Uttarakhand at a Glance

NESTLED BETWEEN THE Himalayas, Uttarakhand enthralls with its spectacularly scenic landscape. Charming hill stations juxtaposed against snow-capped peaks, quaint villages along winding mountain roads, serpentine rivers carving their way through hills, waterfalls hurtling down slopes, and serene lakes shimmering in the midst of crowded towns, this is a state that truly soothes the city-stressed soul. It’s no coincidence that, literally translated, Uttarakhand means ‘the abode of the gods’.

Sprawling and numerous national parks speak of the state’s continuous efforts to conserve wildlife; its rich culture and religious heritage ensures that it remains on top of every pilgrims travel plans; a hotbed for skiing, rafting, mountaineering and even paragliding make it an adrenaline junkie’s ideal choice for a dream destination.

The crowning glory is its people warm and friendly, they’re always ready to extend generous hospitality to visitors.

GEOGRAPHY

This stunning hill state is divided into Garhwal and Kumaon regions. The towns of Haldwani, Nainital, Rudrapur, Almora, Pithoragarh, Mukteshwar and Ranikhet populate the Kumaon region. You will find many quiet hill retreats like Binsar, JageshwarBageshwar and Ranikhet, all of which lie in Kumaon. The districts of Uttarkashi, Haridwar, Chamoli, Dehradun, PauriGarhwal, Rudraprayag and Tehri-Garhwal fall in Garhwal division.

HISTORY

Legend has it that the great Hindu rishi, Veda Vyasa, wrote the Mahabharata in Uttarakhand. And the Pandavascacmped here on their final journey.

The Kols, an aboriginal people of the Dravidian line, are apparently the first known settlers They were then succeeded by the Indo-Aryan Khas tribes, who entered India from its northwest frontier. Its lush landscapes attracted more than its fair share of rulers the major, traceable dynasties include the Kunindas the 2nd century BC, the Nagas around in the 4th century BC and the Katyuris between the 7th and 14th centuries. The other tribes that are said to have settled in the highlands were Tibetan Burmese, known as the Kiratas.

Uttarakhand owes its modern consolidation to the Medieval Era, a time of great monetary and artistic prosperity, when the then rulers of the land split it into Kumaon and Garhwal areas. This golden age ended when, in the late 18th century and early 19th century, the Gurkha Empire of Nepal expanded its territory by capturing Kumaon and Garhwal, leading to the Anglo-Nepal WWar

In a bizarre twist of fate, the ruler won the war but lost the battle: fighting for the sovereignty of the Kumaon and Eastern Garhwal regions, and ended up ceding both the regions to the British as part of the Trea of Sugauli. After India gained Independence from the British in 1947, the entire Garhwal kingdom: was merged into Uttar Pradesh. Uttarakhand got statehood in 2000.

LAKES & VALLEYS

Uttarakhand has some of the most beautiful lakes India can boast of. The word ‘tal’ means a waterbody, either a lake or a pond. Which is from where some of the prettiest towns of Nainital, Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal, built around sprawling lakes, draw their names.

The hillstations of this region are scenic wonderlands with view of snow-clad peaks and pine tree lined slopes that are breathtakingl beautiful. You can spend days just walking around sleepy cantonment towns like Ranikhet, or watching the town lights twinkle on hilly slopes as the sun goes down.

The capital Dehradun not only makes a base for travellers en route to Mussoorie, but is a vibrant city with a salubrious climate. The Doon Valley is a hub of some of India’s best residential schools including the very prestigious Doon School, St. Joseph’s Academy, St. Thomas’ College and Welham Girls School and Welham Boys School. The Rashtriya Indian Military College here is a feeder to the National Defence Academy.

Uttarakhand is also home to the famous Valley of Flowers carpeted by a million blooming blossoms. This is now a Unesco World Heritage Site.

HOLY HERITAGE

Some of the holiest and most revered spots of India are located in this state. The Char DhamYatra encompasses Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath, and draws millions of pilgrims from all over the country. And of course, there is the most famous of them all, Haridwar. Who has not heard of the KumbhMela, the mesmerising Ganga Aarti, or the LaxmanJhula at Rishikesh? Haridwar is where India’s holiest river Ganga enters the plains.

TRAILING THE TIGER

The iconic Jim Corbett National Park, the cornerstone of India’s efforts to conserve the tiger, is in Uttarakhand. Besides jeep or an elephant safari, you can opt tospend a night here, this being one of the few wildlife sanctuaries in India where you can do so.

