Trekking in Uttarakhand, Uttarakhand Treks
Top 50 treks in Uttarakhand
Many people dream of trekking in Uttarakhand, right in the alps of the mighty Himalayas. Uttarakhand is a hilly state to a great extent, located at the foothills of the Himalayan mountain ranges. The state is blessed with natural resources – rivers, forests and most importantly snow-clad mountains. The most revered Dhams in India – Char-dhams are Hindu temples of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri are nestled in these ferocious mountains. Trekking is a very popular sport in Uttarakhand due to its accessibility. From beginners to experts can test their stamina by trekking these mountains. You can find Treks in Uttarakhand from easy to difficult climb. To name a few – Kedarkantha, Valley of Flowers, Bali Pass are the most popular treks in Uttarakhand. Find your bucket list treks for Uttarakhand below;
Uttarakhand Treks
- Kedarkantha Trek
- Brahmatal Trek
- Har Ki Doon Trek
- Kuari Pass Trek
- Chopta Chandrashila Trek
- Valley Of Flowers Trek
- Dayara Bugyal Trek
- Pindari Glacier Trek
- Bagini Glacier Trek
- Auden’s Col Trek
- Binsar Trek
- Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek
- Panwali Kantha Trek
- Panchkedar Trek
- Chardham Yatra Package
- Kedartal Trek
- Phulara Ridge Trek
- Bagji Bugyal Trek
- Rudragaira Peak Expedition Trek
- Mayali Pass Trek
- Mukta Top Trek
- Dodital Trek
- Chirbatiya Trek
- Dharansi Pass Trek
- Satopanth Lake Trek
- Kalpeshwar Rudranath Trek
- Milam Glacier Trek
- Panchachuli Base Camp Trek
- Nanda Devi East Base Camp Trek
- Khaliya Trek
- Ralam Dhura Pass Trek
- Anta dhura Pass Trek
- Adi Kailash & Om Parvat Trek
- Lipulekh Pass Trek
- Chipla Kedar Trek
- Namik Glacier Trek
- Darma Valley Trek
- Brij Ganga Pass Trek
- Kafni Glacier Trek
- Sunderdhunga Trek
- Traill’s Pass Trek
- Chirbatiya Weekend Trek
- Binsar Weekend Trek
- Kareri Lake Trek
- Nag Tibba Trek
- Deoban Trek
- Kartikswami Trek
- Kunjapuri Trek
Treks in Uttarakhand
Kedarkantha Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Easy to Moderate |
| Trek Distance | 20 km |
| Altitude | 12,500 ft. |
| Best Season | Winter & Spring |
Often called as the Queen of winter treks – Kedarkantha is the most mystical trail you can walk on. The towering pines covered with snow, a stairway to heaven with its enchanting beauty. Kaleidoscopic sky with mesmerising views of sunrise and sunsets and the awe-inspiring landscapes just make you speechless. Given that the Kedarkantha peak is located at an altitude of 12,500 ft. you have to walk in the snow to reach the top. The beautiful scenery and easy trail makes it the most popular trek in Uttarakhand.
Brahmatal Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade: | Easy to Moderate |
| Trek Distance: | 24 km |
| Altitude: | 12,200 ft |
| Best Season | Winter & Spring |
The serenity of alpine lakes is something one should definitely experience once. No wonder these lakes used to be the meditative spots for sages in ancient times. While most alpine lakes remain closed during winter, the trek to Brahmatal takes you to two beautiful glacial lakes. In the depth of winter, lies many mysteries and these frozen lakes add to the mystical vibe. From the summit, you get to see beautiful vistas of Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nanda Ghunti. It seems as if you can just reach out with your hands and touch the snow-covered peaks, that’s how close they appear!
Har Ki Doon Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Easy to Moderate |
| Trek Distance | 44 km |
| Altitude | 12,000 ft |
| Best Season | Summer & Autumn |
Har Ki Dun is a cradle-shaped valley located at an altitude of 12000 ft. This exhilarating trek is a beautiful mix of ancient culture and the allure of the mountains. Nestled in the nooks of the Garhwal Himalayas, the Har Ki Dun trail lets you experience the best of alpine beauty as you tread along meadows, grasslands, forests, streams, and rivers. The Swargrohini group of peaks. The Black Peak and Hata Peak serve as the perfect backdrops to compliment the beauty of the valley.
