For an Adventure Seeker, Nothing Compares to the Surreal View from a Mountain Top! If You're Such a Traveller, Visit the 10 Most Scenic and Adventurous Sites for Trekking in Uttrakhand (2021)

Improving your overall fitness will definitely help you accomplish your trekking goal. Generally, it takes 3 weeks to 3 months to see improvement in your fitness level. Cardiovascular fitness, improving your leg strength, strong back, improving your core muscles are some significant areas you can work on.

Trekking is not like your sightseeing vacation, where you can figure things out on your journey. There are a lot of challenges to deal with while trekking at high altitudes. Preparing yourself for basic living conditions, building your resilience, mentally preparing yourself through visualization, and minimising stress are certain things you must do to prepare yourself for the arduous trekking experience.

Your backpack is probably the most vital tool during the hiking journey. During trekking, you will carry your bag laden with essential items. Pick a backpack that has an adjustable waist and chest straps so that it can be adjusted to your convenience, and practicing with a backpack that is loaded can help you anticipate what you will have to face while trekking.

Kedartal is situated at an elevation of 15,748 feet and is one of the spellbinding treks of Uttarakhand. The untouched glacial lake is nestled amidst lofty mountains of Jagin, Bhrigupanth, Jogin 1 & 2, Meru, and other peaks. The trekking route not only offers enthralling views of Himalayas but also gives an opportunity to witness flora and fauna of the Garhwal region.

The trek is quite challenging and is worth a try. The trekking trail takes you through rocky and rugged terrains, sliding zones, and Kedar Ganga. Along the route, you can enjoy the breath-taking views of cascading waterfalls, river streams, emerald green valleys, and snow-clad peaks. If you are lucky, you can see Himalayan black bears, blue sheeps, and other exotic animal and bird species along the trail. The reflections of Thalay Sagar mountain peak in the crystal-clear waters of Kedartal is truly captivating. The average temperature during day time is about 12 to 17 degrees C, while in the night, it can drop to -2 to -3 degree Celcius. The entire trek distance is about 41 km.

Kalindi Khal Trekking is the most rewarding and challenging treks in Garhwal Ranges of Uttarakhand. The maximum altitude of the trek is 5,946 m and takes your around the Garhwal region from Bhagirathi to Alaknanda Valley. The trek offers the best of almost everything, whether it is climbing, a pilgrimage, or experiencing beautiful landscapes and views.

The trail is along snowfields and moraines, which gives you an opportunity to catch a glimpse of wildlife at higher altitudes. Some of the places along the trek include – Rishikesh, Gangotri, Chirbasa, Gaumukh, Vasuki Tal, Arwa Tal, Badrinath, and Joshimath. The trek is arduous and hence recommended for those who have high altitude trek experience. Mana is the last point of this trail, which happens to be the, last hamlet of India.

If you are looking for mental peace and escape a few days from the monotonous schedule, then there is nothing better than a trekking expedition in the mighty Himalayas. Brahmatal trek is one of the underrated yet popular Uttarakhand treks. It is situated at an altitude of 12,250 feet and offers astounding views of the Himalayas and serene ambience. The lake is hidden amidst the ridge, and according to mythology, this is the place where Lord Brahma meditated. The trek is perfect for those looking for a calming trip.

Brahmatal trek begins at Lohajung, a place near Kathgodam. Kathgodam is well-connected to cities like Dehradun (277 km) and Delhi (320 km). The trek offers a magical experience as most of the trekking route is through the dense Rhododendron and Oak forest. The trails also take you through the snow-covered meadows, and you can witness magnificent views of Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nanda Ghunti. This is one of the easy treks and is ideal for beginners. The average temperature ranges from 3 to 10 degrees Celcius during the daytime, and the mercury may plunge to up to -10 degrees C during the night.

Blessed with unique and exciting Himalayan flora, the heavenly Valley of Flowers is nestled in the West Himalayan ranges of Uttarakhand. The valley was accidentally discovered in 1931 by the legendary mountaineer Frank Smythe. This exotic piece of natural splendour is a UNESCO Heritage Site and is indeed a paradise on earth. The spellbinding trek is popular among both beginners and avid trekkers alike. It is part of Nanda Devi Biosphere and sprawls over 87.5 sq. km.

