Uttarakhand is the first name that comes to the mind of all adventure seeking trekkers. Trekking routes in Garhwal and Kumaon (Uttarakhand) are classified as easy, moderate, and difficult. Treks of Uttarakhand are perfect for both amateur and professional trekkers. People from all over the world visits Uttarakhand for trekking and discover the hidden jewels of Uttarakhand and walk the less traveled paths.
Kedarkantha Trek
Kedarkantha Trek is one of the most popular winter treks in Uttarakhand offers the opportunity to witness the natural beauty of Himalayan peaks. Due to its ease, the Kedarkantha Trek is a trekker’s delight and rookie’s rite of passage. Covered in gleaming snow during the winter, this trek offers an enchanting view of the majestic Himalayan peaks. It offers trekkers a unique opportunity to experience the farthest life of villages in a dead winter!
Kedarkantha trek gives you unsurpassed beauty, spectacular views of attractive villages, plains, snow paths, beautiful lakes, mountains, tranquil rivers, and dramatic landscapes with great Himalayan peaks. The Kedarkantha trek offers a great opportunity to see natural beauty and experience the life of the remote villages of the Uttarakhand Himalayas.
Maximum Altitude: 12,500 feet
Trek Duration: 5 days
Best Season: December-April
Difficulty Level: Easy
Valley of Flowers
Valley of Flowers is a bouquet of nature in peace in the West Himalayan region of Uttarakhand. Equipped with exotic and rare Himalayan flora, along with the Pushpavati River the trek to the Valley of Flowers passes through dense forests and can be reached by crossing several bridges, glaciers and waterfalls on the way.
The Valley of Flowers is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an Indian National Park that displays plush grasslands blooming with endemic alpine flowers and diverse fauna in this valley.
Maximum Altitude: 14,200 feet
Trek Duration: 4-5 days
Best Season: Monsoon months of June-October
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Har ki Dun
In the heart of Govind Ballabh Pant National Park, situated a cradle-shaped valley called Har Ki Dun. The Valley is set at the height of 3566mts offers spectacular views of untouched valleys in the distant lands of the Garhwal Himalayas. It is one of the most beautiful places in India that offers many trekking excursions.
Being surrounded by snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas and alpine flora, Har Ki Dun is the most beautiful trekking destination that reflects Uttarakhand’s unprecedented natural beauty. One glance at this hidden valley feels like a landscape painting on a canvas. No doubt it is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Uttarakhand – in the winters season as well as in the summer season.
Maximum Altitude: 11,500 feet
Trek Duration: 7 days
Best Season: March-June (Spring Months) and September-December (Post Monsoon Months)
Difficulty Level: Easy
Kedartal
Kedartal is one of the highest lakes in Uttarakhand, which is also known as ‘Shiv Lake’. It is a serene lake with crystal clear water. The pleasant scene of Kedartal is arranged at the base of the Thal Sagar (6,904 mts) and the Brigupanth peak (6,772 mts). The view of the reflections of the Thal Sagar peak on Kedartal is truly enchanting. Kedar Tal is formed by the melting of the Kedar glacier, which gives rise to the Kedar Ganga River, an important tributary of the Bhagirathi River.
Maximum Altitude:16,110 feet
Trek Duration:7 days
Best Season: May-June and September-October
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Dayara Bugyal
Dayara Bugyal Trek is a perfect start for beginners. It is an ideal trek for a long weekend. The region receives heavy snowfall during winter. Ending-up in a vast expanse of lush green meadows the trek passes through the open lands and dense forests. Most trekkers start their trek from Barsu village and they pass through Rayathal to see the natural beauty of both the routes of Dayara Bugyal.
Maximum Altitude: 12,300 feet
Trek Duration: 4 days
Best Season: May – July, August End – October Mid and December – February
Difficulty Level: Easy
Deoriatal
Deoriatal is an emerald lake situated at an elevation of 2438 meters above sea level. During the clear morning days, Deoria Tal favors visitors with a miraculous reflection of the Chaukhamba peaks on its crystal clear water.
Deoriatal is a weekend trek for beginners with the difficulty level as easy. Trekkers can extend their trek from Bisuri Tal, Chopta to Rohini Bugyal and even to Tungnath and Chandrashila.
Maximum Altitude:13,000 feet
Trek Duration: 4 days
Best Season: April – June
Difficulty Level: Easy
Chopta
Chopta famous as the “Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand”, is a picturesque hamlet still obscured by travelers. Wake up with the serene salubrious air and the chirps of birds in Chopta. The view of dawn from Chopta when the rays of the sun kiss the snow-laden Himalayas is invigorating.
This hushed habitat has dwindling pines, deodars, rhododendrons and other conifers that can be found in the region, which makes the Chopta rich with flora and fauna.
Maximum Altitude: 8,790 feet
Trek Duration: 3 days
Best Season: March – June
Difficulty Level: Easy
Brahmatal Trek
Brahmatal Trek is one of the best winter treks in the Himalayas, situated opposite to the famous Roopkund trek. A quirky view of the Himalayan ranges should be one of your reasons to go on this trek. The trail of this trek is completely covered in snow and it is a paradise for snow lovers. Some of the major Himalayan peaks visible from here are Trishul, Nandaghunti, Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Kamet, Elephant, and Horse Peaks. Most of the Roopkund trek can also be seen from this trek, which includes views of Ali Bugyal, Bedni Bugyal, and Jungle.
Maximum Altitude: 12,500 feet
Trek Duration: 10-14 days
Best Season: December to February
Difficulty Level: Easy
Satopanth Lake Trek
The trek to Satopanth Lake will take you to Satopanth Tal, an amazing glacial lake, whose beauty is elevated by snowy foothills like Neelkanth, Satopanth (23,206 ft), Chaukhamba and Balakun. The reflection of these amazing mountains on the crystal clear glacial lake is truly a sight to behold!
The sacred trio, Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh are believed to be meditated on the three corners of the Satopanth lake. The journey up to Satopanth lake is a spiritual journey. This isolated trek is a must for those who love challenges with a very calm nature.
Maximum Altitude: 14,600 feet
Trek Duration: 8 Days
Best Season: June, September, and October
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Bali Pass Trek
The Bali Pass trek is for experienced trekkers due to the challenging terrain. This trek route falls inside the famous Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, so there is a lot of hope to see exotic flora and fauna. When you walk across the beautiful rivers of Tons and Siyan Gad through the Conifer Woodlands, finally reaching the magical lake of Ruinsara Tal, you get unique views of the Bandarpoonch, kalanag, and Swargarohini peaks.
Height Above Sea Level: 16,250 feet
Trek Duration: 9 Days
Best Season: May–June (summer months) and September-October (Post Monsoon months)
Difficulty Level: Difficult
