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Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas is this beautiful state called Uttarakhand which is not just famous for its abundant scenic beauty but also for its spectacular hiking trails. The state is blessed with beautiful villages, lakes, glaciers, waterfalls, temples, and other attractions that makes it an ideal place for adventurers and nature lovers to explore. This place is a trekker's paradise due to the innumerable spots for trekking in Uttarakhand. Be it beginners or seasoned adventurers, Uttarakhand’s lush green valleys offer some of the best treks.  Best Trails For Trekking In Uttarakhand Here’s our list of best trekking routes in Uttarakhand that will help plan an adventure to the Himalayas the right way.  1. Valley Of Flowers Trek  Beautiful species of wildflowers. Altitude12000 ftDistance38 kmDifficulty LevelModerately DifficultTerrain Stone-paved path, steep, narrow passages and rocky.Duration3–4 DaysBest Month To VisitJuly to SeptemberBase CampGhangaria The Valley of Flowers was first discovered in 1931 by a group of mountaineers. This trek is very famous because of its hundreds of species of wildflowers and variety of fauna that can be seen on your way up. Added bonus are the stunning views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. Since the valley is at a high altitude, the whole place gets covered with a sheet of snow during winters. It is considered as one of the best places for trekking in Uttarakhand. 2. Roopkund Trek Snow capped mountains of Uttarakhand. Altitude14500 ftDistance54 kmDifficulty LevelDifficultTerrain Dark forests, Alpine stretches, rocky paths and snow-covered sections.Duration8 DaysBest Month To VisitMay to JuneBase CampLohajung Also known as the ‘Skeleton Lake Trek’, this trek takes you through dense forests and beautiful meadows. It’s believed that a group of travelers were caught in a natural disaster and lost their lives here, hence the name. During summer when the snow melts, thousands of human bones and skeletons can be seen in the bottom of Roopkund Lake. Only people with good physical fitness and proper acclimatization can complete the trek. It is one of the best summer treks in Uttarakhand that you must try.  3. Nag Tibba Trek Easy access and gentle terrain for trekking. Altitude9915 ftDistance16 kmDifficulty LevelEasyTerrain Gentle slopes, Dense forests, Snowy landscapes and Steep inclines.Duration6 DaysBest Month To VisitApril to June and October to DecemberBase CampPantwari Village Nag Tibba, also called the ‘Mountain of the Serpent’ is one of the famous treks in Uttarakhand for beginners due to its easy access and gentle terrain. This trek is known for the amazing views of the sunrise and sunset, and also great views of peaks like Kedarnath, Changbang, Bandarpoonch and Gangotri peaks. For those who are looking to experience trekking in the Himalayan range within a short duration, the Nag Tibba is one of the best places for trekking in Uttarakhand.  4. Kuari Pass Trek Winter trekking in the snow capped mountains. Altitude13990 ftDistance31 kmDifficulty LevelEasyTerrain Lush meadows, dense forests and different landscapes.Duration10 DaysBest Month To VisitApril until mid-JuneBase CampJoshimath The Kuari Pass trek also called the Lord Curzon Trail is one of the easy treks in Uttarakhand and just perfect for beginners. This beautiful trek takes you through remote villages, pristine rivers, forests (of conifer, birch and bamboo), meadows, and peaceful ambiance. The trek also offers breath-taking views of several Himalayan peaks like Kamet, Kedarnath, Gauri Parvat, Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Neelkanth, Haathi-Ghodi Parvat, and Chaukhamba. Book Now: 5 Mesmerizing Days In Uttarakhand 5. Chopta Chandrashila Trek Tungnath temple Altitude13415 ftDistance5 kmDifficulty LevelEasy Terrain Rhododendron and oak forests, serene valleys, snow-capped peaks and mountains.Duration4 to 5 DaysBest Month To VisitMarch to JuneBase CampTugnath Chopta trek is one of the most popular trails for winter trekking in Uttarakhand. The place is so beautiful that people have started calling it the ‘Mini Switzerland’ of India. On your way up, don’t forget to stop by at Tungnath temple, which is the highest temple of Lord Shiva. Savor the natural scenery, tranquility and views of various peaks like Trishul peak, Nanda Devi peak, Banderpunch, Chaukambha and Kedarnath peak. The winter months of December and January are when the whole region is covered with heavy snow. 6. Panch Kedar Trek Great trails for both novices as well as expert trekking enthusiasts.  Altitude12000 ftDistance107 kmDifficulty LevelModerate to DifficultTerrain Dense forests, steep ascents, hilly terrain, lush meadows and streams.Duration12 DaysBest Month To VisitMay, June, September, OctoberBase CampGuptakashi The Panch Kedar trek is a wonderful mix of beautiful scenic charm and religious sightings. Religious because the trail for this trek goes through five famous Shiva temples starting from Kalpeshwar (where mated hair of Lord Shiva appeared), Rudranath (where head of the Lord appeared), Tungnath (where his arms appeared), and Madhyamaheshwar (where the Lords naval appeared) and ends at Kedarnath (where the Lord appeared in the form of a bull). This great place for trekking in Uttarakhand is great for both novices as well as expert trekking enthusiasts.  