8 Best Treks in Uttarakhand

The state of India, located west of Nepal, is considered to be the epicenter of the great Himalayas. A holy land and a regular pilgrimage to the Hindus, the state is home to the majestic Gangotri Glacier, the source of the Ganges River. The state is also home to the second-highest mountain in India – the Nanda Devi, which is 25,643 feet tall. Needless to mention, there is an abundance of trekking routes in Uttarakhand.

Let’s take a look at the 8 Best Treks in Uttarakhand:

1. Kedartal Trek

Located in the Gangotri region of the Garhwal Himalayas, this hike in Uttarakhand is perfect for mountain enthusiasts as it offers breathtaking views of the Great Himalayas, such as The unite peaks, the Bhirgupanth peak, and the Thalayasagar peak. This high-altitude glacial lake is the secret jewel of Uttarakhand. Among the snow-capped peaks and landscapes, explorers can also get a glimpse of a variety of mountain wildlife species, such as the Blue Sheep, Goral, and the famous Himalayan Black Bear on the Kedartal Trek.

2. Rupin Pass Trek

Lofty waterfalls, illusory views of the surrounding peaks, and exotic flower-filled pastures ensure that the Rupin Pass is unforgettable. The trek begins from the minute township of Dhaula and over the course of 7 days, trekkers have to climb almost 10,000 feet to reach the Rupin Pass, passing from Uttarakhand to Himachal. There are several beautiful villages on the way, such as Jaka, which serve as ideal rest stops.

3. Kedarkantha Trek

The thought of covering more than 18 km in just 4-5 days, reaching an altitude of more than 6000 feet might seem harsh, but the breathtaking 360-degree view of the numerous celebrated mountain peaks in Kedarkantha is definitely worth a while. Start from the village of Sankri in Uttarakhand, and as soon as you hit the peak of Kedarkantha, you’ll feel like you’ve reached the sky!

4. Bali Pass Trek

The Bali Pass Trek is intended for experienced trekkers only because of its difficult terrain. This trek passes through the popular Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, so expect to see a lot of exotic flora and fauna. As you walk through the magnificent rivers of Tons and Siyan Gad through the coniferous woodlands and finally reach the mystical lake of the Ruinsara Valley, you are endowed with Unparalleled views of Bandarpoonch, Kalanag, and Swargarohini Hills.

5. Auden’s Col Trek

Auden’s Col is one of the toughest hiking routes in Uttarakhand. The trek starts with Gangotri. You’ll come across pine and cane woodlands as you walk towards Nala Camp. From Nala Camp, the path will take you to the Rudra Gaira Base Camp – an ideal spot to catch a glimpse of the snow-covered Himalayan peaks. Connecting the peaks of Join I and Gangotri III, as well as the glaciers of Khatling and Jogin I, this trek takes you across endless glaciers, moraines, narrow cliffs, and snow ridges, requiring an extremely high fitness.

6. Har Ki Dun Trek

During the Har Ki Dun trek, explorers can see the stunning Tons River valley surrounded by highlands and thick forests. The pre-monsoon spring months are suitable for bird watchers and the post-monsoon season is recommended for flora lovers as they blossom during these months. The trail has enough snow in the months of December and April to make it ideal for snow lovers. Steeped in folklore, this excursion is sublime.

7. Satopanth Lake Trek

Satopanth lake trek will take you to Satopanth Tal, a spectacular glacial lake whose beauty is enhanced by the snow-covered foothills of Neelkanth, Satopanth (23,206 ft), Chaukhamba I, and Balak. The reflections of these wonderful mountains on the crystal-clear glacial lake are truly a sight to behold!

The Holy Trio, Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh are believed to have meditated on the three corners of Lake Satopanth. The trip to Satopanth Lake is also a spiritual journey. This isolated trek is a must for those who enjoy challenges as much as serene nature.

8. Valley of Flowers Trek

Trek to the Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is perhaps the easiest trek in all of Uttarakhand and trekkers can try this route without the help of local trekking agencies. This 4-5 day trek draws tourists for its wonderful show of wildflowers. Trekkers should expect enough rain and plan accordingly. You can also walk to Hemkund Sahib, a pilgrimage site situated at an altitude of 14,200 ft. Rest assured that the exquisiteness of the wildflowers would make up for all the difficulties!