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Uttarakhand

Kauri Pass Trek

Region:Garhwal Himalayas
Base: Rishikesh

The pass (Khal) is approached through a narrow goat track at an elevation of 4265 m in the heart of Chamoli District. The glorious view of the imposing eastern peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas is unforgettably enchanting. They appear so close with their grand glittering snow caps that one feels like almost touching them.

If the weather is clear then the peaks visible from Kuari Pass are Nanda devi Dunagiri, Bethartoli, Devarthan etc. Since Lord Curzon once trekked upto Kuari Pass, the trail is known as Curzon trail.

Duration : 9 Days

Dodi Tal Trek

Region: Garhwal Himalayas
Base: Uttarkashi or Kalyani

Dodi Tal, at an elevation of 3024 m and north of Uttarkashi, has its origins in several natural springs, its crystal clear waters are surrounded by dense woods of oak, pine, deodar and rhododendrons. The lake is full of fish including the rare Himalayan Golden Trout. The forest surrounding the lake is full of wild life. The lake provides an idyllic setting for rest and recreation such as angling, boating and bird watching.

The trek for Dodi Tal commences from Uttarkashi or Kalyani, which can be approached by motor. Kalyani to Agoda is a gradual climb through woods, fields and villages along a mule track. The trek from Agoda to Dodi Tal is steep and through thick forests. This trek is open throughout the year, though in winters it is quite cold. For summers, a round trek is possible from Hanuman Chatti to Uttarkashi via Dodi Tal.

Rishikesh-Tapoban Trek

If the weather is clear then the peaks visible from Kuari Pass are Nanda devi Dunagiri, Bethartoli, Devarthan etc. Since Lord Curzon once trekked upto Kuari Pass, the trail is known as Curzon trail.

Duration : 6 days

Chandra Shila Winter Summit

Region: Garhwal Himalayas
Base: Guptkashi

Since most of the peaks of the Garhwal Himalaya are quite difficult to scale in winter, a climb to a mini-peak, Chandra Shila, in Chamoli District is arranged by GMVN. This climb combines scaling, skiing and trekking along a router rich in flora and fauna, lakes and meadows full of fresh snow in the winter. The scenic beauty on the trails is unbelievably beautiful. The grassy slopes when covered with snow make an ideal ski course and provide a lot of fun.

Duration: 4 days

Rishikesh - Pauri - Binsar Trek

Region: Garhwal Himalayas
Base: Rishikesh

The trek starts from Thalisain via Pauri, an enchanting hill station presenting a panoramic view of the Garhwal Himalaya snowy peaks, and on a clear day the sunset is worth seeing from Kondolia, 5 km from Thalisain the trek trails through a very rich forest of deodar, silver, fir, pine and oak and wildlife.

Duration : 7 days.

Kalsi-Lakhamandal Trek

Region: Garhwal Himalayas
Base: Goraghati

This is a cultural and historical trek in the Jaunsar-Babar region in the foothills of the stately Garhwal Himalaya, between the rivers Yamuna and the Tons. A tribe known as the Jaunsari live in this region. Their customs and traditions are entirely different from those of the rest of Garhwal. The practice of polygamy and polyandry prevail among them.

The villages along this trek are worth seeing, culturally and architecturally. Clustered houses with tiled roofs match the environment. The trek is rich with flora and fauna and is particularly inviting for ornithologists.

This trek, also has historical significance. At Kalsi, also there are rock inscriptions of the Ashokan age in the Pali script. At Birat Khoi, there is a fort in ruins now. According to the Mahabharata, this fort belonged to Maharaja Birat. And at Lakhamandal there are ruins of the ancient palace the Kauravas made of lac for the Pandavas.

Mussoorie - Nagtibba Trek

Region: Garhwal Himalayas
Base: Rishikesh

At the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan ranges, north east of Mussoorie, Nagtibba is at an altitude of 3048 m. This place is situated on a saddle and at a sunrise it is a beautiful sight to watch the sun peeping from behind the mountains. From Morina Dhar the trek is on a ridge, most of the time parallel to the Garhwal Himalayan ranges from Swargarohini to Nandadevi. This part of the trek is very rich in flora and fauna.

Duration : 6 Days.

Devi Darshan Trek

Region: Garhwal Himalayas
Base: Rishikesh

This trek is for those who wish to see the Himalaya and do not have the strength or time to get a close view. Three sidhpeeths named after the Goddess Durga are on top of hills that are located at the three corners of a triangle.

The temples are : Kunjapuri 1645 m, Surkhanda Devi 3030 m, Chandrabadini 2756 m.

