37 Best adventure & trekking places in Uttarakhand

Pilgrimage | Adventure / Trekking

Located at the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh is a holy city on the banks of the River Ganges in Uttarakhand. It is one of the top pilgrimage sites near Delhi, and among the prominent places to visit in Uttarakhand. It is about 42 km from Dehradun, 201 km from Chandigarh, and 233 km from Delhi.

Rishikesh is the gateway to the upper Garhwal region and the starting point for the Char Dham pilgrimage (Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath). Rishikesh is one of the the best places to visit near Chandigarh. Rishikesh has several famous ashrams and temples. Triveni Ghat, Neel Kanth Mahadev Temple, Swarganiwas Temple, and Bharat Mandir are the important Rishikesh places to visit.

Rishikesh is now famous as the Yoga Capital of the World. Every year during the February month one-week-long International Yoga Festival is hosted here. One can also try several activities like mountain biking, bungee jumping, and white water rafting as part of Rishikesh packages. It is also the base for several trekking trails in Uttarakhand state. Rishikesh can also be visited along with Haridwar tour packages.

Pilgrimage | Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 224 km from Rishikesh, 264 km from Dehradun and 439 km from Delhi, Kedarnath is a town and a famous center of pilgrimage in Uttarakhand situated in Rudraprayag district.

Kedarnath is a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus and is one of the four major Places to visit in Uttarakhand known as Chota Char Dham pilgrimage that also includes Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. It lies at an altitude of 3584 m near Chorabari Glacier, the head of river Mandakini. It is the most remote of the four Char Dham sites and is flanked by breathtaking snow-clad peaks.

Kedarnath is named after King Kedar. According to a mythology, King Kedar ruled Kedarnath during the Satya Yuga. It is believed that the temple existed even during the time of Mahabharata. It is the place where Lord Shiva absolved Pandavas from the sin of killing their own cousins Kauravas in the battle of Kurukshetra. The famous Kedarnath temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and is thronged by thousands of tourists each year. Other than Kedarnath temple, Bhairavnath temple, Chorabari Tal, Shankaracharya Samadhi and Hans Kund are the some other religious places near Kedarnath.

Kedarnath temple is a major tourist attraction and pilgrims book their hotels way in advance. Rooms in budget hotels and dharamshalas are available under Rs 500 ...

Hill Station | Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 16 km from Joshimath, 56 km from Badrinath, 262 km from Rishikesh, 304 km from Dehradun and 495 km from Delhi, Auli is a cute hill station in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is one of the best ski resorts in India and one of the top Uttarakhand tourism destinations for adventure sports. Known for its snow-cladded surroundings, Auli is one of the best places preferred by many Indians during their honeymoon tour.

Auli, also known as Auli Bugyal which means meadow in Garhwali, is located at an average altitude of 2800 m in the Garhwal Himalayas. Earlier, Auli was a prominent trade centre and the trails of Auli were frequently traversed by the semi-nomadic Bhotiya tribes who maintained barter trading with Tibet for centuries. According to legend, the revered Guru Adi Shankaracharya visited Auli during 8th century AD. He built a math at Joshimath, which still is intact and is known by the name Shankaracharya Tapastali.

Auli is also a beautiful ski destination, but less known compared to Shimla, Gulmarg and Manali. It was only in the recent time, after the creation of new state Uttarakhand, Auli was marketed as a tourist destination. Today, Auli is known for its snow covered slopes and panoramic views of the surroundings. The slopes of Auli were the training ...

Pilgrimage | Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 46 km from Uttarkashi, 134 km from Gangotri, 138 km from Mussoorie, 176 km from Dehradun, 209 km from Rishikesh, 224 km from Haridwar and 415 km from Delhi, Yamunotri is one of the four sites of Chota Char Dham pilgrimage situated in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. It is one of the best sacred pilgrimage sites in India and also one of the most wellknown Places to visit in Uttarakhand.

Yamunotri is the source of River Yamuna and is regarded as the seat of Goddess Yamuna. This is the western most shrine in the Garhwal Himalayas, situated at an altitude of 3293 m atop Bandarpunch parvat. Geologically, River Yamuna originates from the Champasar Glacier, which is located below Bandarpunch Mountain at an altitude of 4421 m. Champasar Glacier is about 1 km upstream from the riverbed near Yamunotri Temple but in order to reach the glacier one has to trek for 10 km from the temple. Yamunotri Temple can be reached by 5 km trek from Janki Chatti which is the nearest road point.

