Top 16 Places for Trekking in Uttarakhand

1. Top 16 Places for Trekking in Uttarakhand Uttarakhand is an otherworldly blend of scenic beauty and adventure opportunities, along with one of the best trekking spots in the world. Situated near the Himalayas, Uttarakhand boasts some of the best trekking routes in India. It captivates trekkers from all over the world. The rugged beauty of these mountains soothes the mind and eyes. Visitors can certainly enjoy the tranquility that can be felt in these distant lands. Uttarakhand’s countless trekking routes take you to various cities, temples, lakes, glaciers, waterfalls, and other attractions. Trekking in Uttarakhand The best routes for Trekking in Uttarakhand-

2. #1 Trekking in the Valley of Flowers Trekking in the Valley of Flowers Adorned with attractive wildflowers and a wide variety of wildlife, trekking in the Valley of Flowers is a heaven for shutterbugs and nature lovers. Valley of Flower Trekking has slender passages, rugged terrain, steep ascents, and fascinating views of the surrounding mountains which makes it one of the best places for hiking in India. It starts in Rishikesh, where you will take a bus to Joshimath (11 hours). Later, you reach Govindghat from where you started for the 14 km trek along the Lakshman Ganga river. From Ghangria, it is a 3 km ascent up the valley. Climbing along the spectacular landscapes takes a few hours to reach the main valley. When you get to the plains, explore the place, experience the magic of nature, and don’t forget to take photos of flowers, birds, and butterflies. The valley was discovered by mountaineer and explorer Frank Smith in 1931. In 1982, it attained the status of national park. Today, it has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As the valley is high up, it is covered by a layer of snow in winters. As the cape melts in summer, the colorful beauty of the place is revealed. There is no accommodation or camping facilities, and you have to come and go on the same day. Altitude: 3858m / 12654ft

3. Grade: easy Duration: 6-7 days Season: End of June – October Time: 07:00 to 17:00 #2 Roopkund Trek Roopkund Trek Popularly known as “Skeleton Lake,” Roopkund Lake is extremely popular for the mystery associated with it. Situated at an altitude of 14,638 feet, thousands of human skeletons and bones dot the lake and its surroundings. It is said to be the skeleton of a group of travelers killed in a natural event in the 14th century. This stands out as one of the most thrilling trekking tours that run through spectacular territories and can be undertaken even by novices. These factors together make our popular Uttarakhand Tour Packages unique.

4. The lake lies on the way to the Nanda Devi temple pilgrimage site, known for having challenging terrain with Bedni Bugyal grasslands and beautiful snow-capped peaks. The Roopkund Lake Trek takes around seven and nine days where hikers cross-religious sites, lush forests, cascading streams, clear snow, and the summits of Bedni Bugyal and Trisul. This hike starts in Lohajung, following one ascent after another up to Ran ki Dhar, then to Bhaguwagasa, and finally to Roopkund. Human skeletons are found at the bottom of the lake when the snow melts. Altitude: 4463 m / 14638 feet Grade: moderate to demanding Duration: 9 days Season: May – June, and September – October # 3 Trekking Pindari Glacier Trekking in Pindari Glacier

5. Strait between Nanda Devi Peak and Nanda Kot Peak, Pindari Glacier is one of Uttarakhand’s most popular attractions, located in the upper part of the Kumaon Himalayas. Locals call it the “Soul of Kumaon”, it features magnificent glaciers, gushing rivers, colorful flowers, waterfalls, dense forests, and immense natural beauty. A must-see for passionate photographers, nature lovers, and adventurers, this glacier tour takes you through unknown villages. “Dev Bhoomi” sites are famous for their mythological roots. Admire the wooden decks where you can take in the green surroundings while enjoying your summer vacation in Uttarakhand. Close to another famous Indian trekking spot – Kafni Glacier, this glacier is popular with both beginner and expert hikers. Don’t forget to interact with the locals, friendly and friendly. Altitude: 4150m / 13612ft Grade: Moderate Duration: 10 days Season: April – June, and September – October #4 Panch Kedar Trekking

