Situated in the foothills of Himalayas, the state of Uttarakhand is abound with trekking opportunities. The trekking trails in Uttarakhand range from easy to insane levels! The sheer number of treks available in this region are bound to entice both beginners and expert trekkers.

If you want to explore the grandeur of the Himalayas, the list of treks we have compiled is sure to get the travel bug itching!

Easy treks

1. Nag Tibba Trek

Campsite at Nag Tibba

Campsite at Nag Tibba

Getting there: From Dehradun, a cab or a bus to Mussoorie. From Mussoorie, take a shared cab to Devalsari.

Starting point: Devalsari

Maximum Elevation: 3000m

Duration (ex Delhi)3 days

The Nag Tibba is an easy grade trek which takes you through dense mountainous forests rich in flora and fauna.  The trek starts from Devalsari which is around 13 km and one can trek a further 3 km to Nag Tibba top which offers a breathtaking view of the Himalayas. The short duration makes it a weekend trek.

 

2. Binsar Trek

binsar

https://www.flickr.com/photos/myth_drinker/5552405372

Getting there: Train or a bus to Haridwar and then a cab or a bus to Pauri.

Starting point: Pauri

Maximum Elevation: 2700 m

Duration (ex Haridwar)4 days

Binsar is a famous hill station in the Kumaon. It provides picturesque views of the Himalayan peaks such as Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, Panchchuoli, Kedarnath, Trishuli and Chaukhamba. The trek takes you through a forest of deodar, silver fir, pine and oak. The trek can be done in winter months also as it has gradual ascents and descents. Enroute the trek is freedom fighter Veer Chander Singh Garhwali’s samadhi. This trek is perfect for families and kids and one will enjoy the scenic beauty throughout.

 

3. Har Ki Doon Trek

Har-ki-doon

https://www.flickr.com/photos/7925853@N04/477209567

Getting there: Volvo bus or train to Dehradun. Cab or bus from Dehradun to Sankri.

Starting point: Sankri

Maximum Elevation: 3600m

Duration (ex Dehradun): 9 days

The Har Ki Doon trek is one of the most famous treks in the Garhwal. The Har ki Doon valley is located at the base of Fateh Parvat. The area is surrounded by dense pine forests and offers magnificient views of the Himalayas.

The area is isolated and has good opportunities for bird watchers and photographers. One can also find the Bramhakamal flowers here. To the west of the valley is the twin peak of Bandarpoonch at 6316 m. The beauty of the area and the terrain makes it a trek for both beginners and experienced trekkers.

 

4. Chandrashila Trek

Chandrashila

Getting there: Train/Bus to Haridwar. Then road journey to Sari village by cab or public transport.

Starting point: Sari Village

Maximum Elevation: 3620m

Duration (ex Haridwar): 5 days 

This trek offers panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges. The trek itself is an easy to moderate level and goes through lush rhododendron, wild flower, fern forests, alpine meadows, and lakes; and has stunning views of snow covered peaks like Kedarnath and Chaukhamba. The Chandrashila peak at 3,620 meters offers stunning views of the entire Himalayan range.

 

5. Kuari Pass Trek

The human face of nature - Kuari pass trek

Kuari pass trek

Getting There: Train/Bus to Haridwar. From Rishikesh to Auli by taxi or public transport.

Starting point: Auli

Maximum Elevation: 3650m

Duration (ex Haridwar): 5 days

The trek takes you through some beautiful meadows, thick birch and oak forests and a few snow glaciers. The cold mountain air coupled with bright sun and breath taking views make this trek amazing. The trek was made famous by Lord Curzon in 1905 and hence is also known as Curzon’s trail.

 

6. Valley of Flowers Trek

valley-of-flowers

Getting There: Train or Bus to Dehradun. From Dehradun to Govindghat by cab or bus.

Starting point: Govindghat

Maximum elevation: 4400m

Duration (ex Dehradun): 7 days

Valley of Flowers is situated in the Himalayas, at an altitude of 3600 meters above sea-level. This valley lays frozen during the colder months and then blooms into its beauty every year as the snow melts in the summers. It is home to many famous flowers like the Brahmakamal, the Blue Poppy and the Cobra Lily. It is a much sought after destination among nature lovers, botanists and trekkers.

When visiting the Valley of Flowers, one can also visit Hemkund Sahib which is a sacred Sikh shrine adjacent to the Hemkund Lake. It is a 15 km trek from Govindghat. The last 5km of the trek has a steep climb from Ghangharia. The tenth and the last guru of the Sikhs, Guru Govind Singh, used to meditate here in his previous incarnation. Also according to Hindu mythology, Lord Lakshman meditated here.

 

7. Panwali Kantha Trek

https://www.flickr.com/photos/57226276@N00/5860635648

https://www.flickr.com/photos/57226276@N00/5860635648

Getting There: Volvo bus or train to Haridwar. Cab from Rishikesh to Ghuttu.

