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Trekking
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The Garhwal region contains some of the finest
Himalaya mountains and is highly accessible.
The low-altitude Sivalik foothills that run
across the state are stepping stones from the
plains to the Greater Himalayas. This region
has the trekking possibilities especially
during the winter. Trekking can be performed
in the Inner Himalayas for 7 to 20 days with
an experienced outfitter and modern camping
equipment. The trekking can be enjoyed in
small groups. Each group is accompanied by an
English-speaking trained guide and experienced
kitchen staff to serve fresh meals. The
trekkers do not have to carry their backpacks
more than 3 to 5 kilograms. The rest of the
equipment can be carried by porters who
accompany them. Dehradun, the capital city of
Uttaranchal is the base point for trekking.
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The history behind the trekking goes back to
the beginning of the 19th century. When the
Gurkhas were expelled from Kumaon, Garhwal and
Himachal Pradesh after the 1814-15 Gurkha War,
Nepal and Britain signed a non-aggression pact
which neither side violated. However, Nepal
adopted an isolation policy, closing its doors
to the rest of the world. Then, it became a
forbidden land and this stimulated a curious
fascination among the outsiders. The discovery
that the Everest is the highest mountain in
the world added to the mystique. When Nepal
opened its doors again in 1950, the first
visitors were captivated by this medieval
kingdom that was seemingly unaffected by the
20th century. The members of the first
expeditions to Everest marveled at the beauty
of Nepal and widely advertised it. Then came
the trekkers and tourism gathered a momentum.
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This region had been open since the British
took over in 1815 but it was abandoned by
explorers in favour of Nepal. Various early
Himalayan exploration were undertaken here.
The Trisul Parvat, after it had been climbed
by Dr. Tom Longstaff in 1906 remained the
highest mountain climbed for the next 30
years. The famous mountaineers of 1930 like
Bill Tilman, Eric Shipton and Frank Smythe
marveled at the beauty of the region. Later,
climbers like Chris Bonington, Peter Boardman
and Mick Tasker used alpine techniques to
conquer Changabang and Dunagiri. The hill
folks and pilgrims also trekked over hills and
dales due to lack of roads and means of
transportation. Adi Shankaracharya trekked in
the Garhwal Himalayas in the 8th century A.D.
and he was the pioneer who opened trekking
routes in this part of the country.
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There are many trekking routes which offers some of
the most spectacular walking and scenery. Around
Gangotri and Yamunotri there are very good treks. The
valley of Har-ki-Doon, Pindari glacier, Kuari pass and
Dodital are the famous trekking routes. Some of the
lesser known routes are Ruinsara, Bali Pass, Buran
Pass, Sahastratal and the Rudranath and Milam Malari
treks. One of the popular trekking route is from the
Kuari Pass to the Valley of Flowers. The maximum
height which can be reached in this trek is 3658
metres. Many of these routes lead across high-altitude
meadows, passes, lakes and highest, perennially
snow-clad peaks like the Nanda Davi, Kamet, Neekanth,
Mana. The scenic splendour of these mountains lies
partly in the fact that the forests around the big
peaks are still in marvelous condition and the local
population is unaffected by the ravages of mass
tourism. The best seasons for trekking are Februray
and March at lower altitudes for the spectacular
rhododendrons, April and May at higher altitudes, and
October and November, when temperature is low, the
skies are clear and the vegetation is green.
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Treeking Routes in Garhwal |
Panch
Kedar
Trek
Panch Kedars are the five different forms of the Hindu
God Shiva and are Known as Kedarnath (3584 m),
Madmaheshwar (3289 m), Tungnath (3810 m), Rudranath
(2286 m) and Kalpnath (2134 m). The mountainscape from
each temple is fascinating, the valley is full of rich
flora and fauna and the people are hospitable.
Kedarnath - Vasuki Tal Trek
The trek from Kedarnath to Vasuki Tal is a continuous
ascent along a goat track and it offers a panoramic
view of Chukhamba peaks. The trek starts from
Gaurikund, where one can have a refreshing bath in the
hot water sulphur springs. The trek from Gaurikund to
Rambara winds along the river Mandakini through
forests and across beautiful waterfalls. The final
trek to Vasuki Tal is downhill for 1 km. At the bottom
of this, one can see rectangular slabs of rocks.
Dodi Tal Trek
The trek to Dodi Tal starts from Uttarkashi to Sangam
Chatti and is approachable by motor. It is a gradual
climb from Sangam Chatti to Agoda through woods,
fields and villages on a mule track. The trek from
Agoda to Dodi Tal is steep and through thick forests.
Dodi Tal is situated at an elevation of 3024 meters,
north of Uttarkashi and is surrounded by dense woods
of oak, pine, deodar and rhododendrons. Dodi Tal, the
crystal clear lake is full of rare fishes and the
Himalayan Golden Trouts.
Gangotri - Kedarnath Trek
The Gangotri-Kedarnath trek is along the old pilgrim
route from Gangotri to Kedarnath. From Gangotri one
has to come down to Mala by motor. The actual trek
stats from Mala, after crossing the river Bhagirathi.
