarakhand, known for its mysterious lake filled with human skeletons. The trek takes you through lush green forests, scenic meadows, and high altitude campsites before reaching the Roopkund Lake at an altitude of 5,029 meters. The trek is best done between May to June and September to November.
2. Valley of Flowers Trek
The Valley of Flowers Trek is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its stunning floral displays that cover the valley floor. The trek takes you through dense forests and meadows, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan range. The best time to do this trek is from July to September.
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3. Kedarkantha Trek
Kedarkantha Trek is a popular winter trek in Uttarakhand, known for its snow-covered landscapes and panoramic views of the Himalayas. The trek takes you through oak and pine forests, charming villages, and meadows, before reaching the summit at an altitude of 3,810 meters. The best time to do this trek is from December to April.
4. Har Ki Dun Trek
Har Ki Dun Trek is a moderate trek that takes you through the Govind National Park, offering stunning views of the Swargarohini and Bandarpoonch peaks. The trek takes you through alpine forests, charming villages, and meadows before reaching the Har Ki Dun valley. The best time to do this trek is from May to June and September to November.
5. Kuari Pass Trek
Kuari Pass Trek is a popular trek in Uttarakhand, known for its stunning views of the Nanda Devi and Kamet peaks. The trek takes you through oak and rhododendron forests, meadows, and high altitude campsites before reaching the Kuari Pass at an altitude of 3,650 meters. The best time to do this trek is from April to June and September to November.
6. Dodital Trek
Dodital Trek is a short trek that takes you to the tranquil Dodital Lake, surrounded by dense forests and snow-capped peaks. The trek takes you through oak and rhododendron forests, charming villages, and meadows before reaching the lake at an altitude of 3,025 meters. The best time to do this trek is from April to June and September to November.
7. Nag Tibba Trek
Nag Tibba Trek is a popular trek in Uttarakhand, known for its stunning views of the Bandarpoonch and Swargarohini peaks. The trek takes you through dense forests, charming villages, and meadows before reaching the summit at an altitude of 3,022 meters. The best time to do this trek is from April to June and September to November.
8. Pindari Glacier Trek
The Pindari Glacier Trek is a moderate trek that offers breathtaking views of the stunning Pindari Glacier, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and dense forests. The trek takes you through charming villages, meadows, and high altitude campsites before reaching the glacier at an altitude of 3,820 meters. The trail is quite challenging but the stunning views of the Himalayas make it worthwhile.
The trek starts from Saung village and passes through Dhakuri Pass, Khati village, and Dwali before finally reaching the Pindari Glacier. The trail is approximately 90 km long and takes around 7-8 days to complete.
The best time to do this trek is from April to June when the weather is pleasant and the views are clear. During this time, the trail is also less slippery and more manageable. The monsoon season from July to August should be avoided as the trail becomes quite dangerous due to landslides and flash floods.
The Pindari Glacier Trek is a perfect choice for those who want to explore the beauty of the Himalayas and experience the thrill of trekking in the mountains. The trek is ideal for beginners and experienced trekkers alike, as it offers a good balance of challenge and stunning scenery.
Overall, the Pindari Glacier Trek is a must-visit destination for adventure lovers who want to experience the beauty of the Himalayas and explore the hidden gems of Uttarakhand.
9. Tapovan Trek
Tapovan Trek is a challenging trek that takes you to the base of the Shivling peak, one of the most revered peaks in the Indian Himalayas. The trek takes you through dense forests, meadows, and high altitude campsites before reaching the Tapovan valley at an altitude of 4,463 meters. The best time to do this trek is from May to June and September to October.
10. Nanda Devi East Base Camp Trek
Nanda Devi East Base Camp Trek is a difficult trek that takes you to the base camp of the Nanda Devi East peak, the second highest peak in India. The trek takes you through dense forests, charming villages, and high altitude campsites before reaching the base camp at an altitude of 4,600 meters. The best time to do this trek is from May to June and September to October.
Uttarakhand has a lot to offer for trekkers, from stunning landscapes to challenging trails. Before embarking on any of these treks, make sure you are physically fit and well prepared. It is always advisable to go with a reputed trekking company that provides experienced guides, porters, and all necessary equipment.
FAQs
- What is the best time to go trekking in Uttarakhand? The best time to go trekking in Uttarakhand depends on the trek you choose. Generally, the best time to go trekking in Uttarakhand is from April to June and September to November.
- Are the treks in Uttarakhand difficult? The difficulty level of treks in Uttarakhand varies from easy to difficult. Some treks are suitable for beginners, while others require a certain level of expertise and fitness.
- Do I need a permit to go trekking in Uttarakhand? Yes, you need a permit to go trekking in Uttarakhand. The permit can be obtained from the Forest Department or the local administration.
- What equipment do I need for trekking in Uttarakhand? You need basic trekking equipment such as trekking shoes, backpack, warm clothes, raincoat, and sleeping bag. It is advisable to consult with your trekking company for a complete list of equipment.
- Is it safe to go trekking in Uttarakhand? Yes, it is safe to go trekking in Uttarakhand. However, it is always advisable to go with a reputed trekking company that provides experienced guides and porters.