Spring is here in India to dress up the trees and also unveil the mighty and snowy Himalayas. As the rhododendrons come to full bloom, they send an open invitation to trekkers and hikers to pack their bags and book a ticket for Uttarakhand – The Land of Gods. April is just the perfect month for climbing the mountains and be blessed by the rewarding natural beauty; with a breath of heavenly fresh air. For all the trekkers and expedition seekers, here is a list of places that can be visited this trekking season.

Valley of Flowers – A Piece of Heaven

A riot of blooming flowers, Valley of Flowers is arguably a piece of heaven on the earth. The flower decked valley is one of the rarest natural botanical gardens in India guarded by the mighty Himalayas. It also forms a base for the Sikh pilgrimage of Hemkund Sahib; visited by Sikhs every year. Even if you are not a Sikh, the holy Gurudwara should not be missed while on a trip to the picturesque valley. Here you would witness endless varieties flowers like Himalayan Rose, Meadow Geranium, Blue Poppy, Hooked Stick Seed, Brahma Kamal, White Leaf Hog Foot, River Anemone, Snake Foil among thousands of others. Towards the end of the trek, you will see a beautiful glacier that adds to the beauty of this tiring trek.

PS
  • Trek Route: Govind Ghat/Poolna – Ghangria – Valley of Flowers
  • Estimated Time: 7 Days
  • Trek Gradient: Easy to Moderate
  • Altitude: 1920 m to 3505 m

Finding the Source of Ganga

Witness the point of origin of the Ganga which is considered sacred place for Hindus. This is the reason, many people undertake the Gangotri – Gaumukh Trek that is not only a religious destination, but also replete in natural beauty. Accompanied by the Bhagirathi River, this exciting trek passes through scintillating waterfalls, glaciers, garlanded with Sudarshan Parbat (6507 m), Mt. Shivling (6543 m) and Mt. Meru (6660 m). The spectacular climb is so bewitching, that trekkers cannot refrain from coming back here again and again.

PS
  • Trek Route: Gangotri – Chirbasa – Bhojbasa – Gaumukh
  • Estimated Time: 07 Days (4 day travel/3 days trekking)
  • Trek Gradient: Moderate-Difficult
  • Altitude: 3064 m to 4328 m

The Mysterious Roopkund Lake

One of the best adventure trips in Uttarakhand; this trek passes through the majestic meadows named Ali and Bedni. It reaches the spectacular Roopkund Lake which has been an unsolved mystery for years. This is the place where skeletons of around 200 people were discovered in the frozen lake. They were the 9th century tribes who died because of a hailstorm.

Roopkund trek is considered a tedious journey, but it blesses you with a truly rewarding view. As you pass through the imposing mountains of Trishul (7120 m) and Nandaghunti (6309 m), you will be greeted by Chaukhamba range, Neelkanth peak, Kedarnath and the Kedar Dome. This trail is a bit slippery compared to other treks, because of its steep climbs; but the result is exhilarating.

PS
  • Trek Route: Lohajung – Wan – Ghairoli Patal – Bedni Bugyal – Patar Nachauni – Bhagwabhasa – Roopkund – Junargali
  • Estimated Time: 08 Days (5 days trekking and 3 days travelling)
  • Trek Gradient: Moderate
  • Altitude: 2438 m to 4876 m

Auden’s Col – Take the Challenge

A trek for seasoned climbers, the Auden’s Col trek needs footwork of two weeks and is the toughest trek of India.  The high mountain pass Auden’s Col connects Jogin I (6465 m) and Gangotri III (6580 m), at a height of 5490 m. It was discovered by John Bicknell Auden in 1935. He was a British Geographical Survey Officer who trekked on this pass in 1939.

Auden’s Col trek begins from Gangotri and reaches Kedarnath; both famous Hindu pilgrimages.  Kedarnath is revered for being one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The terrain is arduous and it passes through various boulders, narrow cliffs and tough ridges. Peaks of Rudragaira, Jogin & Gangotri group alongwith Bhagirathi and Kedar Dome will greet you with bewitching views.

PS
  • Trek Route: Gangotri – Nala Camp – Rudragaira Base Camp – Gangotri Base Camp – Auden Col Base Camp – Khatling Glacier – Zero Point/Waterfall Camp – Chowki – Masar Tal – Vasuki Tal – Kedarnath – Gaurikund
  • Estimated Time: 18 Days (13 days trek) rest for travel
  • Trek Gradient: Difficult
  • Altitude: 3048 m to 5400 m

Pauri Binsar – Get the Best of Garhwal

Pauri and Binsar are counted among the most beautiful regions in Garhwal. Being an all round destination, this trek is taken by adventurers, who love to come back to the Garhwal region again and again. Amid the scenic Nanda Kot, Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Panchachuli, Kedarnath and Trishuli peaks; the trek begins from Pauri. It passes through the forests of oaks, deodar, pine and silver fir which are also rich in wildlife. While on the trek, stop at the Samadhi of Veer Chander Singh Garhwali, in mid of Dudhatoli Sanctuary, Musa Kota. He was a famous freedom fighter and is honoured by the people of that area. Entire trek will bless you with thousands of alpine flora, hanging moss, ferns, rhododendron and oaks that form an identity of Binsar.

PS
  • Trek Route: Rishikesh – Pauri – Thalisain – Piersain – Binsar – Garsain
  • Altitude: 3050 m
  • Trek Gradient: Easy
  • Estimated Time: 7 days
  • Best Time to visit: Round the year