Trekking in Uttrakhand
Embark on your adventure with stories, tips, and insights that will inspire and prepare you for your journey.
Popular Treks by Category
Easy to Moderate (2–4 Days)
Nag Tibba Trek
Nag Tibba Trek (~3,022 m): Ideal for beginners and weekend warriors, this 2‑day trek offers lush forests and panoramic views of Bandarpoonch & Swargarohini
Chopta–Tungnath–Chandrashila
Chopta–Tungnath–Chandrashila (~3,682 m): A stunning 4‑5 day trek starting at Chopta, featuring the highest Shiva temple and sweeping Himalayan vistas
Kedarkantha Trek
Chopta–Tungnath–Chandrashila (~3,682 m): A stunning 4‑5 day trek starting at Chopta, featuring the highest Shiva temple and sweeping Himalayan vistas
Dayara Bugyal
Chopta–Tungnath–Chandrashila (~3,682 m): A stunning 4‑5 day trek starting at Chopta, featuring the highest Shiva temple and sweeping Himalayan vistas
Moderate to Challenging (5–8 Days)
Har Ki Dun
Har Ki Dun (~3,586 m): Known as the Valley of the Gods, this 7‑day trek covers ancient villages, glaciers, dense forests, and sweeping Himalayan panoramas
Pindari Glacier Trek
Pindari Glacier Trek (~3,749 m): A glacier trek through lush Kumaon forests extending over 7–10 days, suitable for both novices and seasoned trekkers
Ruinsara Tal
Ruinsara Tal (~3,500 m): A 6‑day trail ending in a crystal-clear alpine lake amid forests & meadows—ideal for scenic camping
High-Altitude & Adventure (7–10 Days)
Valley of Flowers & Hemkund Sahib
Valley of Flowers & Hemkund Sahib (~3,658 m, 4,632 m): A 6‑7 day UNESCO-listed trek bursting with alpine flowers in July–Sep, followed by a spiritual climb to Hemkund
Roopkund Trek
Roopkund Trek (~4,800 m): An 8–9 day rugged trek to the eerie Glacial Lake of Skeletons, with dramatic mountain scenery
Rupin Pass Trek
Rupin Pass Trek (~4,650 m): A challenging 7‑day glacier and alpine meadow traverse from Uttarakhand to Himachal Pradesh
Satopanth Lake
Satopanth Lake (~4,350 m): A spiritual 6‑day trek near Joshimath, regarded as the meditation spot of the Hindu trimurti thebetterindia.com.
Panwali Kantha Bugyal
Panwali Kantha Bugyal (~3,368 m): Gorgeous alpine meadows accessible in April–May and Sep–Oct, with rhododendron blooms and Himalayan backdrop
Kush Kalyan Bugyal
Kush Kalyan Bugyal (~3,682 m): Less crowded and beautiful in April–June/September–October—dense forests, lakes and majestic Garhwal peaks
When to Go
Post-Monsoon & Summer
Monsoon
Winter
Trekking Tips
Permits & Guides
Required for treks in national parks (like Har Ki Dun, Valley of Flowers); often included by trekking agencies.
Gear
Essentials include layered clothing, insulated sleeping bag, good trekking boots, trekking poles, and a reliable backpack.
Fitness Prep
Most treks are moderate—start cardio 6–8 weeks ahead, include hill walking and stair climbing.
Safety First
Watch for altitude sickness, carry first‑aid kits, and always trek in groups or with guides.
Eco‑Friendly
Follow Leave No Trace—avoid plastic, respect wildlife, and use designated camping areas.
Choose What Suits You
Interest
- Beginner & quick getaway
- Snowy forest & summit views
- Alpine meadows & cultural villages
- Flowers & spirituality
- High-altitude adventure
Recommended Trek
- Nag Tibba, Chopta-Chandrashila
- Kedarkantha, Dayara Bugyal
- Har Ki Dun, Panwali Kantha
- Valley of Flowers + Hemkund
- Roopkund, Rupin Pass, Satopanth