From each temple, the other two are visible. Each also presents a panoramic view of the mighty Garhwal Himalaya and the Doon Valley. Each temple is approachable by motor vehicle and then by short treks of an hour-and-a-half each from the nearest motor heads. The treks are not tiresome and much strength or stamina are not needed. Tap water is not available, except at Chandrabadini and, therefore, water bottles should be carried. Each hill-top temple brings on a mood of meditation. Those versed in transcendental meditation will feel the vibrations of each of these holy environs.

Nanda Devi Sanctuary Trek

Region: Garhwal Himalayas
Base: Joshimath

Nanda Devi Sanctuary is situated in Chamoli District at altitudes exceeding 4500 m. It is surrounded by seventy colossal white peaks, many named and some unnamed. The most famous of them is the majestic Nanda Devi.

The sanctuary is shaped like a cup and has several lush green meadows and beautiful waterfalls. Herds of blue mountain goats (Bharal) graze everywhere. Sir Edmund Hillary in his autobiography described the ruggedness of this sanctuary so "Nanda Devi Sanctuary is God gifted wilderness - India's training ground for adventure..."

The starting point for this trek is Joshimath, which is easily reached by motor road from the foothills of the Garhwal Himalaya. At Joshimath, arrangements for guides, porters and last minute purchases can be made. Joshimath to Lata is 25 km by road and then the trek starts. From Lata to Lata Kharan is an arduous trek, but exhaustion is forgotten on seeing the fantastic views of the snow glistened peaks of Runti, Nanda Devi, Nanda Ghunti and Bethartoli across the river Rishi Ganga.

Lata Kharan is an open, wide, grass hill-top which is usually windy and chilly. The trek from Lata Kharan to Dharansi Pass is a long one, featuring regular descents and ascents. On crossing the Dharansi Pass, Nanda Devi is seen.

This trek along a ridge, traversing on rocky surface upto Malatuni Pass. From here it is a continuous descent of 750 m through alpine grassland. Snow clinging to slopes, dense forest, the wide meadows of Debrugheta beside a river are some of the marvelous sights along the way. In summer, Debrugheta meadow is a riot of colour with flowers in all their variety. From Debrugheta to Ramni is a long trek. At first, there is a steep ascent after crossing the Rishi Ganga before arriving at Deodi. Deodi to Ramni is through dense forests of junipers and rhododendrons. And then there's the world-famed Nanda Devi Sanctuary. The Trishul base camp can be approached from Deodi via Bethartoli and Tridang. For this trek, guide services and ropes are essential.

Roopkund Trek

Region: Garhwal Himalayas
Base: Tharali

Roopkund is situated at a height of 5029 m in the lap of the Trishul Massif. It is often called the 'Mystery Lake', as human skeletons and the remains of horses were found here many years ago. There are two versions for these remains; one, that they are the remains of soldiers under General Jorawar Singh's army which was on its way to Tibet, the other that they are the remains of people on a yatra to Trishul base about 200 years ago. The lake, surrounded by rock-strewn glaciers and snow clad peaks, is a magnificent sight. The starting point for the trek is Tharali, which is easily approachable by motor vehicle from Rishikesh.

There is also another trekking route to Roopkund. This one is from Ghat, which is connected by a motorable road with Nandprayag, on the main highway to Badarinath.

The route passes through lush green grasslands and conifer forests clinging to the slopes of the hills. The trek thereafter winds its way along the rocky face by the Pindar river. To round off this trek, you can approach Homekund by way of Shila Samudra glacier and then trek to Ghat or Nandprayag. For the round trek, the services of a guide are advisable.

Om Parvat - Adi Kailash Trek

Region: Garhwal Himalayas
Base: Kasauni

Adi Kailash also known as Chhota Kailash is an area of great natural beauty, peace and serenity. During this trek one gets an opportunity to view the snow peaks of Annapurna, thick forests, water falls and wild flowers.

Duration : 23 days.

Har-ki-Dun Trek

Region: Garhwal Himalayas
Base: Jarmola

Har-ki-Dun, at an elevation of 3566 m, is surrounded by glittering peaks and dense forests. The forests are rich in wild life and are a veritable paradise for bird-watchers and nature lovers. The people of this region worship Duryodhan of the Mahabharata fame and not the victors, the Pandavas.

The trek from Netwar to Osla is through very dense forests of chestnut, walnut, willow and chinar. The trek from Osla to Har-ki-Dun is through terraced mountain fields, lush green grasslands and conifer forests. The best season is the rainy season, when the multi-coloured flowers provide a heavenly sight.

During the rainy season the starting point for the trek is Purola, since the Purola-Netwar motor road is a foul weather road, although jeepable.

