Trekking In Garhwal: 22 Trails For Adventure Junkies To Conquer The Highest Peaks!

18 min readMay 6, 2021

Trekking is quite an underrated activity in India, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that there aren’t many trekking routes that you can’t explore around. Garhwal Himalayas does have several routes around that you can take up according to your needs and your expertise. The place is a boon for nature enthusiasts and helps bring out the adventurer inside you. The foothills of the Himalayas are considered the best for trekking and even for camping enthusiasts. To help you keep track of all the routes around, we have some of the best routes for trekking in Garhwal Himalayas that you can go explore around.

Trekking In Garhwal 2021: 24 Perfect Trails

There are a few options for trekking trails along the Garhwal Himalayas that you need to know of. These trails have a mix of routes for beginners and even for the people who are in the advanced levels of trekking and adventure in general. Let us take a look at some of the best trails:

Auden Col Trek — One Of The Most Challenging
Valley of Flowers Trek — A Beautiful Journey
Deoriatal — With The Best Camping Spots
Bali Pass Trek — Ride Through Nature
Chopta Tungnath Trek — Explore A Pristine Trail
Har ki Doon — The Most Beautiful Trek
Dayara Bugyal-Dodital Trek — Along The Grasslands
Pangarchulla Trek — A Breathtaking Journey
Gaumukh Trek — A Unique Spot
Dodital Darwa Pass Trek — Indulge In Recreation
Kuari Pass Trek — For The First-Timers
Kedarkantha Trek — For Glorious Summit View
Khatling Sahastra Tal Trek — Tour A Beautiful Glacier
Nanda Devi Trek — Popular As It Sounds
Chenap Valley Trek — A Hidden Trek Route
Kalindikhal Pass Trek — Explore The Valleys
Mayali Pass Trek — Fresh Vibes All-Around
Nag Tibba Trek — Easy As A Trek Can Be
Auli Snow View Trek — Mesmerizing Views
Satopanth Lake Trek — A Beautiful Lake Awaits
Hemkund Sahib Trek — Pray The Lord
Lamkhaga Pass Trek — Adventurous And Breathtaking
Bedni Bugyal Trek — A Groovey Trail
Panch Kedar Trek — A Hidden Gem

1. Auden Col Trek — One Of The Most Challenging

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It is always best to start with the toughest in the lot, right? The Auden Col Trek is one of the toughest treks in Garhwal and joins around with the Jogin I and the Gangotri III trekking spots from either side. Apart from that, it also does join two glaciers. The trek kickstarts from the Gangotri and covers through dense pine forests and jungle to finally go through to the Nala Camp.

The trek covers through the Rudra Gaira Base Camp offers several base camps. From the Gangotri base camp, the trek takes you up to the Auden Col’s base camp. The majority of trekkers who have gone through the trek said that the route till Khatling is hectic but the view around is completely worth it.

Location: Bhilangana range

Duration: 18 days

Elevation: 5450 mts

Difficulty level: Difficult

Season: Mid-May to early October

Must Read: Ladakh In April 2021: When Your Adventurous Heart Yearns For The Himalayas!

2. Valley Of Flowers Trek — A Beautiful Journey

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As exotic as the name of the trek route sounds, the experience through it just as exciting. If you are not one for seeing a white blanket of snow everywhere, the Valley of Flowers trek is one of the most scenic routes for trekking in Uttrakhand. Apart from the blooms and gardens and flowers everywhere, the trekking trail also does take you through some of the most breathtaking range of landscapes around.

The trek is perfect for beginners as it is not that challenging as many often tend to make it out to be. It doesn’t include a steep rise in the hike, making it a perfect choice for people who want to set off on a trek to the Garhwal but haven’t tried trekking before.

Location: Govind Ghat

Duration: 7 days

Elevation: 3858 mts

Difficulty level: Easy

Season: End-June to September

3. Deoriatal — With The Best Camping Spots

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Next on the list of the amazing activities and trekking trails around in Garhwal Himalayas has to be Deoriatal. To be at the best Himalayan treks is an achievement in itself.The final reaching point of this trek is located at 2400 meters but the view that they provide is one of a kind and one that you just can’t miss out on. The trek takes you along the beautiful beauty of the Saari village along with the beauty of the paddy fields all around.

Also, you can witness the beauty of the Chaukhamba peak during the trek which further adds to the thrill even more. If you are trekking with friends and family, this trekking trail is one of the best spots for camping just beside the lake.

