The Greatest 6 Treks of Uttrakhand

1. Nanda Devi Shivling Peak Chaukhamba from Chandershila Roopkund Lake THE GREATEST 6 TREKS OF UTTARAKHAND Rupin Pass Misty Forest Near Ghangria

2. Nanda Devi and Himalayas from Dhanaulti. Known as the Garhwal Himalayas it is further divided into the western Garhwal division and eastern Kumaon division. Daily flights can be taken to Dehradun from Delhi but it still a few days of travel to get into the mountains via rugged mountains. The small town of Rishikesh along the banks of the Ganges and at the base of the Himalayas can make a good resting point for those on their way into the mountains. The best trekking season is between April and Early June and then again during October and November. Here is a look at some of the best treks in the region.

3. Shivling Peak in GarhwalHimalaya This is a short 4 or 5 day trek from Gangotri to the Gangotri Glacier, one of the largest in the Indian Himalayas and the source of the Ganges River. It is a popular trek and often made as a religious pilgrimage. Gomukh literally means cows snout and refers to the origin of the Ganges River where it flows from the end of the glacier. One enjoys fantastic views of Mt. Shivling and the Bhagirathi peaks. Mount Shivling 6,543 m / 21,467 ft who’s name refers to the sacred symbol of Lord Shiva while not particularly tall by Himalayan standards is exceptionally beautiful and was often referred as the “Matterhorn” by Europeans who first trekked the region. An extra 3 or 4 days can be easily added for hiking around the Tapovan (meadow) to the different peaks and up the glacier

4. View of Chaukhamba from Chandershila If you only have a limited amount of time this short 4 day trek starting from Rishikesh is a great option. It’s a little longer than a half day drive to the trailhead at Sari village. It’s an easy 45 min hike to Deorital Lake which offers great views and fantastic camping. The second day takes you to Chopta and then on to the summit of Chandershila which offers fantastic views of Chaukhamba 7000m+ in the distance. The entire hike has fantastic views of the Himalayas and the high point at Chandershila is 4000m so the trek poses no acclimatization issues. If you go in April expect the hills to be colored pink from the blooming Rhododendrons

5. Misty Forest Near Ghangria This 4 or 5 day trek brings you to the most famous area for wildflowers in the Himalaya and unlike the other treks mentioned is best done during the monsoon when the flowers are in full bloom. Trekkers should expect plenty of rain and prepare accordingly. Fortunately the beauty of the flowers make up for it and one can stay in one of the lodges at Ghangria in order to stay out of the rain at night and get dry. The trek starts from Govind Ghat and it’s the first day is spent hiking to the small village of Ghangria.

6. View near Roopkund Lake This picturesque 6 day trek takes one to the “haunted” lake of Roopkund (4450m / 14600ft) which is known for the human skeletons that can be seen in the lake. Local legend has it that the lake contains the ancient remains of several hundred people. Asides from the mystery surrounding the lake it’s a beautiful trek. The trail starts in the dense oak and rhododendrons forests before emerging above treeline where trekkers can get magnificent views of the giant peaks of Trishul, Nanda Ghunti and Badrinath

7. View of Rupin Pass Towering waterfalls, fantastic views and flower laden meadows ensure that this is one trek that will leave everyone happy. The trail starts from the small village of Dhaula 1560m/5400ft and over the course of 6 days climbs to Rupin Pass at 4650m/15250ft an impressive altitude gain of nearly 10,000 feet. On the way to the pass the trail passes through the small village of Jakha where people follow the path of Satsang which is a pathway to inner truth.

8. Visit my Blog:History of Uttrakhand