Trekking in Uttaranchal

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Trekking in Uttaranchal
The name Uttaranchal reminds one of the Lofty Himalaya range, vast forests, lakes and rivers, apart from the pilgrimage and temple sites. The state has become a hub for adventure sports activities, owing to its geographical portfolio. Trekking, one of the oldest and most loved sports of adventure freaks, had been a part of the list of travelers much before Uttaranchal became a adventure sports hub. Trekking is a popular sport, which involves walking on the mountain, to uncover the mysteries of forests. Trekking is different from mountaineering, as it does not require any special skills and equipments to do the same. Besides, trekking always refers to walking on trails. Generally a trek takes 1 to 20 days, where 8 to 10 hours per day is consumed in walking and exploring the forests on the mountains. A backpack, carrying the basic minimum items of requirements is carried by trekkers. Nights are more adventurous, when a camp is laid amidst thick forests. Uttaranchal holds great potentials for trekkers. The land holds loads of excitement and adventure for trek-lovers.

Trekking Sites
The Har-ki-Doon Trek
The valley of Har-ki-Doon, is surrounded by glittering peaks and dense forests. The valley is situated at 3500 M above sea level. The area is covered with lush forests and is abundant in wildlife. The trek starts at Netwar, passes through Osla, and ends at Har-ki-Doon. The trek from Netwar to Osla, is through dense forests of chestnuts, walnuts, willows and chinars. The trek from Osla to Har-ki-Doon, is through terraced mountain fields, sylvan meadows and conifer forests. The complete trek is about 50 Km and may involve 8 to 12 days.

The Chandrashila Winter Trek
The Chandrashila hilltop is covered with snow, therefore making it pefect climb in winters. The place is also known for its skiing facilities, provided by GMVN. This includes scaling, skiing, and trekking, through a landscape teeming with exotic flora and fauna, lakes and meadows, full of fresh snow. The trek is about 24 Km and may take 5 to 8 days.

The Dehradun - Kempty Falls Trek
This trek starts at Dehradun, passes through Mussoorie, George Everest, Bhadraj and Jwala Devi, and ends at Kempty Falls. The trek routes may be modified depending upon the desirable time to spend.

The Rishikesh - Gopeshwar Trek
Starting at Rishikesh, this 10 day long trek, passes through Pipalkoti, Kalpeshwar, Bansi Narain, Godiyala, Rudranath, and Sagar, and ends at Gopeshwar.

The Gangotri - Kedarnath Trek
This trek is along the old pilgrim route from Gangotri to Kedarnath. The trek is almost as long as 80 Km, and involves trekking through very rugged terrains. The path is used to reach the famous Kedarnath Temple, from Gangotri. trekkers can break the journey at any point of time, as most of the time, an urban area can be reached.

Kedarnath-Vasukital Trek
This trek starts at Gaurikund, passes through Kedarnath, and ends at Vasukital. The Kedarnath temple can be reached by this path and then further journey can be continued to Vasukital. Whole trek is about 22 Km and can be covered in a couple of days. The trek passes along the river Mandakini, through dense forests, across roaring waterfalls and wonderful panoramic view of the Chaukhamba peaks.

The Kalindikhal Trek
The Kalindikhal trek promises to be a rare experience, even for the most seasoned trekkers. It starts at Nandanvan, and ends at Badrinath. GMVN arranges this trek for 12 days, under normal weather conditions.

The Pithoragarh - Sinla Pass Trek
This exciting trekking route trails along a large portion of the Kailash - Mansarovar route. The trekker in the process, also, gets an exposure to the intriguing socio - cultural life of the people living in the Chaudans, Byans, and Darma valleys. Pithoragarh, also called 'Miniature Kashmir', is the base for treks to Jolinkong. The route to Sinla Pass, is along a heavy blanket of snow, and from here, the beautiful Chhota Kaikash peak is perennially in view. The trek is as long as 120 Km and involves rigorous walking through the interiors of Uttaranchal.

Equipment Required
GMVN and KMVN conduct tours for trekkers, on the hilly paths of Himalayas. A trekker generally carries a backpack, where basic stuff, like medicines, eatables, torch, cloths, lights, and items of general daily usage can be kept. The agents provide with the necessary items like tents and maps. Depending upon the duration of the trek, one should pack the bags.

Tips and Important Info
Necessary permissions from the concerned authorities should be taken, prior to making a trek. Indians donot require persmissions, but foreign nationals require permissions to move into interiors. The authorities, specially Police and Army must be informed regarding the trekking, so as to avoid any confusions and problems. Preparation should be made depending upon the duration, location, altitude and availability of infrastructure in the course of the trek. It is very essential that you check the major details, geographical, historical and cultural, of the particular chosen. One should also find out about the trekking agencies and tour operators who conduct and provide equipment for this activity. A complete physical check up is also necessary.