Beautiful mountains, plains dotted with meadows, thick and wild forests, holy rivers, alpine and holy lakes, and a host of other breathtaking views, that's the experience you get when you trek in Uttarakhand. A mountainous state located in North India, Uttarakhand is an extremely abundant and natural landscape that draws visitors and trotters because of its tranquillity and laid-back vibe. People who are looking for adventure and adrenaline to get away from everyday life plan to experience the most thrilling trekking trails in Uttarakhand. It doesn't matter if an amateur or an experienced trekker. You'll discover the trek that will give you an adrenaline rush and excitement.
From short trudges of 5-10 kilometers over gentle terrain to more strenuous and treacherous treks that last for days and cover vast distances, there's a lot of trekking spots within Uttarakhand to explore. The most popular treks that makeup of bucket lists include the 'Roopkund' and 'Valley of Flowers", 'Panch Kedar,' Dodital Lake treks, and other treks that are available to explore.
Kedarkantha Trek
The Kedarkantha Trek is designed for those who wish to enjoy the serenity in the Himalayas and connect nature. The breathtaking views everywhere during the trek and the vivid hues of the varied flora, the calm, clear and cold water, and melting snow will leave you in awe by the stunning views nature offers. It is common to talk about travel trips, but not when we are in the company of beautiful green hills, crystal clear blue skies, and clear breaths as we gaze at the stunning views of the place dreams are created from, it alters our view of the concept of goals to travel.
Best Time to do Kedarkantha Trekking: November to April
Chopta-Tungnath Trek
Chopta Tungnath Trek is one of the very unexplored treks in Uttarakhand renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. The trek to Tungnath will take you to Chandrashila, located at the altitude of 4,000m above sea level.
Chopta is awash with abundant fauna and flora since it is situated in the thick forests with a stunning floor of rhododendrons and surrounded by pine and deodar. In the first one and half kilometers, you'll travel through a sea vibrantly colored rhododendrons as well as the silver-colored oak forest. The view expands to alpine meadows of green which lead you up to Tungnath temple.
According to legend, The arms from the god of war, Shiva, have appeared in this area. If you trek a little further in the direction of the sun, you'll arrive at the Chandrashila summit, from where you will be able to see the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas shimmering in the sun's shining. The lush meadows in the area are a great place to camp too.
Chopta is well-connected via roads that connect Guptakashi as well as Gopeshwar. The weather is pleasant while the view is stunning.
Best season: May through June and August to September.
Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
As a source for the Bhagirathi River, Gaumukh is the real origin for the River Ganga. A hike of 18 kms from Gangotri leads you to Gaumukh, an eerie and serene area that gives breathtaking views of Bhagirathi Mountain ranges.
Tapovan 4300m is located outside of Gaumukh and comprises the stunning meadows located near the base of Mount Shivling. The Gaumukh Tapovan trek is generally gentle but can be extremely steep in some spots. This trek is located in Uttarakhand is a mix of bouldering, hiking as well as traversing glaciers.
Once you have reached Tapovan at Tapovan, you will take in the breathtaking view of the gorgeous snow-capped mountains bathed in sunshine. Another draw of this trekking trail is the view of Akash Ganga, which is the real river Ganga that flows out of an area known as the Jata that is the home of Lord Shiva by the popular mythology, which bathes the Shiva Linga. The tranquillity and beauty of Tapovan will enthrall you, relax and soothe your mind.
Best time to enjoy: May through October
Brahmatal - Popular Winter Trek
Brahmatal gives an unobstructed perspective of the Himalayan Mountains, including Mt. Trishul along with Nanda Ghunti. They also provide a bird's eye perspective of the magnificent Roopkund Trek and ample opportunities to capture the stunning snow-covered mountain with their cameras.
The Brahmatal hike takes you through stunning valleys, peaceful hamlets, conifers, streams, as well as oak forest. When winter arrives, the area is covered by a layer of snow and offers an unbeatable Himalayan panorama.
Best Time for Brahmatal Trek: December – March
Rupin Pass Trek is another stunning spot to hike in Uttarakhand, which starts at Dhaula. This trek lets you take in many of the stunning landscapes of the area. While the trek may be challenging at times, it will make it worth your time. It will lead you to breathtaking landscapes, mountains covered in snow in unexplored regions, as well as large beautiful rivers. Also, you'll have a chance to interact with locals on this exciting trip.
The best time to visit: From May to June, and from September through October
