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.
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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
| Altitude | 12000 ft |
| Distance | 38 km |
| Difficulty Level | Moderately Difficult |
| Terrain | Stone-paved path, steep, narrow passages and rocky. |
| Duration | 3–4 Days |
| Best Month To Visit | July to September |
| Base Camp | Ghangaria |
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
| Altitude | 14500 ft |
| Distance | 54 km |
| Difficulty Level | Difficult |
| Terrain | Dark forests, Alpine stretches, rocky paths and snow-covered sections. |
| Duration | 8 Days |
| Best Month To Visit | May to June |
| Base Camp | Lohajung |
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
| Altitude | 9915 ft |
| Distance | 16 km |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
| Terrain | Gentle slopes, Dense forests, Snowy landscapes and Steep inclines. |
| Duration | 6 Days |
| Best Month To Visit | April to June and October to December |
| Base Camp | Pantwari 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
| Altitude | 13990 ft |
| Distance | 31 km |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
| Terrain | Lush meadows, dense forests and different landscapes. |
| Duration | 10 Days |
| Best Month To Visit | April until mid-June |
| Base Camp | Joshimath |
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
| Altitude | 13415 ft |
| Distance | 5 km |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
| Terrain | Rhododendron and oak forests, serene valleys, snow-capped peaks and mountains. |
| Duration | 4 to 5 Days |
| Best Month To Visit | March to June |
| Base Camp | Tugnath |
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
| Altitude | 12000 ft |
| Distance | 107 km |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate to Difficult |
| Terrain | Dense forests, steep ascents, hilly terrain, lush meadows and streams. |
| Duration | 12 Days |
| Best Month To Visit | May, June, September, October |
| Base Camp | Guptakashi |
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
| Altitude | 12500 ft |
| Distance | 20 km |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate |
| Terrain | Forests of pine and oak, panoramic Himalayan vistas and few steep sections. |
| Duration | 4-5 Days |
| Best Month To Visit | December to April |
| Base Camp | Sankri |
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
| Altitude | 13600 ft |
| Distance | 40 km |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate to High |
| Terrain | Rugged terrains with lush green from the oak and rhododendron forest. |
| Duration | 6-7 Days |
| Best Month To Visit | Mid of March and November |
| Base Camp | Kuflon, 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
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.
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.
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.
