trekking In uttarakhand

Trekking in Uttarakhand

A land of godliness and home to Nanda Devi - the second highest peak in the Indian Himalayas, Uttarakhand offers a great variety of trek routes scattered through the state. Stunning valleys hanging amidst the silence of the mountains, verdant meadows rolling on beyond as far as the eyes can see, ancient temples against vast mountain backdrops, trails leading to the origin of life-giving rivers, and rich biodiversity zones make up the trekkable paradise of Uttarakhand. Trekking in Uttarakhand happens to cover two of the major mountain ranges of the Greater Himalayas -- the Garhwal Range and the Kumaon Range. The two distinctive administrative and cultural areas adjoining these ranges are home to ethnic Garhwali and Kumaoni peoples. Trekking in Uttarakhand thus also becomes a culture trip of different mountain societies of India. Come, trek here, and experience the Himalayas in its raw, scenic brilliance, to understand the spiritual heart of India and her diverse cultures.

Why Should You Go For Trekking In Uttarakhand?

Whether you are on for long and arduous journeys to altitudes beyond the treeline, or could catch a break only for a short sojourn, Uttarakhand will always have a delightful variety of destinations lined up for you. Uttarakhand trekking routes come in summery and blossoming, bleak and snow-laden, fit for beginners, and thoroughly challenging. Here is why you must come—
Chasing the river Ganges to her origin and the many tributaries -- the life-giving source of the Indian civilization up north, and holding central importance for spiritualism of India.

• Resplendent valley treks like Har ki Dun, Chopta, Valley of Flowers, or Rallam Valley in the Kumaon.
• Demystifying the bizarre skeleton lake of Roopkund - one of the best treks in India.
• Access to safe winter treks in Uttarakhand to have a taste of the extremes, like the Kuari Pass and Kedarkantha Peak trek.
• Inexpensive Uttarakhand trekking packages that also may include skiing, snowboarding, and other fun activities in the skii paradise around Auli.
• Visit to some of the most exquisite temples and pilgrim trails of India.
• Important biodiversity zones and protected forest lands that are home to plenty of carefully preserved flora and fauna.

Which Are The Best Treks In Uttarakhand?