Kuari Pass Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Trek Distance | 33 km |
| Altitude | 12,750 ft |
| Best Season | Winter & Spring |
Rupin Pass is a high altitude trek which starts from Dhaula in Uttarakhand and ends at Sangla. Majorly you will do trekking in Himachal as 80% of the trek route is there itself. Being a high altitude trek, of about 15250 ft. Rupin Pass is considered among one of the high range expeditions for trekking in India. The high altitude is not the sole reason for its popularity among trekkers, the diversified number of sceneries and sudden variation in trails also attracts many nature lovers.
Chopta Chandrashila Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Easy to Moderate |
| Trek Distance | 30 km |
| Altitude | 12,100 ft |
| Best Season | Summer, Winter, Autumn & Spring |
Chopta Chandrashila Deoria Tal, proudly seated at an elevation of 13,100 ft. Above sea level is a window into the Himalayas’ spring colour vibrancy. The tour begins from Chopta, the base camp, and covers a swoop to the Chandrashila Peak, passing by the enchanting Deoriatal lakeside, and opens up a gallery of stunning snow peaks all the way.
Valley Of Flowers Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Easy to Moderate |
| Trek Distance | 37 km |
| Altitude | 14,100 ft |
| Best Season | Autumn & Monsoon |
The valley was first discovered accidentally by a group of mountaineers in 1931 who were returning from an expedition to Mount Kamet. Frank Smythe, Eric Shipton and RL Holdsworth were a part of this team. In 1980, Valley of Flowers was declared a national park and in 2000, Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve added it as the second core zone. It now comes under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme. There are about 500 varieties of flowers that are found here and some of them even have medicinal properties.
Dayara Bugyal Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Easy to Moderate |
| Trek Distance | 22 km |
| Altitude | 12,100 ft |
| Best Season | Summer, Winter, Autumn & Spring |
A rambling walk through the undulated pastures of Dayara Bugyal will bring you out of the world frames of its green ecosystem, the whispering wilderness of the oak woods, and somewhere far away, a breathless panoramic view of the peak gradually unfolding. At different junctures, you can catch glimpses of the Gangotri set of peaks, Srikanth Peak, Bandarpoonch, and Black Peak. It is an excellent choice for beginners.
Pindari Glacier Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Trek Distance | 50 km |
| Altitude: | 12,300 ft |
| Best Season | Summer & Autumn |
The Kumaon region of the Himalayas is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty and this trek offers varied natural splendours all along the trek. Pindari Glacier lies at the edge of Nanda Devi Peak and the Zero point takes you to an astounding altitude of 3660 metres. This is one of the most easily accessible glaciers in our country and is suitable for anyone who wishes to do the trek. Throughout the trek, you will pass through Rhododendron forests, lush meadows, green valleys, and cascading rivers to the Pindari Glacier summit, where you are welcomed with the spellbinding views of Nanda Devi peak. This is one of the most beautiful treks that will leave you speechless with its incredible sceneries.
Bagini Glacier Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Trek Distance | 43 km |
| Altitude | 14,800 ft |
| Best Season | Summer & Autumn |
Located in the Nanda Devi National Park, Uttarakhand, the Bagini Glacier trek offers some unsurpassed views of the mountains and a thrilling trekking experience. This circular trek gives you the chance to explore the rocky paths, icy rivers, crystal clear streams, quaint mountain hamlets, and gorgeous views of snow-clad peaks like Changbang, Kalanka, Dunagiri and more.
Auden’s Col Trek
| Region: | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Difficult |
| Trek Distance | 95 km |
| Altitude | 18,000 ft |
| Best Season | Summer |
Auden’s Col is a prominent Indian literature and mountain pass in Uttarakhand region. It has an elevation of 5242m which separates Jogin I and Gangotri III peaks. It also connects Rudugaira and Bhilangana valley. Not only that, the Col lies between a huge glacier namely Khatling and Jogin I. The Pass was discovered by John Bicknell Auden, a geologist and explorer. He was the first to cross the pass from Rudragaira side and descended to Kedarnath in 1939.