6. Panch Kedar Trekking Spanning five Shiva shrines in the enchanting Cedar Valley, the Panch Kedar Trek offers an unforgettable experience, far from the city’s chaos. Ideal for planning a Uttarakhand vacation, trekking attracts both beginners and seasoned trekking enthusiasts. The trail is a perfect blend of serenity and beautiful scenic charm. The journey begins in Kalpeshwar, famous for its rock temple where Lord Shiva’s hair had emerged. Then, continue to Rudranath, the place where Lord Shiva appeared. The village of Tungnath, the central point of the walk, has the Tungnath temple, the highest temple of Shiva in the world, where his arms appeared. Then there is Madhya Maheshwar. The journey ends in Kedarnath, where Lord Shiva appears in the form of a bull. Altitude: 3584 m Degree: moderate Duration: 17 days (true trekking – 12 days) Season: April-June and September-October #5 Dodital Trek

7. Dodital Trek The Dodital-Dayara Bugyal Trek is one of Uttarakhand’s most fantastic trekking routes, where you can even ski in the winter season. The trail passes through the beautiful Barsu and Barnala Bugyal. It climbs to the Barnala ridge where you can have the panoramic view Barnala Lake. Now, scale through the dense alpine forest, taking you to the meadows of Dayara. Continue the road to Nimdhar, finishing it at the incredible Dodital Lake, surrounded by the dense forests of deodar, pine, and oak. The spectacular view of the Himalayas from one of the best trekking spots in India is awaiting your footfall. Lake Dodital is regarded as the birthplace of Lord Ganesha. Pay homage to the Lord in a temple dedicated to him. The route can begin from Uttarkashi, Hanuman Chatti, or Kalyani. Find the reflection of the Chaukhamba and Neelkanth peaks in the crystal clear waters of the lake. Altitude: 4150m / 13612ft Grade: Moderate Duration: 10 days Season: Mid-March – Mid November

8. #6 Trek Kalindi Khal Pass Trek Kalindi Khal Pass With this tour, you visit some of the most famous Hindu religious sites and offer various mammals to be admired. Kalindi Khal Pass is one of the most famous hikes in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas and one of the more difficult Himalayas. It is ideal for professional hikers in excellent physical shape. The high-altitude expedition begins in Gangotri and ends in Badrinath, where it is reached via Kalindikhal. Boulders, stony ground, glaciers, and snow make the trek challenging. During the trek, we stopped at Tapovan (4250m), Nandanvan (4500m), Vasuki Tal (5300m), based Kalindi (5590m), Kalindikhal (5948m), Arwa Tal (3980m), and Gashtoli (3600m). The top part of this route is that it offers you the chance to visit almost half of the Garhwal region, right from the Bhagirathi river valley to the Alaknanda river valley. You can also see snowy peaks like Shivling, Satopanth, Vasuki, Chandra Parvat, and Bhagirathi. Altitude: 5946 m / 19500 ft Grade:– difficult Duration: 20 days Season: mid-June – July and August

9. #7 Nanda Devi Trek Nanda Devi Trek A British team of walkers first explored the Nanda Devi Shrine’s wild beauty in 1934 accompanied by six shepherds. Then followed several visits that damaged the site. In 1983, the sanctuary was closed by the Indian government. However, things have changed now, and now trekking returns the joy to the eyes of those who do it. Trekking at high altitudes is challenging, but the view you finally know is unparalleled. You can see the fascinating varieties of the Himalayan fauna and the view of 12 peaks, including Nanda Kot, Changaband, Trishul, and Dunagiri. Nanda Devi is considered one of the best treks in India and is a UNESCO world heritage site. Altitude: 4250 m / 13940 ft Grade: moderate to demanding Duration: 10 days Season: mid-April – October

10. #8 Kuari Pass Trek (Curzon Trail) Kuari Pass Trek (Curzon Trail) One of the most accessible trails in Uttarakhand, perfect for beginners, the Kuari Pass trail is also known as the Curzon Trail. Lord Curzon covered it in 1905. Accessible via an elegant animal track, the hike offers panoramic views of different peaks such as the Illimani, Gauri Parvat, Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Neelkanth, Haathi Parvat-Ghodi, Chaukhamba, and Kedarnath. In addition to this, trekking offers the opportunity to walk through birch, bamboo, oak, and coniferous forests, pristine rivers, exotic wildlife, all in a peaceful atmosphere and immaculate lawns. You will also pass Vinayak Pass and Tai Top. Located in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, the hike begins in Dhak village, continues to Tali camp, and then Gorsen Bugyal. Hear the roar of the Mandakini, Kaliganga, and Dhauli Ganga rivers. The experience of this trek in India will be a memorable memory. Altitude: 4265m / 13990ft Grade: Easy to moderate Duration: 10 days