Location: Uttarakhand

Duration: 4 days

Elevation: 2438 mts

Difficulty level: Moderate

Season: June to September

4. Bali Pass Trek — Ride Through Nature

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Another amazing trail across Garhwal that you can check out for yourself is the Bali pass trek. This is one of the most popular treks in Yamunotri. The trekking spot is through the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary and takes you along a beautiful ride through nature. The trek has its first base camp in Sankri from where it continues till the Supin river and then crosses through to finally end at Osla.

From there, the trail further continues to Har Ki Dun which further takes you along a beautiful ride through the flora and fauna. The route then further continues to Ruinsara Tal through the dense forests and finally ends in the base camp of Bali pass. The route then further continues to Janak Chatti and Hanuman Chatti.

Location: Yamunotri

Duration: 13 days

Elevation: 4800 mts

Difficulty level: Moderate

Season: April to December

5. Chopta Tungnath Trek — Explore A Pristine Trail

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If the trek in Garhwal is your very first trekking trip and you want to explore a spot that has been untouched and not explored around by a lot of tourists and trekkers, the Chopta Tungnath Trek is the perfect option. Unlike anything, the trek isn’t the easiest one but the experience is one of a kind. You can witness some of the most popular mountain peaks like Nanda Devi, Kedarnath, and Nilkanth.

The majority of trekkers who have already explored this trekking route have suggested visiting during the autumn or winter months for the best experience. The trek starts from the Sari village and takes you along a ride through some of the most breathtaking spots around. Given how beautiful the surroundings are, it isn’t a surprise that people ask to have the camera handy at all times.

Location: Chopta

Duration: 5 days

Elevation: 4090 mts

Difficulty level: Easy to moderate

Season: Round the year

6. Har Ki Doon Trek- The Most Beautiful Trek

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Another one of the popular trekking trails in Garhwal is Har ki Doon, which is one of the most spectacular valleys in Uttarakhand. which is located at a height of 3500 meters. Trekkers suggest saying that this is possibly one of the most rewarding experiences that you can garner while on a trek. The combination of breathtaking landscapes and the waterfalls and the snow-clad mountains make this spot the best you can experience.

You also get to experience the beauty of the dense forests covered in pine and oak which make the entire trip a wholesome experience. The best part of the trek is getting to witness the beauty of the Swargarohini peak that overlooks the beauty of the trekking trail.

Location: Sankari range

Duration: 9 days

Elevation: 3566 mts

Difficulty level: Easy to moderate

Season: March to June, September to Mid-November

7. Dayara Bugyal-Dodital Trek — Along The Grasslands

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Dayara Bugyal is considered one of the most mesmerizing spots around in Uttarakhand. Not only does one get to indulge in skiing options, but trekking is also just as much of a valid option. The Dayara Bugyal-Dodital Trek allows you to experience one of the most breathtaking views around because of nature and the landscapes that you otherwise wouldn’t.

The trek route climbs above the Barnala lake and then takes you through Nimdhar and then ends at Dodital. The lake, with its emerald-like appearance, is of a kind experience witnessing. The view of the Himalaya from the top of the trek is just as amazing.

Location: Dayara Bugyal

Duration: 9 days

Elevation: 4150 mts

Difficulty level: Moderate

Season: Mid-March to Mid-November

8. Pangarchulla Trek — A Breathtaking Journey

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If you have prior experience in trekking and adventure sports, in general, the Pangarchulla Trek is the perfect spot for you to visit and explore. The experts suggest that this is one of the most thrilling treks that you can experience. The trek takes you along varying terrains which is one of the reasons why this is such a sought-after trekking trail by the trekkers, especially the experienced ones.

The areas with vegetation and lush greenery are quite breathtaking and one of a kind that you just can’t miss out on. This is the perfect spot to visit for nature lovers along with adventure enthusiasts around.

Location: Uttarkashi

Duration: 9 days

Elevation: 2300 mts

Difficulty level: Moderate

Season: March to November

9. Gaumukh Trek — A Unique Spot

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As weird as the name of the trekking trail is, Gaumukh is one of the most important and best trekking trails in Uttarakhand. This is a very popular pilgrimage destination as well. The trekking difficulty is intermediate, so you can opt for it, even if you haven’t gotten a lot of experience in the field of trekking.

