Uttarakhand is one of the most beautiful and popular states of India, as it is surrounded by the Himalayan range, offering some of the best views that are a treat to your eyes during your trip. It is a place of religious significance and is also known as ‘Devbhoomi,’ which means the Land of Gods, as some of the most important Hindu pilgrimages are situated here. Many important temples are located on the peaks of the mountains in Uttarakhand, and as a result, a lot of pilgrims visit the state each year and trek to these temples. Uttarakhand is loved by both devotees and adventure seekers, as the treks here are thrilling, accompanied by mesmerizing landscapes and various adventure activities. If you are a travel enthusiast, then Uttarakhand and its treks must be on your bucket list.
Let’s take a quick look at the 20 best trekking places in Uttarakhand that you cannot skip at any cost.
The Valley of Flowers Trek is situated in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. It’s a paradise on earth, a view you might have only seen in movies. This trek is a soul-stirring journey, and you need to ensure that you are fit enough to do it. Notably, the Valley of Flowers is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It takes about 7 days to complete this trek, where you’ll witness magical landscapes and breathtaking views of flowers all around. The valley is also important from a biodiversity perspective, as it has rare flora and fauna, such as the Brahma Kamal.
Duration: 6 to 7 days
Har Ki Dun is another popular trek in Uttarakhand, known for its unique cradle-shaped valley and located in the Garhwal region. From the peak of this mountain, you can see the famous Swargarohini range. It is one of the top treks on the bucket list of trekking enthusiasts. Along the way, you will experience the ancient Garhwali culture in villages like Osla and Sankri. It is said to be one of the few treks that allow you to experience both ancient culture and the beauty of the mountains at the same time.
Duration: 7 to 8 days
The Roopkund Trek is famous for the unique Roopkund Lake, known for the skeletal remains found on its shores years ago. This was quite a mysterious discovery. During the trek, you’ll pass through beautiful lush green meadows and snowfields, as the temperature changes every minute. You’ll also see panoramic views of the Trishul range from the peak. The overall experience of this trek is truly surreal.
Duration: 8 to 9 days
Kedarkantha is a trek with great religious significance. You’ll witness a 360-degree panoramic view, with some of the most important peaks visible from there, including the Kinner Kailash Range, Bandarpoonch, and more. Kedarkantha is definitely a peak you must visit to experience camping in the snow-covered mountains. You’ll also get to see the beauty of the snow-covered Himalayas from the top.
Duration: 6 to 7 days
This trek is another important one in Uttarakhand, as it leads you to the source of the sacred Ganges River. It is a challenging trek, and you should have some prior trekking experience before attempting it. You will pass by rough terrains and also encounter Gaumukh, the origin of the Ganges, as well as the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers at Devprayag, also known as the ‘Sangam.’
Duration: 8 to 10 days
The Kuari Pass Trek, also known as the ‘Curzon Trek,’ is named after Lord Curzon, the former Viceroy of India. This trek begins in the charming Joshimath Village. You will walk through dense oak forests, and as you climb higher, you’ll get to see breathtaking views of the lush green meadows of Auli. Auli is another popular hill station in Uttarakhand, covered with snow in winter and known for skiing and adventure sports. From the peak, you can see snow-covered mountain ranges like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and more.
Duration: 6 to 7 days
The Dodital Trek is another trek with a mythological story behind it, making it religiously significant. According to Hindu mythology, it has some connection with Lord Ganesha. On this trek, you will witness mesmerizing panoramic views of the Gangotri and Yamunotri ranges. You’ll also pass through the Darwa Pass, which is an adventure in itself, offering beautiful views along the way.
Duration: 5 to 6 days
If you love thrills, then Auden’s Col Trek is for you. It is one of the most challenging treks in Uttarakhand, connecting the Gangotri and Kedarnath valleys. You will trek through glaciers and some of the highest passes in India. This trek is a true test for any trekker or adventure enthusiast, but reaching the top will make you feel like you’ve accomplished something extraordinary.
Duration: 15 to 18 days
The Binsar Trek takes you to the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its rich biodiversity and unique flora and fauna. You won’t be able to take your eyes off the views this trek offers. If you love nature, you’ll see some of the most beautiful birds and enjoy panoramic views of snow-covered mountain ranges like Nanda Devi, Kedarnath, and more.
Duration: 4 to 5 days
The Pindari River, one of the most important rivers in Uttarakhand, originates from the Pindari Glacier. The trek to the source of this river is quite tricky and requires ample trekking experience. Along the way, you’ll pass through ancient villages like Saung and Loharkhet, where you can get a glimpse of local culture. Once you reach the summit, you will enjoy the mesmerizing view of the Nanda Devi range.