11. Season: April – June, and September – mid-November #9 Trekking Rupin Pass Trekking Rupin Pass Uninhabited by man, the Rupin Pass sits 15,250 feet above sea level, beginning at Dhaula in Uttarakhand and ending at Sangla in Himachal Pradesh. The walk winds along the Rupin River take you through the icy slopes, rocks, glaciers, snowfields, wooden bridges, attractive villages, flowing rivers, lawns, and the evergreen forests of Deodara. Also, the view of the Kinner Kailash range is fabulous. Besides the different natural wonders, this trek also offers camping opportunities in the middle of the jungle. Although the level of difficulty is moderate, depending on the snow’s intensity, the route can become a challenge. Altitude: 4,650 m / 15,250 ft Grade: moderate

12. Duration: 8 days Season: mid-May to June and September to late October #10 Har Ki Dun trekking Har Ki Dun trekking Located at an elevation of 3566 m in the western Garhwal Himalayas Ganges, the hanging of the gods, also known as Har ki Doon, is a moderate hike, offering a wonderful experience for hikers. Sparkling peaks and dense forests surround this cradle-shaped valley. Your vacation will be more exciting, learning about the secrets of the inhabitants in the valley who still practice polygamy and admire Duryodhana, a brother Kaurawa the Mahabharata, as their deity. With immense serenity and uncontaminated natural beauty, this trek has a wide and varied variety of flora and fauna. As per mythology, this was where the Pandava brothers reached heaven. The trail has rare tree species from Bhojpatra and Brahmakamal also present on the Jaundhar glacier and the Swargarohini glacier. Altitude: 3566m / 11697ft

13. Grade: Easy to moderate Duration: 8 days Season: March – June, and September – mid-November #11 Nag Tibba trekking Nag Tibba trekking Nag Tibba, or the “Serpent Mountain,” located in the lesser Himalayan region, is a beautiful experience for those seeking adventure. The locals believe that this expanse is home to the Nag Devta, worshiped by them as a deity. Trekking is also known for offering spectacular views of sunrise and sunset. Enjoy views of Kedarnath Peak, Bandarpunch Peak, Changbang Peak, and Gangotri Peaks. There are four routes to Nag Tibba Peak, Pantwari Village Street being the most popular. The other routes are from Devalsari village, Antar village, and Mangalore. Hikers must be cautious and cover the route during the day to avoid encountering bears. Trekking also includes camping. Altitude: 3048 m / 9998 ft

14. Duration: 6 days Season: All year round (except July and August) #12 Deoria Tal – Trekking in Chandrashila Deoria Tal – Trekking in Chandrashila Lots of green in the forests, bird watching, and an incredible climb to the top are the Deoria Tal Chandrashila trek’s main attractions. Deoria Tal and Chandrashila, with the village of Chopta, is a short hike that offers stunning views of the surroundings. The first half of the hike covers Deoria Tal, at an altitude of 2438 m above sea level. From Chaukhamba Peak to the lake, savor the image of the mirrored water’s surroundings and then continue to Chopta through lush meadows amid the Himalayas. The route takes you to the Tungnath Temple, the highest temple in the world, dedicated to Lord Shiva. See exotic flora and fauna as you hike to the top of Bandarpunch Peak, Kedar Peak, and Chaukhamba Peak. After one kilometer from the temple, you reach the top of Chandrashila. The scenery around here is magical, making it the best summer trip in Uttarakhand. You stay at the Himalayan Eco Lodges in Kund, the Deoria Tal and Chandrashila Trekking base. This site overlooks the Mandakini River below Kedar Peak.