FOR THE DAREDEVIL

For those who want to try their hand at adventure sports, Uttarakhand presents a wide range of options. Expeditions to glaciers such as Pindari, Sundardunga and Khatling lure trekkers and mountaineers, while skiing at Auli is popular for both beginners and experts. You can also go snow camping at Dhanaulti where you can walk on soft, fresh, powdery snow by day and snuggle up in comfortable tents at night.

Shivpuri near Rishikesh provides an opportunity to go white water rafting on the Ganga. Nainital pampers with premium lifestyle entertainment options. Those who enjoy camping can pitch a tent by the Naini lake and indulge in long nature walks, bird spotting and fishing.

Uttarakhand offers something for everyone. A true family holiday destination it can be as peaceful or as active as one wants. A thrill-a minute ride on the rapids, soul stirring walks down hilly roads, spiritual cleansing as you dip into the holy Ganga… turn the pages and take your pick.

Adventure in Uttarakhand

The many thrills Uttarakhand has on offer from treks to white water rafting to paragliding-are a lure for any traveller wanting an adrenaline kick. Go on, discover the highs of living

Trekking

Uttarakhand offers the most challenging hikes for seasoned trekkers & the most scenic trails for beginners.

UTTARAKHAND IS A trekker’s Paradise. Doesn’t matter whether you are the high energy, tough outdoors type or the simple walking variety. There is a beautiful route waiting for all of you. Just put on your hiking boots, take a deep breath, and get set to go.

Most trails in the hilly terrain are without litter and crowds. The villagers you encounter en route are extremely hospitable without expecting bakshish for any help they may offer you. Even the wildlife here is more curious than frightened! But do note that for independent, serious trekkers, often finding guides is not simple, and for beginners, walking uphill may just prove a bit tougher than it is on the plains.

Also, you may be surprised by the vagaries of the weather. But the joys of the trek far outnumber any of this. Pack well, research in advance and brave some stretches of bad roads, and you can be rest assured that some of the most beautiful snow peaks, panoramic views and forested hillsides await you the next curve.

While some of the treks can be done in groups with friends and family, others, such as the ones in the high-altitude glacial regions, are meant for seasoned trekkers and should not be attempted without guidance of local sherpas and climbers.

The best time for trekking in Uttarakhand, as with most other Himalayan states, is summer and winter. The monsoon sees unpredictable weather, sometimes even landslides. So it is best to avoid planning a trek around those months.

Some of you may also frown upon the idea of trekking in the harsh winter, but those who have witnessed the beauty of the icy landscape in this season can tell you how rewarding it is.

Adventure in Uttarakhand

The many thrills Uttarakhand has on offer from treks to white water rafting to paragliding-are a lure for any traveller wanting an adrenaline kick. Go on, discover the highs of living

Trekking

Uttarakhand offers the most challenging hikes for seasoned trekkers & the most scenic trails for beginners.

UTTARAKHAND IS A trekker’s Paradise. Doesn’t matter whether you are the high energy, tough outdoors type or the simple walking variety. There is a beautiful route waiting for all of you. Just put on your hiking boots, take a deep breath, and get set to go.

Most trails in the hilly terrain are without litter and crowds. The villagers you encounter en route are extremely hospitable without expecting bakshish for any help they may offer you. Even the wildlife here is more curious than frightened! But do note that for independent, serious trekkers, often finding guides is not simple, and for beginners, walking uphill may just prove a bit tougher than it is on the plains.

Also, you may be surprised by the vagaries of the weather. But the joys of the trek far outnumber any of this. Pack well, research in advance and brave some stretches of bad roads, and you can be rest assured that some of the most beautiful snow peaks, panoramic views and forested hillsides await you the next curve.

While some of the treks can be done in groups with friends and family, others, such as the ones in the high-altitude glacial regions, are meant for seasoned trekkers and should not be attempted without guidance of local sherpas and climbers.

The best time for trekking in Uttarakhand, as with most other Himalayan states, is summer and winter. The monsoon sees unpredictable weather, sometimes even landslides. So it is best to avoid planning a trek around those months.

Some of you may also frown upon the idea of trekking in the harsh winter, but those who have witnessed the beauty of the icy landscape in this season can tell you how rewarding it is.

