September 10, 2022 By

Piyush

Uttarakhand is referred to as “Deva Bhoomi,” meaning “Land of Gods.” It is known for being covered in greenery and surrounded by a curtain of the Himalayas. There are some excellent Himalayan trekking locations in Uttarakhand, including the popular Bali Pass trek, Nanda Devi, Valley of Flowers, and Gaumukh.

It was frequently referred to in antiquity as “the center length of the Himalayas.” Pilgrims have continued traveling to this location in search of redemption and cleansing since it is home to some of the holiest Hindu sanctuaries, which are a century old. Tourists are attracted in huge numbers by historical sites of spiritual importance, forest preserves, national parks, animal sanctuaries, hill towns, and high summits.

This location offers a wide range of unexpected activities and its reputation for spiritual and religious appeal. In the north of India, you may do mountaineering, hiking, trekking, skiing, camping, rock climbing, and paragliding. It is often referred to as a trekker’s nirvana and offers the most incredible hikes in Uttarakhand for both novice and expert hikers.

Uttarakhand, which is situated amidst the mighty Himalayas, offers several most fabulous trekking trails and draws adventure enthusiasts from over the world. Uttarakhand’s top 10 most significant hikes will introduce an adventurer to nature’s most beautiful and inspirational treasures.

Here are must-do treks in Uttrakhand-

1. Roopkund Trek

Roopkund lake is often referred to as the Skeleton Lake and is well known for the enigma surrounding it. It is Located at an elevation of 14638 feet, and the area around it is littered with thousands and thousands of skeletal remains and bones. They are allegedly the skeleton remnants of a party of tourists who were swallowed up in a catastrophic event that occurred in the fourteenth century.

This is one of those summer’s exhilarating treks, which can be easily performed by novices who get to witness the beautiful landscape. This is one of the reasons it is among the most well-liked hiking routes in Uttarakhand between May – June.

The lake, which is located on the devotion road to the Nanda Devi shrine, is famed for its rugged topography, which includes Bedni Bugyal meadows and picturesque snow-clad hills. This trip starts at Lohajung and proceeds upwards as it makes its way to Ran ki Dhar via Bhaguwagasa and eventually Roopkund.

Difficulty grade- Moderate to challenging

Duration- 9 days

Best time to visit- Between May and June and September and October

2. Valley of Flowers Trek

The Valley of Flowers trek is a living paradise for photographers and nature lovers’. It features narrow tunnels, rugged terrain, steep climbs, and appealing vistas of the rugged landscape.

It is adorned with lovely wildflowers and a wide diversity of flora. This trail is the finest in Uttarakhand for monsoon trekking.

It takes many hours to ascend the challenging terrain and reach the central valley. After arriving in the grasslands, one can wander, soak up the beautiful scenery, and shouldn’t miss clicking photos of the flowers, butterflies, and birds. Frank Smith, a climber and adventurer established the canyon in 1931. It is regarded as the top location to go trekking nearby Delhi during the monsoon season.

It even has religious significance. As said, while Laksham was not in a good state, Hanuman got the “jadibooti” from this valley. It was this magical herd that cured Laksham and saved his life.

Difficulty Grade- Easy

Duration- 6 days and 5 nights 

Best Time to Visit- Mid-June to Mid-September

3. Nag Tibba Trek

Adventure enthusiasts would love climbing Nagtibba, also known as the “Mountain of the Serpent,” which is located in the lower Himalayan area. The Nag Devta, whom the people revere as a god, is said to have a residence in this region, according to local belief. The hike is renowned for its fantastic dawn and dusk vistas. One can be there and admire the vistas of the Bandarpoonch peak, Changband, Gangotri, and Kedarnath.

The Serpent’s Hill walk is situated 3,022 meters above water level. Its abundant biodiversity allows for picturesque vistas of a wide range of plants and wildlife. The starting point for the Nag Tibba hike is Pantwari. To get to the summit there exist four ways. All four paths intersect at the Gujjar Campground, from which only one route leads to the top.

Difficulty Grade- Easy to moderate

Duration- 2 days

Best time to visit- Between April and June, October and December.

4. Har ki Dun Trek

At an altitude of 3566 meters, Har ki Dun is a meadow with a cradle form located in the center of Govind Ballabh Pant National Park. Har-ki-Dun, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and alpine greenery, is undoubtedly the most stunning hiking location that best exhibits Uttarakhand’s exceptional aesthetic surroundings.

The breathtaking vistas of uninhabited regions in the distant Garhwal Himalayas may be found at Har ki Dun Basin. It is undoubtedly India’s most picturesque location and offers a variety of hiking adventures.

The pathways are entirely buried in snow during the cold season, and the light shines through the clouds, earning it the nickname “winter wonderland.” The peaceful views of deodar plants surrounding the Har ki Dun will undoubtedly capture the spirit with the scent of pine.