Binsar Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Easy |
| Trek Distance | 22 km |
| Altitude | 8,100 ft |
| Best Season | Autumn & Spring |
Binsar is a small hill station nestled in the Kumaon region. Blessed with nature’s bounty, this trek is the perfect way to get a break from the hustle and bustle of city life and drive right into the lap of nature. For nature lover’s this trek is a pure delight! The entire trail is a mesmerising one, with beautiful Rhododendrons and conifers like Pine and Oak along the way. Fresh air, lush greens, and the white mountain canvas, this is the ideal trek to rejuvenate in nature’s embrace.
Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Easy |
| Trek Distance | 31 km |
| Altitude | 11,350 ft |
| Best Season | Summer, Autumn & Spring |
Ali Bedni Bugyal consists of two beautiful alpine meadows, Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal, adjacent to each other. This trek is the epitome of an alpine meadow trek, with a vast expanse of lush green carpet as far as your eyes can see and glorious snow-capped mountains all around. The sight of the magnificent Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nanda Ghunti, towering over the meadows will stop you dead in your tracks with their awe-inspiring beauty. Walking through the grasslands, admiring their beauty, watching cattle graze and wildflowers bloom is an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling peaceful.
Panwali Kantha Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Trek Distance | 40 km |
| Altitude | 10,800 ft |
| Best Season | Autumn & Spring |
Panwali Kantha, perched at an altitude of 3300m is a wonderful trekking destination in the Garhwal Himalayas, offering a stunning view of the Char Dham mountain ranges. On a clear day, you can see the Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath ranges. This high-altitude meadow is increasingly becoming popular due to its sunrise and sunset views and the variety of Himalayan flowers and herbs. One of the most expansive alpine meadows of Garhwal Himalayas. One can also enjoy the picturesque view of other prominent peaks like Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Kedar Dome, Kirti Stambh, and Thalaysagar.
Panchkedar Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Moderate to Difficult |
| Trek Distance | 130 km |
| Altitude | 13,000 ft |
| Best Season | Summer, Autumn & Monsoon |
The five kedars have relevance from the Mahabharata. Strewn across the state of Uttarakhand are numerous temples dedicated to several deities of the Hindu pantheon. Located in the Garhwal region of the state are five such revered shrines where Lord Shiva is worshipped. Collectively known as Panch-Kedar, These temples are Kedarnath, Madhamaheswar, Tungnath, Rudranath, Kalpnath.
Chardham Yatra Package
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Easy to Moderate |
| Trek Distance: | 48 km |
| Altitude | 11,650 ft |
Nestled in the kernels of the Garhwal Himalayas, these four holy shrines are revered spots, frequented by millions of pilgrims every year. This 12-day trek takes you along some of the most beautiful destinations in Uttarakhand that are blessed with an abundance of nature and spirituality. The mind is greeted with the sight of scenic vistas and being mystical environs of the pilgrimage spots.
Kedartal Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Moderate to Difficult |
| Trek Distance | 37 km |
| Altitude | 15,500 ft |
| Best Season | Summer & Autumn |
Standing at an altitude of 15,500 ft. Kedartal is one of the most astounding glacial lakes. It is fed by the melting snow of Thalaysagar and Brighupanth peak. This lake is the best place to witness the magnificence of huge peaks from the closest. This trek is considered difficult because its path is steep, filled with scree, dust and boulders right from day 1 and the difficulty keeps increasing in the following days. The trail goes through vibrant blossoms and lush meadows with a few streams crossing over Kedar Ganga, the trail has it all. If you are willing to go on an exceptional adventure then Kedartal trek is waiting for you.
Phulara Ridge Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Easy to Moderate |
| Trek Distance | 30 km |
| Altitude | 12,150 ft |
| Best Season | Summer, Autumn & Spring |
The Phulara Ridge Trek stretches for about 25 km. After walking through this ridge for 4-5 hours, you see lovely meadows on one side and a captivating valley along with the mountain views on another side, this counts for a mesmerising experience. Phulara ridge trek is in the middle of two valleys where you find a trail to walk. It feels like you are walking through the edges of a knife. FInding huge mountains all around you is certainly spectacular.
