Trekking in Uttarakhand

You can plan a trip to Uttarakhand all year round, the best time to visit is during summers (March to June) and winters (October to February).

Summers are considered favourable due the awe-inspiring beauty and pleasant weather. Monsoon is not considered favourable as there lies a risk of landslides in this region as it receives maximum rain during July and August.

Winters are perfect to plan a holiday here, though some tourist sites are inaccessible for tourists due to snowfall. Still Corbett, Haridwar, Auli, Nainital, Valley of flowers, Dehradun and Ranikhet are best destinations you should visit in winters.

Reaching Uttarakhand is easy because it is well connected with other cities via air, rail, and road.

By air: There two domestic airports (Jolly Grant in Dehradun and Pantnagar near Nainital) and regular flights land in Dehradun.

By Train: Rail network offers convenient travelling to Uttarakhand. Similarly, it’s well connected to Delhi and major state highways.

By Road: It is 372.8km from Delhi via Meerut Pauri NH.

If spring is the season for nature admirers, winters are meant for adventure junkies.

Here is a list of some famous treks in Uttarakhand which you must try:

• ChoptaChandrashila trek: One of the easiest and famous treks, it brings you to the pristine lake, Shiva temple, concealed hamlets, spicy cuisines and welcoming hospitality. The expedition starts from Ukhimath taking you to Deoriatal Lake via Sari Village.Chopta is a heaven for bird watchers. In Tungnath, trekkers witness world’s highest Shiva temple after which they proceed towards the summit of moon rock i.e. Chandrashila at 4000 m.

• Dodital winter trek :It’s one of the best for those who are trekking for the first time. Starting from SangamChatti, it takes you through various villages like Agoda, Bebra, Manjhi. At Manjhi, trekkers plan an overnight camp. Next day they ascend to Doditallake that is deemed as the abode of Lord Ganesha. Following day, trekkers climb to their final destination, Darwa Pass.

• DayaraBugyaltrek :Perfect for amateurs, this trek starts from Barsu. Trekkers trek to Barnala lake after which they reach Dayara which is blessed with huge meadows. Its slopes are best knowing for skiing. After this, trekkers ascend to Bakariya Top, the final destination of this trek.

• Nag Tibba winter trek : This trek allures adventurers, nature lovers and Hindu devotees from all over the world. Local people trek here to pay a visit to Nag Devta (the Snake God). Starting from Dehradun, this trek passes through hidden hamlets like Pantwari, Nag Tibba, Devalsari and finally ends at Thatyur.

• Kuari Pass Winter Trek : Lord Curzon’s greatest contribution to India, this trek starts from Joshimath, takes you down to various lesser known passes and eventually the highest point of trek, Kuari Pass. From Kauri Pass, one gets the breathtaking view of the adjacent peaks like Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Kamet, Dronagiri etc. On your downwards trail, you’ll find Auli, one of the best snow skiing destinations in India.

When the entire country is getting baked in the sweltering heat, you may want to escape snowcapped Himalayas, where you’d enjoy the cool breeze, icy streams and chilly nights under the starry skies.

Here are some of the options you can consider :

• Roopkund trek: This high-altitude lake that stays frozen most of the year, thawing for just a month. With frequent rainstorms and snowstorms, this gives you a break from the scorching sun but is famous for the human skeletons that surround the lake. The trail begins through meadows and climbs to barren to heights, testing your stamina and endurance. This top summer trek is not advisable for first times unless you’re very fit.

• Harki Dun trek: This top summer trek is perfected with a trip to Jaundhar glacier. It takes you through Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, where flora and fauna thrives during summers. Over here, you’ll be introduced to the marvels of Himalayas and get an opportunity to trek on a mountain glacier.

• Rupin Pass trek: This top summer trek takes you deep into mountains that involves long days of walking and an ascent to Rupin Pass, so it’s not recommended for beginners. It offers plenty of unusual sights to see : a village that perches dangerously on the edge of a cliff, waterfalls that are frozen in mid flow and the icy rupin river that is as blue as the sky above

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• DayaraBugyal trek: Considered to be one of the most beautiful summer treks, visitors describe their experience here as nothing short of a fairy tale. Trekking through India’s most beautiful meadows, surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks, it offers you a chance to camp in the scenic locations at every stop. This trek is recommended for everyone i.e. Families with children, nature lovers and adventure lovers alike.

• ChoptaTungnath and Chandrashila: This summer trek takes you through pine and oak forests, gives you a chance to camp besides the pristine Deoriatal Lake and soak in the meadows of Chopta. While the trek is moderately easy, the real challenge is summiting the Chandrashila Peak. It’s a perfect option for beginners and it’s just the top summit that will test your endurance.

