Folks who are familiar with India also know the profound significance of the Char Dham Yatra. The holy pilgrimage that traverses the majestic peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas welcomes millions of devotees every year. When the doors to these holy temples open, you will find the path to these sites filled with queues of devotees just waiting to experience these sacred lands.
However, do you know that the Garhwal Himalayas are more than just temple grounds? Yes, you can explore the beauty of these sacred lands in more than one way. A popular way among tourists and even devotees (after offering their prayers at the holy sites, of course) to enjoy the serene beauty of this place is through trekking.
The treks around the Char Dhams offer you an experience unlike any other. Here, you will uncover hidden trails, gaze upon breathtaking views, and face challenges that will invigorate your very soul. So, are you ready to explore the beauty of these mountain ranges like never before? However, before you lace up your boots and pack for an experience extraordinaire, let’s learn about the many great treks that lie awaiting you.
No doubt, the best place for you to start looking at is the Deoria Tal Lake. Nestled high in the Garhwal Himalayas, this trek is short but no less enchanting. And one of the biggest reasons why it is at the top of our list is because of how perfect it is for beginners. Even if you have no experience with trekking in the past, you will find Deoria Dal Lake easy to manage.
This beautiful trek starts from the charming village of Sari, and then the path leads the adventurers gently through a beautiful forest. Our destination? The beautiful Deoria Tal is a pristine lake that is hidden in the embrace of the Garhwal mountains. We guarantee you will be stunned by the views you find here. You will also find the mighty Chaukhamba peaks reflecting perfectly in the lake’s crystal clear waters, creating a picture that looks too good to be true!
This trek has the perfect mix of easy trails and incredible views – that you surely will feel enchanted by. You can easily camp alongside the lakeside and just soak in the calmness that is present in the air of this place. As the sun sets, you can watch the sky turn magical, reflecting over the lake. Additionally, if you wish, you can even extend your trek to Bisuri Tal, Chopta via Rohini Bugyal, and even to Tungnath and Chandrasila. It is totally up to you.
Now, the second trek on our list is a slightly more challenging option but an equally invigorating one. We are, of course, talking about the famous Chopta-Tungnath- Chandrashila Trek – a trip that should be on every trekking enthusiast list. A popular path among devotees and explorers alike, it will take you to Tungnath – which is the highest Shiva temple in the world. And if you want to explore further, you can make a little extra effort to reach the Chandrashila summit. It is sure to offer panoramic views that are sure to take your breath away!
Your trek will start from the beautiful & picturesque meadows of Chopta. Fun fact – this place is also known as ‘Mini Switzerland’. Later, you will go on a steady climb through inviting forests. You surely would want to spend some time there as well. As you reach the Tungnath temple, you can marvel at this architectural beauty. Those who seek an added challenge can continue onwards to Chandrashila Peak, which offers a 360-degree view of the Garhwal Himalayas, including peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba.
Do note that this trek is a bit challenging, with some uphill sections that you must navigate through. However, it is definitely doable if you have a basic level of fitness. You also have the option to camp or find guesthouses along the way, ensuring that you don’t have to complete this trek in one go. It is a great choice for both seasoned trekkers and those venturing into longer routes for the first time.
Next, we have the Chitkul Yamunotri Trek, another popular choice among trekkers, especially for those who are looking for a more off-the-beaten-path trek for adventure. This might not be the first choice for many beginners and inexperienced trekkers, but if a challenge is something you are after, then it might just be perfect for you. It would be best if you are in peak physical condition before you even consider this journey.
The beautiful trail of this trek will take you through some of the most incredible and remote landscapes that can found in these lands. Your journey will begin in the beautiful village of Chitkul (hence the name of this trek). Make sure you capture a couple of clicks for your photo roll.
Your trail will wind through dense forests and open up to lush meadows, with jaw-dropping Garhwal mountain scenery accompanying you every step of your way. You will also pass through the stunning Jar Ki Dun valley. Here, you will have the opportunity to glimpse into the traditional way of life as your traveling party goes through remote local villages.
We would not sugarcoat it – this trail will be a test of your endurance, no doubt about it. But you will pleased with yourself after completing this journey. It is sure to offer you an experience that you will forget anytime soon.
Another moderate trek that we recommend to our readers is the picturesque Valley of Flowers trek — it is a true feast for the eyes. Fun fact: Did you know that the Valley of Flowers is a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Try to plan your trip between the months of July & August, and you can experience walking through dazzling arrays of wildflowers against the backdrop of the mighty Himalayas.
You will begin your trek in Govind Ghat and then follow a well-maintained trail alongside the Pushpawati River. What’s more, the landscape changes along the way as you will observe forests, waterfalls, and even the awe-inspiring flower-filled valley. Be prepared to be amazed by the sheer number of floral species – over 300 varieties have been documented here! Keep an eye out for rare Himalayan creatures like the blue sheep or even a snow leopard if you are lucky.