Starting point: Ghuttu

Maximum Elevation: 3500m

Duration (ex Haridwar): 3 days

Panwali Kantha is one of the most beautiful Himalayan treks, with a maximum altitude of 3500 m. This trek provides you with one of the rarest view of the Yamnotri – Gangotri – Kedarnath – Badrinath peaks. Enroute, if lucky, one can also encounter the blue mountain goats.The trek takes you across the lush green meadows which are covered in snow during the winter months. It is possible to complete this trek in 3 days during summers, making it ideal for weekends. During summers, the trek is perfect for first timers. In winters it becomes slightly more challenging due to snow, but still a great introductory winter trek for beginners.

 

Moderate Treks  

 

8. Nanda Devi Wildlife Sanctuary Trek

nandadevi-wildlife-sanc

http://www.indianmirror.com/tourism/images/nandadevi-image.jpg

Getting There:Train/Bus to Haridwar. Road journey to Joshimath by cab or public transport. A 45 Min drive to Lata Village from Joshimath.

Starting Point: Lata Village near Joshimath

Maximum Elevation: 4200m

Duration (ex Haridwar)8 days

Nanda Devi Wildlife Sanctuary is situated around the Nada Devi peak of the Himalayas. The peak itself is surrounded by a ridge of wall with the only break being where the Rishi Ganga emerges in one of the most terrific and wild gorges in the world. This ridge of mountains has twelve peaks over 21,500ft/6500m including famous ones like Changabang, Dunagiri, Trisuli and Nanda Kot. At the center of these peaks is the Nanda Devi which stands 7817m high. This trek would let you experience the mighty Himalayas like no other.

 

9. Satopanth Tal Trek

Satopanth-lake

https://www.flickr.com/photos/zphoto/

Getting there: Train/bus to Haridwar. Then road journey to Mana by hired taxi or public transport.

Starting Point: Mana

Maximum Elevation: 4600m

Duration (ex Haridwar): 6 days

This triangular lake is believed to be the meditation place of Brahma (Creator), Vishnu (Preserver) and Mahesh (Destroyer) where they chart out the course of the world. The trek takes you across high snow covered peaks, breathtaking waterfalls and magnificent glaciers. The lake itself is nestled at the base of Nilkantha peak.

 

10. Dodi Tal – Darwa Pass Trek

Darwa pass

Getting There: Bus or train to Dehradun. From there, a cab or a bus can take you to Sangam Chatti where the trek starts from.

Starting point: Sangam Chatti

Maximum Elevation: 4200m

Duration (ex Dehradun): 5 days

Dodital is a popular trekking destination in Uttarakhand. The 30 km trek to the lake takes you through dense forests and deep valleys and ends at Darwa Top. The trek can be covered in two days with a midway camp at Bebra or Manjhi. Trekkers can also try to reach the highest point of the Darwa top, which is a day hike.

 

11. Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

gaumukh

http://www.himalayamasala.com/files/imagecache/gaumukh.jpg

Getting There: Train or bus to Haridwar. Then a cab or a bus to Gangotri.

Starting point: Gangotri

Maximum Elevation: 4500m

Duration (ex Haridwar)9 days

Gaumukh is considered to be the source of the Ganga and is named so due to its resemblance to a cow’s mouth (gaumukh). The trek starts at Gangotri and follows Bhagirathi to the Gaumukh glacier, and further to the Tapovan. This trek is popular both with adventurers and pilgrims.

 

12. Kedarnath – Vasukital Trek

Vasukital

https://www.flickr.com/photos/simply_div/526056099/

Getting There: Train or a bus to Haridwar, followed by a cab or a bus to Gaurikund.

Starting point: Gaurikund

Maximum Elevation: 4135m

Duration (ex Haridwar): 6 days

Vasuki Tal is a beautiful lake where supposedly lord Vishnu is believed to have bathed in the ancient times. The trek starts from Gaurikund and goes to Vasukital via Kedarnath. The trail from Kedarnath to Vasukital is 8km long and is a continuous ascent. One can experience beautiful forests and waterfalls on the way to the lake. From Vasukitop one gets spectacular views of Chaukhambha peaks and the Mandakini valley.

 

13. Roopkund Trek

Roopkund

http://www.bhramanti365.in/roopkund-trek

Getting There: Train/Bus to Haridwar. Road journey from Haridwar to Lohagunj.

Starting point: Lohagunj

Maximum Elevation: 5000m

Duration (ex Haridwar)8 days

Roopkund is a beautiful glacial lake nestled among the panoramic Himalayas at an altitude of 5029 m in the Chamoli district of Uttrakhand. The lake is famous for its shallow waters with the edges covered in snow almost throughout the year. The peculiar thing about the lake is that after the snow melts skeletal remains, believed to be 500-600 years old can be seen here. There are many speculative theories regarding these but nothing confirmed yet.

 

14. Pindari Glacier Trek

Pindari-glacier

https://www.flickr.com/photos/simon-finland/2034492356

Getting There: Train or a bus to Kathgodam. From Kathgodam to Loharkhet by a cab or a bus.

Starting point: Loharkhet

Maximum Elevation: 3860m

Duration (ex Kathgodam): 7 days

The Pindari Glacier is located in the Kumaon region of the Himalayas and is quite popular with mountaineers and trekkers. Considered to be one of the most easily accessible of all the Himalayan glaciers, it is the source of Pindari River which meets the Alakananda at Karnaprayag in the Garhwal district. The glaciers beauty and accessibility make it a must do trek for all the adventure enthusiasts.

