Monday, February 14, 2011

Treks of Garhwal

Bedini Bugyal Trek

Area : Garhwal Himalayas
Altitude : 3354 mts/11000 ft
Season : Mid June - October

Bedni Bugyal is one of the finest meadow in India. This has got to be one of the most romantic spots in the Himalayas - acres and acres of meadow scooped out of lush mountain scape, a steep ridge arching up into the dusk, and above it, the enormous western flank of Trishul. Bedni is also a major way-station on the Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra, a ritual procession held every 12 years.

Dodital Trek

Area : Garhwal Himalayas
Altitude : 3866 mts/12654 ft
Season : May - September

Situated in north of Uttarkashi and surrounded by dense woods of oak, pine, Deodar and rhododendrons. The crystal clear lake is full of rare fishes and the Himalayan Golden Trouts. The trek from Dodital to Yamunotri takes you through high altitude grasslands and dense virgin forests. The scenery en-route is really astounding.The trek to Dodi Tal commence from Utarkashi to Kalyani and is Approachable by motor. Kalyani to Agoda is gradual climb through woods, fields and villages on a mule track the trek from Agoda to Dodi Tal is steep and through thick forests.

Gangotri Kedarnath Trek

Area : Garhwal Himalayas
Max. Altitude : 4450 M
Season : April to June and Sep to Oct

This trek is actually an ancient route of Gangotri to Kedarnath. The Hindu devotees used this pilgrimage trail very regularly during the times when roads didn't exist and people used to visit all the four holy temples on foot. Gangotri and Kedarnath are Panch Prayags of North. In Gangotri you can see Gaumukh also which is the source of holy river Ganges. The Kedarnath shrine, built in the 8th century is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Kedar is another name of Lord Shiva, the protector and the destroyer.

Har ki Dun Trek

Area : Garhwal Himalayas
Altitude : 3566 mts/11697 ft
Season : May-June and Sep-Nov

Har-ki-Dun is situated at an elevation of 3566 meters is surrounded by glittering peaks and dense forests. These forests are rich in wild life and are a paradise for bird-watchers and nature lovers. It’s a holy place and also a base of Swargarohini which is at ht. of 21000 ft. Jaundar Glacier is at south-east of Har-ki-dun.

This trek is meant for people from all age group. People who are interested in herbs & shrubs for medicinal purpose alos visit this place. According to the mythology it is said that Pandav went to Heaven through this mountain. The valley is full of flora and fauna, Bhojpatra, tree and Bramhakamal flower.

Hemkund Sahib Trek

Area : Garhwal Himalayas
Altitude : 4300 meters
Season : June (Monsoon starts in July and the area is snow covered from October-May)

"Hemkund is a holy lake, an important pilgrimage of Sikhs and Hindus. It lies near the Valley of Flowers at an altitude of 3050 mts. The sacred beautifully shaped Gurdwara near the lake is visited by large number of pilgrims from all over the world. It is believed that Guru Govind Singh, the tenth guru of Sikhs meditated and united with God at this place. Trek to Hemkund begins at Govindghat, which also acts as a base camp for the trek. From Govindghat, a strenuous trek of 19 Km leads to Hemkund.

To reach Govindghat if you are coming from Delhi you can take NH58 to Govindghat via Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Nandprayag, Chamoli and Joshimath. From Govindghat, Hemkund is just 19 Km which you have to trek. The nearest rail destination is Rishikesh (273 Km) and nearest airport is Jolly Grant of Dehradun. "


Kedar Tal Trek

Area : Garhwal Himalayas
Altitude : 4912 mtst
Season : July - September

Its a ten days trip which involves drive to Gangotri , the ancient source of the holy river Ganga and trek to the finest high altitude Himalayan lake, Kedar tal (4912 mts) punctuated with breath stopping close view of Greater Himalayan peaks e.g. Thaleysagar (6904 mts), Brigupanth (6772 mts) and Jogin Group of peaks.

It is one of the finest lakes in the Himalayas, and the trail is punctuated with breath taking views of snow capped peaks. The lake is the brightest shade of emerald green your eyes have ever seen. The river Kedarganga originates from the Kedar glacier and eventually joins the Bhagirathi. The entire route is enriched with flora and fauna typical to these mountains, and has ample scope for wildlife expeditions.

Kuari Pass Trek


Area : Garhwal Himalayas
Altitude : 3640 mts/11940 ft
Season : May-June and Sep-Oct

Kuari Pass which is in the heart of Chamoli District of Uttarakhand is at elevation of 4265m. It is in the northeastern part of Garhwal. The Kuari pass is one of the most beautiful trek, famous for the enchanting view of the snow clad peaks of Neelkanth (6596m), Kamet (7756m), Mukut Parbat, Mana, Nilgiri Parbat, Trishul (7120m), Hardeol, Dronagiri, rishi pahar, Kalanka, Chaukhamba (7128m), Lampak, Changabang (6864m) , Ronthi , Beathertoli, Kamatt (7757m) and others.


