Adored as the “Abode of Gods” for the right reasons; Uttarakhand is indeed a paradise for mountain lovers. A holy land, filled with pilgrimage spots, the state is home to the majestic Gangotri Glacier, the source of River Ganga. When summer strikes in India, Uttarakhand is one of the best places to enjoy the pleasant breeze of the mountains! With the popularity of the state, trekking in Uttarakhand has also caught the attention of adventure seekers around the globe! Needless to say, there’s an abundance of trekking trails in Uttarakhand, which will transport you straight to paradise! It is home to Nanda Devi, the second tallest peak in India, along with many other magnificent peaks, which makes it a go-to place for trekking for both experienced and beginners. For trekkers, nothing could be better than exploring the beauty of the Himalayas through tranquil and offbeat trekking routes! Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib Trek Known for the exclusive and colorful flora of the Himalayas, Valley of Flowers is a national park and also a UNESCO world heritage site. Located in the Chamoli district of the Garhwal region, this trek is perfect for a nature lover and a trekker. A trek to this majestic national park will give you vistas of mountains and lush meadows. The trek starts from the sacred city of Haridwar and takes you through Auli, Govindghat, and Ghangaria. This trek gives you a chance to visit one of the most important and sacred Gurudwara, the Hemkund Sahib, a pilgrimage spot. Base Camp: Govindghat Harki Doon Perched in the majestic Himalayas of Uttarakhand, Harki Doon is one of the most scenic treks in Uttarakhand. The beautiful valley is surrounded by the splendid peaks of FatehParvat, Swargarohini, and Jaundha. The trail will leave you in awe as it is filled with vibrant and different Himalayan flora, gushing water streams, rare wildlife, and verdant meadows! It is believed by the locals that the valley is connected to the age of the epic ‘Mahabharata’. An ideal trek for photographers, the views on Hark Ki Doon trek will leave you mesmerized. Base Camp: Sankri Roopkund Trek Settled in the majestic Mt. Trishul at 4,800m, Roopkund Trek is one of the most picturesque hidden gems of the Himalayas of Uttarakhand. Also known as the Skeletal Lake, Roopkund Lake is the main attraction of the trek. The mystery lake leaves you in awe and fear as you could see hundreds of skeletons either inside or around the lake. So, if you love to unravel myths and legends, then the Roopkund trek is a must-try. Base Camp: Kathdogam Nag Tibba Elegantly settled amidst the majestic Himalayas of Uttarakhand, Nag Tibba trek is an ideal beginner’s trek for people looking for peace and serenity. Secluded in the tranquillity of valleys, the lush forest, rare flora and fauna, and enchanting beauty of the surroundings will leave you in awe. It is believed by the locals that Nag Devta (Lord) dwells in the mountains, and hence named as Nag Tibba meaning abode of Lord Serpent. Upon reaching the summit, you can enjoy the views of peaks like Changabang, Kedarnath, Bandarpoonch, Gangotri, and the Doon Valley. Base Camp: Pantawari
If you are looking for adventure, soothing fresh air, starry nights, and snow-clad mountains, head to Uttarakhand in the upcoming summer of 2023 and explore what the adventure affair with Uttarakhand’s treks is all about!Let’s Take a Look at Some of the Best Summer Treks in Uttarakhand:
Duration: 6 days
Grade: Easy
Maximum Altitude: 3,600 m
Trekking Distance: 38 km
Best Time to Visit - June to September
Duration: 7 Days
Grade: Easy to Moderate
Maximum Altitude: 3566 m
Trekking Distance: 54 km
Best Time to Visit - Mid April to June
Duration: 7 Days
Grade: Easy to Moderate
Maximum Altitude: 4570 m
Trekking Distance: 59 km
Best Time to Visit - Mid May to June and September to October
Duration: 2 Days
Grade: Easy
Maximum Altitude: 3050 m
Trekking Distance: 20 km
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Located in Uttarkashi district and settled in the Govind National Park, Kedarkantha Trek takes you to the best of Himalayan flora and fauna. The awe-inspiring scenery, the lush valleys, and the verdant meadows of this trekking trial will surely leave you mesmerized. The beautiful trail begins from Sankri Village and leads you to River Tons. Upon reaching the summit of Kedarkantha, entice yourself with the vistas of 13 different Himalayan peaks including Bandarpoonch and Swargarohini, a delight for mountain lovers.
Base Camp: Sankri
Duration: 6 Days
Grade: Easy to Moderate
Maximum Altitude: 3,810 m
Trekking Distance: 22 km
Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to December
Kauri Pass Trek
One of the best things about this trek is the views that it offers! You will be enticed by the vistas of Nanda Devi and several others like Kamet, HathiGhodiParvat, Dronagiri, Trishul, Bertholi, Mana, and Neelkanth. The charming and adventurous trail takes you through a verdant forest of oak and deodar, you can also look out for the elusive snow leopard! Spending a night under the starry sky in your camps will be one of the best activities! You can also explore places like Joshimath and Auli in Uttarakhand. The base of the trek is Haridwar but the trek begins from the Village of Dhak, and on your way to the top you will be enthralled by the vistas of Devprayag, Bhagirathi, and Alakananda confluence.
Base Camp: Dhak Village
Duration: 6 Days
Grade: Easy to Moderate
Maximum Altitude: 3877 m
Trekking Distance: 33 km
Best Time to Visit: April, November and December
Dayara Bugyal Trek
The lush meadows, breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas, and beautiful lakes, Dayara Bugyal will offer more than you imagined. The trek begins from Barsu, and you to the top through the verdant and dense forest of oak, pristine lakes, and sprawling meadows. The trek offers you an unmatched view of majestic peaks like Srikanth, Jaonli, Draupadika Danda I & II, Rudregaira, Gangotri I, II & III, Black peak, Bandarpunch, and more.
Base Camp: Barsu
Duration: 5 Days
Grade: Easy to Moderate
Maximum Altitude: 3688 m
Trekking Distance: 25 km
Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to December
Rupin Pass Trek
With magnificent waterfalls, a majestic view of the stunning Himalayan peaks, and exotic meadows, Rupin Pass Trek is one of the most unforgettable experiences. The trek starts from Dhaula and takes you through lush forests and verdant meadows.
Base Camp: Dhaula
Duration: 8 Days
Grade: Moderate
Maximum Altitude: 4648 m
Trekking Distance: 52 km
Best Time to Visit: May and June
Kedartal Trek
Settled in the Gangotri district of the Garhwal Himalayas, Kedartak Trek is the ideal trek for adventure lovers. The trail offers some of the best vistas of the Himalayan ranges such as Jogin, Bhirgupanth, and Thalayasagar peaks. The hidden glacial lake is the highlight of this charming trail. You will also get a chance to explore the Himalayan wildlife through this trek.
Base Camp: Gangotri
Duration: 7 Days
Grade: Moderate
Maximum Altitude: 4910 m
Trekking Distance: 50 km
Best Time to Visit: December to April
Auden’s Col Trek
One of the most difficult treks in Uttarakhand, Auden’s Col Trek starts from Gangotri. As you make your way to the top, the trail will take you through pine and cane forests. It is the ideal place to take in the vistas of the Himalayan peaks. The gradual climb is bound to leave you amazed by the views of Gangotri and Jogin peaks, with glaciers flowing on the right.
Base Camp: Gangotri
Duration: 16 Days
Grade: Difficult
Maximum Altitude: 5492 m
Trekking Distance: 50 km
Best Time to Visit: June