 

15. Milam Glacier Trek

Milam-glacier

https://www.flickr.com/photos/lopamudrabarman/9192530830

Getting There: Train or bus to Kathgodam. From Kathgodam to Munsyari by taxi or bus.

Starting point: Munsyari

Maximum Elevation: 4242m

Duration (ex Kathgodam): 12 days

The trekking trail from Munsyari to Milam glacier used to be trading route between Milam valley and Tibet before the Indo-China war. Milam Glacier is about 28 km long and is the biggest glacier in the Kumaon region. Originating from the slopes of Kohli and Trishul peaks, it flows to the south of the Himalayan range. Milam Village, located near the glacier, is one of the highest villages in the Himalayas. The trek has an alternate destination to Nanda Devi East Base Camp from where one can witness the beauty of the Nanda Devi peaks.

 

Challenging Treks  

 

16. Kedar Tal Trek

Kedar-tal

https://www.flickr.com/photos/subhajitpal/875654494

Getting there: Bus or train to Haridwar. From there, a cab or a bus to Gangotri where the trek starts.

Starting point: Gangotri

Maximum Elevation: 4900m

Duration (ex Haridwar): 7 days

Kedartal (a.k.a. Shiva’s lake) is a glacial lake situated at an altitude of 4900 m in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas. The lake is fed by the melting snow from Thalay Sagar (6,904m), Meru (6,672m), Bhrigupanth (6,772m) and other surrounding peaks, and is the source of Kedar Ganga, which feeds into the Bhagirathi River. The 17 km trek from Gangotri to Kedartal is quite challenging and requires previous trekking experience.

 

17. Panch Kedar Trek

Panch-kedar

https://www.flickr.com/photos/nileshkorgaokar/6278794921

Getting There: Train or a bus to Haridwar and from there a drive to Pipalkoti.

Starting point: Pipalkoti

Maximum Elevation: 3800m

Duration (ex Haridwar): 16 days

The Panch Kedar trek takes you over all the five Hindu shrines – Kedarnath, Madhmaheshwar, Tungnath, Rudranath and Kalpeshwar. This trek is both a spiritual and adventurous trip with the trail taking you through the Kedar Valley with its panoramic views of the Himalayas and the temples and artifacts from the Hindu mythology.

 

18. Khatling Sahastra Trek

Khatling-glacier

https://www.flickr.com/photos/rahulnatu/988035416

Getting There: Train or a bus to Haridwar and from there a cab or a bus to Uttarkashi.

Starting point: Uttarkashi

Maximum Elevation: 5000m

Duration (ex Haridwar): 17 days

The Khatling glacier is situated at the source of the Bhilangana River. The Bhilangana Valley offers a beautiful panoramic view of snow capped peaks and hanging glaciers. The trek takes you through thick forests and lush green meadows and later over two passes above 5000 m. The trek is very arduous and challenging and will test your physical limits but rewards you with breathtaking views of the Himalayas.

 

Insane Treks  

 

19. Kalindi Khal Trek

Kalindi-khal

http://www.bcmtouring.com/forum/mountaineering-trekking-travelogues-f89/kalindi-khal-expedition-crossing-deadly-pass-t47646/

Getting there: Train or bus to Haridwar. Then a cab or a bus to Gangotri.

Starting point: Gangotri

Maximum Elevation: 5950m

Duration (ex Haridwar): 13 days

KalindiKhal Pass is one the most challenging treks in the Himalayas. This pass connects the Bhagirathi Valley to the Alaknanda Valley at an altitude of almost 6000 m. Starting from Gangotri, the trek takes you across glaciers, rocky terrains, lakes and valleys, as you cross the Kalindi Khal Pass and descend to Badrinath. The trek requires specialized equipment like ice axes, crampons and heavy duty rope. Prior high altitude trekking experience is highly recommended.  

 

20. Auden’s Col Trek

Audens-Col

http://www.debolinsen.in/the-adventures/summits/gangotri-iii-audens-col-expedition-2014/

Getting there: Train or bus to Haridwar. Then a cab or a bus to Gangotri.

Starting point: Gangotri

Maximum Elevation: 5500m

Duration (ex Haridwar): 15 days

Auden’s Col is a high altitude trek in Garhwal. The mountain pass connects Jogin and Gangotri peaks and is situated at a height of around 5500m. It also binds a glacier coming from Jogin I on the north side and the Khatling glacier on the south side. It is an extremely challenging trek and good fitness levels are a prerequisite. Specialized gear is required to complete the trek. Auden’s Col is approachable from Gangotri and follows the Khatling glacier across the Auden’s Col, ending at Kedarnath. Auden’s Col gets its name from J B Auden, who first crossed it in 1939-40.

 

How many have you checked off the list?

Do let us know in the comments below!

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Also read:

These Movies Will Surely Make You Want to Travel

11 Must Do Treks from Manali for an Adventure Enthusiast

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