According to the ancient legend, Yamunotri is also believed to be the residence of sage Asit, who used to bath in the Ganges and Yamuna each day. Unable to go to Gangotri during his old age, a stream of the Ganges appeared opposite Yamunotri for him. According to mythology, Goddess Yamuna is the daughter of Lord Surya (Sun God) and ...

Nature & Scenic | Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 16 km from Govind Ghat, 34 km from Joshimath, 41 km from Badrinath, 277 km from Rishikesh, 300 km from Haridwar, 318 km from Dehradun, and 518 km from Delhi, Valley of Flowers National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India located in Western Himalayas in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is perched at an altitude of 3600 m and is known for its meadows of endemic alpine flowers and the variety of flora. Valley of Flowers is one of the best national parks in India and also among the best Tourist places in Uttarakhand for trekking enthuasists.

Stretching over a vast expanse of 87.50 sq. km, the park is about 5 km long and 2 km wide. The gentle landscape of the Valley of Flowers complements the rugged mountain of Nanda Devi National Park to the east. Together, they encompass a unique transition zone between the mountain ranges of the Zanskar and Great Himalayas. Valley of Flowers and Nanda Devi National Park, together, constitute the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.

The Valley of Flowers was declared a National Park in 1982 and was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2004. Initially known as Bhyundar Valley, the Park was discovered and renamed in 1931 by British mountaineer Frank Smith. The highest point of the park is Gauri Parbat, at an elevation of ...

Wildlife | Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 26 km from Lata Village, 52 km from Joshimath, 94 km from Badrinath, 300 km from Rishikesh, 345 km from Dehradun, 327 km from Haridwar and 535 km from Delhi, Nanda Devi National Park is situated in the higher ranges of Himalayas in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The entire park lies at an altitude of 3,500 m and is surrounded by the Nanda Devi Mountains on three sides. It is one of the most scenic national parks in India apart from being a top trekking destination as well as one of the popular Tourist places in Uttarakhand.

The Nanda Devi basin was declared a game sanctuary in 1939. In 1982, an area of 630.33 sq. km was added and it was declared a national park, which now forms the core zone of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. Along with adjoining Valley of Flowers National Park, Nanda Devi Park was inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.

Nanda Devi National Park covers an area of 630.33 sq. km, which is surrounded by a buffer zone of 5148.57 sq. km. The whole region of Nanda Devi National Park falls under the Western Himalayas Endemic Bird Area (EBA). The park is divided into two parts - Inner Sanctuary and Outer Sanctuary. The Upper Rishi Valley, often referred to as the Inner Sanctuary is featured by Changabang, North Rishi and North Nanda Devi glaciers. The Trisul and Ramani glaciers ...

Adventure / Trekking | Lake & Backwater | Pilgrimage

At a distance of 3 km from Kedarnath, Chorabari Tal, also known as Gandhi Tal, is a beautiful lake produced from the Chorabari Bamak glacier.

Chorabari Tal is a small lake that holds crystal clear water. Perched at an altitude of 3,900 m above sea level, Gandhi Sarovar lies on the foot of Kedarnath and Kirthi Stambh peak. It offers magnificent views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.

The original name of the lake is Kanti Sarovar. In the year 1948, some of Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were immersed here, after which it was renamed Gandhi Sarovar. According to mythology, this lake was the place where Lord Shiva imparted the knowledge of Yoga to the Saptrishis. There is a Bhairava Temple close to the glacier adjacent to a cliff known as Bhairava Jhamp. The cliff was a place where devotees jumped off, believing that it would bring them mukti. The practice was banned by the British administration in the 19th century.

The lake demands a trek of 3 km and is visited in summer. It is advised to visit Gandhi Sarovar early in the morning, because the weather of this region changes rapidly. The 3 km trek commences from the iron bridge of Kedarnath and ends up at Gandhi Sarovar. The trek is easy and beautiful through grassy fields. There is a beautiful Madhu Ganga waterfall enroute to this lake.

Adventure / Trekking | Pilgrimage

At a distance of 23 km from Joshimath and 35 km from Auli, Bhavishya Badri, also spelt as Bhabisya Badri, is situated near Subhain village of Niti Valley on the way to Lata from Tapovan in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.

Bhavishya Badri is one of Panch Badri temples located at a height of 2744 m above sea level. The presiding deity of this small temple is Lord Narsimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and known to be the future seat of Badrinath. According to the legend of Bhavishya Badri, at the end of Kali Yuga, a landslide will occur collapsing Nara and Narayan hills and blocking the path to Badrinath. This devastating landslide will occur when the right arm of the statue of Narasimha currently situated in Joshimath detaches from its body. Then, Badrinath will appear at the Bhavishya Badri temple and be worshipped here, instead of the Badrinath shrine.

