Uttarakhand, often called the "Land of Gods", is a trekker’s paradise, offering trails that range from easy beginner hikes to challenging high-altitude expeditions. Whether you're looking for a short and scenic trek or a demanding multi-day adventure, Uttarakhand has something for everyone!
Here’s a detailed guide to the best trekking routes in Uttarakhand, categorized for beginners and experienced trekkers.
✔ Duration: 3 Days
✔ Max Altitude: 12,083 ft
✔ Best Time: March – June & September – December
✔ Why Go?
✔ Duration: 2 Days
✔ Max Altitude: 9,910 ft
✔ Best Time: October – April
✔ Why Go?
✔ Duration: 6 Days
✔ Max Altitude: 12,654 ft
✔ Best Time: July – September (During the bloom season )
✔ Why Go?
✔ Duration: 5-6 Days
✔ Max Altitude: 12,500 ft
✔ Best Time: December – April (Best winter trek
)
✔ Why Go?
For seasoned trekkers, these challenging high-altitude treks offer rugged landscapes, glaciers, and ultimate adventure!
✔ Duration: 7 Days
✔ Max Altitude: 11,700 ft
✔ Best Time: March – June & September – November
✔ Why Go?
✔ Duration: 8 Days
✔ Max Altitude: 15,250 ft
✔ Best Time: May – June & September – October
✔ Why Go?
✔ Duration: 8-9 Days
✔ Max Altitude: 16,207 ft
✔ Best Time: June & September
✔ Why Go?
✔ Duration: 15-16 Days
✔ Max Altitude: 19,520 ft
✔ Best Time: July – September
✔ Why Go?
✔ Acclimatize properly – For treks above 12,000 ft, take one extra day to adjust to altitude.
✔ Pack smartly – Carry trekking shoes, thermal layers, rain gear, headlamp, and a first-aid kit.
✔ Book in advance – Popular treks like Kedarkantha & Valley of Flowers get fully booked fast.
✔ Hire a local guide – Essential for difficult treks like Bali Pass & Kalindi Khal.
Pro Tip: Best months for trekking in Uttarakhand are March-June & September-November (Avoid monsoons).
Which trek have you done or plan to do next? Share your experiences below!
Here’s a detailed guide to the best trekking routes in Uttarakhand, categorized for beginners and experienced trekkers.
️ Best Treks in Uttarakhand for Beginners
If you’re new to trekking, these easy to moderate treks are a great way to start! They are shorter, less strenuous, and perfect for families and first-time hikers.
Chopta - Tungnath - Chandrashila Trek (Easy - Moderate)
✔ Duration: 3 Days✔ Max Altitude: 12,083 ft
✔ Best Time: March – June & September – December
✔ Why Go?
- Visit Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world
- Breathtaking sunrise & 360° Himalayan views from Chandrashila Peak
- Ideal for first-time trekkers, families & nature lovers
Nag Tibba Trek (Easy)
✔ Duration: 2 Days✔ Max Altitude: 9,910 ft
✔ Best Time: October – April
✔ Why Go?
- Shortest weekend trek from Delhi & Dehradun
- Panoramic views of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Gangotri peaks
- Perfect for beginners & kids
Valley of Flowers Trek (Moderate)
✔ Duration: 6 Days✔ Max Altitude: 12,654 ft
✔ Best Time: July – September (During the bloom season )
✔ Why Go?
- UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for vibrant alpine flowers
- Chance to spot rare wildlife like the Blue Sheep & Himalayan Monal
- Can be combined with Hemkund Sahib trek
Kedarkantha Trek (Moderate)
✔ Duration: 5-6 Days✔ Max Altitude: 12,500 ft
✔ Best Time: December – April (Best winter trek
)✔ Why Go?
- One of the best winter treks in India with snow-covered trails
- Easy climb with stunning summit views of multiple Himalayan peaks
- Great for first-time high-altitude trekkers
Best Treks in Uttarakhand for Experienced Trekkers
For seasoned trekkers, these challenging high-altitude treks offer rugged landscapes, glaciers, and ultimate adventure!
Har Ki Dun Trek (Moderate - Difficult)
✔ Duration: 7 Days✔ Max Altitude: 11,700 ft
✔ Best Time: March – June & September – November
✔ Why Go?
- Ancient villages, alpine meadows, and snow-covered peaks
- Offers a mix of culture & adventure (linked to the Mahabharata)
- Perfect for those seeking a long yet rewarding trek
Rupin Pass Trek (Difficult)
✔ Duration: 8 Days✔ Max Altitude: 15,250 ft
✔ Best Time: May – June & September – October
✔ Why Go?
- One of India’s most thrilling cross-country treks
- Experience hanging villages, waterfalls, and snow bridges
- A challenging trek requiring stamina & endurance
Bali Pass Trek (Very Difficult)
✔ Duration: 8-9 Days✔ Max Altitude: 16,207 ft
✔ Best Time: June & September
✔ Why Go?
- Glacier walks, river crossings, and challenging ascents
- Connects Har Ki Dun Valley to Yamunotri
- Suitable only for highly experienced trekkers
Kalindi Khal Trek (Extreme Difficulty)
✔ Duration: 15-16 Days✔ Max Altitude: 19,520 ft
✔ Best Time: July – September
✔ Why Go?
- Toughest trek in Uttarakhand, crossing glaciers & high-altitude passes
- Requires technical mountaineering skills
- For expert trekkers looking for a once-in-a-lifetime Himalayan challenge
Comparison Table – Best Treks in Uttarakhand
| Trek Name | Difficulty | Duration | Max Altitude | Best Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chopta - Tungnath - Chandrashila | Easy-Moderate | 3 Days | 12,083 ft | Mar-Jun, Sep-Dec | First-time trekkers, spiritual travelers |
| Nag Tibba | Easy | 2 Days | 9,910 ft | Oct-Apr | Weekend trek, beginners, families |
| Valley of Flowers | Moderate | 6 Days | 12,654 ft | Jul-Sep | Nature lovers, photographers |
| Kedarkantha | Moderate | 5-6 Days | 12,500 ft | Dec-Apr | Snow trek, beginners |
| Har Ki Dun | Moderate-Difficult | 7 Days | 11,700 ft | Mar-Jun, Sep-Nov | Cultural & adventure lovers |
| Rupin Pass | Difficult | 8 Days | 15,250 ft | May-Jun, Sep-Oct | Experienced trekkers |
| Bali Pass | Very Difficult | 8-9 Days | 16,207 ft | Jun, Sep | Hardcore trekkers, glacier explorers |
| Kalindi Khal | Extreme | 15-16 Days | 19,520 ft | Jul-Sep | Expedition-level trekkers |
Tips for Trekking in Uttarakhand
✔ Choose the right trek for your fitness level – Start with an easy trek before attempting high-altitude ones.✔ Acclimatize properly – For treks above 12,000 ft, take one extra day to adjust to altitude.
✔ Pack smartly – Carry trekking shoes, thermal layers, rain gear, headlamp, and a first-aid kit.
✔ Book in advance – Popular treks like Kedarkantha & Valley of Flowers get fully booked fast.
✔ Hire a local guide – Essential for difficult treks like Bali Pass & Kalindi Khal.
Pro Tip: Best months for trekking in Uttarakhand are March-June & September-November (Avoid monsoons).
Final Thoughts – Which Trek Will You Choose?
Whether you’re a beginner looking for an easy weekend trek or an experienced trekker seeking a thrilling adventure, Uttarakhand has it all!Which trek have you done or plan to do next? Share your experiences below!