7. Kedarkantha Trek Trekker enjoying amazing views after the trek. Altitude12500 ftDistance20 kmDifficulty LevelModerateTerrain Forests of pine and oak, panoramic Himalayan vistas and few steep sections.Duration4-5 DaysBest Month To VisitDecember to AprilBase CampSankri Kedarkantha trek is one of the best winter treks in Uttarakhand as the weather and temperature are bearable even though it's winter time. This trail is great for first-time trekkers as it is relatively easy compared to the other treks. 360 degree view of peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Black peak, Ranglana can be seen during the trek. On finishing the trek, an ancient temple welcomes you, adding a spiritual dimension to the overall experience. 8. Dodital Trek Stunning Barsu lake. Altitude13600 ftDistance40 kmDifficulty LevelModerate to HighTerrain Rugged terrains with lush green from the oak and rhododendron forest.Duration6-7 DaysBest Month To VisitMid of March and NovemberBase CampKuflon, Agoda Village, Sangamchatti Dodital trek is one of those great trails that is ready to delight you year-round. The trail passes through stunning Barsu and Barnala Bugyal and the wonderful Dodital Lake. Highlight of this trek is the emerald green Dodital Lake which is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ganesha. A dip in this lake is said to give relief to people with chronic skin diseases. The beautiful views of the Himalayan peaks and surrounding mountains make one feel like you have landed in a different world of natural beauty. Undoubtedly one of the best places for trekking in Uttarakhand. Also Read: The Top 8 Summer Himalayan Treks In India For You To Choose From Final Words Mother Nature has blessed Uttarakhand with many beautiful trails that cater to every skill level and interest. So as responsible trekkers it is our duty to follow the principle "Leave No Trace" in order to protect the fragile mountain ecosystem. Now that you are ready for those unforgettable adventures in the mountains, pick a route for trekking in Uttarakhand that suits you the best to explore this beautiful state like never before. Happy and safe Trekking! FAQs Which trek is beginner level in Uttarakhand? The easy trail and accessible altitude makes Nag Tibba Trek one of the best treks in Uttarakhand for beginners. The Kedarkantha trek is another trek that is perfect for beginners to try. Which is the coldest mountain in Uttarakhand? Auli, a popular destination in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand is the coldest place in Uttarakhand. The temperatures drop as low as -10 degrees Celsius, making it an ideal destination for skiing. Other cold places in Uttarakhand include Munsiyari and Munisiyari.  Which is the most difficult trek in Uttarakhand? Can’t just name one, Uttarakhand has many difficult treks such as the Roopkund Trek, Auden's Col Trek, Nanda Devi East Base Camp Trek and Gupt Khal trek via Bhyundar Khal.

Every holiday season, San Francisco transforms into a winter wonderland. Good cheer can be found throughout the city, which is brimming with light art, winter markets and holiday performances.   Performing Arts The beautiful festive season is here. San Francisco’s performing arts scene reflects the creative spirit of the city. On Dec. 12 and 14, the San Francisco Symphony performs Brian Henson’s The Muppet Christmas Carol, featuring music by Miles Goodwin and on Dec. 19-21, the Orchestra performs Jon Favreau’s Elf, featuring music by John Debney. Legendary Grammy Award-winning group Boyz II Men will also join the SF Symphony for two special holiday performances on Dec. 17 and 18. See a century-old classic, The Nutcracker, performed by the San Francisco Ballet— America’s oldest professional ballet company. Performances will run through Dec. 29.  ODC/Dance will return to the stage for a holiday run of The Velveteen Rabbit at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (Nov. 30 – Dec. 8) Smuin Contemporary Ballet presents The Christmas Ballet at the Blue Shield of California Theater at YBCA. (Dec. 13-24) The American Conservatory of Theater will present the world premiere of A Whynot Christmas Carol, the story of a small theater troupe in the town of Whynot that has gathered to put up their director’s new version of A Christmas Carol (Nov. 26–Dec. 24). The San Francisco Mime Troupe will present A Red Carol, an activist adaption of the story, featuring a cast of six and traditional music. (Dec. 14-29) In its 19th year, The Golden Girls Live: The Christmas Episodes will cast four drag legends in two parody Christmas episodes of the TV show The Golden Girls at the historic Curran Theater. (Dec. 5–22) North Beach’s Club Fugazi theater will ring in the holiday season with Dear San Francisco: Home For the Holidays!,a holiday edition of the critically acclaimed intimate and immersive circus experience. (Nov. 20 – Dec. 29) Bay Area-based circus, Circus Bella, will put on a special winter performance. Kaleidoscope under a Big Top Circus Tent in San Francisco’s East Cut neighborhood, featuring original, live music. (Dec. 13 – Jan. 5) PlayGround presents its third annual “twisted” holiday show: A VERY HITCHCOCK CHRISTMAS Volume III, inspired by the iconic films of Alfred Hitchcock and featuring plays like Santa on a Rope, To Catch a Grinch, The Sugarplum Trap, The Birds is Coming, and A Murder at Christmas. (Dec. 7-8) Golden Gate Glow Night views of the San Francisco bridge. Light art will brighten block after block of San Francisco from Thanksgiving to Jan. 31 for the Illuminate SF Festival of Light. The annual display includes dozens of free dramatic, eco-friendly light art installations accessible by public transit. Notable installations include "Love Over Rules" in SoMa, "The Seed" in the Castro, and "Entwined" in Golden Gate Park. Experience the country’s largest holiday projection event on a self-guided tour of this year’s Let’s Glow SF artwork. Expanded this year, the free outdoor event will feature one art installation and six large-scale animated light shows across the facades of iconic SF buildings, including the Ferry Building and the top of Salesforce Tower. (Dec. 6-15 from 5:30 – 10 p.m. nightly).  