Treks in Uttarakhand
Chopta Chandrashila Trek, Dodital Winter Trek, Dayara Bugyaltrek, Nag Tibba Winter Trek, Kuari Pass Winter Trek, Dodital Hanumanchatti Trek, Kafni Glacier Trek, Kalindi Pass Trek, Binsar Trek, Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek and many more adventurous treks.
Magnanimous mountains, plains carpeted with meadows, wild and thick forests, holy rivers and alpine lakes, and many other scenic vistas, this is what it's like when you go trekking in Uttarakhand. A mountainous state in North India, Uttarakhand is a naturally bounteous land that attracts tourists and trotters for its serenity and laid-back charm. Adventure seekers looking for some excitement as an escape from the mundanes of life can and must plan a trip to go on the best treks in Uttarakhand. Doesn’t matter if you are an amatuer or a seasoned trekker, you will just find the trail that will give you the chills and thrills.
Starting from short trudges of 5 to 10 kilometers of relaxed terrains, to the more treacherous and strenuous excursions that go on for days, covering vast distances, there are plenty of trekking places in Uttarakhand worth exploring. Some of the most prevalent treks that are a part of many bucket lists are the ‘Roopkund’, ‘Valley of Flowers’, ‘Panch Kredar’, ‘Dodital Lake’ treks among more that you can explore.
Here are some of the best treks in Uttarakhand:
1. Chopta Chandrashila trek:
One of the easiest and famous treks, it brings you to the pristine lake, Shiva temple, concealed hamlets, spicy cuisines and welcoming hospitality. The expedition starts from Ukhimath taking you to Deoriatal Lake via Sari Village.Chopta is a heaven for bird watchers. In Tungnath, trekkers witness world’s highest Shiva temple after which they proceed towards the summit of moon rock i.e. Chandrashila at 4000 m.
2. Dodital winter trek:
It’s one of the best for those who are trekking for the first time. Starting from SangamChatti, it takes you through various villages like Agoda, Bebra, Manjhi. At Manjhi, trekkers plan an overnight camp. Next day they ascend to Doditallake that is deemed as the abode of Lord Ganesha. Following day, trekkers climb to their final destination, Darwa Pass.
3. Dayara Bugyaltrek:
Perfect for amateurs, this trek starts from Barsu. Trekkers trek to Barnala lake after which they reach Dayara which is blessed with huge meadows. Its slopes are best knowing for skiing. After this, trekkers ascend to Bakariya Top, the final destination of this trek.
4. Nag Tibba winter trek:
This trek allures adventurers, nature lovers and Hindu devotees from all over the world. Local people trek here to pay a visit to Nag Devta (the Snake God). Starting from Dehradun, this trek passes through hidden hamlets like Pantwari, Nag Tibba, Devalsari and finally ends at Thatyur.
5. Kuari Pass Winter Trek:
Lord Curzon’s greatest contribution to India, this trek starts from Joshimath, takes you down to various lesser known passes and eventually the highest point of trek, Kuari Pass. From Kauri Pass, one gets the breathtaking view of the adjacent peaks like Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Kamet, Dronagiri etc. On your downwards trail, you’ll find Auli, one of the best snow skiing destinations in India.
6. Dodital Hanumanchatti Trek:
Those not wanting to terminate their journey at the Dodital could opt for the Dodital Hanuman Chatti trek instead, which crosses the Himalayan lake and heads onwards towards Hanuman Chatti. A brilliant summer getaway, this route has been traditionally used by Gujjar herdsmen who get their buffaloes to the higher meadows each summer via the trail.
The trekking route is home to unparalleled views of the Bandarpunch range, coupled with the show stopping Dodital, which nestled between verdant forest of oak and pine. Finally, the route stops at the Darwa Pass, suspended at 4,000 meters and well regarded for its magical views of the surrounding peaks. The trek takes about 10 days to complete. It is deemed to be a fairly moderate one, and can be attempted by first time trekkers as well as seasoned experts.
7. Kafni Glacier Trek:
Kafni glacier is located southwards of Nanda Kot hill and on the Eastern side of the Pindar canyon. This tranquil and pleasant place has a unique charm which makes it a hotspot for tourists. It is rich in flora and fauna.
Some of the famous Himalayan peaks near to Kafni glacier include Nandakot, 6860 meters and Nandabhanar, 6236 meters. The trek to Kafni glacier is at a distance of 12 kilometers from Diwali through Byali udayar, which is 8 kilometers from Diwali. The canyon is broader as compared to the Pindar and is blessed with spectacular natural beauty.
8. Kalindi Pass Trek:
Kalindi pass trek is considered as one of the most arduous treks of the Himalayas. This trek is suitable for physically fit and adventure loving trekkers who possess the abilities of mountaineering and high altitude trekking. It is indeed a thrilling and nail-biting experience.
During this trip, trekkers can visit some of the most famous Hindu pilgrimages on the way. This place is a home to some of the most protected mammals like bulbuls, owls, cuckoos, bearded vulture, golden eagle, Himalayan snow cock, brown bear and so on and this is one of the best trekking in Uttarakhand.
9. Binsar Trek:
Binsar is a beautiful hill station valley of flowers which offers breathtaking views of the Kumaon Valley. The beautiful Himalayan range stretches to about 300 kms along the horizon out of which the most noticeable peaks are the Chaukhamba, Trishuli, Kedarnath, Panchchuoli, Nanda Kot and Nanda Devi.
The Binsar trek begins from Thalisain towards Pauri. The trek leads through thick forests of oaks, pine, silver fir and deodar that describe complete wilderness. The ascents and descents are gradual and the best time to visit is during winters. One can come across the Samadhi of the great Indian hero Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali situated at Musa Kota amidst Dudhatoli sanctuary.
10. Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek:
One of the top treks in Uttarakhand for the nature lover, the Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek takes you through some of Uttarakhand’s most beautiful alpine meadows. Bordering the northern edge of Almora and Nainital, the Ali Bedni Bugyal meadows are known for their year-long beauty.
The meadows command an extraordinary view of the surrounding ranges as well, with the mighty Mount Trishul jutting out prominently at a distance. The trek takes you through rustic grasslands, lush forests of rhododendron and oak and finally endless stretches of flowering meadows. The trek is a fairly moderate one, and can be attempted by adventurous beginners as well.