Bagji Bugyal Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Easy |
| Trek Distance | 25 km |
| Altitude | 11,100 ft |
| Best Season | Summer, Autumn & Spring |
The tigers have disappeared now but Bagji Bugyal remains a beautiful meadow waiting to be explored. The trekking trail passes through beautiful virgin forests, gurgling streams, stunning meadows, and beautiful campsites. Along with the meadows, and beautiful stories from the locals, you will also get views of neighbouring mountain peaks like Mt. Mrigthoni and Mt. Nanda Ghunti. Trek along the meadows, stay in the lovely campsites, and marvel at the beauty of the majestic mountains in front of you!
Rudragaira Peak Expedition Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Difficult |
| Trek Distance | 50 km |
| Altitude | 19,080 ft |
| Best Season | Summer & Autumn |
Rudragaira https://trekthehimalayas.com/rudugaira-peak-expedition/Peak Expedition is located in the Rudu Valley of the Garhwal Himalayas. The Rudu valley is known for mesmerising views of Gangotri Peaks. It is also an entry point towards Gangotri massif and Auden’s Col. Rudugaira peak is considered a safe and easy peak. It is best for those who are starting out in the Mountaineering field. Also, for trekkers who wish to raise their bar of climbing. The summit to the Rudugaira peak is literally a walk through heaven. The rest of the climb surprises us on every step.
Mayali Pass Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Difficult |
| Trek Distance | 90 km approx. |
| Altitude | 16,890 ft |
The Mayali Pass trek starts at Reeh which is a small village surrounded by Rhododendron & Pine forest. It’s about 12 kms from Reeh to Gangi, the last village on the trail which is at a height of 8500 feet. One has to cross a boulder zone to reach the Mayali Glacier. The best part is you enjoy the lush meadows while on the trail. Outstanding view of the lake and top view of the distant peaks make this trek phenomenal.
Mukta Top Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Easy |
| Trek Distance | 28 km approx. |
| Altitude | 11,820 ft |
Mukta top is an excellent trek located in Uttarkashi district. The maximum altitude of this trek is 11,800 ft. It is a stunningly isolated trekking trail which takes you through lovely meadows diverse with wildlife, staggering mountain views and thrilling summit. This is a perfect offbeat trek for beginners as well as experienced trekkers. In winters the landscapes of this trek are filled with a thick blanket of snow making it even more enjoyable. From the summit you can witness the mesmerising beauty of Bandarpoonch, Kalanag, Gangotri, Jaonli and Nag Tibba peaks.
Dodital Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Easy to Moderate |
| Trek Distance | 49 km |
| Altitude | 13,600 ft |
| Best Season | Summer & Autumn |
Dodital-Darwa Pass trek takes us into the interior forestscapes of Assi Ganga Valley. This trek offers an amazing escapade into the deep jungles of Uttarkashi. The idyllic 40 Km trek starts from Agoda village to a crystal green Dodital lake at 3024m and further up to Darwa Pass soaring at 4151m. It is a freshwater lake that is a primary source for the Assi Ganga river that merges downstream with Bhagirathi. This lake is semi-frozen during winters with a white sheet of powdered snow covering its surrounding trees and thick foliage. The trail leading to the lake is blessed with astounding views of mountain villages, lush green surroundings.
Chirbatiya Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | 3 Days |
| Trek Distance | 13 km approx |
| Altitude | 9,100 ft |
Chirbatiya is a beautiful weekend trek located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. The trek starts from Chirbatiya, which is a small hamlet on the Ghansali-Mayali road and is perched at an elevation of 2134 mts. The entire village of Chirbatiya is covered densely with Rhododendron, Oak, and Deodar forests. There’s also a gushing waterfall that makes the place even more charming. You will also get to see terrace farming as the people in the village follow this type of farming. The quaint village of Chirbatiya is a peaceful respite away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Dharansi Pass Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Trek Distance | 55 km |
| Altitude | 13,980 ft |
Located in the Chamoli District of Uttarakhand, Dharansi Pass is your closest encounter with the restricted Nanda Devi Sanctuary and you get to see the second highest mountain in India from up close. The Sanctuary is surrounded by majestic Himalayan peaks including Dunagiri (7,066 m), Bethartoli (6,352 m), Mt Trishul (7,120 m), Mt. Nanda Devi (7,817 m), and Mt. Nanda Devi East (7,430 m). One can also witness the diverse flora and fauna of the region. The pass is located at an altitude of 4,915 m and is a wonderful journey amidst alluring mountains and the magnificence of nature. This offbeat trail is a must-do for those who do not shy away from challenging themselves to explore the thrill of the unknown.
