10 Places to Visit in Garhwal, Tourist Places & Top Attractions

The state of Uttaranchal is primarily divided into 2 regions namely the Kumaon and Garhwal. The Garhwal region consists of 7 districts namely chamoli, uttarkashi, pauri, dehradun, rudraprayag, haridwar and tehri garhwal.

The Garhwal region is a treasure trove for nature and art lovers. The lush green landscape surrounded by picturesque mountains is a treat to the eyes and this makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. The people of Garhwal are called Garhwalis and they are renowned for their traditional songs and dances which are mostly dedicated to Gods.

The present community is a mixture of indigenous settlers and immigrants from different parts of the country. They speak the Garhwali language which owes its origin to the Indo Aryan language. The language uses the Devanagari script and has several dialects spoken by people in different parts of Uttarakhand. Very often the people of Garhwal are called Paharis. They consist of Rajputs, Brahmins and Tribals.

The tribals of Garhwal are settled in the upper regions of the Garhwal district and are of Mongoloid origin. These people live a nomadic or semi-nomadic life and rely on animal husbandry or small time business for their livelihoods. One such tribe of Garhwal is the Jaunsari tribe of the Jaunsar Bawar.

The Rajputs of the Garhwal region are believed to be of Aryan origin. These people went on to settle in the mountainous region of Garhwal during the Mughal invasion. They practised agriculture for a long time but are now engaged in all kinds of professions.

The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun, which is about 155 km from Pauri Garhwal. The only railway station in the district is the Kotdwara.

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One of the most well-known treks near Delhi, the Nag Tibba peak stands in the Tehri Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. This trek over the weekend is witnessing growing footfalls, and offers splendid views of the Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, Gangotri and Kedarnath mountain peaks en route.

What makes this an ideal first trek are the relatively easy routes etched along the mountain. Thick Deodar forests blanket the hill, and the best seasons to visit are between February and June, and September to December. The Nag Tibba trek route is circular in nature, and the differing starting and ending points ensure that there is no overlap at any point. The lush meadows hide patches behind them that act as serene camping sites.

Distance from Delhi: 347.4 Kilometers approximately

Nearest Railhead:
Dehradun Railway Station

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A pristine hanging valley in the Garhwal range, Har Ki Doon is one of the simplest trekking places near Delhi—making it an ideal foray into Himalayan trekking for amateurs. Fulfilling scenes of nature’s majesty carry you through rampant alpine vegetation, glaciers and breath-taking views. For the hill folk, time has remained elusive and one gets to notice their lives from close quarters. The best season to visit is during the months from April to November, and is one of the closest places for trekking in Delhi.

Distance from Delhi: 299 Kilometres approximately

Nearest Railhead: Dehradun Railway Station

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Close to another marvel of nature, Har Ki Doon, lies the Kedarkantha trek passing through windy trails of the Garhwal Himalayas. A classic winter trek unravelling untouched mountain-villages on its path, it’s the perfect trek to prepare for the other more arduous Himalayan treks. 

Abound with flora and fauna, the Kedarkantha treks passes around the rim of Govind National Park and is open throughout the year. This place for trekking near Delhi is flanked by the Swargarohini peak and a hanging valley, complete with views that’ll blow your mind away.

Distance from Delhi: 428.2 Kilometres approximately

Nearest Railhead: Dehradun Railway Station

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Recommendations for Garhwal Explore All (5)

With the enthralling Kedarnath range to the north, the Chandrashila Peak offers splendid panoramic vistas. Literally meaning the ‘Moon Rock’, Chandrashila is incidentally the highest peak in the area. A low altitude trek that’s full of cavernous gorges and vivid imagery, the season for trekking is round the year. With gradients suiting beginners, Chandrashila trek allows eyeful glimpses of Garhwal Himalayas and the trek passes through an ancient Shiva temple atop Tungnath.

Distance from Delhi: 455 Kilometres approximately

Nearest Railhead: Rishikesh Railway Station

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Kalindi pass is considered as one of the most arduous treks of the Himalayas. This trek is suitable for physically fit and adventure loving trekkers who possess the abilities of mountaineering and high altitude trekking. It is indeed a thrilling and nail-biting experience.

During this trip, trekkers can visit some of the most famous Hindu pilgrimages on the way. This place is a home to some of the most protected mammals like bulbuls, owls, cuckoos, bearded vulture, golden eagle,  Himalayan snow cock, brown bear and so on.

Best season: July - September
Duration: 12 Days
Altitude: 5946 m 

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Also known popularly as Devariya Tal, it a crystal-clear lake that mirrors the snow-draped Chaukhamba peaks. Offering an otherworldly view of the mountains and its reflection, trekking here is a surreal experience. Situated in the Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary, overnight camping sometimes leads to spotting animals near the waterhole in the morning. This trekking place near Delhi is open throughout the year, and is a relatively short and easy trek to the magical place that is even mentioned in the Mahabharata.

Distance from Delhi: 420 Kilometres approximately

Nearest Railhead: Haridwar Railway Station

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Hanging valley of Gods, also known as Har ki Doon, is a classic and moderate trek which provides a funfilled experience to the trekker. Situated in the Western Ganges of the Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of 3, 556 meters, the valley is cradle-shaped and surrounded by dense forests and glittering peaks.

An interesting fact about the Hanging Valley is the people here still practice polygamy and worship the Mahabharata character Duryodhana as their deity. The Hanging Valley of Gods is a remote region that possesses virgin beauty and tranquility. Due to this, this is one of the most preferred places for trekking.

