5 Most Amazing Treks In Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand, often referred to as "Devbhoomi" or the "Land of the Gods," is renowned for offering some of the finest treks in the Himalayas. The state is home to numerous ancient Hindu temples and holds significant pilgrimage sites, including Badrinath, Kedarnath, the four Dhams, and five Kedars.

Uttarakhand is also blessed with the natural wonders of the Himalayas, sheltering rare and endangered flora and fauna. As the geographical heart of the Himalayan mountain range, the region boasts pristine glaciers such as the Gangotri Glacier, towering peaks like Nanda Devi, stunning snow-capped mountains, lush green bugyals, and dense forests. With its proximity to Nepal and Tibet, the treks in this region are as captivating as those found in other parts of the state.

The ideal time for trekking in Uttarakhand is from April to June and again from October to March, avoiding the monsoon season. However, the Valley of Flowers Trek during the monsoon months is an exception, offering a unique experience.

Here are five of the best treks in Uttarakhand, each promising breathtaking landscapes, awe-inspiring peaks, and one-of-a-kind trails.

# Kedarkantha Trek

The Kedarkantha trek is one of the most popular winter/snow treks in Uttarakhand, with Sankri being the base village and a major tourist hub. Located in the Western Garhwal region of Uttarkashi district, this trek is ideal for beginners or first-timers, making it one of the top trekking options in the state. The trek covers a distance of 20 kilometers, with the highest point, Kedarkantha Summit, reaching an elevation of 3,810 meters.

Snow is visible until the end of April, and the dense pine forests at the beginning of the trail add to its allure. To reach the summit, trekkers travel from Dehradun, the capital city of Uttarakhand, to Sankri, which is situated at an altitude of 6,400 feet and 220 kilometers from Dehradun, via Mussoorie.

The trek begins at Sankri, with the first stop being Juda Ka Talab, about 4.5 kilometers from Sankri. From here, trekkers head to the Kedarkantha base camp. Along the way, trekkers are treated to breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, lush meadows, streams, and forests filled with pine, oak, and maple. Notable peaks visible from the Kedarkantha summit include Kala Nag, Swargarohini, Bandar Pooch, and Rang Lana.

The final leg of the trek is the most challenging, as trekkers make their way to the Kedarkantha peak. Reaching the summit is a moment of celebration for both seasoned trekkers and novices alike. The return journey to Sankri can be completed via the Hargaon base camp.

# Valley of Flowers Trek

The Valley of Flowers, located in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most stunning national parks globally. The valley is famous for its vast array of alpine flowers, many of which are endemic to the region. It also serves as a habitat for endangered species such as the Musk Deer, Blue Sheep, Snow Leopard, and Asiatic Black Bear.

Spanning 2 kilometers in width and 8 kilometers in length, the valley lies at the junction of the Great Himalayas and the Zanskar range. To reach the Valley of Flowers, you must first travel to Haridwar, a holy city in Uttarakhand, then drive to Joshimath and GovindGhat, the starting point for the trek.

On day one, trekkers will trek 14 kilometers from GovindGhat to Ghangaria in about 6 hours. From Ghangaria, the trek to the Valley of Flowers, which is 3 kilometers in length, takes place on the second day. The valley offers a spectacular sight of colorful flowers, butterflies, birds, and insects. At an altitude of 3,600 meters, the valley is particularly famous for being one of the few treks accessible during the monsoon season.

# Deoria Tal Trek

Deoria Tal, a pristine high-altitude lake located at 2,438 meters above sea level, is surrounded by stunning views of the Chaukhamba peak and the Kedarnath Range. The lake, nestled within the Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary, is home to a variety of wildlife, including musk deer.

To reach this beautiful destination, trekkers must travel to Haridwar or Rishikesh, then drive 190 kilometers to Sari, a village near Deoria Tal. The trek itself is relatively short, taking about one hour and covering 3 kilometers. While camping is not allowed directly at Deoria Tal, trekkers can set up tents in nearby areas.

# Har Ki Dun Trek

The Har Ki Dun trek, often described as a "stairway to heaven," is situated in the Garhwal Himalayas. This cradle-shaped valley is at an altitude of about 3,566 meters and is famous for its alpine vegetation and snow-covered peaks. The trek, which typically takes five days, is a moderate challenge.

To begin, trekkers travel to Hardwar, then to Sankri, and finally reach Taluka, a small village at the base of Har Ki Dun Valley. The route passes through ancient villages like Osla, Gangar, and Seema, some of which are over 2,000 years old.

The valley is a primary catchment area for the Yamuna River, and trekkers will cross multiple streams and witness the sparkling waters of the Tons River. The views of ancient temples, terraced fields, and snow-capped peaks like Swarnabhoomi and Black Peak make the trek incredibly rewarding. Har Ki Dun is also known as the "Valley of Gods," adding a mystical charm to the trek, especially during the winter months.

# Brahmatal Trek

The Brahmatal Trek, located at an altitude of 3,700 meters, is one of the most popular winter treks in Uttarakhand. The trek is open from October to March and offers a unique blend of both summer and winter Himalayan experiences.

To reach the starting point, trekkers travel to Kathgodam, then drive to Lohajung, a 225-kilometer journey. The trek begins with a 5-hour, 8-kilometer hike from Lohajung to Bekal Tal, passing through dense oak and fir forests. The final leg of the trek, from Bekaltal to Brahmatal, covers another 8 kilometers and takes trekkers through the crystal-clear waters of the Brahmatal Lake. This trek is perfect for those seeking a winter adventure amidst Uttarakhand's breathtaking landscapes.