Best Treks in Uttarakhand
Har Ki Dun Trek
Praised for its cradle-shaped mountains, Har Ki Dun is a photographer’s go-to destination resting at the western flank of Garhwal in the Uttarkashi district at an elevation of 11,675 feet. Known as Hanging Valley Of Gods, the Har Ki Dun trek is a climb along the alpine meadows, pine forests, unexplored and remote places. Embraced by wildlife, mesmerizing view of the Swargarohini chain of peaks, and is the ultimate place for the bird watchers in the group. Ancient villages will add up to the overall aesthetic of the place, which dates back to 2,000 years back with the opportunity to explore the daily activities of the locals. Har Ki Dun serves its best even during the summers with some picture-perfect blue-green grasslands, the serenity of nature, melting snowcaps, and flowers in full bloom making it one of the best treks to do in Uttarakhand. The best recommended time to book this trek is not winter unlike many but the summers visited by the early monsoon. Bliss!
Kedarkantha Trek
Famous for its rewarding summit climb, the Kedarkantha trek from Delhi remains as Uttarakhand’s one of the most favored treks and takes pride in offering a great trek experience for many. The first choice of beginners while topping the lists of adept trekkers and a constant for the photographers, the Kedarkantha trek is elevated to a height of 12,500 ft. and takes you through some of the remotest of the villages in the bone-cold weather. Adventure packed perched at the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park, this trek is your getaway from the city life into the unforgettable views and beauty of lakes, rivers and the majestic Himalayan mountains. The temperature here ranges from 8°C to 15°C during the day while it may drop to -5°C to 3°C at nighttime. The ascent that takes you to Kedarkantha gets introduced at a small village called Sankri and finds you amidst the wonders of the Himalayas of Uttarakhand.
Phulara Ridge Trek
A ridge seated between the other 2 famous trekking sites Kedarkantha and Har Ki Dun, a summit and a river valley trail respectively. Phulara Ridge is found at a height of 12,127ft., giving an entrancing walking stretch on a mountain ridge. You may ask now, what’s a ridge? It is a narrow towering peak offering a walk for a small distance as slopes on either side of this ridge descend. Phulara grants you an absolute experience to taste the thrill and scenic beauty straight for 6-days. As one of the most well-traveled treks during summers, May-June may captivate you with an unearthly atmosphere, snow melting and greenery gradually taking over with rhododendrons amidst grassy meadows. With a trekking distance of 25km, it excites many trekkers for an easy to moderate experience.
Brahmatal Trek
Brahmatal is an energizing trek with its highest point at an elevation of 12,250 ft, welcoming you with a super close-up view of great peaks in a set, Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti to keep you company all along the trail. Popular as an amazing trek pack for a group as well as a solo trekker, it offers exciting ascent, forest experience, two mountain lakes and amazing mountain views. The best preferred period to mark your calendars for Brahmatal is from September to April. However, spring marks the desirable time as this 6 days long trek will take you through enchanting rhododendron and oak forest.
Valley of Flowers Trek
One of the UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, Valley of Flowers plays a role for being one of the best treks to do in Uttarakhand with its engulfing nature-gifted beauty, exciting trek experience and a perfect monsoon delight. Rested at an altitude of 14,400 feet, ‘Phoolon Ki Ghati’ is gifted with meadows of endemic alpine flowers, rare varieties of beautiful flora and fauna, swinging butterflies and birds and fragrance to get yourself lost in. The Valley of Flowers is a 14km long trek that commences from Govindghat in Joshimath and trails along the exciting but bumpy grounds, steep climb, narrow passages, and immersing views along the Lakshman Ganga River. The best desired time for the Valley of Flowers trek has forever been the monsoons, to soothe the soul with raindrops and new life from the months of July to September. Witness it rain over you with adventure, memories, newfound outlook and motivation.
