5 Best Treks in Uttarakhand, Himalayas

If you want to escape the boredom of a sedentary everyday lifestyle and the clamor of city life during vacations, run away to the whispering deodars, tantalizing lakes, undulating meadows, and the mountains. The sky-high mountain peaks of Uttarakhand and its immaculate environment has a calming effect on human hearts. The sights from the summit of the peaks after trekking will blow you off and help you feel calm, composed, refreshed, and motivated.

Uttarakhand, also known as the “Land of Gods”, is a paradise on Earth. It is the perfect spot for trekkers, devotees, nature lovers, and adventure buffs. You can locate this pious state in the west of Nepal. It is replete with folklore, myths, and extraterrestrial incidents. Uttarakhand opens its outlets for thousands of treks, camping activities, and innumerable temple visits. This state is an oft-visited pilgrimage spot for Hindu devotees and pilgrims. 

Uttarakhand is very famous for the magnificent Gangotri Glacier where the devotees make pilgrimages through treks, and the second tallest mountain range in India, Nanda Devi. While trekking, discovering the beguiling beauty of this state will have you in jaw-dropping awe. The beauteous expanse of valleys, thick green forests, teal blue skies, meandering roads with ravishing landscapes, and peaceful villages define the grandeur of trekking in Uttarakhand. 

The best trekking places in Uttarakhand unveil some of the most sublime and eye-catching locations in India. Here are some of the 5 best treks in Uttarakhand which are imperative because once you do them; you come away from a different person.

1. Brahmatal Trek

The breathtaking Brahmatal trek takes you to an altitude of 12,250 ft. It is located in the Chamoli district, opposite the Roopkund trek. This trek courses through snow-covered trails and resplendent landscapes. Brahmatal is a location of ecstasy for snow lovers. Throughout this trek, you will find an ample amount of snow scattered on the path.  This trek takes you through the tranquil valleys, rustling streams, dense oak forests. Also, there are paths dotted with arrays of vibrant rhododendrons and quiet hamlets. The shimmering snowfields, the shadowy forests, the colorful flowers, the turquoise skies make this trek all the more memorable. Brahmatal is a trekker’s paradise. It comes with some of the most beautiful ridgelines and the Bugyals. The trek trails covered in snow, the high-altitude lakes, and the awe-inspiring views of the snowy majestic mammoths provide for a sublime experience.

This sublime trek is in favor of the all-round views of the Himalayan Mountains from the high-point. Mt. Trishul and Nanda Ghunti peaks are some of the most famous ranges that you get to feast your eyes on. This trek’s major attraction is the frozen blue Brahmatal Lake. The snow-capped peaks and dense forests surround this beauteous Lake. The panoramic view circling this emerald lake is an unmatched experience. 

This trek also provides a bird’s eye view of the Roopkund Lake. It also provides magnificent views of the sky-kissing snow-covered mountains all around. The Brahmatal trek is one of the best-known winter treks in Uttarakhand. It becomes mystical with the trails lying under in a sheath of snow with unparalleled views of landscapes draped in pure white. This trek remains accessible from December to February as well as in spring.

2. Bali Pass

Bali Pass trek is quite an unexplored location. It is one of the most enchanting treks that Uttarakhand can ever provide for. Bali Pass takes you to an elevation of 16,207 ft above sea level. This Pass offers unhindered and wide panoramic views of the exquisite Himalayan peaks like Kala Nag, Swargarohini, and Bandarpoonch. The Bali Pass trek, for the most part, is suitable for experienced trekkers. There are narrow, steep ascends and challenging terrains all along the way. 

The Bali Pass is a confluence of the quaint Har Ki Dun valley and the source of Yamuna River, Yamunotri. This pass also connects the Har Ki Doon valley and the Ruinsara valley. This sublime trek commences from Sankri village and ends at Janki Chatti. The major attraction of this trek is the alpine meadows of Dev Thatch and the Ruinsara Lake. The angelic beauty of the lake, the enchanting scenery of the Ruinsara forest, and the meadows make this trek idyllic.

This trek also provides an opportunity to understand the spectacular village life. The tranquil and quiet Ghangad and Osla villages enhance Himalayan beauty. The explicit beauty of Ruinsara Tal is also a major attraction of this trek. This trek can be undertaken during the months of May to June and September, and October. This virgin wonderland should be on your bucket list because of its magnifying beauty, and immense grandeur. It will quench your thirst for thrill and adventure and offer you some of the most memorable memories.          

3. Har Ki Doon Trek

Har Ki Doon Valley is nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas, in the Uttarkashi district. Har Ki Doon valley is regarded as the most sought after trekking destinations of Uttarakhand. It is a cradle shaped hanging valley situated at an elevation of 3566 m above sea level. It falls under the Govind Ballah National Park. The valley provides astounding unprecedented views of the rugged and verdant beauty of the mountains. This valley is one of the most popular trekking spots in Uttarakhand.

The trek trail meanders through the alpine meadows and the charismatic pine forests. The hilly landscape all along the trek route is embellished with cascading waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, pious rivers, and thick pine and oak forests. Har Ki Doon trek’s path crosses through 2000 years old primitive villages. It provides a great insight into the village life. 

This valley is also famous for bird-watching and is perfect for nature and bird lovers. This valley offers a 360o wide view of Kala Nag, Bandarpoonch, and Swargarohini peaks. The best time to visit this trek is from April to June and from September to December.

4. Chopta Chanrashila Trek

Chandrashila, known as, “Moon rock”, seats at a high height of 4000 m above sea level. The Chandrashila trek is one of the most popular treks of Uttarakhand. This trek starts from a picturesque Thorpe, Chopta. Chopta is also described as the “Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand”.

The Chopta Chandrashila Peak trek offers a panoramic view of the famous Himalayan peaks. These peaks include Kedarnath Dome, Chaukamba, Nanda Devi, and Mt. Trishul. The trek passes through eye-catching meadows, wooded deodar forests, verdant pastures, snow-capped peaks, and the ravishing rhododendrons. 

On the way to the Chandrashila summit, you will find the famous Tugnath shrine. The Shiva temple of Tugnath is regarded as the highest Panch Kedar temple in Uttarakhand. The trekkers and the pilgrims alike visit the Tugnath quite often. The best time for Chopta trekking is from April to June and from October to January.

5. Dayara Bugyal Trek

Dayara Bugyal is one of the most alluring alpine meadows in India. Dayara Bugyal seats at an elevation of 3408 m above sea level. In the Uttarkashi district, Dayara Bugyal is one of the famous meadows of Uttarakhand. This trek is one of the most mesmerizing treks of Uttarakhand because of the heavenly beauty of the highland meadows, and the awe-inspiring views of the Himalayas.

The trek route goes through the dense maple and oak forests starting from Barsu village. This trek gives you a detailed insight into the well-maintained green ecosystem of Uttarakhand. The wide stretches of green undulating pastures make the trekking experience all the more cherishable. 

The enchanting beauty of Dodital Lake which is the origin of Assi Ganga is one of the major attractions for this trek. The best time to visit Dayara Bugyal is from May to November. It is also considered as one of the well-known winter treks in Uttarakhand. Many people visit Dayara Bugyal in the winters to experience the surreal beauty of snowfall. This place is perfect for all nature lovers and for all those who are in search of tranquility and peace.