Garhwal Himalayas – A Perfect Tour Destination for Family Trekking
The Garhwal Himalayas, located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, offer a range of trekking experiences for adventure enthusiasts. The region boasts of some of the highest peaks in India, including Nanda Devi, Trisul, and Kamet, and is known for its scenic beauty and diverse flora and fauna. Popular treks in the Garhwal Himalayas include the Valley of Flowers Trek, which takes trekkers through a beautiful alpine valley filled with a variety of wildflowers, and the Roopkund Trek, which is known for its mysterious lake that is filled with human skeletons. Other treks in the region include the Kedarkantha Trek, the Har Ki Dun Trek, and the Kuari Pass Trek, each offering a unique experience to those who venture into this stunning mountain range. Some of them are listed below:
Valley of Flowers Trek
Valley of Flowers Trek is a popular high-altitude trek located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The trek takes you through a beautiful valley adorned with vibrant meadows of wildflowers, surrounded by towering peaks and glaciers. The trek starts from Govindghat and passes through the lush forests of the Nanda Devi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before reaching the valley of flowers. The valley remains covered in snow for most of the year, and the flowers bloom only during the monsoon season, from July to September. The trek is of moderate difficulty and can be completed in 5-6 days, offering stunning views of the Himalayan range and an opportunity to witness the diverse flora and fauna of the region.
Har ki Doon Trek
It is located at an altitude of 3,566 meters (11,700 feet) above sea level and is a part of the Govind National Park and Sanctuary. The trek to Har Ki Doon starts from Sankri, a small village that is located about 220 km from Dehradun. The trek takes you through beautiful forests of pine, oak, and deodar, and you can see several waterfalls and streams on the way. The trail also passes through several small villages, where you can experience the local culture and lifestyle. The trek to Har Ki Doon is considered to be an easy to moderate trek, and it takes about 6-7 days to complete the entire trek. The best time to go for this trek is between the months of April and June, and September to November.
During the monsoon months of July and August, the trail can become slippery and difficult to navigate. The Har Ki Doon trek offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Kala Nag, and Ruinsara. The final destination of the trek is the Har Ki Doon Valley, which is a beautiful meadow surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
Dodital Trek
Dodital Trek is a popular trekking route located in the Uttarkashi district. The trek takes you to the beautiful Dodital Lake, which is situated at an altitude of 3,024 meters above sea level. The trek is named after this pristine lake, which is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ganesha according to Hindu mythology. The Dodital Trek is a moderate trek that is suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers. The trek begins from the small town of Sangam Chatti, which is located around 200 km from the capital city of Dehradun. The trail passes through dense forests of oak, pine, and deodar trees, and offers stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks.
The trek covers a distance of around 22 km and takes about 5-6 days to complete. Along the way, you will cross several small streams, waterfalls, and picturesque meadows. The highest point of the trek is the Darwa Pass, which is situated at an altitude of 4,150 meters above sea level. The best time to undertake the Dodital Trek is from March to June and from September to November, when the weather is pleasant and the views are clear. However, it is advisable to check the weather forecast and trail conditions before embarking on the trek.
Gomukh & Tapovan Trek
The Gomukh and Tapovan Trek is a popular high-altitude trek, known for its stunning views of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and alpine meadows. The trek begins from Gangotri, one of the four sacred shrines of Hinduism, and takes around 6-7 days to complete. The first part of the trek follows the Bhagirathi River, passing through dense forests and small villages, until it reaches Gomukh, the source of the river and one of the holiest sites for Hindus. From there, the trail climbs steeply to reach Tapovan, a high-altitude meadow surrounded by towering peaks, including the famous Shivling and Bhagirathi massifs. Along the way, trekkers get to experience the unique culture and traditions of the Garhwal region and encounter diverse flora and fauna, making it a memorable adventure for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Chopta Chandrasila Trek
Copta Chandrasila trek starts from the small town of Chopta, which is located at an altitude of 2,680 meters above sea level, and goes up to Chandrasila, which is situated at an altitude of 4,000 meters. The trek passes through beautiful meadows, dense forests, and offers stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. The trek is moderately difficult and can be completed in 3-4 days. The best time to do the Chopta Chandrasila trek is from March to May and from September to November, when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear.
Brahmatal Trek
Brahmatal Trek is a popular winter trek in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The trek takes you to Brahmatal, a high altitude lake located at an altitude of 12,250 feet above sea level. The trek is known for its stunning views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Ghunti, Trishul, and Chaukhamba. The trek usually starts from the village of Lohajung, which is accessible by road from Kathgodam. The trek takes around 6-7 days to complete, covering a distance of approximately 30 kilometers. The trail passes through dense forests of oak and rhododendron, quaint mountain villages, and frozen streams.
Some of the highlights of the Brahmatal Trek include camping by the lake, summiting the Brahmatal peak for panoramic views, and exploring the nearby Brahma temple. The trek is considered moderately difficult and is suitable for both experienced trekkers and beginners. It is important to note that the Brahmatal Trek is a winter trek and is best done between December and February. The weather can be harsh and temperatures can drop well below freezing, so trekkers must be well-prepared with warm clothing and appropriate gear. Additionally, trekkers must obtain the necessary permits from the local authorities before embarking on the trek.