Satopanth Lake Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Trek Distance | 50 km |
| Altitude | 14,270 ft |
| Best Season | Summer & Autumn |
Set at an elevation of 4600 m above sea level, Satopanth is a crystal clear emerald lake located in the Garhwal Himalayas. Surrounded by snow-clad mountains on all sides, the lake’s setting fills you with immense tranquillity. The trek is becoming quite popular in recent times and is known for its religious significance and grand mountain views. Satopanth lake is triangular in shape and can be easily accessed from Lakshmi Van near Badrinath. The lake is not the only attraction of the trek but the trail itself passes through many scenic wonders. The trail goes through Mana Village, which is the last village in India and you will also cross two beautiful waterfalls – Sahastradhara and Vasundhara.
Kalpeshwar Rudranath Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Trek Distance | 62 km |
| Altitude | 11,810 ft |
Kalpeshwar and Rudranath are two of the Panch Kedars. The Kalpeshwar-Rudranath Trek route is one of the less-frequented trekking routes and as such the natural beauty is intact in this trail. The trail passes through remote Himalayan hamlets and picturesque mountain panoramas. Kalpeshwar is the last of the Panch Kedars and is the easiest to reach while Rudranath is the fourth and the hardest to get. Trek along a beautiful route with the Alaknanda River sculpting her way down the plains, the verdant green valleys between Gopeshwar and Mandal, and breathtaking views of Nanda Devi, Nanda Ghunti, and Mt. Trishul. Embark on this beautiful journey that will give you the perfect dose of adventure and spiritual bliss.
Milam Glacier Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Trek Distance | 58 km approx. |
| Altitude | 7,510 ft approx. |
Milam Glacier is a remote yet accessible Glacier in Uttarakhand located approximately at an altitude of 7515 ft. Located in the Kumaon region, this glacier is the source of the Gori Ganga River, a tributary of the Pindar River. About 60 km from Munsiyari, this trek offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan Ranges like Hardeol Peak (7,151 m), Deo Damla (6,637 m), Mangraon (6,568 m), and Sakram peak (6,254 m). It is a scenic trek that takes you along lush green meadows, mesmerising pine forests, waterfalls, streams, and some of the most isolated settlements in the Kumaon Himalayas.
Panchachuli Base Camp Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Easy to Moderate |
| Trek Distance | 60 km approx |
| Altitude | 13,970 ft approx. |
Located in the Darma Valley of Pithoragarh, Panchachuli Base Camp Trek is snuggled in the lap of the snow-laden Himalayas. The trek is adorned with nature’s splendour and along the trail, you can see cascading waterfalls, and stunning vistas with snow-capped peaks all around. Throughout the trek, you will walk by the Dhauliganga River and the trail entwines along many tribal villages like Sela, Bongling, Baaling, Nagling, and Duktu. The thick forests of Bhoja Patra and Deodar with a stunning backdrop of the Himalayas are one major highlight of the trek and if you are lucky, you can spot some rare bird species in these forests. The Panchachuli Base Camp is nothing short of a feast to the eyes and the scenery throughout the journey to the base camp is something that needs to be experienced and cannot be explained with words!
Nanda Devi East Base Camp Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Difficult |
| Trek Distance | 54 km approx. |
| Altitude | 12,970 ft approx. |
Nanda Devi, undoubtedly, is one of the most gorgeous peaks in our country and a trek to the Base Camp of Nanda Devi East takes you on a resplendent journey in the midst of an exotic Himalayan biosphere. You might spot rare Himalayan species like Black Bear, leopard, Himalayan Tahr, Bharal and Snow Leopard and also spot a rich biodiversity of birdlife. The Trek takes you through the eastern facet of the Nanda Devi Peak, which also houses the Panchachuli Glacier. Trekking through the deserted villages near Munsiyari and Milam, you will get a close peek into their culture and traditions. Get to witness astounding views of Nanda Devi (7,816 m), Trishul (7,074 m), Panchachuli Peaks and Nanda Kot (6,861 m) along the way. A stunningly beautiful yet arduously challenging trek, the Nanda Devi East Base Camp trek calls to all the passionate trekkers, who know how to push their limits.
