Uttarakhand is the epicenter of the great Himalayas. It is a frequent pilgrimage site for the Hindus and is considered a holy land. Uttarakhand is home to the magnificent Gangotri glacier which is the source point of the Ganges river. It is also home to the second tallest mountain in India, Nanda Devi which is at an altitude of 25,643 feet.
Here are the 10 best trekking routes in Uttarakhand that you will want to experience.
01. VALLEY OF FLOWERS TREK
The Valley of Flowers Trek, a UNESCO recognized World Heritage Site is one of the easiest treks in Uttarakhand. The maximum altitude of the trek is 14,200 feet and can be completed within 4 to 5 days. The trek attracts visitors for its amazing display of wildflowers. The best time to go on this trail is during the monsoon between the months of June and October. You ought to expect ample rain during the trek. You can also trek to Hemkund Sahib which is a pilgrim site. The exquisiteness of the wildflowers will leave you mesmerized.
02. BRAHMATAL TREK
This is one of the best treks located opposite the Roopkund trek. The trek is located at an elevation of 12,500 feet and is graded as an easy trek. This is a well-known winter trek best experienced from December to February. The trek takes around 10 to 14 days to be completed. Do not miss a chance to go on this trail.
03. KEDARKANTHA TREK
The Kedarkantha trail covers a distance of 18 km and the maximum altitude is 12,500 feet. It is graded as an easy trek that can be completed in just 4 to 5 days. The Kedarkantha trek offers a stunning 360-degree view of various celebrated mountain peaks which makes it worth the while. The trail starts from Sankri village in Uttarakhand. As you reach the peak, you will feel as if you have touched the sky.
04. KEDARTAL TREK
The Kedartal trek is located in the Gangotri area of the Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of 16,110 feet. This is graded as a moderate trek that can be completed in 7 days. You will best experience the trek during the months of May, June, and September, October. The explorers get a sight of snow-shielded peaks and landscapes. You also come across mountain wildlife species such as Blue Sheep, Goral, and the famous Himalayan Black Bear. You will have an amazing experience as you go along the trail.
05. RUPIN PASS TREK
Rupin Pass guarantees illusory views of neighboring peaks, lofty waterfalls, and exotic flower-laden pastures. The trek takes about 8 days to be completed, located at an elevation of 15,250 feet. The best season to go this trek is during the summer months of May – June and the post-monsoon months of September – October. On the way along the trail, you will see several beautiful villages such as Jakha which is one of the ideal resting stops.
06. BALI PASS TREK
The trek is the best choice for seasoned trekkers due to its challenging terrain. It is located 16,250 feet above sea level. It is graded as a difficult trek and takes about 9 days to be completed. You walk across the rivers of Tons and Siyan Gad through the woodlands. As you reach the magical lake of Ruinsara Tal, you are gifted with splendid views of Bandarpoonch, Kalang, and Swargarohini peaks.
07. AUDEN’S COL TREK
This is one of the hardest treks in Uttarakhand. Located at an altitude of 18,020 feet, it takes about 16 days to complete the trek. The best season to go on this trail is during the summer and post-monsoon. The trail takes you through narrow cliffs, snow ridges, moraines, and endless glaciers.
08. HAR KI DUN TREK
This is one of the easiest treks in the Garhwal region. The maximum altitude is 11,500 feet and takes about 7 days to complete. The best season to visit the trek is during the spring months of March to June and post monsoon months from September to December. You will be amazed to see the Tons River Valley encircled by highlands and dense woodlands. You will definitely have an amazing time as you go along the trail.
09. SATOPANTH LAKE TREK
This trek will take you to Satopanth Tal which is an amazing glacial lake. The maximum altitude of the trek is 14,600 feet. The trek is graded as a moderate one and takes around 8 days to complete. The reflections of the stunning mountains on the crystal clear glacial lake are truly a sight to behold. The trail is a must for those who love challenges and also has a serene nature.
10. KALINDI KHAL TREK
The trek is the most difficult in the Garhwal Himalayas. The trail covers a distance of 100 km at an altitude of 19,520 feet. The trek takes about 15 days to be completed. The trail connects the pilgrimage sites of Gangotri and Badrinath. The undeniably difficult trail takes you through rugged glaciers, crevassed snowfields, and rocky moraines. The trail also unleashes magnificent views of some of the most prominent Himalayan Peaks.
