TOP PLACES TO GO TREKKING IN UTTARAKHAND

 

The fact that Uttarakhand is also called the “Abode of God’s” is not unknown to us. This Indian state, located towards the West of Nepal is home to many mountains ranges. So we won’t be wrong to call it the center of the Great Himalayas. It’s a popular pilgrimage spot for people in India and also a holy Land. It is a home to the great Gangotri Glacier and even the holy Ganges river emerges from here. The second tallest mountain in India, the Nanda Devi, also stands here. Uttarakhand has always been a hotspot for travellers and adventure lovers as it has some of the best places to go trekking in India. We will provide you with a brief description of the five places that are most popular among the trekkers. 

1. Rupin Pass Trek

• Altitude- 15,250 ft
• Duration of the Trek- 8 days
• Difficulty level- Moderate
• Best time to visit- Summer or Post-monsoon

Make your way through waterfalls surrounded by peaks of mountain and flower-laden pastures. Your trekking experience will be unforgettable here at Rupin Pass. The trek starts from the Dhaula village and the trekkers have to climb 10,000 ft in a duration of 7 days. The trekkers cross over from Uttarakhand to Himanchal. On your way you will witness some rare beauty of nature and will also go through the Jakha village which is an ideal resting stop. 

2. Kedarkantha trek

• Altitude- 12,500 ft
• Duration of the Trek- 5 days
• Difficulty level- Easy
• Best time to visit- Winter or Pre-summer

Trekkers have to cover a distance of over 18km in 4 to 5 days. But it is all worth it as the view that waits for you at the end of this trek will sweep you off of your feet. The trek begins from Sankri village in Uttarakhand. You will feel like you have touched the sky as you reach the top of Kedarkantha. 

3. Auden’s Col trek

• Altitude- 18,020 ft 
• Duration of the Trek- 16 days
• Difficulty level- Very difficult
• Best time to visit- Summer or Post-monsoon

This is trek is known to be one of the hardest treks in Uttarakhand. The trek begins from Gangotri. You will come across pine and cane woodlands as you commence towards Nala Camp. The route then leads you to Rudra Gaira Base camp. This place lets you catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Throughout this trek you will be witnessing endless glaciers, snow ridges, narrow cliffs and moraines and hence this trek demands high fitness from trekkers. Even though it is one of the hardest treks, it still remains popular among the adventure buffs. 

4. Satopanth Lake trek

• Altitude- 14,600 ft
• Duration of the Trek- 8 days
• Difficulty level- Moderate
• Best time to visit- Pre-monsoon or Post-monsoon

Satopanth lake trek takes you to Satopanth Tal, it is a magnificent glacial lake and it’s beauty is enhanced by the snow-filled foothills like Neelkanth, Satopanth, Balakun, etc. The reflection of these mountains on the glacial lake is a rare beauty which definitely makes it a sight to behold. 

The Holy Trinity, Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh were believed to have meditated at the three corners of this lake. The trek to Satopanth Lake is popular spiritual travellers as well, this trek leads you to an unparallel spiritual journey too. This trek is a must do for those who love spirituality, nature and a dash of adventure as well. 

5. Valley of Flowers trek

• Altitude- 14,200 ft
• Duration of the Trek- 4-5 days
• Difficulty level- Very Easy
• Best time to visit- Monsoon months (June to October) 

This is a UNESCO heritage site. This is the easiest known trek in Uttarakhand. It is so easy that the trekkers can even attempt this trek on their own, without the guidance of local trekking agencies. This trek of 4 to 5 days duration attracts visitors from all over the country for its breathtaking display of different varieties of wildflowers. Trekkers, however must expect ample rain on their journey and are expected to prepare accordingly. You can also trek up to Hemkund Sahib if you love doing something extra. This is a pilgrimage site and it will consume you with it’s peaceful and calm surrounding. Rest assured, the beauty and exquisiteness of these wildflowers will make your journey worth it and memorable.