Khaliya Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Easy |
| Trek Distance | 15 km approx. |
| Altitude | 11,480 ft approx. |
Khaliya Top is a beautiful meadow trek surrounded by galvanising Himalayan peaks. This trek beautifully presents the mesmerising beauty of the Kumaon region. Situated at an altitude of 3500 metres above sea level the summit offers a stunning gallery of peaks like Rajrambha, Hardeol, Panchachuli and Nanda Kot. The summit views are what this trek is popular for. Khaliya Top also serves as a base for winter sports like skiing and paragliding in summer. In the springtime, the trail is a gorgeous serenade of red with the Rhododendrons in full bloom. If you are someone who loves wildlife, this trek is a great location to spot animals like Bharals (Himalayan Mountain Goat), and birds like Monal, Yellow Fronted Marten, Kakar, and Ghurar. It is a beginner-friendly trek and is ideal for anyone who is looking for a short trek into the mountains.
Ralam Dhura Pass Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Difficult |
| Trek Distance | 95 km approx. |
| Altitude | 18,470 ft approx. |
Perched at a stunning elevation of 5,630 ft, Ralam Dhura Pass is a beautiful offbeat trek for adventure enthusiasts. The trek is a tough yet adventurous journey through the beautiful Kumaon Himalayas. The pass connects the Ralam Valley with the Darma Valley and the trek can be done between April to June and September to November. In winter, there is heavy snowfall which is why one cannot cross the pass. En route to the pass, you will cross three beautiful glaciers Sutela, Kalaban, and Yangchar Glacier. If you are looking for a challenging trail to get a good dose of adrenaline, this is your place to be!
Anta dhura Pass Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Difficult |
| Trek Distance | |
| Altitude | 16,070 ft approx. |
A crossover pass that traverses from the Garhwal Region to the Kumaon Region, Anta Dhura is located in the very remotest corners of the Uttarakhand Himalayas. This pass is encountered on the Milari-Milam Trek and is quite an offbeat adventure.
Adi Kailash and Om Parvat Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Trek Distance | 86 km approx |
| Altitude | 18,270 ft approx. |
The Kumaon Himalayas are blessed with an abundance of beauty and offer a number of offbeat trails for brave wanderers. Adi Kailash and Om Parvat Trek is one such beautiful trek draped in a mystic mix of adventure and mythology. As per Hindu mythology, Adi Kailash is often considered the oldest abode of Lord Shiva. The astounding part of the Om Parvat Trek is the mysterious Om formation on the mountains caused by the deposition of snow. This adds a religious significance to the trek. During sundown, the sun casts a shadow on the peak which also has a striking resemblance to the Swastika symbol, an auspicious mark. Om Parvat is located at the junction of three countries India, Tibet and Nepal and the views of the Himalayas from here are simply breathtaking.
Lipulekh Pass Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Moderate to Difficult |
| Trek Distance | 100 km approx. |
| Altitude | 17,500 ft approx. |
A high-altitude mountain pass located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, Lipulekh Pass takes you to an extraordinary vantage point at 5334 m. This is an international mountain pass located in the junction of India, Nepal, and China. The fabled Kailash Mansarovar Yatra takes place through this pass. This pass served as an important trading route in ancient times and in recent times as well, it is open for cross-border trade between June and September every year.
Chipla Kedar Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Trek Distance | 55 km approx. |
| Altitude | 16,000 ft approx |
One of the most challenging and adventurous trails in Uttarakhand, Chipla Kedar is not for the faint-hearted. The trek takes you to an altitude of 5,200 m and offers scenic views of some of the most beautiful high-altitude meadows and Himalayan peaks. The main attraction of the trek is the Chipla Kund or Chipla Lake at 16,000 ft. The trail is not just replete with natural beauty but is also a great spot for wildlife spotting. You can spot a diverse range of birds and animals like The Himalayan Musk Deer, Bharal, Thar, Wild Goat, and even Snow Leopards. Birds like Yellow-throated Marten, Monal, Western Tragopan, Pika, Khaleej Pheasant, Spotted Dove, Griffon, and Rock Pigeon can also be spotted. Every two years, Chipla Kedar sees a festive gathering, where people from nearby 40 villages gather with Bhankaras (metallic pipe instrument), and drums and they travel to Chipla Kedar in a pilgrim journey. While this is not a commercially popular trek, it is an extremely rewarding one!