Glow on Front: A Neon Block Party, a free all-ages block party on Front Street, will take place Dec. 13. Every neighborhood across San Francisco will be lit up for the holidays. To see how all of San Francisco celebrates the holidays, Big Bus is offering Holiday Lights Tours with stops to see the Union Square Christmas Tree and City Hall’s Christmas lights and through neighborhoods including Chinatown, Nob Hill, the Embarcadero and Fisherman’s Wharf. The tour ends at Ghirardelli Square with a free Ghirardelli hot chocolate. Shop Local Well lit streets of San Francisco. Winter markets are popping up across San Francisco’s diverse neighborhoods. The markets provide walkable and fun opportunities to shop for local and unique holiday gifts and explore San Francisco’s diverse neighborhoods. Winter Walk in Union Square: As part of its Winter Wander-land,San Francisco’s shopping district, Union Square, will once again bring back the Winter Walk holiday tradition – a 10-day event that will turn two neighborhood blocks into a pedestrian plaza. Local food trucks, live performances and local merchants will highlight Winter Walk’s programming. (Dec. 13 – 22) Cole Valley Night Market: On Dec. 5, San Francisco’s charming Cole Valley neighborhood will host a holiday-themed night market. Bordering Haight-Ashbury, the night market provides an opportunity to experience an underexplored neighborhood, shop from local vendors and sample food from local eateries. North Beach Night Market: North Beach’s first night market will take place on Dec. 6 for a holiday-themed evening. The neighborhood will close Grant Avenue for pedestrians and feature opportunities to taste Italian desserts from local bakeries, holiday shopping from the many local businesses, and live entertainment. Hayes Valley Holiday Stroll: On Dec. 6, Hayes Valley presents an enchanting evening of music, shopping, live performances, and special activities for all ages. Local musicians and carolers will fill the air with holiday tunes, while street performers and dancers bring extra seasonal cheer along the neighborhood’s festive, tree-lined streets. Dogpatch Winter Market: On Dec. 7, the Dogpatch neighborhood will host a day-long winter market. More than 60 neighborhood businesses, including local markets, artisans, studios and museums, will participate. This year’s celebration offers even more opportunities to shop locally with a selection of holiday pop-ups and neighborhood boutiques. Ice Skate The Thrive City Complex will celebrate the holidays with an ice skating rink and holiday celebrations, including a Tree-Lighting Ceremony, Hanukkah Celebration, Kwanzaa celebration, and New Year’s Eve party. For the Winter Wonderland Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 30, Thrive City will inaugurate its newly designated Entertainment Zone with festive activations centered around San Francisco’s tallest Christmas tree, including a guest appearance by Warriors’ legend Festus Ezeli and a performance by Montell Jordan. Thrive City retailers will be permitted to sell alcoholic beverages to-go for attendees to enjoy within the zone as part of the festivities.   San Francisco’s Union Square neighborhood will transform into a winter wonderland with the return of the Safeway Holiday Ice Rink. The rink will offer outdoor skating every day through Jan. 20 and will also host several special events, including Drag on Ice, Silent Skate and Polar Bear Skate. Wintry Activities California Academy of the Sciences’ ‘Tis the Season for Science’ holiday programming features pairs of baby reindeer, camels, and yaks, along with music, dance, and magic performances from over a dozen diverse troupes; falling snow inside the museum; engaging public programs all about animal adaptations to the cold; and seasonal science experiments and crafts. (Nov. 23 – Jan. 5) The Great Dickens Christmas Fairat the historic Cow Palace transforms the venue into the bustling streets and lively stages of Charles Dickens’ Victorian London. Visit from Nov. 23 through Dec. 22 on Saturdays and Sundays. Visitors can ride a miniature steam train, meet Father Christmas, Ebenezer Scrooge, Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig, and the Ghost of Christmas Present, and explore four acres of Victorian theaters, pubs, dance halls and lamplit shops. 1 Hotel San Francisco is unveiling its first-ever Northern Lights experience, running Dec. 2 – Jan. 17. Hosted on the heated & tented Terrene patio along the iconic Embarcadero, guests are welcomed into a cozy, Scandinavian-inspired wonderland, complete with a starlit light installation and festive winter forest décor. Visitors can select and sip from a curated menu of color-changing “Aurora Borealis” hot cocktails and indulge in interactive fondue made with delicious Cowgirl Creamery cheese and served alongside Acme bread and other accouterments.