Bhavishya Badri can be reached via Saldhar which is 18 km by road from Joshimath. Saldhar is situated on the way to Lata from Tapovan in Niti valley. From Saldhar, about 5 km trek will lead to Bhavishya Badri. The initial trekking path from Saldhar to Subhain village (3 km) is very steep and approximately takes one hour. From Subhain, the destination is about 2 km trek through unmarked path. It is advised to take a guide at Subhain village to complete the remaining part of the trek. Accommodation cab be arranged in home stays by villagers of Subhain.

Best ...

Adventure / Trekking | Pilgrimage

At a distance of 3 km from Chopta, 32 km from Ukhimath, 88 km from Kedarnath, 73 km from Rudraprayag, Tungnath is one of the Panch Kedar temples and at an altitude of 3,680, it is the highest Shiva temple in the world. It is located on the Chandranath parvat in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It is a well know pilgrimage center and also a frequented place of trekking in Uttarakhand.

Tungnath temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is believed to be 1000 years old and is the third in the order of the Panch Kedars. This sacred temple was discovered by Adi Shankaracharya. According to mythology, Vyas Rishi told the Pandavas that since they were culpable of slaying their own cousins during the Mahabharata war; their act could be pardoned only by Lord Shiva. Pandavas began to search Lord Shiva in the Himalayas and Lord Shiva kept avoiding them because they were guilty. In order to escape from the Pandavas, Lord Shiva disguised himself as a bull and took refuge underground. The places where the parts of the bull were found are now renowned Shiva temples, where Pandavas built temples of Lord Shiva at each location, to worship and venerate, seeking his pardon and blessings. Each one is identified with a part of his body; the navel and stomach at Madyamaheshwar, the hump at Kedarnath, the arm at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, and his jata (hair or locks) at Kalpeshwar.

The temple was built in the Nagara style of architecture. It is a small shrine and can accommodate ...

Adventure / Trekking | Pilgrimage

At a distance of 19 km from Gangotri, Gomukh or Gaumukh is the source of Bhagirathi River situated in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The word Gomukh literally means Face of a Cow because earlier the snout exactly looked like face of a cow. It is one of the popular pilgrimage and trekking site near Gangotri.

Gomukh is one of the primary sources of the Ganges River. The sight of Gaumukh is incredible with Bhagirathi emerging out of an enormous cavern. The place is situated at a height of 13,200 feet and is the second largest glacier of India with 30 km in length and 4 km in width, first one being Siachen. The river is called Bhagirathi at the source and acquires the name Ganga from Devprayag onwards where it meets the Alaknanda. From Devprayag, the river flows 2,480 km to meet Bay of Bengal.

Gaumukh is a popular Hindu pilgrimage site as well as trekking destination. The Gomukh snout, due to the excessive visits of the tourists is rapidly moving backwards. According to the modern research the snout has moved 1 km in just 70 years. The trail to Gomukh begins from Gangotri, about 19 km from Gomukh. It was heavily damaged by rockslides during 2013 floods. The path is narrow and the terrain is rough. About 9 km ahead of Gangotri is Chirbasa, the abode of Chir trees. After 4 km of Chirbasa comes the dangerous Gila Pahar, the place well known for its landslides.

Only 2 km from Gila Pahar is Bhujbasa, the only night halting place on the way with accommodation. ...

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 20 km from Auli, 27 km from Joshimath, 21 km from Tapovan & 17 km from Gurson Bugyal, Kuari Bugyal is a famous meadow known for untouched beauty of Himalayas situated at an altitude of 3350 m. It is well known for one of the famous trekking trails in Uttarakhand, Kuari Pass Trek.

Kuari Bugyal is perfect place for trekking. During summer season, tourists throng to this place to explore the trekking trails of this beautiful region. Lord Curzon made the trek to Kuari Pass, and since than it has come to known as Curzon's trail. It is very popular among European and American travelers.

There are four trekking routes to reach Kuari Pass with different starting points at Auli, Ghat, Joshimath and Tapovan. The Ghat route is the longest trail with a length of 40 km spread across 4-5 days while Auli route is shortest which is 20 km long and take about 3 days. All the trails reach Gailgarh, from where Kuari Pass is scaled on same day and returned back to the base camp. Among these four trails, Auli route is most famous and most frequented trekking path to Kauri Pass.