The area takes you along with the beauty of the lush green valleys and the dense forests filled with conifers and oak forests around. The Bhagirathi peak that one gets to experience with this trek is something that will leave you speechless once you witness it.

Location: Gaumukh

Duration: 11 days

Elevation: 13,000 feet

Difficulty level: Moderate

Season: March to November

10. Dodital Darwa Pass Trek — Indulge In Recreation

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Dodital is a very popular spot when it comes down to the trekking trails around in Garhwal Himalayas. It is located at a distance of 3024 m of Uttarkashi. The trek does take around 8 days, so make sure that you do have everything planned out accordingly.

The lake is not the only site of attraction but the dense forest surrounding it lives up to the expectation just as much. This trek offers several activities for you to indulge in including boating, angling, and bird watching too. The trek starts from Dodital and then takes you along to Hanuman Chatti via the Darwa top.

Location: Dodital

Duration: 8 days

Elevation: 4150 mts

Difficulty level: Moderate

Season: Mid-March to Mid-November

11. Kuari Pass Trek — For The First-Timers

Image Credits: Hari for Wikimedia

Ain’t nothing better than the experience of a great first trek. Trekking in Garhwal has always been a trekker’s dream and the Kuari Pass trek is one of the best winter treks in the Himalayas. You will go through some amazing campsites, ancient forest paths, and mesmerizing mountain views from the very first day. Adequate preparation for the trek is necessary in order to prepare oneself for the hilly and steep climbs.

It is a 6-day trek and you start from Dhak at 6,900 feet with 4–5 hours per day. It is a 21 km trek ending at Auli. You pass through some gorgeous mountains like the Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Trishul, and Kamet. You will always remember trekking in Garhwal — the beauty and the serenity you pass through along the way.

Elevation: 3876 mts

Difficulty level: Difficult

Season: February to September

12. Kedarkantha Trek — For Glorious Summit View

Image Credits: Wikimedia

A relatively easy trek, the Kedarkantha Trek is another popular trail for trekking in Garhwal. Go for an active 5-day vacation and set hold of your foot in the beautiful snows of Kedarnath. The trek starts at Sankri, one of the best trekking places in India . The highlight of the trip is the experience of a summit climb.

The Kedarkantha trek goes through beautiful campsites, snow-covered pine forests, all round view of the Himalayan peaks like Black Peak, Swargarohini and Bandarpoonch. Once you actually reach the summit, you will realize what an amazing glory you have achieved. The air is so clear that you see the Himachal mountains as well.

Elevation: 3584

Difficulty level: Easy

Season: May — October

13. Khatling Sahastra Tal Trek — Tour A Beautiful Glacier

Image Credits: Pixabay Disclaimer: The image is for representation purposes only.

The Khatling glacier is known to be the most beautiful glaciers in the world. The glacier is known to be the source of the river Bhilangna. The trek will obviously route you through some of the finest of Garhwal. The glacier is closely enclosed by the high-rise peaks of Jogin, Kauter, and Meru. The trek begins between the lush green fields and forests of the valley while eventually ascending towards the majestic peaks.

You will come across numerous beautiful lakes like the Masar Tal, Vasuki Tal, and finally the Sahastra Tal. Located in the Bhilangna valley is the Sahastra Tal which has some of the most amazing spots for camping in Uttarakhand . While you won’t believe your eyes with the gorgeous views, capturing a few shots in your camera is inevitable.

Elevation: 3900 mts

Difficulty level: Difficult

Season: May to December

14. Nanda Devi Trek — Popular As It Sounds

Image Credits: Wikimedia

The Nanda Devi trek is one of the popular treks in the Garhwal Himalayas. The name might be confusing but the trek is mostly limited to the high peaks of Nanda Devi national park. Not only do you get gorgeous views of the massive peaks but high mountaineering routes as well as supreme camping spots.

The trek starts from a village named Lata, about 2 km from Joshimath. From there you ascend towards Lata Kharak at 3600 meters and then Dharansi Pass at 4200 meters. Witness the rare Himalayan wildlife, the legendary village of Rainee and the sacred confluences of Nandprayag, Rudraprayag and Devprayag.

Elevation: 4250 mts

Difficulty level: Moderate

Season: Mid-April to October

15. Chenap Valley Trek — A Hidden Trek Route

Image Credits: KP Vasant for Wikimedia

Heard of this trek route? We bet you haven’t. Chenap valley is one of the hidden gems of Uttarakhand at 3900 meters above sea level. The contrasting views of the snow-clad peaks along with the vivid and rich oak-deodar forests and meadows are a sight to behold. Some beautiful trails await you at this spot.