Khatling-Sahasra Tal-Masar Tal Trek

Region: Garhwal Himalayas
Base: Rishikesh

The Khatling glacier is a lateral glacier at the source of the river Bhilangana. According to legend, a celestial nymph tried to lure Lord Shiva. She was spurned by him and transformed into a liquid form. Thus originated the Bhilangana.

Sahasra Tal and Masar Tal are to the west and east of Khatling glacier. Nature has showered her rich bounty on the valley of Bhilangana. The panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks and hanging glaciers, such as Jogin group, Kirti Stambha and Meru are magnificent.

The whole trek passes through very thick forests and beautiful lush green meadows. In the rainy season, the meadows are ablaze with the colours of a myriad flowers. Trekkers on this route have to cross scores of small streams using the improvised log bridges.

Valley of Flowers Trek

Region: Garhwal Himalayas
Base: Govind Ghat

According to legend, the Valley of Flowers is associated spiritually with Lord Lakshman, the younger brother of Lord Rama, Lakshman, it is believed, meditated on the banks of Lokpal Lake (Hemkund). The 'Sanjeewani Buti', by virtue of which Lakshman was revived, after he had been badly wounded by Meghnath (the son of Ravana), was found here. It is also believed that God showered the flowers that took root here.

This Valley, where nature has endowed its bounties aplenty, was discovered by the famous mountaineer and naturalist Frank Symthe in 1931. Though the valley had been known to the locals for centuries, they never entered it because of the superstitious belief that the fairies who haunted the place would take them away.

The Valley of Flowers is nearly 10 km in length and 2 km in width and is in the shape of a cone. Girdling it are the river Pushpavati and small streams. There is a bridle path from Ghangaria. The valley is at an elevation ranging from 3000 to 4000 m.

The trek starts from Govind Ghat, on the way to Badrinath. From Govind Ghat to the Valley of Flowers is a 19 km trek. This trek along a mule track offers much scenic beauty, flora and fauna. The trek has two major gradients, one from the Alaknanda suspension bridge at Govind Ghat to Pulana village, a distance of 3 km and the other from Bhiundhar to Gangaria.

After trekking 3 km from Ghangaria, a bifurcation point is reached. The routes to the Valley of Flowers and Lokpal (Hemkund) are well marked here.

At Hemkund, apart from the Lakshman temple and the lake, there is a Gurudwara of Guru Govind Singh. The Guru Granth Sahib (the holy book of the Sikhs), states that Guru Govind Singh, in one of his previous births, meditated here. In 1930, Hav. Sohan Singh discovered this lake and identified it, by the seven snow clad peaks, with the one referred to in the Holy Book. Guru Govind Singh is revered by Sikhs, Hindus and others and so Hemkund has acquired international renown.

High Altitude Trek

Region: Garhwal Himalayas
Base: Gangotri

For the more adventurous, and with fundamental knowledge of the mountains, an extension of the Nandavan trek eastward to Ghastoli and from there to Badarinath via Kalindi Pass (5967 m) and Arwa Tal provides a rare experience. It involves high altitude trekking and so preparations need to be made on a small expedition scale.

The trek is from Nandavan to Vasuki Tal after due acclimatization. It is a gradual ascent for 10 km. Thereafter, the trek negotiates Khara pathar at a height of 5456 m before camp is made at Kalindi base (5590 m). Crossing Kalindi Pass very early in the morning, the trek leads to Arwa glacier and Arwa Tal (3980 m), then to Badarinath via Ghastoli with two river crossings on the way.

Trekking permit has to be taken from DM, Joshimath. It is the highest trekking route in the world, so an experienced guide, porters are essential besides the tent, clothing and food supply. The Tourism office at Rishikesh arranges conducted tour on this route.

Gangotri-Nandavan-Tapoban Trek

Region: Garhwal Himalayas
Base: Rishikesh

This trek is for adventure lovers, who can experience mountain climbing, rock climbing, boulder-hopping and glacier traversing on this trek. Yet the trek is not a very rigorous one and is easily negotiable by healthy persons who are not mountaineers. The trek passes through woods of coniferous pines at Chirbasa and birch at Bhojbasa. From Gaumukh to Nandavan, trekkers traverse along the Gangotri and Chatturangini Glaciers. Camp can be pitched at the junction of Chatturangini and Bhagirathi Gangotri glaciers. From Nandavan the views of Shivling, Bhagirathi, Sudarshana and Thelu peaks and Kedar Dome are a fabulous sight. The trek to Tapoban from Nandavan involves crossing the Gangotri Glacier and traversing a rocky face before arriving at the meadows of Tapoban (meditating ground), a green lush valley in the summers confined by the many named and unnamed peaks of the Garhwal Himalaya. Herds of Bharals (blue mountain goats) are a common sight seen on mountain ridges from here.