Trekkers can hire porters, guides, camping equipment and cooks from the Joshimath base camp. It is also an amazing place to watch the magnificent mountains like Nandadevi, Dunagiri and Trisul from very close.

Route 1: Auli - Gorson - Gailgarh - Kuari Pass (20 km trek, 3 days)
Route 2: Ghat - Ramni - Sanatoli - Kuari Pass (10 km motor + 40 km trek, 5-6 days)
Route 3: Joshimath ...

Adventure / Trekking | Pilgrimage

At a distance of 25 km from Gopeshwar, 83 km from Ukhimath and 140 km from Kedarnath, Rudranath is a pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It lies at an altitude of 2286 m in the Garhwal Himalayan Mountains. Rudranath is the third temple to be visited in the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit. It is a popular pilgrimage site and also a famous place for trekking in Uttarakhand.

The Rudranath temple is believed to be established by the Pandavas, the heroes of the Hindu epic Mahabharata. Legend has it that the Pandavas came to the Himalayan mountains in search of god Shiva, to redeem them of the sins of killing Kauravas in the epic Kurukshetra war. God Shiva did not wanted to meet them and escaped in form of a bull in the ground and reentered in parts in the Panch Kedar places: the hump raising in Kedarnath, the arms appearing in Tungnath, the navel and stomach surfacing in Madhyamaheshwar, the face showing up at Rudranath and the hair and the head appearing in Kalpeshwar.

Rudranath is situated amidst thick forests; here the face (mukha) of god Shiva is worshipped as Nilkanth Mahadeva. The deity is a Swyambhu (self-manifested) Shivalinga shaped like a human face formed by the projection of a huge rock. There are numerous sacred water tanks near the temple. These include Surya-kund, Chandra-kund, Tara-kund, Mana-Kund etc. Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nanda Ghunti are the famous mountain peaks, which provide the backdrop to the ...

Adventure / Trekking | Pilgrimage

At a distance of 23 km from Gangotri, 9 km from Bhojbasa and 5 km from Gaumukh, Tapovan is an area consisting of beautiful meadows at the feet of Mt. Shivling in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. It lies at an altitude of 4460 m in Garhwal Himalayas beyond Gomukh.

Tapovan means forest of penance and as the name suggests it is actually a cold barren dry land suitable for offering penance. Tapovan area is full of meadows, streams and flowers. It is one of the most visited trails in Uttarakhand trekking. These meadows are considered as one of the best high altitude meadow in India. Tapovan area is base camp for several mountaineering expeditions including Shivling peak, Bhagirathi peak etc.

The trek to Tapovan begins from Gangotri and the trek is considered as moderate to difficult. It is a 4 day trek from Gangotri to Tapovan and back. Tapovan can be reached by two routes; the first one is the classic route which goes via Gaumukh Glacier. One has to trek 15 km to reach Bhojbasa from Gangotri. Gaumukh is 4 km from Bhojbasa and Tapovan is 5 km beyond Gaumukh. After reaching Gaumukh Glacier one need to traverse the glacier and climb a rugged track to reach Tapovan. The Tapovan trek is done as a four day trip from Gangotri.

To take the second route, trekkers need to cross Bhagirathi River at Bhojbasa. From here, 9 km long trek on moraine and small ridges will lead to Tapovan. The Tapovan campsite is located at the foot of Mount Shivling (6,543 m). There is also ...

Adventure / Trekking | Waterfall

At a distance of 11.5 km from Badrinath and 6 km from Mana Village, Vasudhara Falls is one of the famous tourist attractions around Badrinath. It is one of the popular places for short trekking near Badrinath.

Vasudhara Falls is surrounded by beautiful mountain peaks. The water of this cascading falls flows down from the height of 400 feet and is situated at an altitude of 12,000 feet. The falls is considered as a haunting site. There is a myth behind this waterfall that the water of Vasudhara Falls turns away from the visitors who are not pure at heart. From a distance, the water of the fall appears like milk flowing down the mountain.

The fall looks stunning during monsoon & post monsoon season with lush greenery and beautiful mountains around. March to June is the ideal time to visit this waterfall. Mana is accessible only when Badrinath season starts in Apr/May, so the best season to visit this place is between May and June.

