6 Treks of Uttarakhand That You Must Take in This Lifetime
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Uttarakhand is a land of immense natural beauty and gorgeous scenic landscapes. This Himalayan state is a dream destination for all adventure enthusiasts. From river rafting in Rishikesh to skiing in Auli, Uttarakhand has many great adventure activities. For mountaineers and trekkers, Uttarakhand is home to some of the best treks in India.
Some of the famous adventurous treks in Uttarakhand are:
Chopta Chandrashila Trek
Chopta is a picturesque hill station nestled in the lap of the Himalayas. This serene town is known for its panoramic views and mesmerizing sunrise and sunsets. Chopta is also the base point for all trekking trails leading to the Chandrashila mountain peak. The climb is divided into two parts. The first point in this trek is the Tungnath Temple, the highest Shiva temple in the world located at a height of 3,680 meters. The Chandrashila Peak is about a 1km climb from Tungnath. At a height of about 4,100 meters, one can view the Nanda Devi, Kedar, Trishul, Bandarpunch, and Chaukhamba peaks from the summit of Chandrashila.
Roopkund Trek
This trek to the mysterious Roopkund Lake is said to be one of the best adventure trips in India by the trekking community. The glacial lake is known as the ‘Skeleton Lake’ because of the thousands of skeletons that can be seen lying at the bottom of the lake, some of the corpses dating back to the 15th century AD. This adds a sense of mystery and intrigue to the place. The trek begins from Lohajung and ends at Roopkund, an elevation of 15,750 feet. It passes through challenging terrain, offering some spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks of Trishul and Bedni Bugyal. The high altitude and freezing temperatures make the trek quite challenging.
Valley of Flowers Trek
Boasting a rich variety of flora, fauna, and avifauna, the Valley of Flowers is truly a paradise for nature lovers. Located in the Chamoli district, this place is also a National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a Biosphere Reserve. The 14 km trek starts from Govindghat in Joshimath and passes through scenic meadows and some steep climbs. The rainy season is the best time for this trek. More than 300 species of flowers cover the entire region like a colorful carpet. Valley of Flowers is home to many indigenous mountain flowers, insects, butterflies, and birds. The trek is only open during the months of June to September.
Gomukh Tapovan Trek
This is a moderate-level trek. Passing through the scenic landscapes of the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, the Gomukh Tapovan Trek is one of the most pleasant and charming adventure trips in India. Most of the trekking trail follows the Bhagirathi River going up to the Gomukh glacier, one of the primary sources of the Ganga River. From Gomukh to Tapovan is a steep climb, crossing over Chirbasa and Bhojwassa. Located at a height of about 14,640 feet at the foothills of the Shivling Peak, the Tapovan area is a beautiful meadow surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan peaks. The region is also known for its large diversity of plants and animals, including rare blue mountain goats. This trekking experience will be a memorable one!
Kuari Pass Trek
This one is for beginners. Located in the Nanda Devi Biosphere region, the Kuari Pass Trek follows the Curzon Trail going through dense forests of Oak, Bamboo, Birch, and Rhododendron. The trek is famous for its spectacular views of the various peaks of Dronagiri, Nanda Devi, Gauri Parvat, Kedarnath, Neelkanth, Chaukhamba, Hathi-Ghodi Parvat, Bithartoli, and Kamet. The serene nature and the gorgeous views make this one of the best treks to experience. The beautiful panoramic views will soothe your soul and give a refreshing break to your over-stressed mind.
Pindari Glacier Trek
Located in the Bageshwar district at an altitude of 3,353 meters, the Pindari Glacier Trek takes you through the Kumaon region of the Upper Himalayas. Lying between the Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot Peaks is one of the most daring adventure trips in India. The trek starts with a drive from Kathgodam to Loharkhet, from where an 11km trek begins. The trail is filled with lush rhododendron forests, scenic mountain views, and gushing rivers, ending at the Pindari Glacier. This trek is popular among both nature lovers and adventure seekers.
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