Busy towns and quiet hill stations define Uttarakhand. Shadowed by the Himalayan peaks and lowland forests lies this beautiful state in India. Flocks of tourists reach here in search of adventure, spirituality and many times just to admire the beauty of the terrains. Uttarakhand is a popular choice for trekkers with the state hosting the second highest peak in India. Here are 10 treks in Uttarakhand.
1. Bali Pass Trek
Bali pass trek, through the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, is a trek to Yamunotri, the place of origin of the holy river Yamuna. Passing through many rivers and rivulets such as Tons and Siyan Gad, the place is home to green pastures, trees, and wildlife. Along the Bali pass, ascending the Ruinsara Tal takes you to the holy Yamunotri Shrine.
Altitude: 4800 m
Best time to Visit: Mid-April to June and September to Mid-November
2. Chopta Chandrashila Trek
Part of the Kedarnath wildlife sanctuary, Chopta is a region covered with evergreen forests and meadows. Deodar, pine and rhododendron forests throw vivid colors to the place. Trek to Chandrashila gives breathtaking views of the peaks Trishul, Nanda Devi and Chaukhamba. Tungnath temple and Chandrashila are covered in ice during winters and the place is known as mini Switzerland for its snowfall and ice capped mountains.
Altitude: 4090 m
Best time to Visit: April to November
3. Auden Col Trek
Auden Col trek is a high altitude trek suitable for experienced trekkers. Auden’s Col mountain pass connects Rudugaira valley and Bhilangna valley. You can witness the splendor of the Khatling glacier and Rudra Ganga stream which will leave you jaw-dropped. However arduous the trek may seem, it finds many tourists every year who cross the Auden Col pass to trek from Gangotri to Kedarnath.
Altitude: 5450 m
Best time to Visit: Mid-May to Early October
4. Roopkund Trek
What awaits you in the adventurous trek to Roopkund is a glacier lake locally known as the Mystery and Skeletons Lake. The place gets the name because of the human skeletons that are visible at the bottom of the lake as the snow melts. The location is picture perfect with snow clad mountains and Bedni Bugyal grasslands. The views of the Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, and Badrinath peaks are visible from Roopkund.
Altitude: 4463 m
Season: May to June & September to October
5. Satopanth Lake Trek
Among the shadows of mighty peaks of the Himalayan range lies the Satopanth lake. Owing to its triangular shape, the lake holds a lot of religious significance and is said to be the place where the Trimoortis, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva bathed on auspicious days. The rare variety of birds found here are believed to be the Gandharvas in disguise who protect the lake.
Altitude: 4330 m
Best time to Visit: June to Mid-October
6. Rupin Pass Trek
Rupin pass trek covers pulsating trails of glaciers, snow fields, Rhododendrons and expanse of green meadows. The trek is a real thrill for the nerves as you pass the hamlets, climb up the snowy patches and make your way through the streams. The amazing part of this trek is that it begins from Uttarakhand and ends in Himachal Pradesh with a breathtaking view of Kinner Kailash.
Altitude 4600m
Best time to Visit: Mid-May to June and September to October
7. Dayara Bugyal – Dodital Trek
Dayara Bugyal-Dodital trek takes you along the canopy of oak, deodar and pine trees leaving trails of an alpine expedition experience. During the winter season when the place is covered fully in ice, skiing becomes the favorite sport of the tourists. The Barnala Lake along the ridge with its emerald green water is a treat to the eyes.
Altitude: 4150 m
Season: Mid-March to Mid-November
8. Gomukh Tapovan Trek
Gomukh Tapovan journey is a pleasing one even for inexperienced trekkers with few difficult terrains to pass and harsh weather to combat against. Be it the coniferous pine trees at Chirbasa and birch at Bhojwassa or the herd of Blue mountain goats along the mountain ridges, the flora and fauna here are stunningly graceful. A few kilometers ahead of Bhojwassa, the Gomukh Glacier becomes visible along with a few other peaks.
Altitude: 4463 m
Season: May to June and August to Mid-October
9. Har Ki Dun Trek
Situated at a comparatively low elevation, the trek takes you through Har Ki Dun, where the meadows are profusely populated with rare varieties of herbs and shrubs. Har Ki Dun is a place of much religious significance to the Hindus and is believed to be the mountain through which the Pandavas left to heaven. Jaundar and Swargarohini are located in the nearby region which can be spotted during the trek.
Altitude: 3566 m
Season: March to June & September to Mid-November
10. Kedartal Trek
Kedartal trek offers gleamingly beautiful views of glacial lakes, rare and indigenous animals such as the haral (blue sheep), Goral, Himalayan black bear and breathtaking peaks. However, challenging the journey may seem, every bit of it is worth the effort. The trek begins from Gangotri and passes through Kedarnath and Bhoj Kharak before ascending to Kedartal.
Altitude: 4912 m
Season: May to Early November
If your life is lacking some adventure of fun time with your loved ones, then without second thoughts, leave the busy life behind and embark upon a journey. The arduous journey is rewarded with soothing meadows that take you to the top of the splendor called the Himalayas.