Trekking in Uttarakhand is safe unless you’re visiting in Monsoons. Trekking is difficult in heavy rains not just because it’s difficult to move but because most of the area is prone to landslides.

It’s highly not advisable for beginners but if you are adamant to undertake a trekking expedition to Uttarakhand, make sure you wear the right clothing, pack all your basics, camp overnight and carry right eatables with you. Avoid places that are prone to natural disasters like cloudbursts, landslides etc.

Nanda Devi is the highest peak of Uttarakhand.

Roopkund trek isn’t an easy trek and you’ll have to face lots of hardships to reach your destination, which is the mystery lake of Uttarakhand called Roopkund.

This trek is therefore, a must do for an avid trekker, but if you’re a beginner, you should try some easier trek first.

It’s a difficult trek that trails through mountainous rivers, enthralling ridges, lush forests and scenic meadows.

Trek to Valley of Flowers lets you discover the lost path made by Frank Smith in 1931. His book by the same name created a stir among nature lovers, making it one of the most sought after expedition since then.

With millions of species of wild flowers, this valley holds many streams that adds on to the natural beauty of the place.

It’s a moderate trek. Though the altitude where the valley is situated is very high (3858 m), the enchanting scene is worth it.

It’ll cost you INR 9000, which includes an accommodation, veg meals, trekking equipment, necessary permits, and first aid kits, along with the guidance of qualified and experienced trek leaders.

Yes, it’s an ideal weekend trek suited for people looking for a refresher. Moreover, it offers some of the best camping locations.

It’s an easy trek and anyone with normal fitness and zero experience can do this.

The trail of Pindari glacier is like the full course meal for trekkers. For starters, there are level walks through peaceful forests where birds thrive. Next, you’ll traverse varied mountain ridges, spider-walls and stream crossing.

At last, desert comes in the form of Pindari glacier at zero point, whose unearthly beauty leaves ecstatic.

No, it isn’t a difficult trekking option. In fact, it’s the most easily accessible glacier in the Kumaon region and is ideal for families including children.

It is situated in Garhwal Himalayas. This trek originates in Joshimath, gives you a brief stopover, Devprayag, before it gradually ascends to take you to a height that ends in the mesmerizing view of Nanda Devi Summit.

It’s worth trekking in winters to Kuari Pass..

Kedarkantha trek is classified as an easy-moderate trek. In fact, anyone above the age of 7, is fit for this trek. Kedarkantha is the best winter trek.

It’s a seven day trek.

It’s moderately easy trek. The real challenge is summiting the Chandrashila peak. It’s a perfect option for beginners and it’s just the top summit that will test your endurance.

This summer trek takes you through pine and oak forests with rhododendrons blooming all around.

Here you’ll get a chance to camp beside the pristine Deoriatal and soak in the mesmerising meadows of Chopta. Once you’re on top, you pay homage to the highest Shiva temple of the world, Tungnath.

That depends on the region you’re trekking in. if you’re travelling through some village, you may take shelter there along with the localites.

You may live in resorts if you want. But, if you’re travelling to some uninhabited place or if you want to experience the real thrill of living amidst the beauty and tranquility of nature, you’d willingly stay in camps.    

Whether you’re travelling alone, with a group of friends or family, you’d want to camp somewhere in Dome tent, inflatable tent, quick pitch tent and large family tents are available

• Shirts/ T-shirts / full sleeve t-shirts
• Trekking pants that are water resistance
• Windproof/ water resistant jackets of good quality with proper hood
• Thermal innerwear
• Woolen cap, inner fleece gloves
• Woolen socks, regular socks
• Scarf/ muffler
• Comfortable trekking/hiking shoes
• Camp shoes such as sneakers/ sports shoes
• Raincoat
• Sunscreen lotion, lip balm
• Medicines (if required for specific medication)
• Personal toiletries
• Keep some polybags in which you can later keep your belongings, in case of heavy rains

Uttarakhand is pretty safe for a solo female trek. Crime against women is barely reported. Being a tourist spot, most localities earn their revenue from visitors and they treat them with due respect. Lots of solo women travel here and there have hardly been any complains of eve-teasing etc.

• Square sleeping bags
• Mummy sleeping bags
• Sleeping pods
• Children sleeping bags

These are now being replaced by compression sacks which less bulky and have an extra water resistant layer.

• Paragliding,
• Skiing
• White water rafting
• Camping
• Elephant safaris
• Bungee jumping
• Zip-line activities : flying fox
• Canoeing or kayaking
• Rappelling

To name a few.

• Rishikesh - River Ganges
• Tons River Valley – confluence of Rupin and Supin
• Ranikhet – River Kosi
• Pithoragarh – River Kali
• Kumaon – River Kali
• Pithoragarh – River Kali