Namik Glacier Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Easy To Moderate |
| Trek Distance | 81 km approx |
| Altitude | 11,810 ft approx |
A beautiful glacier in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, Namik Glacier is perched at an altitude of 3,600 m and stretches over a distance of 3 km. The glacier is the source of the Ram Ganga River and offers a beautiful vista of Himalayan Peaks like Nanda Kot (6,861 m), Nanda Devi (7,848 m), and Trishul (7,120 m). The name Namik means “saline waters”, which is true to the characteristic of the glacier. A number of waterfalls and sulphur springs originate from the glacier. The trek takes you into the isolated wilderness of the Kumaon Himalayas with extremely attractive surroundings. The trek is ideal for anyone who loves nature and is looking for an offbeat adventure!
Darma Valley Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Moderate to Difficult |
| Trek Distance | 60 km approx. |
| Altitude | 11,380 ft |
Situated at an altitude of 3470m, the Dharma Valley in Pithorgarh region, is the ideal getaway destination for nature lovers and those looking to escape the cacophony of everyday life. The valley shaped by the Dharma river is home to 12 tribal villages. The difficulty of this trek is moderate to difficult but is equally rewarding with its picturesque landscapes, waterfalls and the calm enchanting mountains. There is a location in the trek where you have to cross towering glaciers which is challenging but the spectacular scenery makes the journey so worthy of all the challenges.
Brij Ganga Pass Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Trek Distance | 25 km approx. |
| Altitude | 15,300 ft |
Brij Ganga Pass at the height of 4666m is one of the best places to take in the enchanting beauty of the surrounding Himalayan Valleys in all of Uttarakhand. One can view the entire Nanda Devi range of Peaks from this pass. This adventurous trek follows few parts of the old trading route to Tibet following the Gori Ganga River. From the road head, beyond Munsiyari, one follows a well defined trail along a narrow valley to the village Milam.
Kafni Glacier Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Moderate to Difficult |
| Trek Distance | 85 km approx |
| Altitude | 12660 ft |
Located in the Bageshwar, Kumaon region in Uttarakhand, lies a small glacier called Kafni Glacier. It is the main source of Kafni river and pindar river’s tributary which later joins the ganges. Kafni glacier is situated on the left side of Pindar valley, beneath the famous peak of Nandkot and to the south-east of Nanda Devi Peak. This is a well-known trek for adventure lovers. Experience the multi-colored flowers of Rhododendron, which will make for an enjoyable journey to Kafni Glacier.
Sunderdhunga Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Moderate to Difficult |
| Trek Distance | 60.5 km approx |
| Altitude | 12,510 ft |
Sunderdhunga trek follows river Sunderdhunga upstream from Khati village until its origin. Most beautiful trek among its two neighbouring treks i.e. Pindari and Kafni glacier treks. The trail takes you through the remote regions, exotic villages, glaciers and pristine meadows. The snow-capped peaks like Mrigthuni, Maiktoli, Panwalidwar and Tharkot are distinctly visible from this trek. If you wish to explore the natural splendours of the Himalayas, this trek is a must visit one.
Traill’s Pass Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Difficult |
| Trek Distance | 100 km approx. |
| Altitude | 17,720 ft |
A stunning high altitude pass named after George William Traill, Traill’s Pass is a beautiful high altitude pass that sits at the head of Pindari Glacier, linking the valleys of Lawan and Pindari. FLanked by Mt. Nanda Devi on one side, Nanda Kot on the other, the pass segregates the Kumaon and Garhwal regions of the Himalayas. The rivers Pindar and Gori Ganga originate from the glaciers Pindari and Lawan Gad respectively, gracing the sides of Traill’s pass. The majestic peaks of Garhwal Himalayas, including the massive Nanda Devi peak stand watching you over throughout the expedition.