Nag Tibba Trek
Nag Tibba Trek is a popular weekend trek located in Dehradun district. The trek takes you to the Nag Tibba summit, which is the highest peak in the Nag Tibba range at an altitude of 9,915 feet above sea level. Nag Tibba trek is known for its stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, quaint mountain villages, and dense forests. The trek usually starts from the village of Pantwari, which is accessible by road from Dehradun. The trek takes around 2-3 days to complete, covering a distance of approximately 16 kilometers. The trail passes through dense forests of oak and rhododendron, small streams, and meadows.
Some of the highlights of the Nag Tibba Trek include camping under the stars, summiting the Nag Tibba peak for panoramic views, and exploring the nearby mountain villages. The trek is considered easy to moderate and is suitable for both experienced trekkers and beginners. It is important to note that the Nag Tibba Trek is a year-round trek and can be done at any time of the year. However, the best time to do the trek is from October to April when the weather is pleasant and the views are clear. Trekkers must be well-prepared with warm clothing and appropriate gear as the temperature can drop significantly at night. Additionally, trekkers must obtain the necessary permits from the local authorities before embarking on the trek.
Kuari Pass Trek
It is also known as the Lord Curzon Trail, named after the former British Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon, who undertook this trek in 1905. The trek takes you through the lush greenery of the Garhwal Himalayas, offering stunning views of snow-capped mountains, dense forests, and quaint villages. The highlight of the trek is the Kuari Pass, which offers panoramic views of some of the highest peaks in the region, including Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Kamet, and Trishul.
The trek is usually done in 6-7 days, starting from the town of Joshimath and passing through several small villages like Auli, Tali, and Khulara before reaching the Kuari Pass. The trek is considered moderate in difficulty and can be done by beginners as well as experienced trekkers. The best time to undertake the Kuari Pass Trek is between April to June and September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
Dayara Bugyal Trek
Dayara Bugyal is a scenic high altitude meadow located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The trek to Dayara Bugyal is a popular trekking trail that offers mesmerizing views of the Himalayan peaks and stunning landscapes. The trek starts from the small village of Barsu and passes through dense forests of oak, rhododendron and deodar trees. As you climb higher, the forests give way to the vast meadows of Dayara Bugyal, which is covered with a blanket of wildflowers during the monsoon season.
The trek takes around 5-6 days to complete and covers a distance of around 24 km. The difficulty level of the trek is moderate, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers. The best time to undertake this trek is between May to June and September to December. The trek offers panoramic views of the Gangotri and Bandarpunch ranges, along with several other peaks such as Srikanth, Black Peak, and Jaonli. The meadows are also home to a variety of bird species such as the Himalayan monal, koklass pheasant, and western tragopan.
Kedarkantha Trek
Kedarkantha trek is a popular winter trekking destination located in the Uttarkashi district. It is a 6-day trek that takes you through some of the most beautiful and scenic landscapes of the Himalayan region. The trek starts from Sankri village, which is located at an altitude of 6,450 feet. From there, you will trek through dense forests of oak, pine, and maple, and pass through several remote villages, including Juda ka Talab, Kedarkantha base camp, and Hargaon.
The highlight of the Kedarkantha trek is the summit climb to the Kedarkantha peak, which stands at an altitude of 12,500 feet. The climb is not very difficult, and even first-time trekkers can complete it with ease. From the summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of some of the highest peaks in the Himalayas, including Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Kalanag.
The best time to do the Kedarkantha trek is from December to April, when the snowfall turns the entire region into a winter wonderland. The temperature during this period can drop to sub-zero levels, so it is essential to carry proper winter gear and equipment.
Kedartal Trek
Kedartal Trek is a challenging trekking expedition in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. The trek takes you to the beautiful Kedartal Lake, which is located at an altitude of 16,116 feet and is considered one of the holiest lakes in India. The trek starts from Gangotri, a sacred town on the banks of the river Ganga. From there, you will trek through dense forests, meadows, and rocky terrain to reach the beautiful Kedartal Lake. The trek is challenging and requires a good level of fitness and experience in high altitude trekking.
The trek offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, including Thalay Sagar, Bhrigupanth, Jogin Group, Kirti Stambh, and Meru. You will also get to witness the beautiful Gangotri glacier during the trek. The Kedartal Trek is a great choice for those who are looking for a challenging and adventurous trek in the Himalayas. The best time to do the trek is from May to June and September to October, when the weather is pleasant, and the trekking conditions are favorable. It is important to note that the Kedartal Trek is a high-altitude trek and requires proper acclimatization and preparation. It is recommended that you consult a doctor before embarking on this trek and carry all the necessary gear and equipment, including warm clothes, sleeping bags, and trekking poles.
Roopkund Trek
Roopkund Trek is a popular trekking destination located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is also known as the ‘Mystery Lake’ or ‘Skeleton Lake’ due to the presence of human skeletons at the bottom of the lake. The trek starts from the village of Lohajung and covers a distance of approximately 53 kilometers. The trail passes through beautiful meadows, dense forests of oak and rhododendron, high altitude camps, and steep rocky terrain. The trek reaches its highest point at 5,029 meters at the Roopkund Lake, which is nestled in a glacial valley surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
The Roopkund trek is considered a moderate to difficult trek and requires a good level of fitness and acclimatization to the high altitude. The best time to undertake the trek is from May to June and from September to November, as the weather is relatively mild and the trekking conditions are favorable. Apart from the natural beauty of the region, the trek is also known for its cultural significance. The trail passes through several small villages, where one can witness the lifestyle and culture of the local people.