Uttarakhand is a beautiful State of India which is located in the lap of the Himalayas, which is popular for offering the most awe-striking views and travel experience. Over the years Uttarakhand has become a special spot for those who wish to go for adventurous journey through the icy cold mountains of the Himalayan ranges within Uttarakhand.
In this travel blog, we will be discussing about the 6 best trekking places in Uttarakhand that are sure to make your journey to this stunning location more memorable.
List of 6 Best Trekking Places in Uttarakhand
1. Auli Trek
Auli Snow View Trek is one of the most astonishing treks to go for if you are a true lover of nature and especially snow. Auli’s history dates back to as early as the 8th century and Legend has it that Adi Shankaracharya used to mediate here. The evidence was found when people found the Jyothi Math located about 6.6 kilometers from Auli which was established by the great Adiguru Shri Shankaracharya.
Auli is popular among travelers for its snow blankets covering its lushy green hills and the best part about it is that it gives travelers a panoramic view of the Nar Parbat, Kamet, Hathi Parbat, Neelkanth, Bithartoli, Mana Parvat and Doonagiri. Auli also hosts the world’s highest man-made lake known as the Auli Artificial Lake. The best thing about Auli is that it is considered safe for even solo female travelers as the locals in Auli are very helpful and of kind nature.
Elevation: 2800 meters ( approx 9200 feet above sea level)
Difficulty and Duration: The Auli trek is considered easy to moderate which can take travelers about 7 days of trek
Best Time to Visit: It is best to visit during October to January which will show you why Auli is referred to Switzerland of India
2. Har ki Dun Trek
Another snow covered mountainous trek which popular for its tremendous views, Har ki Dun Trek is one of those unique journey that will take you into the heart of the Himalayas, weaving through picturesque valleys, dense forests, and majestic peaks. This offbeat trek is a paradise for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. The best part about this trek is that it takes you through various villages which also allows you get in touch with not just nature but the diverse culture Garhwal has to offer.
One of the most stunning villages in this path is the Osla village which known for its majestic beauty, if you find the energy within you still left then you can take a detour to a side trek which will lead you to the pristine Ruinsara tal, a mind-blowing glacial lake surrounded by towering lush green mountains.
Har ki Dun Trek is located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand in India at a stunning elevation of 3566 meters (approx 11700 meters above sea level). Luckily this trek consists of gradual ascents and descents making it accessible to those who have a moderate level of fitness. However, it is always advisable to do some prior physical preparations as the nature changes without telling us.
Elevation: 3566 meters (approx 11700 meters above sea level)
Difficulty and Duration: The trek is for both beginners and experienced trekkers and can take about 6 to 7 days which would cover a total of 47 kilometers through the diverse terrains.
Best Time to Visit: It is best to take on this trek during April to June as the weather is usually calm and pleasant, avoid heavy monsoon season in July as there are usually many landslides at that time.
3. Valley of Flowers
Valley Of Flowers is another beautiful trek which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its a favorite trek for many travelers who wish to have a glimpse of the blooming flowers surrounded by the great white peaks of the Himalayas. The Valley of Flowers trek is a captivating journey that takes you through a paradise of colorful blooms, serene valleys, and majestic peaks. Located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India.
The valley is known for its amazing biodiversity which includes variety of butterflies and Himalayan birds such as Himalayan Snowcock, Black Francolin, Common Hill Partridge, Himalayan Monal, Lesser Kestrel, Common Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, Barbary Falcon, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, and Bearded Vuture. An optional side trek here will lead you to the Holy shrine known as Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara at an astonishing elevation of 15200 feet.
Elevation: 4300 meters (approx 14100 feet aove sea level)
Difficulty and Duration: The Valley of Flower trek is considered to be moderate trek which is alright for beginners and experienced trekkers, but due to its elevation it is recommended for trekkers to build up a good stamina and practice their breathing.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit valley of flowers is from June to September as the valley is in full bloom and the skies remain clear giving you a clear image of the Himalayan ranges around you.