15. Altitude: Chandrashila Peak – 12,083 feet, Deoriatal – 7,841 feet. Grade: easy to medium Duration: 6 days Season: All year round except mid-December to April #13 Trekking on the Kafni glacier Trekking on the Kafni glacier It lies in the south of Nanda Kot Hill on the eastern side of Pindar canyon, Kafni Glacier was blessed with a pleasant and peaceful atmosphere popular with travelers. The places also boast spectacular exotic flora and fauna. The glacier trail covers the same trek to Dwali as the Pindari glacier trek. Kafni Glacier is 12 km off Dwali via Byali Udiyar. The path is wide and surrounded by flowering rhododendron trees. The prominent Himalayan peaks visible from here are Nandabhnar (6236 m) and Nandakot (6860 m). After Dwali, only camping is possible. Altitude: 4000 m Grade: moderate Duration: 10 days

16. Season: May – October #14 Trekking in Panchachuli base camp Trekking in Panchachuli base camp Located in the snow-capped mountains, Panchachuli Base Camp begins in the Darma Valley in the Pithoragarh District. With breathtaking natural views, the hiking trail to the Panchachuli Glacier in the Kumaon Himalayas is adorned with snowy peaks, diverse flora and fauna, flowing rivers, alpine meadows, and attractive landscapes. Situated along the Dhauliganga River, the trekking route, located in the eastern Kumaon Himalayas, is a link between the Darma and the Gori Ganga Valley. Dar is the last road, which is about 42 km from Dharchula. The walk from Dar al Glaciar is nice. The walk covers tribal villages such as Sela, Bongling, Duktu, Nagling, Baaling, and Duktu, next to the Dhauliganga River and dense Himalayan cedar, Bhojpatra, and coniferous forests. The 5 snow-capped mountains of Panchachuli offer a breathtaking spectacle and beautify Him Khand, the Yuli River surrounded by the lush Deodar forests and coniferous trees. The scenic beauty throughout the trip is unparalleled. Read more

17. Altitude: 4260 m / 13975 ft Grade: moderate Duration: 12 days Season: mid-April – mid-October #15 Auden’s Col trekking Auden’s Col trekking One of the most difficult treks in the Garhwal region, Trek Con Auden, links two valleys, the Rudragaira valley and the Bhilangana valley. Starting from Gangotri, the trail leads to the Nala field, through birch and pine forests. We continue with a day hike to Rudra Gaira base camp, which offers beautiful views of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. The next stop is at Gangotri Base Camp, where the hike to Auden’s Col Base Camp begins. The hike up to the Khatling Glacier is strenuous but worth the effort for the stunning view. The downward path begins after Masar Tal, Vasuki Tal, ending at Kedarnath. The thrilling experience makes it one of the best summer tours in Uttarakhand. Located at an altitude of 5,490 m, the Colle di Auden is one of the Garhwal Himalayas’ high altitude mountain passes. Taking your walk is truly a fascinating experience. Love the views of Rudragaira, Jogin, Bhagirathi, and Kedar Dome peaks. Read more Altitude: 5450m / 17876ft

18. Degree: difficult Duration: 18 days Season: from mid-May to early October #16 Trek Chopta Chandrashila Trek Chopta Chandrashila This route is one of the famous winter hiking trails in Uttarakhand. Famous for Chopta village, also known as the mini Switzerland of Garhwal Himalaya and the “rock of the moon” or Chandrashila together, reaching an altitude of 4000 m in the upper part of Chandrashila. The hike starts at Ukhimath, passing through Deoria Tal, and reaches Chopta (2900 m above sea level). Continue to the famous village of Uttarakhand-Tungnath, which is a major base for the Chopta Chandrashila trek. Finally, reach the top of Chandrashila to enjoy the natural scenery and tranquility. From the top, you can enjoy the view of various peaks such as Trishul Peak, Chaukhamba Peak, Nanda Devi Peak, Bandarpunch Upper Peak, and Kedarnath. In Tungnath, don’t forget to visit Tungnath Temple, the highest temple of Lord Shiva (3470m), accessible via a short but challenging path. Hikers can take this hike at any time of the year, except December and January, when the region is covered in heavy snowfall. The hike will have many highlights, such as varied

19. fauna, birdlife, and flora, along with towering deodar, pine, and rhododendron trees. The natural scenery would be lovely and quite refreshing. You can also enjoy camping at Devariyatal Lake. Altitude: 4090 m / 13415 ft Grade: Easy to moderate Duration: 6 days Season: All year round (except December and January) Author Bio: Harish Suyal is a Travel Blogger who loves to write on various travel destinations. He wrote many blogs and articles for various travel portals. He also writes articles about domestic and international vacations. He recently wrote about Uttarakhand Trekking for an incredible experience in these favorite destinations.