Visitors have to trek 6 km from Mana village to reach the falls. The trekking from Mana to Vasudhara takes about two hours one way. The first 2-3 km is comparatively easy to walk. But, after passing the Saraswati Mandir, the trek becomes difficult as the trail becomes very steep. The views of Vasudhara river valley during this trek are very scenic. A bath under the falling water is very refreshing and adventurous. One can see mountains like Chaukhamba, Nilkantha and Balakun from ...

Adventure / Trekking | Pilgrimage

At a distance of 12 km from Helang, 27 km from Joshimath and 56 km from Gopeshwar & 215 km from Kedarnath, Kalpeshwar is a pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the picturesque Urgam valley in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It lies at an altitude of 2200 m in the Garhwal Himalayas. It is a part of the famous Panch Kedars and also a good trekking route near Joshimath.

Kalpeshwar temple is the fifth temple to be visited in the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit, comprising five Shiva temples in the Garhwal region. Kalpeshwar is the only Panch Kedar temple accessible throughout the year. This temple is a small stone temple and has a stone idol of Lord Shiva. Nearby the temple is a cave upon which is the image of hair locks are carved naturally. These are considered to be the hair locks of Lord Shiva that appeared in Kalpeshwar. Hence, Lord Shiva is also called as Jatadhar or Jateshwar. Kalpeshwar houses the famous Kalpavriksha. This tree is believed to fulfill all the wishes of a person.

The Kalpeshwar temple is believed to be established by the Pandavas, the heroes of the Hindu epic Mahabharata. Legend has it that the Pandavas came to the Himalayan mountains in search of god Shiva, to redeem them of the sins of killing Kauravas in the epic Kurukshetra war. God Shiva did not wanted to meet them and escaped in form of a bull in the ground and reentered in parts in the Panch Kedar places: the hump raising in Kedarnath, the arms appearing in Tungnath, the navel ...

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 61 km from Ghuttu village and 15 km from Kedarnath, Mayali Pass is situated at an elevation of 5300 m in Bhilangana Valley and it offers great views of Masar Tal and Vasuki Tal. Also the pass is famed for the spectacular view of Thalay Sagar, Kedar dome and other peaks of Gangotri region.

Mayali Pass is a famous place for trekking in Uttarakhand and is followed by many trekkers every year. In ancient time this trek was used by pilgrims to travel between Gangotri and Kedarnath. The Mayali Pass trek route starts from Ghuttu and the goes along Bhilangana valley. The Mayali Pass trek from Ghuttu to Gaurikund is of moderate difficulty. The trek offers an extraordinary experience of Himalayan peaks. The remote Indian villages of Gangi, Bhilangna River Catchment, Thalay Sagar peak, and Khatling glacier are the highlights of Mayali Pass trek.

Mayali Pass is approachable by two routes. One is from Ghuttu and the other is from Mala, a village right above Uttarkashi. The route from Mala goes through a lot of grasslands and is very beautiful, but takes two weeks. The route from Ghuttu is the shorter one and is 9-10 days trek.

The trek starts from Ghuttu and moves parallel to River Bhillangna via Reehi, Gangi, Kalyani, Kharsoli, Tambakund and then reaches Khatling Glacier, the source of River Bhilangna. Chowki, a meadow near Khatling Glacier is an amazing camping ground with great view of peaks, the most impressive being Thalay Sagar peak. From Chowki, ...

Adventure / Trekking | Lake & Backwater | Pilgrimage

At a distance of 30 km from Badrinath and 25 km from Mana, Satopanth is a mountain lake situated close to Swargarohini Peak in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is situated at an altitude of 4,600 m (15,100 feet) in Garhwal Himalayas. It is one of the well known destination for trekking in Uttarakhand.

Satopanth is a triangular lake with three corners spread within the circumference of about a kilometer. The lake is surrounded by snow covered peaks and is named after the Hindu gods Mahesh, Vishnu and Brahma. It is believed that the divine Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh had meditated here and each corner of the triangular lake is named after them.

The lake is considered to be of religious significance to the local people. There is a saint known as Moni Baba, who stopped talking several years ago. There is a common belief that he can live only on sun and air, if food is unavailable. Also some unique birds are found here, which pick up the pollutants of the lake and thus keep the lake clean. The local belief is that these birds are Gandharvas who guard the lake against evils. The lake can be reached by trek crossing Lakshmivan and Chakratirtha. It is said that goddess Lakshmi and her husband Narayan meditated in Lakshmivan and Chakratirtha respectively and while meditating Narayan kept his famous Sudarshan Chakra on the valley which depressed by the weight of that Chakra to form a beautiful round shaped meadow surrounded by lofty mountains.