Starting from Joshimath, you cross Vishnu Prayag, Thaing, Dara Kharak, and finally the valley itself. The valley has a few steep hills in between and cliffs are a common geographical feature in the region. Nevertheless, the mesmerizing beauty will overpower your trip as you will be nothing but rejuvenated at the end of your journey.

Elevation: 3962 mts

Difficulty level: Moderate

Season: April to September

16. Kalindikhal Pass Trek — Explore The Valleys

Image Credits: Daniel Vander Maas for Wikimedia

Kalindikhal trek is a challenging, high-altitude trek at an elevation of 5900 meters above sea level. The pass is known to connect the Gangotri and Badrinath dhams. Being difficult does not matter as the popularity of this route is due to its proximity to Badrinath temple. The journey is challenging and you encounter several high-rise peaks like the Shivling peak.

The trek starts from Bhagirathi valley and takes you to Gaumukh, Tapovan, and Nandanvan through glaciers. You will also come across Vasuki tal, Suralya bamak, and Sweta glacier which eventually reaches the Kalindi summit.

Elevation: 5946 mts

Difficulty level: Difficult

Season: Mid-June to August

17. Mayali Pass Trek — Fresh Vibes All-Around

Image Credits: PxFuel Disclaimer: The image is for representation purposes only.

The Mayali Pass trek route goes along the extremely scenic Bhilangana valley. Covered with top peaks from all corners, you are equally greeted with a lot of water bodies, flower bosoms, and enchanting mountain paths. The trek might be tiring but the vast nature and fresh breath of air surely act as a relieving factor.

Ghuttu is the village from where this trek emerges following which you reach Gangi, Kharsoli, Kalyani, and many such villages with dense meadows. Base camping is one of the best features of this trek as the alpine and teak forest provides plenty of opportunities. Post this, the trek gets tougher when you reach Chowki, eventually crossing lakes to reach Mayali Pass.

Elevation: 5,000 mts

Difficulty level: Difficult

Season: May to June, August to October

18. Nag Tibba Trek — Easy As A Trek Can Be

Image Credits: Paul Hamilton for Wikimedia

Another awesome trek to add to your list of trekking places in Garhwal is the Nag Tibba trek . It is one of the easiest winter trekking routes with amazing views of rhododendron forests, ankle-deep snow, and Himalayan peaks. The absence of steep terrains makes climbing gentle and a first-timer can do so easily.

The trek starts from Mussoorie when you eventually reach Pantwari from where the actual climb starts. In about 5–7 hours of trekking, you will reach the Nag Tibba base camp. Another 2 hours from there, you reach the summit of your trip.

Elevation: 3048

Difficulty level: Easy

Season: Round the year

19. Auli Snow View Trek — Mesmerizing Views

Image Credits: PxFuel

The best way to explore trekking in Garhwal is to hop on the voyage of Auli Snow View trek. Not only will you ride to the high-rise Himalayas, but you will also keep in touch with the fabulous snow views and charming environment that Auli has to offer.

Treks do not have to be tough or even moderate. There are many trek routes for that. If you really are new to trekking and want some of the best experiences, then do miss this one. And yes, you get to see many great Himalayan peaks as well, the Nanda Devi is the most important one.

Elevation: 3048 mts

Difficulty level: Moderate

Season: March to September

20. Satopanth Lake Trek — A Beautiful Lake Awaits

Image Credits: Sharada Prasad for Wikimedia

The transportation to a new world is very much written on the paths and ultimately the destination of this trek. Satopanth lake is a crystal clear and green water lake which is triangular in shape. Abundant natural beauty awaits you in the way as you witness Chaukhamba peaks, verdant hills, oak trees, and so many others.

Throughout your trek, you will feel that you’re heading into a new planet that has little to zero stamp of human civilization. When nature surrounds you from all sides, you feel like strengthening your bond with nature and creating a different world. Such is the essence of Satopanth Lake trek.

Elevation: 4330 mts

Difficulty level: Moderate to Difficult

Season: Mid-March to October

21. Hemkund Sahib Trek — Pray The Lord

Image Credits: Japleen for Wikimedia

How great would it be to witness the holy confluence of Karnprayag, Rudraprayag, and Devprayag in one go? Such is the case with Hemkund Sahib trek. You also get the mesmeric views of the high rise snow-covered mountains like Saptashrungi. The trek will take you on a scenic journey so much so that you forget your own world. The still mountains and the ever-flowing Pushpawati river transcends into a world of solace and isolation.