4. Roopkund Trek
The Roopkund trek is probably our favorite in this list of best trekking places in Uttarakhand thrilling expedition that takes you to the breathtaking Roopkund Lake, famously known as the Skeleton Lake, nestled in the lap of the majestic Himalayas. This trek is a perfect blend of adventure, natural beauty, and historical intrigue. Roopkund is believed to have been touched by humans dating back to as early as the 9th century AD (about 1200 years ago).
The name Roopkund trek comes from the mysterious and fascinating Roopkund lake, wondering why as mystery? Because the lake is home to more than 500 skeletons which is why it is also referred to as the Skeletal Lake. The trekking route of the Roopkund lake gives you beautiful views of Chaukhamba, neelkantha, trishula and Nanda Gunti. The trail presents steep ascents as well as rocky terrains which can require a certain amount of stamina, adding to that is the ever changing weather which surely requires some experience in trekking to experience this marvelous journey.
Elevation: 5029 meters ( approx 16499 feet above sea level)
Difficulty and Duration: This trek is definitely considered challenging due its rough terrain and unpredictable weather, it is best for those with good amount of trekking experience.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to take on the Roopkund trek would be from May to June as the weather is pleasant and calm, also which avoids landslides which are of major concern in this area.
5. Gomukh Tapovan Trek
The Gomukh Tapovan Trek is an exhilarating expedition that takes trekkers to the sacred source of the Ganges River in the heart of the Garhwal Himalayas. This transformative journey combines breathtaking natural beauty with spiritual significance, offering a unique and profound experience. This trek is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, which eventually starts from a small town known as Gangotri (about 300 kilometers from Dehradun).
During the Gomukh Tapovan Trek , trekkers get to view view the full picture of the Mt Shivling from the base to the summit which is rare view to get hold of in your lifetime. Gomukh is considered to be the home of the Hindu Goddess- Ganga ( the goddess of forgiveness and purification). As per hindu mythology it is also believed that Sage Bhrigu would often come here to mediate, his contexts can often be seen coming up the Hindu Puranas. The trek also provides an impeccable view of the Meru, Bhagirathi and Sudarshan Parbat enhancing the journey, while trekking you might also encounter the unique Himalayan Tahr also known as Himalayan blue sheep.
Elevation: 4300 meters (approximately 14200 feet above sea level)
Difficulty and Duration: The Gomukh Tapovan Trek is considered to be moderately difficult due to the ascending mountainous region and crossing of glacial streams which require good physical endurance and the trek can take about 6 to 7 days which is a total of 40 kilometers journey.
Best time to Visit: The summer months May to June are the best time to take on the Gomukh Tapovan Trek as the meadows are adorned with the full bloom of wild flowers.
6. Pindari Glacier Trek
Nestled amidst the magnificent Kumaon Himalayas, the Pindari Glacier Trek is a mesmerizing expedition that takes trekkers to the pristine Pindari Glacier. This captivating journey offers a blend of natural beauty, adventure, and tranquility, captivating the hearts of all who embark upon it. This trek consists of crossing stream, rivers while getting to view the incredible Himalayan peaks such as Panwali Dhar, Maiktoli, Nanda Kot, Nanda Khat, Mt. Balijouri and so many more. Adding tot he experience are the remote villages that come within the Kumaon region.
The trek usually begins from Bageshwar, which goes through Kahrkia, Khati, Dwali and finally Phurkiya.During this travel you are sure to also cross the beautiful song village located 4 kilometers from Loharkhet. Fun fact is that the conquest of the Pindari Glacier originally began in 1830 by Malak Singh Buda.
Elevation: 3750 meters (approximately 12300 feet above sea level)
Difficult and Duration: The Pindari Glacier Trek consist of well-marked paths and slight bits of rocky terrains making it moderate difficult and suitable for experienced trekkers and beginners with some amount of fitness level. The trek can take almost 7 to 8 days which would cover a total distance of 48 kilometers.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to take on this majestic trek is from May to June as the trails consist of pleasant weather and colorful blossoms.
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Fantastic insights into Uttarakhand’s thrilling trekking spots! Your recommendations are sure to inspire adventurers seeking their next adrenaline rush in those stunning mountains!