As mentioned earlier, this whole can be a bit moderately challenging experience for many. There is some uphill walking that you will have to face, but the stunning scenery that is on offer here makes the effort well worth it! An ideal trip for anyone who loves being immersed in nature – it is a particularly favorite spot for photographers.
The next trek on our list is the exhilarating trek near the Gangotri Dham. Yes, we are talking about the iconic Darwa Pass Trek. If you are looking for an adventure that not only just promises but delivers as well, then this is the place for you. However, don’t think of it as just an adventure; it is a chance for you to get close to nature. You will pass through alpine forests, gentle mountain streams, and even the Dodital Lake. Fun fact: Dodital Lake is located at a height of 3307m, and it is the birthplace of Lord Ganesha.
Your adventure will begin at Sangam Chatti. From here, you will embark on a scenic 5 km climb through a mountain forest – it will be a surreal experience for you. You can make a brief stop at the Agora village, witnessing the life of the locals, which might be quite in contrast to yours. The path will continue onwards to the villages of Bebra and Majhi. Be prepared for a steep ascent from Dodital to reach the Darwa Pass (4131m), but the views are worth it! Imagine standing atop the pass, surrounded by mighty peaks like Bandarpoonch (6317 m) and Swargarohini (6252m) – it is a breathtaking view. Make sure you capture a couple of clicks for your memory.
The Dodital – Darwa Pass trek is quite unique as it not only offers you a challenging journey to the top, but you will also experience a blend of natural beauty and spiritual connection. So, is it any surprise that this is one of the more popular trekking paths near the Char Dhams?
A trek near the Char Dhams that we would recommend to everybody is this one. Sure, you have heard of Gangotri – it is only one of the four holy sites of Char Dhams and welcomes millions of devotees every year. But what about Gaumukh? Do you know that Gaumukh is the very heart of the sacred Ganges River? This trek will take you to that point of origin and more.
Gangotri – Gaumukh – Tapovan Trek combines adventure with pilgrimage, providing an opportunity for explorers like you to shoot two birds with one stone. Starting from Gangotri, this popular route takes you to the very heart of the sacred Ganges River – the Gangotri Glacier, also known as Gaumukh. Get ready to be awestruck by the views that you will gaze at during your ascend. Upon reaching Tapovan, look out for blue mountain goats (Bharal) traversing the ridges.
If you are on the Char Dham Yatra, this trek is a chance for you to connect with the raw power of nature and the origins of one of Hinduism’s holiest rivers.
The penultimate entry on this list is the Shivling Base Camp Trek – a challenge for the devoted and daring. Standing at a majestic 6543m, the Shivling Peak in Uttarakhand needs no introduction to anyone. It holds a deep spiritual significance for devotees of Lord Shiva. The shape of this peak mirrors the sacred Shiva Linga, attracting hundreds of thousands of devotees every year to pray to it.
However, the trek to the base camp is not for a casual adventurer. It will demand everything from you as your body has to acclimatize for this height, weather the challenging route that traverses steep gradients, rocky trails, narrow ridges, treacherous cliffs, and more. No doubt, you will be tested every step of the way. But what keeps the trekkers going are the phenomenal rewards that are awaiting them: close-up views of colossal peaks like Hanuman Tibba, Bhrigu Parbat, the Bhagirathi group, and Mt. Meru will leave you breathless in more ways than one.
Also, the trek’s path will lead you across the Meru Glacier, reaching Nandanvan and the pristine Vasuki Tal before returning via Bhojbasa to Gangotri. An additional bonus of embarking on this journey.
The final entry on this list is the famous Kedarnath trek. If snow-covered peaks are something that fills your heart with wonder then you surely cannot afford to miss out on this. On this trip, you will witness the frozen lakes and iconic Himalayan sceneries (who doesn’t love those) quite close, while at the same time capturing a peak that stands tall at 3,810m – what more can you ask for?
Your journey will begin from Sankri Village, with you ascending to the winter wonderlands. Now, do note that the trek can be quite challenging, especially the final part, but it is infinitely rewarding as well. Standing atop the peak, surrounded by panoramic vistas of snow-covered mountains, is a moment of true exhilaration.
Make sure that have a good level of fitness before embarking on this journey. Experienced trekkers and adventurous souls will find this trek particularly unforgettable.
Conclusion
There you have it, some of the most iconic, challenging, yet rewarding treks around Char Dhams. Now there is no denying the profound spiritual significance of these holy sites, but why not explore the nearby surroundings – especially when they have so much offer. Don’t think twice – plan your trek, pack your bags and get ready to fully experience what the Garhwal mountain range has to offer.
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