Starting from Haridwar to Joshimath, and then Ghangaria, is where the transformation takes place. The trekking from Ghangaria to Hemkund is beautiful with remote villages accompanying you time and again. You will not hear anything apart from natural sounds when you visit the Hemkund Sahib lake.

Elevation: 4632 mts

Difficulty level: Moderate

Season: April to October

22. Lamkhaga Pass Trek — Adventurous And Breathtaking

Image Credits: Arkabrata Bhattacharya for Wikimedia

The Lamkhaga Pass trek is simply put one of the best routes for mountain trekking in Garhwal. Most of the trek commences at the Dhauladhar ranges, where the north-eastern Garhwal connects with Himachal Pradesh. Adventurous, breathtaking, and mesmerizing are the only words we can use to express more about this trek route.

The trek starts from the sleepy village of Harsil and goes through Kinnaur Valley to end at Chitkul. The route involves going through many villages, crossing rivers, and admiring the beauty of the place.

Elevation: 5300 mts

Difficulty level: Difficult

Season: February to Mid-September

23. Bedni Bugyal Trek — A Groovy Trail

Image source: Unsplash

From high altitude grasslands to alpine forests that converge upon this trek, the landscaping sights on this trail are popular for their aestheticism and natural beauty. If you are planning a trip to this highland, it would be worthy to carry an old-school film or polaroid camera to truly capturing the timelessness of this place.

Elevation: 3354 mts

Difficulty level: Moderate

Season: March to November

24. Panch Kedar Trek — A Hidden Gem

Image source: Unsplash

The Panch Kedar trek is one of the most popular routes of the region for both beginner and advance adventurous. The amazing fact is that non-trekkers often take this path to see all the five shrines of Lord Shiva that are easily accessible on this route. The suburban landscape is also a plus, you can enjoy some photography, camping, and bonfire at the location before heading back into the city.

Elevation: 3584 mts

Difficulty level: Moderate

Season: March to September

Further Read: These Intimidating Bhutan Mountains Define How Mesmerizing The Himalayas Are

For those who are into adventure sports and activities, you will know of the importance and significance of trekking in Garhwal. The place has varying terrains, depending on the route you take, thus making it a beautiful spot for you to explore around. So now when you plan a vacation to Uttrakhand, make sure to take a peek at these Garhwal Himalayas. Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trekking In Garhwal Himalayas

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Originally published at https://traveltriangle.com on May 6, 2021.

Trekking In Garhwal: 22 Trails For Adventure Junkies To Conquer The Highest Peaks!

Trekking In Garhwal 2021: 24 Perfect Trails

1. Auden Col Trek — One Of The Most Challenging

2. Valley Of Flowers Trek — A Beautiful Journey

3. Deoriatal — With The Best Camping Spots

4. Bali Pass Trek — Ride Through Nature

5. Chopta Tungnath Trek — Explore A Pristine Trail

6. Har Ki Doon Trek- The Most Beautiful Trek

7. Dayara Bugyal-Dodital Trek — Along The Grasslands

8. Pangarchulla Trek — A Breathtaking Journey

9. Gaumukh Trek — A Unique Spot

10. Dodital Darwa Pass Trek — Indulge In Recreation

11. Kuari Pass Trek — For The First-Timers

12. Kedarkantha Trek — For Glorious Summit View

13. Khatling Sahastra Tal Trek — Tour A Beautiful Glacier

14. Nanda Devi Trek — Popular As It Sounds

15. Chenap Valley Trek — A Hidden Trek Route

16. Kalindikhal Pass Trek — Explore The Valleys

17. Mayali Pass Trek — Fresh Vibes All-Around

18. Nag Tibba Trek — Easy As A Trek Can Be

19. Auli Snow View Trek — Mesmerizing Views

20. Satopanth Lake Trek — A Beautiful Lake Awaits

21. Hemkund Sahib Trek — Pray The Lord

22. Lamkhaga Pass Trek — Adventurous And Breathtaking

23. Bedni Bugyal Trek — A Groovy Trail

24. Panch Kedar Trek — A Hidden Gem

Frequently Asked Questions About Trekking In Garhwal Himalayas

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Written by Travel with Megha