Duration: 7 to 8 days
Nag Tibba is another important trek in Uttarakhand, known for its diverse flora and fauna, including sightings of the Himalayan black bear. It’s a steep trek, but witnessing the sunrise from the summit is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You’ll need to trek overnight to reach the summit before sunrise. From the top, you can see ranges like Swargarohini, Bandarpunch, and Gangotri.
Duration: 2 to 3 days
Tungnath is known as one of the highest Shiva temples in India and holds significant religious value. On your trek to Tungnath, you will witness beautiful panoramic views of the valley. Chandrashila also has mythological connections with Lord Ram. It is one of the highest peaks in India, and the weather changes every 30 seconds at the summit. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience to reach the top of Chandrashila and witness the sunrise or sunset.
Duration: 4 to 5 days
Explore the charming village of Harsil, situated on the banks of the Bhagirathi River in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. As you pass through this ancient village, you will reach the pristine Dodital Lake. Surrounded by dense forests and the Dayara Bugyal meadow, this trek is perfect for nature lovers who enjoy spending time in serene environments.
Duration: 5 to 6 days
The Rupin Pass trek is one of the most unique treks as you see the transition from lush greenery to barren landscapes in no time. This beautiful trek starts from the village of Dhaula, where you get to witness dense forests, mesmerizing meadows, and much more along the way. You cross the Rupin River during your trek, which is one of the most thrilling experiences, as you pass a wooden bridge that is quite adventurous and makes this trek even more exciting.
Duration: 8 to 9 days
Explore the high-altitude meadows of Dayara Bugyal, known for its extensive stretches of alpine grasslands. This vast meadow turns into a carpet of wildflowers, giving you a breathtaking view when you visit here during the summer and spring. You can enjoy skiing during the winter and witness a 360-degree view of the Himalayan peaks from the meadows. This is one trek that you can visit any time of the year to experience the natural beauty and also witness peaks like Bandarpoonch, Draupadi Ka Danda, and more from the top.
Duration: 5 to 6 days
The Kalindi Khal trek is one of the most important treks from a historical point of view, as it connects the Gangotri and Badrinath regions. This trek becomes even more challenging as you pass through the Gaumukh glacier and get to see the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda Rivers, which is known as the Sangam in Devprayag. This is quite a tough trek, especially for beginners.
Duration: 16 to 18 days
The Khatling Glacier trek is one of the unexplored treks of Uttarakhand. It is a remote glacier that is surrounded by important and higher peaks like Meru and Thalay Sagar. You cross multiple high-altitude passes during this trek and also get to witness one of the most picturesque villages of Uttarakhand on the way, called Ghuttu. If you enjoy remote areas where there is peace and nature, you must visit this trek.
Duration: 10 to 12 days
Kedarkantha is a very important trek in itself due to its religious significance, but at the same time, its base camp serves as a starting point for multiple challenging treks in Uttarakhand. It is not easy to complete the trek to the base camp if you are not fit enough. The views from the base camp are breathtaking, and you also get to witness the beautiful Gangotri and Yamunotri ranges from the base camp, which looks stunning.
Duration: 6 to 7 days
The Madmaheshwar Trek takes you to one of the most ancient Shiva temples of Uttarakhand. This trek is situated in the Rudraprayag district and is visited by many pilgrims throughout the year. You have to trek through lush green meadows to reach here, and you will witness an infinite number of breathtaking views along the way.
Duration: 5 to 6 days
Satopanth Lake is very important in Hindu mythology, as it is said to be the abode of Lord Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu. This lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and many glacial landscapes. Visiting this trek is a challenging experience, so you must plan accordingly.
Duration: 8 to 10 days
Q1: What is the best time to go for all the treks above?
A: The ideal time to go trekking is during the summer (May to June) or after the rainy season (September to November) to experience pleasant weather in the mountains.
Q2: When can I witness snow on these treks?
A: You can witness snow between December and February on these treks. There is no fixed time—sometimes snow falls in early December, and sometimes by mid-January. Keep in mind that the treks become more challenging with snow.
Q3: Are the above treks beginner-friendly?
A: Not all the above treks are beginner-friendly. While treks like Nag Tibba and Dayara Bugyal are easy to moderate, treks like Kalindi Khal and Auden’s Col are quite challenging and should not be pursued without prior experience.
Q4: Do we need any permits to do these treks?
A: Yes, permits are required for some of these treks. If you book your trekking experience with any travel company, they usually take care of all the documentation, including the permits.
Q5: What is the accommodation facility on these treks?
A: You will need to camp on most of these treks. In most cases, travel companies provide the camps and sleeping bags, and sometimes travelers carry their own camping gear.
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