Best season: May - October
Duration: 7 Days

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One of the sacred places in the Garhwal Region, Shivling is applauded for extending the most challenging trek route in the region and becoming the most favourite spot for adventure seekers. This mountain is located at an elevation of 6543 meters and the chief among the Gangotri Group of peaks.

Gaumukh known as the holy city is just 6 KM away from Shivling and thus the mountain is at an easily accessible location. Though it is not at a great height, mountaineers find it awesome as the climb seems to be challenging and also since it offers the splendid view of the surrounding peaks from the top which in turn is incomparable to anything else. Tapovan meadow, yet another famous pilgrim centre is located between Shivling and Gaumukh. Climbing towards Shivling top started in the year of 1974 by Hukam Singh and group.
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Newly Added Garhwal Experience
24 July 2015
Bodhan Mehrotra Pangarchulla Peak Trek
Excellent
Suitable for group adventure, you will get to discover beautiful and snow terrain, mighty mountain peaks, lush green forests and some hot water springs too. Pangarchulla Peak trek via Kuari Pass in Auli is complete paradise for trekking lovers.
23 March 2016
Vidhya Kapoor Pangarchulla Peak Trek
Excellent
As I close my eyes, I can vividly recall the moment when I reached the peak after a long trek full of patience. There were tears of joy. I’m truly blessed. Incredible India!
18 February 2015
Achyut Tandon Pangarchulla Peak Trek
Excellent
What a trip man! New thrill, new challenges in every step. The trek to Kuari pass and Pangarchula peak in Auli was like one of those long roller coaster rides when you can actually feel the blood rushing through your veins.
27 May 2015
Gudakesa Prajapat Pangarchulla Peak Trek
Superb
Joshimath in Chamoli district is an ideal location to start your journey of trekking to Pangarchulla Peak. The terrain has moderate level of difficulty but needs care to embark upon same points. There are few location where camping is possible. Over all Pangarchulla Peak trek is an awesome destination.
30 December 2015
Kumar Nambeesan Pangarchulla Peak Trek
Superb
Amazing trekking at a remarkable height of 4700 meters. The views from the summit point of Pangarchulla can not be explained in few words. Ascending on the hills was somehow difficult but descending was quite easier. Pangarchulla Peak terrain is entirely covered with snow but fewer grounds are perfect for fixing tents.
Excellent
Trek was not that difficult!!! the mountains scenery are breathtaking, Our-Leader is responsible and respectful, Overall it's an excellent trip...
Chandani Mishra Pangarchulla Peak Trek
Superb
Once in a lifetime expereince, I want to Thanks, Thrillophilia for this amazing arrangement, we had a good operator and staff who assist us in the whole tour with perfection... Everything went awesome and we really felt comfortable in everything
Devagya Verma Pangarchulla Peak Trek
Excellent
I thoroughly enjoyed this trek to Kuari Pass and Pangarchulla Peak which are the two most important sights to be visited in the Himalayas. I never had a plan to visit the Himalayas last year. But my friend forced to do something really crazy during the Dussehra holidays and finally we found this package on many websites and enquired about it many ways. When we got to know about this trek we was really happy and got ready to be a part of it at the earliest. The Garhwal region is absolutely beautiful. There were a lot of peaks with different names and different altitudes that could be seen throughout our trekking trails. Pine forests were the other attractions. Green meadows had their own contribution in making the whole region look marvelous even from a distance. Professional photographers will not leave the place at any point I think. That’s how the nature blessed the area. It was a complete package of fun, entertainment, adventure and thrill. Along with trekking, we did camping too at some base points. Some of the native people were involved in their day to day activities like cattle rearing, cultivation etc. The villages locating before the trekking points are really beautiful with identical huts and houses. Some of the faces I cannot forget ever. The innocence I found there in the villages will be in my mind forever. I heard the local food from those houses is very tasty but we could not taste it since the organizers had a plan of preparing a fixed quantity of food in the morning and at night. For lunch we had Maggi or bread or roti. But when we reached Auli, we tried some tea and snacks from a shop nearby and liked the very much. The people were warm and pleasant to the visitors. I think they are the best people I ever met. Kuari pass and the nearby locations created an amazing bond with me. I wished my family also could come with me then. I am planning for another trip soon with my family members to Kuari Pass and some more places.
Tara Trivedi Pangarchulla Peak Trek
Excellent
Two most unique places in North India perfect for trekking are Kuari Pass and Pangarchula Peak. The ravishing beauties located at the top most portions create some of the amazing sights to be witnessed and photographed. I selected this trek to explore the significant places around the Himalayas and watch the blend of natural elements in the right proportion. I was stunned to see these two locations. Both these places are ideal for backpacking trips. Solo travelers would be enjoying the challenging routes very well. If you are perfectly fit, then these two landscaped places should be visited at least once in a lifetime. I have gone there during the normal season without the snow cover and all. But still its beauty was indescribable. The lush greenery and the meadows are the highlights at these two locations. The trekking trails are challenging and filled with difficulties at times. But I have enjoyed the complete routes very well. I have an interest of writing down my travel experiences. After coming back I wrote the detailed description of this trek and I found it was more interesting than I ever imagined. The route from Auli to Khulara was the most beautiful stretch of the whole trek. The region is home to many bird species and sheep and cattle flocks. Since there are large meadows, shepherds come in groups to let their flocks of cattle graze so peacefully. That was a mesmerizing sight for me. Kuari Pass trek trails also have similar sights to visit.
23 May 2016
Jitendra Patil Pangarchulla Peak Trek
Very Good
Lost out on two days due to a stupid fever. Had to rest in the camp. Could not enjoy fully. Never mind, there is always a next time. But don’t know when.

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