introduction:
Uttarakhand is frequently associated with the pilgrimage to Haridwar, Ganga, and other holy places. However, this Northern state has a lot more to offer. a location of stunning beauty; a spot where you can take walks among alpine meadows and deciduous forests, enjoy roaring streams, and tranquil lakes, and enjoy a panoramic view of the snow-capped Himalayas; Uttarakhand is that. Trekking is a great way to see the state’s forests, which cover more than 60% of the state.
Uttarakhand has a variety of topographies, each with its own set of treks. The following is a list of the top seven treks in Uttarakhand:
1. The Valley of Flowers Trek
The Valley of Flowers Trek is one of Uttarakhand’s most popular hiking trails. It is a relatively easy trek that takes place in the Bhyundar Valley in the Chamoli district at a height of 3,658 meters. People go there to see the beautiful wildflowers in full bloom. The trek lasts four to five days and begins at Govind Ghat. The valley, which covers an area of 87.50 square kilometers, is the final stop. Frank Smith, a mountaineer, discovered this trek in 1931, and it is now a UNESCO world heritage site.
Photographers and nature enthusiasts will enjoy this trek. The Himalayas offer a tranquil setting where one can take in some of the most captivating views of wildflowers. Musk deer, Himalayan Black Bear, a wide range of birds, and butterflies are all found there. The best time to visit is during the monsoon season, so visitors should bring waterproof clothing.
Level: Easy.
The best time to visit is from June to September, which takes 4 to 5 days.
2. Trek to Kuari Pass
The Kuari Pass trek is another straightforward trek that is suitable for novice trekkers. Kuari, which translates to “doorway,” is a pass at 12,516 feet in elevation. It is a beautiful trek that takes you through extensive meadows, oak and rhododendron forest, and breathtaking views of peaks like Dronagiri, Nanda Devi, and the Hathi-Ghodi peaks, among others. Additionally, the Kuari Pass trek offers stunning camping opportunities.
This trek is also known as the Curzon trail because Lord Curzon, one of India’s viceroys, was the first person to discover it. It ends at Auli and begins at Lata, which is close to Haridwar. The climb up the Kuari Pass is well worth it for the panoramic view of the Himalayas.
Level: Easy to moderate
The best time to visit is from December to January, and the duration is six days.
3. The Kedarkantha Trek
The Kedarkantha Trek is a stunning winter trek. It starts to snow here in December, and even in April, you can see it. The trek takes you through extensive snow-covered clearings in between pine trees. You can even interact with locals and get a glimpse into rural life along the way.
The trek starts at Gaichawan Gaon, about 180 kilometers from Dehradun. At 12,500 feet, the snow-covered Kedarkantha peak offers breathtaking views of the Dhauladhar range, Chansil Pass, Rupin valley, and Har ki Dun valley. The snow-covered Kedarkantha trek is definitely worth the effort, despite being a little strenuous.
Level: easy to moderate.
The best time to visit is between December and April.
4. Har Ki Dun Trek
The Har Ki Dun trek is a great first trek. From December to March, the Har Ki Dun valley, which is below the 11,768-foot Har Ki Dun peak, is covered in snow. The trek is breathtaking as it follows the Supin river until it reaches the far-off Har ki Dun valley. Along the way, one may also come across ancient villages, some of which are estimated to be around 3,000 years old. The myths that are associated with the valley also contribute to its fame, earning it the name? God’s Valley? When the Pandavas reached heaven, it is believed that they followed the same path.
The trek begins in Sankri and travels through Govind National Park, which is home to a wide range of animals and plants, including an Asian black bear, leopard, musk deer, golden eagle, conifers, and deciduous species. Bandarpoonch and Black peak, as well as the Swargarohini group, are visible from this location.
Because the valley is still lushly green and not covered in snow during October and November, trekking across it is yet another experience.
Level: easy to moderate.
The best times to visit are from April to June and September to December.
The duration is seven days.
5. Roopkund Trek
Another Uttarakhand trek that is very popular is Roopkund. It is a treat for adventure seekers and is at a height of 15,750 feet. The trek takes you through the dense oak forests of Ghairoli Patal, lush green and picturesque meadows of Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal, deep snow, and the well-known Roopkund lake, where fascinating tales are frequently told.
The trek begins at Lohajung and takes you through the Chaukhamba range, Neelkanth peak, Kedarnath, and other mountains. How do you get to Roopkund? skeleton? The lake, which is itself a mountaintop crater, is taxing. Additionally, one can ascend 16,000 feet to Junargali, which is covered in snow.
Level: Moderate
The best times to visit are May through June and September through October.
6. The Rupin Pass Trek
The word “perfect” can be used to describe the Rupin Pass Trek. The trek also runs alongside the Rupin River and introduces new terrain as it unfolds. This trek is done by people who want to see the river’s blue waters and how it leads to three fascinating waterfalls.
This is a one-of-a-kind trek because it starts in Dhaula, Uttarakhand, and ends in Sangla, Himachal Pradesh. The Rupin river valley, snowfields, and pine, apple, and apricot trees are all part of the trek. Even the campsites on this trek are beautiful. There are numerous ascents and descents, and some of the trails are poorly marked. Even though this trek is hard, it is worth it to feel accomplished when you reach the Rupin Pass at 15,380 feet, where you can see the Kailash peak across the Dhauladhar Range.
Level: Difficult
The best time to visit is between the middle of May and the end of June, and between September and mid-October.
7. Auden’s Col Trek
Auden’s Col Trek one of India’s most strenuous treks is Auden’s, Col Trek. At 17,876 feet in elevation, it is a trek at a high altitude. The trek begins in Gangotri, travels through Auden’s Col, a high mountain pass, and reaches Kedarnath after passing by the Khatling glacier.
Auden Bicknell Col, a British Geographical Survey officer who discovered this pass in 1935 and was able to cross it in 1939, is the inspiration for the Auden Col trek. The Rudragaira and Bhilangana Valleys are linked by this pass. The hike up to this pass typically takes several days, which is a lot of work in and of itself. It’s a different matter to cross the Auden Col pass, but the views are truly breathtaking. Trekking takes you through thick alpine forests, flower-filled meadows, rivers, narrow cliffs, dangerous moraines, and crevice-filled crevasses.
This hike is frequently regarded as more of an expedition. It is a little tricky, so only experienced trekkers should attempt it.
Level: Difficult
The best time of year is from May to June and from September to October.