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Best Treks in Garhwal Himalayas

Celebrated as one of the best winter treks in Garhwal Himalayas, Kedarkantha Trek is an adventure worth experiencing. The trekking trail does not involve a lot of steep climbs or nerve-racking patches, so it is a fun trek that can be taken by both experienced and amateur trekkers. 

The trek features some of the most beautiful campsites that offer splendid views of the imposing mountain peaks including Black Peak, Swargarohini, and Bandarpoonch peaks. The trek begins at Sankri Village in Uttarakhand and takes you through scenic meadows, dense forests, and paths hiding under the adorable sheets of snow

Location: Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand

Altitude: 12,500 feet

Duration: 6 Days

Treat your senses with picture-perfect views of the valleys of Uttarakhand and rejuvenate your body and soul with the adventure of Har Ki Dun Trek. The trek commences at Taluka Village of Uttarakhand. 

Har Ki Dun Trek lets you lay your eyes on some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region as you pass through gushing streams, verdant valleys, and quaint villages while the snow-covered Himalayan peaks around you keep you company and motivate you to keep walking. The prominent Himalayan peaks you can see on this trek are Bandarpoonch, Black peak, Swargarohini Peaks, and Ruinsara peaks.

Location: Har Ki Dun Valley, Garhwal

Altitude: 11,675 Feet

Duration: 7 Days

If you are new to the world of trekking and want to explore the untouched beauty of the high altitude mountains in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, Chopta Tungnath is among the perfect options. The majestic peaks like Nilkanth, Nanda Devi, and Kedarkanth can be witnessed from the trail of this trek. Though the trek can be taken throughout the year, for the best experience, the winter and autumn are preferred by the most. 

The Chopta Tungnath trek begins at the Sari Village and takes you to scenic sites like Deoria Tal and Chandrashila. Remember to keep your camera handy all through the trek as every moment will bring something beautiful for your eyes to behold.

Location: Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand

Altitude: 11,154 Feet

Duration: 6 Days

What makes Nag Tibba Trek find a spot among the most fascinating treks in Garhwal Himalayas is the altitude it takes you to in a short duration. The panoramic views of the grand peaks of the mighty Himalayas will make you gaze in disbelief once you reach the summit. 

The trek starts at Pantwari Village of Uttarakhand which lies a 3-hour drive away from the state capital Dehradun. Its proximity from Delhi makes it an ideal weekend getaway from the national capital. As the trail does not pose many challenges for trekkers, it is a suitable trek for beginners as well as experienced trekkers.

Location: Pantwari Village

Altitude: 10,200 Feet

Duration: 2 Days

Celebrated as one of the most scenic trekking trails in the entirety of India, Valley of Flowers Trek is an escape into the pure bliss of nature. The trekking trail takes you through beautiful landscapes where you can witness the undiluted beauty of alpine flowers and exotic flora. 

In most parts, the trek is not much challenging, so even if you are new to the world of trekking, you can take this adventure to decorate your memory lane with the enchanting views of the Valley of Flowers. Due to its unparalleled picturesque landscapes, this is easily one of the best treks in Garhwal Himalayas.

Location: Chamoli, Uttarakhand

Altitude:  14,400 feet

Duration: 6 Days

One of the most sought-after treks in Garhwal Himalayas, Kuari Pass Trek is a treat for the adventurer in you. This trail is also known as the Curzon Trail. The changing landscapes during the trek keep trekkers excited and motivated to discover the surprises that lie ahead. 

On Kuari Pass Trek, you get to pass through lush green forests of Deodar, Oak, and Rhododendron that make the affair even more refreshing and detoxifying. The trail offers surreal views of the eastern Garhwal Himalayan peaks, namely Mt. Trishul, Nanda Devi, Neelkanth, and Kamet peaks.