The trek is on level upto Sauri–ki–gad and from this
point the climb to Belak is gradual. From Belak to
Budha Kedar, it is downhill through dense forests full
of birds and wildlife. From Budha Kedar to Panwali, it
is an uphill climb through terraced fields and
picturesque villages. The enchanting view of the
Garhwal Himalaya is very refreshing and compensates
the efforts of regular ascend and descend. The
‘Bugyals’ (alpine meadows) on this trek are most
beautiful, specially the Kush–Kalyani and Panwali
Bugyals.
Kalindikhal Trek
The Kalindikhal Trek provides a rare experience for
the most adventurous trekkers. The trek takes one from
Nandavan to Vasuki Tal after due acclimatization.
There is a gradual ascent of 10 kms. and there after,
the trek negotiates Kharapathar at a height of 5456 m.
before camping at Kalindi base. After crossing the
Kalindi Pass, one treks down to Arwa glacier and
Arwatal to Badrinath via Ghastoli with two main rivers
crossing on the way.
Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Trek
The Valley of Flowers and Hemkund trek starts from
Govindghat, on the way to Badrinath, having two major
gradients, one from Alaknanda bridge of Govindghat to
Pulana village, for 3 kms. and other from Bhundar to
Ghangharia. After trekking 3 kms. from Ghangharia, a
bifurcation point is reached. The Valley of Flowers is
surrounded by the river Pushpavati and small streams.
The Valley is nearly 10 kms. in length and 2 kms. in
width.
Khatling - Sahasratal - Masartal Trek
The Khatling glacier is a lateral glacier, at the
source of river Bhilangana. Sahsratal and Masartal are
on the west and east of it. The valley of Bhilangana
affords a panoramic view of snow capped peaks and
hanging glaciers like Jogin group, Kirti Stambh and
Meru. The whole trek passes through thick forests and
beautiful lush green meadows. In the rainy season, the
meadows burst with splendid flowers. Trekkers will
have to cross scores of small streams on improvised
log bridges on this route.
Har-Ki–Doon Trek
At an elevation of 3566 meters, the Har-Ki-Doon is
surrounded by glittering peaks and dense forests. The
forests are rich in wildlife and is a paradise for
bird watchers and nature lovers. The road 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, lush
green grassy land and conifer forests.
Roopkund Trek
Roopkund is situated at a height of 5029 meters in the
lap of Trisul Massif. This area is usually called the
‘Mystery Lake’ since human skeletons and remains of
horses from the Paleolithic age were found here. The
lake is surrounded by rock stewn glaciers and snow
clad peaks. The starting point of the trek is Tharali,
easily approached by motor from Rishikesh. Roopkund
can also be reached from Ghat, connected by the
motorable road with Nandprayag situated on the main
highway to Badrinath. The route passes through lush
green grassy land and conifer forests clinging on to
the slopes of hills. The trek thereafter winds its way
along the Pindar river. Then to round off this trek,
one can approach Homekund via Shall Samudra glacier
and then move on to Ghat or Nandprayag.
Kuari Pass Trek
The Kuari Pass is approached through a narrow goat
track at an elevation of 4265 mts. in the heart of
Chamoli District. The glorious view of the imposing
eastern peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas is
unforgettably enchanting. They appear so close with
their grand glittering snow caps that one feels like
almost touching them. If the weather is clear then the
Nandadevi, Dunagiri, Bethartoli, Devathan peaks are
visible from Kuari Pass. Since Lord Curzon once
trekked upto Kuari Pass, the trek is known as Curzon
trek. |
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Treeking Routes in Kumaon |
The Kumaon hills are the most picturesque hills in the
country and offers breathtakingly adventurous trekking
routes. Some of these routes are |
Pithoragarh - Tawaghat - Parwati Lake - Chhota
Kailash - Sinla Pass Trek
In this exciting trekking region of Kali, Kuti and
Dhauli rivers, one not only walks along a large
portion of the Kailash – Mansarovar route, but also
gets an exposure to the socio-cultural life of the
people living in the Chaudans, Byans and Darma
valleys. Dharchula is the base camp for trekking that
takes one to Jolingkong called Chhota Kailash and its
small but beautiful lake called Parwati Tal. The route
to Sinla Pass is under a heavy blanket of snow and
from here one can constantly see the Chhota Kailash
peak.
Bageshwar - Liti - Namik Glacier Trek
In this trek one can see the snout of Namik Glacier
and the stream coming down from Anargal and meeting
the main stream after going through Jogi Udiyar the
ascent of Bhindawali and Penthang.
Munsyari
- Milam Glacier Trek
Munsyari is situated on the arterial water body of the
Goriganga, which emerges from the Milan glacier of the
eastern flanks of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary, and also
fed the Kalabuland glacier and the Panchachuli from
further east. The Milam glacier snout at 3872 m. is
the nodel point for a variety of high grade routes and
peaks.
Bageshwar - Saung - Sunderdhung
Glacier Trek
36 kms. from Kausani, at the confluence of the rivers
Gomti and Saryu lies this religious town of Bageshwar.
Bageshwar is an important pilgrimage centre of the
Kumaon Himalayas and adorned by temples and places of
worship. Bagehwar is also the base for the popular
trekking routes of Sunderdhunga, Pindari and Kafni
Devikund, Durgakund Glaciers.
Bageshwar - Saung - Pindari Glacier Trek
The trek from Bageshwar to Pindari glacier is 3kms.
long and ¼ km. broad. It is connected to the
south–western slopes of the outer walls of the Nanda
Devi Sanctuary. |
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