Difficulty Grade- Easy to moderate

Duration- 7 days and 6 nights

Best time to visit- Between May to October

5. Kedarkantha Trek 

The Kedarkantha Trail in Uttarakhand, which starts from Dehradun, is by far the most popular, straightforward, and enjoyable hike. It’s regarded as the most significant winter hike in the state. Kedarkantha’s breathtaking 360-degree vistas of renowned mountain summits make the ascent totally worthwhile.

The “Juda Ka Talab,” a mountain recognized for its ethereal atmosphere that enhances the trekking adventure, magnifies the beauty of the scenery twice. As one goes to the pinnacle of Kedarkantha, they will feel they have reached the heavens! The hike is renowned for its extraordinary beauty, which includes unique biodiversity and snow-covered mountains. The trek’s splendor is a sight to behold and merits at least two, if not more, visits.

Difficulty Grade- East

Duration- 5 days and 4 nights

Best time to visit- Between December to April

6. Kuari Pass Trek

Beginners can opt for Kuari Paas Trek if they are looking for an uncomplicated hike. Due to Lord Curzon’s 1905 exploration, it is sometimes referred to as the Curzon path. The trip leads along a winding path while offering impressive views of slopes covered in snow via a lush jungle of conifers, oak, birch, and bamboo.

Wildlife is concealed inside these woodlands, providing wildlife enthusiasts and photographers with the ideal chance. Visitors may recover and tent at picturesque locations in Khullara and Chitrakantha even with all the perspiring and calorie-burning exercise of climbing the tall mountains.

Difficulty Grade- Moderate

Duration- 6 days and 5 nights

Best time to visit- Between April to June and December to January

7. Rupin Paas Trek

Another stunning journey via one of Uttarakhand’s least visited regions is the Rupin Pass Trek. Exotic flower-covered fields, grand waterfalls, and illusionary vistas of nearby peaks all provide an absolute blast. The wonderful thing about this hike is that it travels across Uttarakhand to Himachal Pradesh, climbing about 10,000 feet to reach Rupin Pass. It offers a breathtaking glimpse of Kinnaur Kailash. One may stop along the road to take in some vibrant vistas of towns, including Jakha, and to savor refreshments.

Difficulty Grade- Difficult

Duration- 8 days and 7 nights

Best time to Visit- Between the months of May and June and September and October

8. Gangotri- Gaumukh Trek

Observing the Ganga River’s source is one of the most exciting things anyone can do. The journey starts at Gangotri, Uttarakhand’s most significant and well-liked tourist attraction. It gives an incredible opportunity to climb mountains like Mount Sudarshan Parbat, Mount Shivling, and Mount Meru. They are all above 6500 meters high. Starting at Gangotri, visitors travel to Gaumukh, an unknown and serene location that offers sweeping vistas of the Bhagirathi ranges. The adventure combines glacier- traversing, bouldering, and mountain climbing activities.

Difficulty Grade- Moderate 

Duration- 5 days and 4 nights

Best time to visit- Months between March- June and mid- September to mid-October

9. Pindari Glacier Trek

The Pindari Glacier’s Zero Point stands 5 kilometers north of Phurkia at a staggering elevation of 12370 feet above water level. The Kumaon Himalayas contain the Pindari Glacier, which is located within the Bageshwar district. The Pindari Stream is created when the glacier runs southward for small distances of roughly 9 KM before meeting the Alakananda River in Karnaprayag there in the Garhwal region.

The several snow-capped mountains that make up the southern border of the Nanda Devi Reserve may be seen from the route of high Dhakri Khal, which offers exceptionally stunning views. Beautiful lakes with tranquil, crystal-clear waterways, snow-capped high mountains, and attractive wooden arches all add to the mystique and exhilaration of this adventure.

Difficulty Grade- Moderate 

Duration- 9 days and 8 nights

Best time to visit- Between April to May and mid-August to November.

10. Chopta Tungnath Trek

Chopta, a charming hamlet known as the “Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand,” is still relatively unknown to tourists. The morning sight atop Chopta is energizing as the scarlet sun rays embrace the snow-covered Himalayas. This is in stark contrast to the booming horns of the loud city and other hilltop stations.

The hike to Tungnath brings visitors to Chandrashila. It is located at an elevation of 4,000 meters beyond the water level. Due to its location in the middle of forested hills with a lovely bed of rhododendrons punctuated by pine trees and deodar, Chopta is entitled to an excellent variety of plants and wildlife.

The first 1.5 kilometers will take you over a sea of vibrantly colored shrubs and oak woodlands. After that, a view of lush alpine meadows opens, leading visitors toward the Tungnath shrine.

Difficulty Grade- Easy to Moderate

Duration- 6 days and 5 nights

Best time to visit- Between March to June and August to September

In a nutshell

The first place that all travelers think of when searching for hikes is Uttarakhand. The hiking trails in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal as well as Kumaon are divided into sections designated as simple, medium, and challenging. Both novice and experienced hikers can find enjoyment in Uttaranchal’s hikes. Visitors worldwide come to Uttarakhand to go hiking, discover the state’s hidden gems, and travel on less-traveled roads.