Best Treks in Uttarakhand

The mountains of Uttarakhand envelope timeless beauty that is still much preserved in its original form and they are home to some of the best treks in India. With the Himalayas standing tall and acting like the guardians and with comparatively lesser commercialization in the area, the experiences and delights offered by the trails are unparalleled.

What makes this state a favourite amongst trekkers is the abundance of trekking routes in the region which range out from easy to moderate to challenging. Whether it’s your first trek or you are an avid trekker, you can always find a suitable trek that will ensure the best of the views and a wide range of experiences.

Listed below are the best treks in Uttarakhand –

Bali Pass Trek

• Maximum Altitude: 16,200 ft approx.
• Duration: 8 days
• Grade: Challenging
• Starting Point: Sankri, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
• Favourable Time: May to June, September to mid-November

Connecting Har ki Dun and Ruinsara valley, Bali Pass is considered as a tough trek and is favourable only for seasoned trekkers. The trek starts from Sankri and takes you through the glacial Ruinsara lake, serene meadows of Dev Thach, alpine forests, gushing streams, and a snow-covered paradise. This is one of the best treks to experience the Himalayas in their rawness, enveloped with their majestic grandeur, accompanied with the rewarding views of Bandarpoonch, Kalanag, and Swargarohini peaks.

Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek

• Maximum Altitude: 13,450 ft approx.
• Duration: 4-5 days
• Grade: Easy to Moderate
• Starting Point: Sari, Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand
• Favourable Time: April to June, mid-November to mid-March

This is one of the most sought-after treks in Uttarakhand for it offers views that’s are remarkably stunning and can be achieved easily as compared to the other treks offering equivalent scenic beauty. The presence of Himalayan rhododendrons, Deoriatal lake, Tungnath temple, lush green forests, and a variety of birds make this trek one of its kind. The charm of the trail is enhanced during winters with the presence of snow and when you reach Chandrashila peak, you can capture the views, that aren’t this easily accessible from any other place in India, of mountains like Nanda Devi, Trishul, Nandaghunti, Kamet, Dunagiri, Chaukhamba, and Gangotri ranges.

Read Also: Best Himalayan Treks in Winters

Valley of Flowers Trek

• Maximum Altitude: 12,650 ft approx.
• Duration: 6 days
• Grade: Easy to moderate
• Starting Point: Govindghat, Chamoli, Uttarakhand
• Favourable Time: July to September Starting

The array of flowers which this trek bestows upon its visitors is very unlikely to be experienced in any other Himalayan trek. If you time your trek around monsoon, i.e. in July and August, you’ll witness the nature brimming with its full-fledged chromatic splendour. With some trickling streams and cascading waterfalls, alpine forests and snow-draped Himalayas, a river flowing through the valley, and the intense serenity, Valley of flowers has everything that one seeks for in a trek. Moreover, Gurudwara Shri Hemkund Sahib is also a must visit while visiting the valley.

Roopkund Trek

• Maximum Altitude: 15,600 ft approx.
• Duration: 8 days
• Grade: Difficult
• Starting Point: Lohajung, Chamoli, Uttarakhand
• Favourable Time: May-June, September-October

This trek is particularly famous for its mystic glory as the “Skeleton Lake” has remained a popular subject amongst anthropologists, historians, locals, as well as the mountaineers. It starts from Lohajung and takes you through some of the best high-altitude meadows like Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal. Thick forests, presence of Mt. Trishul & Mt. Nanda Ghunti, areas of steep climb, various mythical stories, and the snow make it a perfect adventure. As one reaches the holy lake, Roopkund, one can feel the thrill of achievement all around the place.

Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

• Maximum Altitude: 14,200 ft approx.
• Duration: 6-7 days
• Grade: Difficult
• Starting Point: Gangotri, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
• Favourable Time: May to mid-June, September to October

Gaumukh being the source of the holy river Ganga, the entire trek is enveloped in adventure, excitement, and spirituality. The trek starts from Gangotri and you’ll get numerous glimpses of some of the most magnificent of the Himalayan mountains. It is a challenging trek so some prior experience in high-altitude treks is helpful and basic acclimatisation is also recommended. With the mythological tale of King Bhagirath and his attempts which eventually resulted in the birth of river Ganga, the journey is exciting as well as spiritually uplifting and the presence of Mt. Shivling adds to the excitement of the trail.

Har ki Dun Trek

• Maximum Altitude: 11,700 ft approx.
• Duration: 7 days
• Grade: Easy to moderate
• Starting Point: Taluka village, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
• Favourable Time: March to June, October to January

Starting from Taluka, Har ki Dun is a much-coveted trek both for its spectacular views and diverse flora and fauna. A bird-watching paradise, Har ki Dun is a cradle shaped valley located in the Western Himalayas. Sharing links with Indian mythology, the Swargarohini group of peaks lead the way almost throughout the trek. It is believed that this was the trail that the Pandavas took to reach heaven. Stunning views of Jaundar glacier and Swargarohini – I, II, III, Bandarpoonch and Blackpeak, along with the presence of some rare plants like Bramhakamal and Bhojpatra are the treats offered by the trek.

Kedarkantha Trek

• Maximum Altitude: 12,500 ft approx.
• Duration: 6 days
• Grade: Easy to moderate
• Starting Point: Sankri, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
• Favourable Time: December to April

Kedarkantha trek is one of the most popular winter treks in Uttarakhand which remains covered in snow from December to April. The pristine beauty of the trail which starts from the quaint hamlet of Sankri, takes you across some extremely picture-perfect landscapes. The trail leads you to Juda ka Talab, which is a beauty in its own, and then you proceed towards the Kedarkantha summit which render you with a spectacular view of Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Kinnaur Kailash ranges.

Kedartal Trek

• Maximum Altitude: 16,110 ft approx.
• Duration: 6-7 days
• Grade: Moderate to challenging
• Starting Point: Gangotri, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
• Favourable Time: May to mid-June, September to October

This high-altitude trek is preferable only if you have some trekking experience as the trail turns challenging at some patches. But, chemistry of nature is well-experienced throughout the trek. Enriched with flora and fauna found in such altitudes, Kedartal trek never disappoints the trekkers. Kedartal, a glacial lake, makes for the postcard-perfect campsite as it is guarded by the colossal snowclad mountains. The gorgeous views and the presence of mountains including Mt. Thalaysagar, Mt. Bhrigupanth, Manda Parvat, Mt. Jogin, and Mt. Gangotri at such close vicinity to the campsite make this trek one of its kind.

Kuari Pass Trek

• Maximum Altitude: 12,510 ft approx.
• Duration: 6 days
• Grade: Easy to moderate
• Starting Point: Dhak village near Joshimath, Chamoli, Uttarakhand
• Favourable Time: December to April, September to October

Another great trek for beginners, Kuari Pass is one of those rugged treks on which nature serves you in the best possible way. Starting from the village, Lata, you cross some thick pine forests, minor meadows, and some magnificent sights. As you reach Kuari Pass, mountains await you with their amazing scenes. If you choose to climb a bit further, Jhandi Top ensures some even better mountain views that’ll leave you filled with ecstasy.

Nag Tibba Trek

• Maximum Altitude: 9,910 ft approx.
• Duration: 2 days
• Grade: Easy
• Starting Point: Pantwari village, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand
• Favourable Time: April to June, November to January

It is a well-known weekend trek near Delhi and attracts trekkers throughout the year. Being a moderately easy trek, most of the beginners start their trekking saga with Nag Tibba trek. Even though it’s a comparatively easier trek, it makes no compromises with the charms of nature and fulfils the wishes of the trekkers by gifting them with some awe-striking views. Taking you through the lush green forests, the sunrise and over the mountains are something to be cherished at the Nag Tibba summit.