Uttarakhand, the holy land, a famous pilgrimage spot, the home to Gangotri glacier which is the source point of Ganges, is the state situated at the epicenter of Himalayas. The second tallest mountain in India, the Nanda Devi is also found in this state. Apart from all this, Uttarakhand is a famous spot for trekkers as the place is a home to several trekking spots.
Let’s enlist the top treks found in Uttarakhand and know the reason that makes a particular trek famous.
1. Valley of flowers
The valley of flowers as the name suggests is famous for the diverse variety of flora that you will come across while visiting this place. It is situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, at an altitude of 4500 metres. The temperature here varies between 6°C to 20°C. Considering the diversity of flora you will spot here and the serenity that this place offers to the visitors, it was declared as a national park and a world heritage site by UNESCO.
In the valley of flowers, you will come across more than 600 species of flowers with beautiful colours and fragrance.The valley of flowers is covered by sheets of snow through most part of the year. The only time snow wears off is from May end till September end. You can visit it during these times. If you plan to visit anytime different from these, you will not be able to make the most out of your trip. Also, you can not camp around the place as it is banned by the authorities.
If you are a nature lover, a photographer or someone who loves exploring the diversity of flora, then you definitely need to explore this place. Not only will you get a chance to take a closer look at the beauty of nature, but also get a chance to visit other nearby places. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get going.
2. Kedartal trekking
Kedartal trek situated at an altitude of 4,750 metres, this trek has a lot to offer. From beautiful sceneries to a treat for the mountain lovers, as the top of the trek will offer you a mesmerizing view of the Himalyan range. It is also known as ‘Shiva’s lake’. You will come across glacial lakes, snow capped mountains and some rare wildlife species like the famous Himalyan Black bear, Goral and the Blue sheep.
The best time to plan this trek is during May-June and September-October. The trail begins at Gangotri which is the origin point of river Ganges. Although people rate this trek as being a moderate one, there are a number of challenges that you will come across which will make this trek a lifetime adventure for you. A part of the trail between Bhoj Kharak to Kedar Kharak vanished due to a landslide and hence that part of the trek is the most challenging one. For those who love adventure and mountains, this is a perfect way to plan out your vacations.
3. Kedarkantha trek
Kedarkantha is a famous trek for the beginners and preferred by the people during winters. It is located at an altitude of 12,500 ft. The entire climb to the top is a steep one and as you move towards higher altitude, its trickiness also increases. All through the trek, you will come across amazing summit points, where you can relax and set up your camp.
Also, while on this trek, you will be walking through thick forests, which is a different experience altogether. What makes this trek unique is the fact that you can trek here for almost 10 months in a year. Amazing, isn’t it! Anytime you feel like going on an adventure, pack your bags and plan the Kedarkantha trek.
4. Brahmatal trek
Located at an altitude of 12,200 feet, there are a number of factors that make Brahmatal trek a great point of attraction for tourists out of which one is the change in surroundings. From dense forests of Oak to meadows covered by thick sheets of snow, from exciting campsite activities to the beautiful sky that steals your heart away… Brahmatal trek is one of its kind and a major attraction for the tourists. The best time to plan this trek is from December to February.
For beginners who have little or no experience in trekking this is a perfect Kickstart to that adventure. Since you travel through thick forest through most part of the trek, there is a rare chance of experiencing altitude sickness.
What makes this trek even more exciting is how the top of this trek provides the view of peaks of Mount Trishul and Mount Nanda Ghunti.
Find customized trekking and camping across Uttarakhand here!
5. Har ki Doon trekking
Located at an altitude of 11,500 feet, Har ki Doon trek is one of the easiest treks and is suitable for nature lovers, bird watchers, photography freaks, snow lovers and for beginners who have never gone trekking anywhere.
Those who love bird watching, must visit this place during spring time from March to June, those who love to appreciate the flora need to plan this trek from September to December and it is perfect for the snow lovers to come visit this place between December to April. This clearly shows how this trek is suitable for every person of every kind. You will get a balanced experience and get a chance to witness the culture of India and the beauty of nature simultaneously. Through the trail, you will come across meadows, thick forests, snow capped mountains and diversity of flora. It is believed to be the valley of God as people say Pandavas went through the same path to reach Swaragarohini. Not just this, you will also cross villages as old as 2000 years while on this trail.
Trekking is an adventure that brings you to life. But before you plan your trekking Destination, you need to perform a thorough research, have prior knowledge about the place you are planning to go to and then finalize your plans. We hope this blog did that for you, now you can get to your vacation mode, plan a trekking trip and have fun!