25 TOP TREKS IN UTTARAKHAND

Categories: Easy, Moderate and Strenuous

EASY

Almora-Jageshwar-Binsar trek

Distance: 20 km Duration: 3 days

This is paradise for those looking for a medium-distance trek that can be done easily. Trekking up to Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, you get a clear view of the Himalayan snowline. Traversing through forests thick with pine, rhododendron and oak trees, you can enjoy crossing some beautiful rivulets along the way.

Devariya Tal-Chandrashila trek Distance: 15 km Duration: 3 days

Rich in flora and fauna, this beautiful route encompasses a whole paradigm of landscapes, taking you through forests, meadows and snow-cladHimalayas. Start from Okhimath, pass through Devariya Tal, Chopta and Tungnath to reach the summit of Chandrashila.

Rajpur-Mussoorie

Distance: 13 km Duration: 1 day

This route was once the only access to Mussoorie and people went on horseback or were carried in a palanquin by porters. Today, it makes for a pleasant trek along a winding road.

Nainital-Betal Ghat trek

Distance: 47 km Duration: 3 days

One of Nainital’s easiest treks, this is great for beginners. During this three-day trek, you go from Nainital to Binayak, then onward to Kunjkharak. On the second day,you get gorgeous views while walking up to Betalghat, about 12 km from Kunjkharak.

Almora-Doonagiri-Kausani trek Distance: 35 km Duration: 5 days Passing through beautiful terrain, the trek from Almora up to Kausani through Doonagiri is very popular. This exciting trek offers panoramic views of the Kumaon Himalayas, ancient temples and picnic spots.

MODERATE

Nag Tibba trek

Distance: 16 km Duration: 3 days

Nag Tibba is just a few feet short of the magical 10,000-ft mark. The mixed oak and deodar forests are dense and isolated, and host to a rich variety of bird and wildlife. It also has a romantic association with Heinrich Harrer’s book, Seven Years in Tibet.

Govind Ghat-Ghangariya-Valley of Flowers-Hemkund trek

Distance: 30 km Duration: 3 days

Ghangariya, a small village beside river Lakshman Ganga, serves as base camp for the trek to Hemkund and the Valley of Flowers. The famous Govind Ghat got its name from the time Guru Govind Singh meditated here. Hemkund Sahib is a beautiful lake, which stays frozenfor eight months of the year. The Valley of Flowers is a 3 km climb from Ghangariya.

Joshimath-Auli-Kwari Pass trek

Distance: 26 km Duration: 3 days Joshimath to Auli is only accessible during summer. View Nanda Devi in the morning at Auli, and move on to Kwari Pass through stunning bugyals. Since the Indian Viceroy Lord Curzon had once trekked up to Kwari Pass, the route is known as the Curzon Trail.

Joshimath-Tapovan-Khulara Kwari Pass trek

Distance: 36 km Duration: 3 days

This trek, right through the heart of the Chamoli district, offers glorious views of the eastern peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas. Peaks visible from Kwari Pass are Nanda Devi, Doonagiri, Bethartoli and DevarTrail

Yamunotri Pass-Ruinsara-Har ki Doon trek

Distance: 132 km ● Duration:12 days

From Yamunotri through Bali Pass, you arrive at the lovely Ruinsara Tal, which is surrounded by lush meadows and dense forests. You then trek on towards the luxuriant Har-Ki-Doon Valley in Garhwal, with snowy mountain peaks in the backdrop, and dense forests of pine, deodar and conifer. Har-ki-Doon, which means the Valley of Lord Krishna, is presided over by the Swargarohini Peak (6,096m). This is where the Pandavas are believed to have ascended to heaven.

Pindari Glacier trek

Distance: 42 km Duration: 8 days Nestled between Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot in the upper reaches of the Kumaon Himalayas, the Pindari Glacier showcases nature’s rugged beauty in all its glory. The trail to the glacier takes you through a string of picturesque villages, and onwards to Dhakuri  Pass. You then continue on to Khati, the last inhabited village on the trail. The Pindari River now opens up, cutting a gorge in thick glacial deposits, resulting in the formation of glacial terraces. Waterfalls, hanging valleys and jagged cliffs greet you at zero point where the trek ends.

Kafni Glacier trek

Distance: 44 km Duration: 8 days

The Kafni Glacier lies to the left of the Pindar Valley, below the famous Nandakot Peak. As compared to Pindar, the valley is much broader and the rhododendron that blooms here looks spectacularly beautiful.