Valley Of Flowers
A riot of colors engulfs this side of the earth when summer arrives in the Valley of Flowers. The months from July till August are a time surreal here when millions of flowers bloom, including the exotic Himalayan blue poppy. This protected land of rich biodiversity is the abode of a great wealth of fauna as well, namely- asiatic black bear, leopard, musk deer, and blue sheep. At the maximum altitude of 3658 m, the Valley resplendent with flowers with the vast backdrop of the Nanda Peak in the background draws millions of nature loving trekkers to its heart.
Dayara Bugyal
Treading the meadows of Uttarakhand is like stepping right into the windows wallpaper! Listed among the best trekking places in Uttarakhand, Dayara is a gorgeous all-seasons alpine meadows trekking destination in India. Schedule this trek in the beginning of spring for a treat of multi-hued flowers blooming in the rolling slopes. Besides the taste of freedom amidst nature’s green, you also get to frame the massive snow-capped peaks of Bhagirathi, Bandarpoonch, and the Black Peak in the background.
Roopkund Trek
Tucked away in the rugged snow deserts of the upper reaches of Uttarakhand is the Roopkund Lake. Inexplicably lies a number of human skeletons at the bottom of this lake. Trekking to this mysterious spot amidst barren nothingness is an out and out thrill fest that adventure enthusiasts just can’t afford to miss! Also, this is one chance to explore two of the most amazing bugyal meadows of Uttarakhand-- the Ali and Bedni Bugyal. The 7-8 days hike around the circuit could be quite full of toil but the amazing visuals and the great challenge level should make it all worth it!
Kuari Pass
Kuari Pass is a trek tailor fitted for beginners, though sufficiently challenging in the high snows of winter. Also, if you want to experience in-depth a mixed terrain trek in Uttarakhand, this might be the one for you. Starting out from typical mountain hamlets of Garhwal, the trail bends through thick forests of oaks and rhododendrons, suddenly jumping out in the clearing of the wonderful Gurson bugyal meadows, up till amazing vantage points opening up to sweeping views of Mt Nanda Devi (7816 m), Mt Dronagiri (7066 m), Hathi Peak (6727 m), and Ghodi Peak, and a big part of the way covering massive snowfields. This trek brings the scintillating Garhwal up close and personal to the trekker like no other!
Gaumukh Tapovan
The soul of India is interspersed with the flow of the Ganges. The Gaumukh-Tapovan trek is a quest to trace the holy river to her mythical origins in Gaumukh. There are a plethora of phantasmagoric mountain visions to fall in love with on this journey. Get ready to encounter awe-inspiring peak views like that of Mt. Shivling (6543 m), Mt. Meru (6660m) and Sudarshan Parbat (6507m). Take this trekking in Uttarakhand Himalayas to enjoy the constant company of the Bhagirathi River, see the Gaumukh Glacier from close quarters, and experience an out and out thrilling boulder moraine walk.
Satopanth Lake
A moderate to difficult level challenge, the trek to Lake Satopanth is an unforgettable experience of touching Mana - the highest village of India, pass by spectacular high waterfalls like Vasundhara, and treading through the dreamy birch forests. Among other highlight, you have a thrilling glacier walk upon Dhano Glacier. The visual thrill fest on this trek is not deprived of spellbinding peak views as well, with Chaukhamba and Swargarohini peaks looming larger than life all the way through. 
Har Ki Dun
One of the easy treks in Uttarakhand, the trail of which is often dubbed as the ‘stairway to Heaven’, this one is extremely scenic and immensely fulfilling. Come on this trek in the summers between March to August for the warm hospitality of indigenous Uttarakhandi village life, the untamed wilderness of Govind National Park, the vast alpine meadows, glacial basins, moraine ridges, and pine forests of the regions and the paradisiacal green wonderland of the cradle-shaped hanging valley of Har ki Dun. The route runs entirely on the course of the sprightly river Supin.
Milam Glacier
Ascending to an altitude of 2290m to 4200m, the Milam Glacier trek is as ambitious as it is exciting. This expedition offers a splendid chance to explore Kumaon to the region’s upper reaches. Valleys nestling in greenery unbound, grassy meadows stretching to the furthest corner of the horizon, the River Goriganga veining through cutting deep gorges along, and the Nanda Devi Temple seated high up on the mountains make this Uttarakhand trekking tour so amazing!

When to Visit?

The summers are a favorable time to explore the upper reaches of Uttarakhand, from March to June with the temperature varying between 20-degree to 35-degree Celsius. Despite the summers, you are likely to find snow at the summits like Roopkund.
The specific category of winter treks of Uttarakhand like the Kedarkantha peak trek or Kuari Pass trek are good to attempt from November to February.

What Are the Essential Items to Pack for Uttarakhand?

• Large or medium size backpack, and a duffle side bag for extras
• Water bottle
• Sun hat
• Warm capb
• Base layers
• Fleece jacket
• Outer jacket
• Rain jacket (essential for the monsoon months)
• Sturdy trekking shoes and a pair of floaters
• Flashlight
• Trekking pants, several pairs
• UV-protection glasses
• Thermal socks
• Sunscreen

How to Reach?

By Air: The airport closest to Garhwal himalayas of Uttarakhand is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. For accessing the treks in the Kumaon himalayas of Garhwal, you must reach Pantnagar Airport. 
By Rail: The Garhwal region of Uttarakhand is well-connected by railway to the rest of the country by Haridwar and Dehradun railway stations. For accessing the other side of the state, being Kumaon, you can find trains to Pithoragarh, Tanakpur, or Champawat.
By Bus: Uttarakhand Transport Corporation has a number of connecting buses and shared cars plying between stations on the hilly road. You can also find direct overnight buses from Delhi to Haridwar and Dehradun.