Nanda Devi Trek

Area : Garhwal Himalayas
Altitude : 4150 mts/12654 ft
Season : April - June Sep -Oct

The three week long Nandadevi Rajjaat is the world famous festival of Uttaranchal. People from entire Garhwal-Kumaon as well as other parts of India and the world participate in Nandadevi Raj Jat Yatra. The jaat starts from Nauti village near Karnprayag and goes upto the heights of Roopkund and Haemkund with a four horned sheep. After the havan-yagna is over, the sheep is freed with decorated ornaments, food and clothings and the other offerings are dischared. People also celebrate the annual Nanda jaat.

The Nanda Raj Jat war started by ancestors of Rajas of Garhwal. The ancient tradition of taking out Nanda jats among all the Garhadhipatis, was combined by the raja into a Royal pilgrimage every twelve years. Raja Ajay Pal (Shesh Pal) of Chandgarh started the Nanda Raj Jat in 15 century. Since then, the royal family takes the pilgrimage along with their purohit to seek forgiveness from Nanda Devi, and offer 'Tarpan' for the ancestors who had died at the Roopkund, along with his pregnant wife and courtesans

Om Parvat Trek

Area : Garhwal Himalayas
Altitude : 6191 mts.
Season : May to Oct.

Om Parvat (also known as Adi Kailash, Little Kailash, Jonglingkong Peak, Baba Kailash, Chhota Kailash)[3] is an ancient holy Hindu mountain in the Himalayan mountain range, lying in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. Its at an altitude of 6191 mts. This peak is near to Sinla pass, similar to Mount Kailash in Tibet. In this peak te snow deposition pattern gives the impression of 'Om' written over it, which is sacred Hindu Mantra or chant.

Near by Om Parvat, beautiful 'Parvati lake' and 'Jonglingkong lake' is situated. The Jonglingkong Lake is sacred like Mansarovar to the Hindus. The opposite of this peak is a mountain called Parwati Muhar. Snow over it shines like crown in sun.


Roopkund Trek

Area : Garhwal Himalayas
Altitude : 4450 mts/12654 ft
Season : July - September

Roopkund situated at a height of 5029m in the lap of Trishuli massif. Situated in Chamoli district of Garhwal is famous for natural lake. This area is also known as 'mystery lake', since human skeletons and remains of horses from the Paleolithic age were found here.

The lake is surrounded by rock-strewn glacier and snow clad peaks. Trekkers can start their trek from Lohajung which is the starting point. Lohajung is easily approachable by motor from Almora.The road head for roopkund is lohajung 155km from Almora, 217km from nainital and 235km from Kathgodam. You can also reach Roopkund by ghat, connected by a motorable road with Nanda Prayag situated on the main highway of Badrinath.

The trek of Roopkund passes through lush green grassy land and conifer forest clining into the sloper of hills. The trek thereafter winds its way along the Pindar River Then to round off this trek, one can approach hemkund via Shail Samundras glacier and then move on ghat. Bedni bugyal and Bhagwawasa are the most beautiful places in this trek. You must found lots of "Bramhakamal" near Bhawawara. The best time of come here is last week of August to last week of October. You must have 8 days to trekking for Roopkund. It is a 40km trek from road head.

Satopanth Trek

Area : Garhwal Himalayas
Altitude : 4330 mts/14203 ft
Season : June - September

Satopanth is a triangular lake of serene water has a perimeter of about half a kilometer. Satopanth is about 25 Kms. from Badrinath. It is a glacier lake surrounded by high snow capped peaks. The trek sometimes is tough but sometimes remains moderate but is full of dramatic scenery. If you are planning for this trek then it will be good to mention that there is no place to rest between, except caves. Trekkers are requested to carry cooked food or stove from Badrinath itself.

It is believed that Hindu Gods Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar (Lord Shiva) have occupied one corner each, and which are named after them. There is no place to rest between, except caves. Cooked food, stove etc. have to be carried from Badrinath itself.

Tapovan Trek

Area : Garhwal Himalayas
Altitude : 4463 mts/14638 ft
Season : June, September and Oct.

Tapovan is an ideal location for the tourists looking for peace and adventure. It is located on an altitude of 4463m / 14638 ft above sea level. Tapovan is base camp for shivlinga peak of Uttaranchal hills. The trek takes you to Gomukh (cows mouth), the mythological source of the River Ganges, which is at the snout of the Gangotri glacier. Gomukh is one of the holiest places for Hindu pilgrims who come here to witness the birth of Mother Ganga. The Holy River Ganges is the most sacred river in the Hindu religion and its source at Gomukh on the Gangotri glacier and many other peaks.

Valley of Flower Trek

Area : Garhwal Himalayas
Altitude : 3866 mts/12654 ft
Season : May - September

Valley of flowers , is spread over an area of 87.5 sq. kms. has the largest collection of wild flower species. This scenic beauty is created by nature. The river Pushpawati enhances its beauty which flows in the vicinity overlooked by towering Rataban peak in the background. You can see More than 300 species of wild flowers blooming and swinging with life during the monsoons. Legends associate this valley with the area from where Hanumanji of Ramayana collected "Sanjeevani" herbs to revive Lakshmana, the younger brother of Rama. This valley can be visited only during the day. Overnight stay is prohibited.

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