As we all know, Coronavirus robbed us of all our plans and adventures in 2020. So now, all of us have our eyes fixed on the year 2021 where we hope for many opportunities of adventure and trekking knocking at our door.
With the arrival of the summer season in India, the Himalayan destination like Uttarakhand gives the ultimate adventure opportunity with almost every trek in the state opening.
Therefore, we wait eagerly for the upcoming year 2021 and see what adventures it unfolds!
This North India destination for summer adventure holidays in 2021 offers the perfect chance to enjoy the best trekking experience in Uttarakhand on some easy, moderate, and challenging trails that are both beautiful and unforgettable.
Best Treks in Uttarakhand for Summer Season
- Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila
- Har Ki Dun
- Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek
- Gangotri Gomukh
- Kuari Pass
#1 Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila
Chopta is a small region of meadows and evergreen forest area which is a part of kedarnath wildlife sanctuary located in Uttarakhand state, India and a base for trekking to Tungnath, third temple of Panch Kedar, which lies 3.5 kilometres (2.2 mi) away.
Located at a distance of 1.5 kilometres (0.93 mi) from Tungnath is Chandrashila, a rising to over 4,000 metres (13,000 ft).
Chopta is an unspoiled natural destination lying in the lap of the Uttarakhand Himalayas and offers views of the imposing Himalayan range including Trishul, Nanda Devi and Chaukhamba.
It is located at an elevation of 2,680 metres (8,790 ft) above sea level. Chopta village is surrounded by forests of pine, deodar and rhododendron and is rich in flora and fauna include rare species of birds and musk deer.
Special Places
Chandrashila that literally suggests the ‘Moon Rock’ is the summit of the Chandranath Parvat on which the Tungnath temple of Panch Kedar is situated.
This place is popularly known as ‘Mini Switzerland’.
It lies 29 km from Ukhimath, 162 kilometres (101 mi) from Rishikesh and approximately 450 kilometres (280 mi) from the capital Delhi. The best time to visit is from April to November.
Chopta is also a popular destination during the winter months due to the snowfall that the area experiences.
Tungnath temple and Chandrashila are covered with snow from December to March. Chopta can be reached from Rishikesh via Rudraprayag, Kund, Ukhimath OR via Rudraprayag, Karnprayag, Chamoli, Gopeshwar, Mandal.
Chopta is simply accessible as it is situated on the road connecting Gopeshwar with Guptkashi. Wake up with cool healthy breeze and chirping of birds in Chopta.
The morning view from Chopta is invigorating when the crimson rays of the sun kiss the snow-laden Himalayas.
Trekking
Best time to start a trek for Chandrashila peak is in morning as around afternoon clouds and rain can smudge the beautiful 360 degrees view of the entire Himalayan valley from the peak.
The town of Kund in Uttarakhand is the usual starting point and the entire tour can be done in 3-5 days, making it a preferred activity for city dwellers in India seeking a short getaway. The general pit stops are as follows:
Temples And Beauty
- Kund to Deoriatal (3-5 hours trek) – start at Kund, a quaint town situated at 1,350 m, approximately 200 km away from the spiritual town of Haridwar.
- Deoriatal to Chopta (4-5 hours trek)
- Chopta to Chandrashila Peak (4,000 m), via Tungnath Temple and back (4-5 hours trek).
- The distance from Tungnath Temple to Chandrashila peak is only 1 km and serves as a highlight of the trip. Though the distance is less but it takes time as it is relatively steep.
The return journey from Chopta to Kund can be on foot by retracing the path or in a car.
#2 Har Ki Dun
Har Ki Doon or Har Ki Dun is a cradle-shaped hanging valley in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India. It is surrounded by snow-covered peaks and alpine vegetation.
This valley is about 3566m (11700ft) above mean sea level and is snow-covered from October to March.
Har ki Dunis a cradle shaped valley set at a height of 3566 mts in the heart of Govind Ballabh Pant National Park.
Har ki Dun Valley offers spectacular views of untouched valleys in the far off lands of Garhwal Himalayas.
Surrounded by snow-covered peaks and alpine vegetation, Har-ki-Dun is, hands down, one the most beautiful trekking destination that showcases the unprecedented natural beauty of Uttarakhand.
One glance at this hidden valley and it seems like a landscape painting on a canvas. No wonder it is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Uttarakhand – both in summer as well as winter season.
Trekking
Taluka is a small picturesque hamlet located at a distance of 12 kms through drive or trek from Sankri.
It lies on the way of Hark ki Dun trek.
You can either start the Har ki Dun trek from Sankri itself or you can hire a jeep/taxi from Sankri to Taluka and start your trek from Taluka.
The valley remains snow-covered from December to March. This week-long trek through the valley is one of the most scenic treks in Uttarakhand .
The key highlights of Har ki Dun Trek are jaw-dropping views of mighty Himalayan Peaks like , Kala Nag (Black Peak), Bandarpoonch & many more.
#3 Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek
The Nanda Devi East Base Camp trek starts and ends at Kathgodam, passing through Munsiyari, Lilam, Bogudiar, Rilkot, Ghanghar, Martoli, and Rargari.
The scenic beauty of the snow-clad peaks, the surreal nature that prevails around the peak, the exotic range of flora and fauna in the vicinity has earned it the fame of being one of the most magnificent peaks in the world.
Following the ancient trade routes between India and Tibet, this astounding trek also offers glimpses of life in the higher altitudes and several cultures that are indigenous only to the Trans Himalayan Range.
Nanda Devi East Base Camp Trek Difficulty Level: Difficult
Altitude: 13,123 ft
Best Time: May to June & September To October.
What things should I carry at Nanda Devi East Base Camp Trek?
Here is the list of things to carry before going to Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek:
– A 60L backpack with proper back support.