The bloom begins once the snow starts melting. Almost 300 wildflower species bloom in the valley, and the peak period is from mid-July to mid-August months. Some prominent species include Cobra Lily Anemone, Blue Poppy, Geranium, and Brahmakamal. Besides these incredible vistas of colourful flowers, the valley has a lot more to offer. There are quaint villages, waterfalls, towering peaks, and glaciers, which makes the trek a truly memorable experience.

The trek route is well-paved and well-defined, and the difficulty level would be from moderate to easy. The trek usually begins at Govindghat, which is 25 km away from Badrinath. From Govindghat to Ghangaria, there are ponies, palanquins, and helicopter ride available, which will reduce the difficulty level of trekking. Ghangaria to the valley of flowers is about 6 km trek.

Satopanth Lake is situated at the base of Nilkantha Peak. This triangle-shaped lake is at an altitude of 14,000 feet, and the greatness of this lake is evident from the ancient Indian scriptures. According to a legend, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva descend on earth to take a dip in this holy lake on auspicious days. As a symbolic testimony to the holy trinity, the lake is perhaps triangular in shape.

The trek begins from Mana, a beautiful hamlet in Uttarakhand. The lake is 18 km from the village. The trekking path is a bit treacherous, but along the way, you can witness dramatic scenery that is soothing to the eyes. The trekking trails offer mesmerising views of Abi Gamin, Kamet, Balakun, Nilkantha, and Chaukhamba. This trek is not for beginners. You need to gain sufficient experience of trekking at the height of 3000 m and then move on to Satopanth Tal trek.

Har ki Dun Valley is nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of 12,000 feet. The hiking to this marvellous region is one of the wanted and most popular treks both during summer and winter. The trek is accessible through Govind National Park, which is renowned for its amazing diversity of flora and fauna.

The trail covers enchanting natural panorama ranging from glacier basins, quaint villages, dense pine forests, gorges, alpine meadows, and moraine ridges. This is the only valley, where you can catch a glimpse of all the three peaks of Swargarohini, Black peak, and Bandarpoonch. The difficulty level of the trek is easy to moderate. The months of October and November comprise the spring season when you can view the beautiful blooms of the region, including rhododendrons. The trekking distance is roughly 47 km.

Dayara Bugyal is one of the easy destinations to trek, situated in the Uttarkashi district. This lush high-altitude meadow is about 9 km from Barsu Village, which is also the base camp for the trek. There are two initial points for this trek – Barsu and Raithal Villages. However, most trekkers start from Barsu and trek down through Raithal, which gives them an opportunity to view the picturesque beauty of both the routes.

This trek is easy to accomplish by any individual with a decent fitness. The maximum elevation that you will cover during the trek is about 12,000 feet. The trek takes you through dense forests comprising of oak and pine trees, and meadows. During March and April, you can witness the beautiful Rhododendron flowers. If you want to experience the Himalayas, then Dayara Bugyal would be a perfect option.

Deoria Tal is situated at the height of 2,438 m near Chopta in Uttarakhand. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks, dense forests and lush greenery. It is believed that Gods, during ancient times, bathed in Deoria Tal. The trekking distance to the late from Sari Village is about 2 km. Sari is a village situated about 13 km from Ukhimath.

Buran Ghati is close to the Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh border. The Buran Valley runs geographically parallel to the Rupin Pass, which are separated by just a range of cliffs. Even the most critical eye cannot spot the imperfections in Buran Ghati Trek. Every moment along the hike is memorable, and you will never be disappointed.

The trek seems like all the best things of Himalayan hikes are sewed together to make it immaculate. The base camp of this trek is at Janglik, an ancient untouched hamlet. The trail takes you through the deep forests and then into lush Dayara meadows. Buran Ghati is at an altitude of 4,572 m and connects Pabbar Valley to Baspa Valley.

If you are looking for a short trek of 4 to 5 days in the Himalayas, then Chopta Chandrashila Peak Trek in the Garhwal region is just right. This enchanting region is bestowed with an abundant variety of flora and fauna, which makes the trek even more exciting.

The base camp of this trek is at Sari. The first stage of the trekking journey will take you to Deoriatal, a gorgeous lake nestled amidst captivating surroundings. It is located at a height of 2,438 m. The reflection of mighty peaks around in the crystal-clear waters is a sight to behold. The spell-binding trek is characterized by the grandeur of the Himalayas and is considered as one of the beautiful hiking trails in the Garhwal region. The trek manoeuvres through lush green meadows and unpaved trails. The trail will also give your glimpses of the ancient Garhwal culture.

A proper diet is essential to get you through the trekking journey that will give you energy and power to accomplish your goal.