Weekend Treks
Chirbatiya Weekend Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | 3 Days |
| Trek Distance | 13 km approx. |
| Altitude | 9,100 ft |
Chirbatiya is a beautiful weekend trek located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. The trek starts from Chirbatiya, which is a small hamlet on the Ghansali-Mayali road and is perched at an elevation of 2134 mts. The entire village of Chirbatiya is covered densely with Rhododendron, Oak, and Deodar forests. There’s also a gushing waterfall that makes the place even more charming. You will also get to see terrace farming as the people in the village follow this type of farming. The quaint village of Chirbatiya is a peaceful respite away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Binsar Weekend Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Easy |
| Trek Distance | 22 km |
| Altitude | 8,100 ft |
| Best Season | Summer, Winter, Autumn & Spring |
A beautiful hill station in Almora, Uttarakhand, the Binsar trek gives you stunning views of the Kumaon region. The beautiful Himalayan stretch also gives some wonderful views of Chaukhamba peak, Trishul peak, Kedarnath, Panchachuli, Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot. Traverse through forests of Oak, Pine, Firs and Deodars and appreciate the alpine beauty. You may also spot some rare bird species here. Trek through gorgeous passages absorbing the beauty of the scenic surroundings and some of the best mountain views from the top. The regal Himalayas are filled with profound natural beauty.
Kareri Lake
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Easy to Moderate |
| Trek Distance | 26 km |
| Altitude | 9,650 ft |
| Best Season | Summer, Winter, Autumn & Spring |
Kareri Lake located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh is another trekking destination ideal for families. The Lake is situated at an altitude of 2950 metres and winds through lush green meadows and pine forests. Camping by the lake, away from the noise of the city, you can truly connect with each other in the serenity of nature. Kareri Lake is also an amazing spot for birdwatching. An offbeat trek, Kareri Lake unfolds the lush greenery and the scenic beauty of the Dhauladhar Range. This is a perfect short trek for nature lovers and shutterbugs alike.
Nag Tibba Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Easy |
| Trek Distance | 16 km |
| Altitude | 9,900 ft |
| Best Season | Summer, Winter Autumn & Spring |
Set at an altitude of 3022 metres, the Nag Tibba Trek is a perfect weekend trek for you and your family. The easy-moderate trek takes you to the Nag Tibba summit, which is the highest point in the Garhwal Himalayas, and as such earns you some rewarding views of the nearby Himalayan Ranges. You can spot many Himalayan Ranges like the Bandarpoonch, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Swargarohini Ranges, ChangBang peak, Black Peak, Srikanth & the beautiful Doon Valley in the distance.
Deoban Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Easy to Moderate |
| Trek Distance | 20 km |
| Altitude | 9,850 ft |
| Best Season | Summer, Winter, Autumn & Spring |
The essence of a weekend trek is that in less time and less effort one gets to encounter the entire Splendidness of the Himalayas. From 3000 metres Deoban shows 55 big peaks including Nanda devi, Swargrohini, Bandarpoonch and the list goes on. The beauty of Uttarakhand mountains, a mix of pine, Oak trees can also be seen. The camping sites are flawlessly blessed with amazing meadows. Surprisingly the trail is covered with snow in winters which makes it a thrilling winter trek.
Kartikswami Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Easy |
| Trek Distance | 3 km |
| Altitude | 10,000 ft |
Kartikswami temple lies in the serene Garhwal mountains in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. The trek to Kartikswami temple starts from Kanakchauri village in Rudraprayag-Pokhari route. This temple belongs to Lord Shiva’s elder son Kartikeya. It’s a natural stone-carved idol of Kartik Swamy perched at an altitude of 3050mt adobe sea level.
The trail to Kartikswami temple is extremely scenic, offering picturesque views of Snow-capped mountains and pristine valleys.
Kunjapuri Trek
| Region | Uttarakhand |
| Grade | Easy |
| Trek Distance | 9 km |
| Altitude | 5500 ft |
A temple dedicated to a Hindu Goddess Sati is Kunjapuri temple. This trek is well-known as a sunrise trek and runs all round the year. Winter season is mostly preferred for this trek as the weather is clear and pleasant. You come across Neerghattu waterfall enroute this trek which flows in all the seasons. This trek makes it for a perfect weekend trek for a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.