– Headgear: Beanie, Balaclava / Monkey Cap, Neck Scarf, UV Protect Sunglasses, Head Torch (Optional if carrying regular torch)
What is the temperature during Nanda Devi East Base Camp Trek?
During daytime, the temperature will range somewhere between 5 to 8 degrees, while at night, the mercury level may dip to as low as -5 degrees. Make sure you carry at least 3 warm layers including a down feather jacket and fleece jacket.
#4 Gangotri Gomukh
Gomukh, also known as “Gaumukh” or “Gomukhi” (Hindi: गौमुख or गौमुखी ; Assamese and Bengali: গোমুখ or গোমুখী), is the terminus or pout of the Gangotri Glacier and the source of the Bhagirathi River, one of the primary headstreams of the Ganges River. The place is situated at a height of 13,200 ft (4,023 m) in Uttarkashi district in the state of Uttarakhand, India.
It is one of the largest in the Himalayas with an estimated volume of over 27 cubic kilometers. It is a holy Hindu pilgrimage site, along with Gangotri, as well as trekking destination.
Trekking
The first and foremost thing for Gomukh trek is that you must have permission from (D.F.O.) District forest officer, Uttarkashi. Only 150 permits are issued per day, permission can be taken via fax also. The trail to Gomukh begins from Gangotri, about 18 km (11.2 mi) from Gomukh.
9 km ahead of Gangotri is Chirbasa, the abode of Chir trees. After 3 km of Chirbasa comes the dangerous Gila Pahar, the place well known for its landslides even prior to the 2013 destruction of much of the trail here.
Here the Bharals, a type of mountain antelope are sometimes seen. The Bharals are found above the altitude of 10,000 ft. Only 4 km from here is Bhujbasa, the only night halting place on the way with buildings.
Important Info Before You Go there.
One can stay at the GMVN Bungalow, or at the Lalbaba’s Ashram or at Ram Baba’s ashram; both ashram charge Rs 350 for a day that includes lodging and food. After trekking 41/2km from Bhujbasa, one reaches Gomukh, the snout of the Gangotri Glacier.A little before Gomukh, the majestic view of Mt. Shivling welcomes the trekkers to the place.
On the trail no horses are allowed, so one must take preparations to walk on foot. The trek to Tapovan and Nandanvan starts from here.
Snow point of Gongotri Glacier, Gomukh
The route after ‘Bhojbasa’ can be quite difficult, more so since the 2013 floods. One has to cross a boulder zone to reach the Gomukh snout. The trek beyond Gomukh is quite difficult. Crossing the glacier & going towards Tapovan has become quite dangerous nowadays (because of the landslides). There is no track and one must have a guide and should be prepared to face any type of accident which can even be a life-threatening one. The last climb to reach Tapovan is very stiff, within 2 km a climb of around 1500 foot and is quite a challenging experience.
You may apply for an online permit at http://www.swsuttarkashi.com/Home/DashBoard , even with an online permit you would still need to get it verified at the district magistrate uttrakasi office.
#5 Kuari Pass
Region :- Uttarakhand
Duration :- 6 Days
Grade :- Moderate
Max Altitude :- 12,763 Ft.
Approx Trekking Km :- 33 Kms.
Among the several things that Lord Curzon did in India, the hands-down winner is exploration and popularising of a marquee trek route starting from Joshimath to Kuari Pass in the Garhwal Himalayas.
At an altitude of 4264 meters, Kuari Top is like an amphitheatre where some of the stalwart peaks of Himalayas take stage.
The 7000 meters club includes the Kamet (7756m),Trishul (7120m), Chaukhamba (7128m), and the great divine peak of Nanda Devi (7817m) and its twin Nanda Devi East (7434m). More peaks make an equally imposing appearance – Nanda Ghunti, Hathi Ghoda Parbat, Neelkanth, Dronagiri, Mukut Parbat, Mana, Rishi Pahad, and Changbang, to name a few.
The Kuari Pass Trek gives you a chance to view this impressive skyline of these mighty mountains from close quarters.
Trekking
The trek begins from Joshimath, in the Chamoli district of Himalayas, which has evolved into the hub for trekkers and pilgrims in this part of the Himalayas. Confluences of several rivers – the Pinder, Kaliganga, Nandakini, Birehiganga & Dhauli Ganga give make up the Pancha-Prayag – namely, Devprayag, Karnaprayag, Devprayag and Rudraprayag. The trek then proceeds through small remote Himalayan villages.
Walking along the Curzon trail through these villages is a great way to get acquainted with the life of the mountain folks.
Beautiful Spots
The trees are ablaze in the yellow-orange colors of autumn, striking a deep contrast to the blue-brown mountains and the snow caps. On this trek one walks through gorgeous jungles of Oak and Deodar trees.
And these jungles, of course, are house to some wildlife. Pug marks of leopards or Himalayan black bears can be sighted in the forests.
The truly refreshing part of the trek is while walking through the luxurious Himalayan meadows, called ‘Bugyals’ in the local tongue. The beauty and serenity of a Himalayan meadow is an experience no one should miss out on. The most remarkable is the Gorson Bugyal, consisting of vast undulating green pastures. On this trek you will also visit Auli, which is famous for its beautiful skiing slopes in the winter kuari pass
We have sketched out an itinerary slotting in all the best attractions the trail has to offer—
-a passage through a handful of typical Garhwal villages,
-an open meadows campsite overlooking the majestic Dronagiri Parvat,
-a day of easy clamber through oak and rhododendron forests,
-camping on snowdrifted forest floor,
-a thoroughly taxing snow hike on the summit day,
-a 360 degree glittering Greater Himalayas peak panorama,
-an initiation in the art of snow hiking with gears, and
-a field day in the gently rolling slopes of Gorson Bugyal.
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