Location: Chamoli, Uttarakhand

Altitude: 12,516 feet

Duration: 6 days

One of the most famous treks in the entire country, Dayara Bugyal Trek is a perfect choice for beginners as well as experienced trekkers. The fame that the trek enjoys is attributed majorly to the scenic vistas one comes across on this trail. 

Vast expanses of velvety green grasslands, streams making a soft soothing noise, and picturesque valleys exhibiting the aesthetics of nature are just a few of the things you can expect on the beautiful trail to Dayara Bugyal. To witness a spectrum of nature’s shades, it is best to do this trek in the spring season. However, this is also a popular option among winter treks as the views of the high altitude meadows veiled under virgin snow are mesmerizing.

Location: Uttarkashi

Altitude: 12,000 Feet

Duration: 7 Days

This is one of the lesser-known Himalayan treks but is nothing short of the popular ones. Passing through dramatic landscapes that keep changing after every few miles, the trek takes you to the source of the holy river Ganga, that is Gaumukh. 

The most fascinating part of the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is the captivating sight of Bhagirathi Peaks that is sure to awaken the shutterbug inside you. Besides, the picture-perfect Mt. Shivling is another sight to behold while on this trek. If you are fond of snow and chilling adventures, Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is a great choice for you.

Location: Starts at Gangotri

Altitude: 14,200 Feet

Duration: 6 Days

One of the most easily accessible glaciers in the region, Pindari Glacier trek can be reached by trekking through scenic landscapes of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand. Since the difficulty level of the trek is quite low and there is a well-defined trail, beginner level trekkers can consider to add this enthralling trek to their bucket list. 

However, there are some parts where the trek becomes difficult as you are supposed to cross streams and narrow ridges. You can expect marvels of nature in the form of thick forests, quaint villages, and snow-blanketed glaciers that will let you unwind in the middle of untainted nature.

Location: Starts at Loharkhet

Altitude: 12,000 Feet

Duration: 9 Days

Auden’s Col is a high altitude pass which is named after a British Geographical Survey Officer, John Auden who discovered it in 1935. Starting from Gangotri, this is one of the longer treks which demand great physical and mental strength to complete successfully. 

On Auden’s Col trek, you get an opportunity to come across diverse terrains and landscapes including verdant hills and valleys with vegetation of alpine trees, gushing streams, meadows embellished with colourful flowers, remote villages, and snow-laden landscapes. The fascinating Auden’s Col trek is a great trekking trail which will help you discover yourself in the lap of pristine nature in Garhwal mountains. 

Location: Uttarkashi, starts from Gangotri

Altitude: 18,012 Feet

Duration: 16 Days

Difficulty Level:  Difficult

One of the most challenging treks in the Himalayas, Kalindi Khal Trek takes you to the high altitude pass Kalindi Khal after you have covered a distance of almost 99 km on foot in the rugged terrain that makes the path. The trekking trails connect Gangotri and Badrinath and are only recommended to brave hearts with an excellent experience of trekking on difficult trails. 

The trek is also famous for the views of the prominent Himalayan peaks like Avalanche, Nilkantha, Bhagirathi, Chandraparbat, and Satopanth peaks, which can be relished on this expedition.

Location: Starts at Gangotri

Altitude: 19,500 Feet

Duration: 15 Days

If you are an experienced trekker willing to step up and challenge the adventurer in you to accomplish something extraordinary, Pangarchulla Peak Trek is one of the most thrilling treks in Garhwal Himalayas. The trekking trail is known to bring trekkers face to face with the varied terrains of the Garhwal Himalayas as you come across flourishing vegetation in the lower parts of the trail while as you gain altitude, sheets of virgin snow greet you. 

The trail passes through Nanda Devi Sanctuary, so you are guaranteed breathtaking views of sky-piercing peaks like Nanda Devi, Dunagiri, Chaukhamba, and many more. This trek is truly a treat for nature lovers and landscape photographers.

Location: Uttarkashi

Altitude: 15,069 Feet

Duration: 6 Days