Travel Articles

Uttaranchal is a trekker’s paradise. It has been famous for its unpredictable and demanding routes. Here is a list of fifteen trekking trails which we recommend for their sheer beauty and adventure.

1. Hanging Valley of Gods: Har ki doon otherwise known as Hanging valley of gods lies in the western part of the Ganges of Garhwal Himalayas. It is at 3556 meters. This valet is known for its pine forests and shimmering mountain peaks. As you trek along Netwar you encounter dense forests of walnuts, chestnuts, willows and chinars. You reach Osla and from there you trek to Har ki Doon through some fantastic lush green mountains. This is a moderate trek and can be done in the months of April-May and September-November.

2. Kafni Glacier: This glacier is situated in the eastern side of the Pindar Valley. Nanda kot peak lies to its south. The trek through this region will give you some fantastic opportunities to view the wildlife. You can get close glimpses of Nanda kot and Nandabhanar. The best time to do this trek is in the months of May and June.

3. Binsar Trek: Binsar trek takes you through Binsar temple which is well known for it being a Shiva temple. There is huge span of pastures at Dudhatoli. From here you can get clear views of Himalayan peaks and the low altitude mountains. The best time to do binsar trek is anytime of the year. The trekking grade is moderate.

4. Chopta Tungnath Trek: You start this trek from Chopta and pass through Deoriatal, tungnath, Rudraprayag and Haridwar. In between You traverse through the alpine meadows and enjoy the majestic sights of Panchul, Nilkanth, Nanda Devi and Kedarnath. The trek takes you to the maximum altitude of 3668 meters before reaching the temple at tungnath. The best time to do this trek is anytime of the year.

5. Deoriatal Trek: This one is an easy do and it runs along with the Himalayas at all times. Great views and dense forests are what you will encounter once you tread on this route. The Rhodendron forests are a major attraction as the entire forest is glowing in the red of the Rhodendrons. The trek takes you to Chandrashilla top views from where are breathtaking and alluring. This is a moderate trek and the best time to do it is May to October.

6. Dodital Trek: Dodital is a lake at an altitude of 2483 m. The lake is surrounded by beautiful dense forests. You can drive upto Sari near Ukhimath and trek a little. A legend connected to this place is that Pandavas which hid during their exile stopped here for resting. Kunti, Pandavas fell thirsty and one of the sons got up to get water for her. He could not return alive as he was unable to answer Yaksha devtas question. Dodital is also called so because of the trouts found in the lake. There are quiet a few here. The best time to do this trek is Mid June to Mid October.

7. Gaumukh Tapovan Trek: The trek goes from Garhwal region, through gangotri glacier at Goumukh. En route you will see Bhujbasa, Sudarshan peak, Matri peak and several other anonymous peaks. Trek beyond Bhujbasa and you’ll do a steep climb until you reach Tapovan. Mind blowing views of Kedar, Meru and Bhagirathi await you. The best time to do this trek is between May and June, and from the middle of September to early November.

8. Kalindi Pass- This one is for the tough hearted. This traverse connects Gangotri and Badrinath and has a religious significance. The highest point here is Kalindi in 6000m. The trek takes you through snowy meadows and deep gorges. You can also get to spot high altitude wildlife. It requires a great courage to do this trek. The best time to do it is from june end to early September.

9. Milam Glacier: The largest glacier of Kumaun region is 28 km long. It emerges from Kholi and Trishul. The village of Milam is located at its foothill. It s one of the few villages located at such great height. The base camp for this trek is Munsyari. The best time for trekking is June to October.

10. Kuflon and the vicinity: Kuflon is at 5000 feet and 11 kms away from Uttarkashi. Kuflon is in the lap of Assiganga river. You trek through very dense and pretty Rhodendron and Dalchini forests.

11. Nanda Devi East Base Camp: This base camp starts from Kathgodam from where you drive to Munsyari and later to Pithoragarh. The total distance is approx 500 km. You can enjoy some pretty landscapes of Milam, Namik Glaciers and Nanda Devi Peak. The entire journey is filled with such spectacular sights making this an amazing trek to undertake. The best view awaits you at Nanda devi base camp. Keep your eyes open as you might get lucky and view a snow leopard or the Himalayan musk deer.

12. Pangarchulla Climb 4575m: As the spring sets in, Panchargulla becomes a delight to trek to. This is an easy climb through snow clapped mountains. It offers amazing opportunities for photography. You will get amazing views of Chaukhamba, Bethartoli, Nilkantha, Hathi Parbat, Kedarnath, Gauri Parbat, Nanda Devi, Kamet, and Dunagiri lined one after the other in a magnificent arc. Best time to visit is March to June.

13. Pindari Glacier: Between Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot is Pindari Glacier. It is located between height of 3650 meters to 4260 m. This glacier of kumaon is easily trekkable. The wilderness of this place is enchanting and a blessing for the trekkers who enjoy nature and its hues. The best time for this trek is Apr-May, Sept-November.

14. Roop Kund Trek: The lake is at 5029 m in the vicinity of Chaoli district. Roopkund, the mysterious lake is covered in snow for the entire year. It is believed that skeletons ages old lied under the sheet of snow. People from far and wide come to view these once the snow melts. The best time to do Roopkund Trek is between the months of May and June. The grade is moderate.

15. Valley Of Flowers: This beautiful valley of flower is located at 11000 feet. The valley was named of so by Frank Smythe On the trek you will be greeted by fernsm dwarf iris, larkspur, rhodendrons blue poppies, asters, etc. Come August/September and Valley is colourful with a large variety of flowers, shrubs and orchids. This natural plantation is a dazzling to the eyes and perfect treat after a cumbersome trek. The best time to do this trek is in the months of August and September.

The Company THRILLOPHILIA deals with adventure-related activities on a pan-India level. Be its Rafting in the Tons or in the Kali River at Dandeli, Camel Safari in Ladakh or in the Thar Desert, Trekking around Bangalore or Ladakh, Scuba Diving in Lakshadweep or Andaman, we cater it all. We also have some fabulous Biking trips, Caving, Wildlife, Paragliding and many more adrenaline pumping adventure sports. India, having varied landscapes happens to be one of the finest destinations in the world for adventure.

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