Sunderdunga Glacier trek

Distance: 46 km Duration: 9 days

The spectacular Sunderdunga Valley, which means “the valley of beautiful stones, lies to the right of Pindari Glacier. Must-see glaciers here are Maiktoli and Sukhram.The trek here is tougher than the Pindari and Kafni Glacier treks.

STRENUOUS

Panchkedar trek

Distance: 121 km Duration: 14 days

The Panchkedar trek in the picturesque Kedar Valley includes five shrines associated with Lord Shiva. The Shivlinga at Kedarnath resembles the hump of a bull. Madhmaheshwar has one in theshape of a navel. Tungnath is the highest temple in Garhwal, which is where the arm of Shiva is said to have appeared. Rudranath represents the face of Shiva, and in Kalpeshwar, Shiva is worshipped in his matted hair form.

Gangotri-Gaumukh-Nandanvan Tapovan trek

Distance: 56 km Duration: 7 days

Part pilgrimage, part adventure that is what a trek from Gangotri to Tapovan offers you. Gangotri to Bhojwasa is a day-long trek along the roaring Bhagirathi. Deodars and pines surround you, even as ashrams line the banks. Tapovan is an alpine meadow filled with wild flowers. Standing here, it is easy to see why sages chose this spot for extended meditation.

Gangotri-Kalindi Khal trek

Distance: 117 km Duration: 8 days

Connecting the two holy shrines of Gangotri and Badrinath, this trail is for experienced trekkers. Traversing from one glacier to the other to cross the Kalindi Pass, the trek features moraines and snow fields with deep crevasses, fabulous views, high-altitude wildlife and camping by some small glacial lakes.

Dodital-Yamunotri trek

Distance: 78 km ● Duration: 6 days Dodital is a sylvan lake north of Uttarkashi, perched 3,024m abovesea level. Its crystal clear waters are teeming with fish, such as the Himalayan golden trout. The forest surrounding the lake has wildlife, and provides an idyllic setting for recreational activities like angling, boating and birdwatching. The next leg of the trek, through Darwa Top, at a height of over 13,000 ft, offers breathtaking views.

Milam Glacier trek

Distance: 57 km Duration: 5 days

The trek to Milam starts from Munsiyari. The route passes through Lilam, Bogudiar, Rilkot, Martoli, Burfu and Bilju. Stretching across 28 km, the Milam glacier is the largest in the Kumaon region. Although 52 peaks reign in this region, the most majestic of them is Trisuli.At the snout of the Milam glacier rises the Gori Ganga river.

Om Parvat-Adi Kailash trek

Distance: 169 km Duration15 days

Jyolingkong (also known as Adi Kailash) is a holy mountain for Hindus in Pithoragarh district. It resembles Mount Kailash in Tibet.

Nanda Devi Base Camp trek

Distance: 56 km Duration: 5 days

This trek commences at Munsiyari and the route ascends up the Gori Ganga river gorge which separates the Nanda Devi group from the beautiful peaks of the Panchachuli group. The initial part of the trek leads you through the high Himalayan ridges to open up into the wide expanse of the gentler trans-Himalayan region. There are quaint Himalayan settlements on the way and villages, like Rilkot and Martoli, have houses that are apparently over 150 years old.

Khatling trek

Distance: 48 km Duration: 4-5 days

The Khatling glacier is the point of the emergence of River Bhilangna. The glacier is ringed by snow peaks of the Jogin group (6,466m), Sphetic Pristwar (6,905 m), BarteKauter (6,579m), Kirti Stambh (6,902m) and Meru. Towards the end, you go over moraines and some treacherous terrain.

Roopkund trek

Distance: 117 km ● Duration:12 days

Roopkund is surrounded by rock strewn glaciers and snow-clad peaks. The lake is often called ‘mystery lake’ because human skeletons and remains of horses from the Paleolithic Age were found here. Bedni Bugyal and Bhagwawasa are the most beautiful places on this trek route.

Gangotri-Bhojkhark-Kedar Tal trek

Distance: 18 km Duration: 4 days

This steep uphill trek takes you through a gorge with alpine forests of bhojpatra, (the famous ‘paper tree), juniper, and deodar. You can enjoy views of Gangotri town on this route.

Chiplakot trek

Distance: 42 km ● Duration: 4 days Chiplakot is a small village in Pithoragarh district, popular for skiing. The alpine meadows of Chiplakot Bugyal are about 30 km from Munsiyari, and dotted with tiny lakes.