Satopanth ...

Adventure / Trekking | Pilgrimage

At a distance of 38 km from Badrinath and 33 km from Mana, Swargarohini is a mountain range in the Saraswati Range of the Garhwal Himalayas. It lies in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, west of the Gangotri group of peaks. Swargarohini is 8 km trek from Satopanth Lake. It is one of the best trails among Uttarakhand trekking.

Swargarohini is a group of four peaks, of which Swargarohini I draws the attention and lies at a height of 6252 m. Swargarohini trek is the only trek which allows trekkers to go deep inside the Greater Himalayas. This trek is famous for enchanting rocky views and exhaustive conditions. Swargarohini derives its name from the legends associated with the peak which mentions that the path leads to heaven and it was followed by Pandavas & Draupadi.

The ideal time to visit Swargarohini is from May to October. The trek starts from Mana, 5 km ahead of Badrinath. The trek from Mana village to Swargarohini is difficult and requires local guide. This route is trekked by very few people and requires porter to carry tent and food. Visitors have to take the regular trekking route to Vasudhara, the trail ascends higher and then crossing a dangerous Dhano Glacier. Trek from Mana village to Lakshmivan (8 km) is picturesque. The 13 km trek from Lakshmivan to Chakratirth is little tough. The 4 km trek from Chakrathirth to Satopanth Lake is even tougher. But the beautiful view of the mountains alongside is ...

Adventure / Trekking | Pilgrimage

At a distance of 9 km from Badrinath, Nilkantha is a snowy peak in the shape of a pyramid near Badrinath in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The peak is situated at an elevation of 6,597 m above sea level. It is one of the best trekking trails in Uttarakhand.

Neelkantha, which is also known as the Garhwal Queen, is named after Lord Shiva. From a distance the peak resembles Lord Shiva sitting in meditation. It receives the first ray of Sun which glimmers the valley. Nilkantha is a major peak of the Garhwal Himalayas in the Uttarakhand region. Although substantially lower than the highest peaks of the region, it towers dramatically over the valley of the Alaknanda River and rises 3,474 m above Badrinath. Frank Smythe described the peak as second only to Siniolchu in Himalayan Beauty.

The Satopanth Glacier is on the northwest side of Nilkantha, the Panpatia Glacier remains on the southwest side and feeds Khirao Ganga, a small stream that runs under the south side of the peak. Few successful ascents have been reported on Mt. Neelkanth, the first climb from its western ridge was attempted in 1993 by two British Climbers.

The best time to visit Neelkanth Peak is from June to September. The 10 km long Nilkantha trek starts from Badrinath. Trek from Badrinath to Charan Paduka (3 km) is picturesque and visitors can visit the foot prints of Lord Vishnu along with Rishi Ganga Falls here. The 6 km trek from Charan Paduka ...

Adventure / Trekking | Pilgrimage

At a distance of 18 km from Govind Ghat, 42 km from Badrinath and 36 km from Joshimath, Hemkund Sahib is a well-known Sikh shrine located in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is also known as Gurudwara Hemkunt Sahib and is one among the 508 important pilgrimages for Sikhs. Situated near Valley of Flowers, it is also a popular place for trekking in Uttarakhand apart from being one of the most scenic places in Himalayas.

Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib is dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. This gurudwara is situated at an altitude of 4329 m and is surrounded by seven snow-capped mountain peaks. This gurudwara is the world's highest gurudwara and is visited by both Sikhs as well as Hindus. It is believed that at this particular spot Guru Gobind Singh meditated for a long time. According to Hindu mythology, Rishi Medhasa of the Markandeya Purana and Lord Ram's younger brother, Lakshman, performed penance at this site.

The construction of this gurudwara started in the mid-1960s, after Major General Harkirat Singh of the Indian Army discovered it. This star shaped Gurudwara is made up of white marbles and concrete. It is located on the shores of the pristine Hemkund Lake. The circumference of the crystal clear Lake is 2 km and its clear, still waters mirror images of the Saptashringa Peaks which surround it. A small temple dedicated to Lakshman, brother of Lord Rama is also located in the vicinity of the gurudwara.

This gurudwara can be reached only ...

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 27 km from Gangotri, 12 km from Bhojbasa and 8 km from Gaumukh, Nandanvan is a small meadow located on the base of Bhagirathi Glacier at an altitude of 4330 m past Tapovan in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.

Nandanvan offers the astounding view of famous peaks like Shivling, Bhagirathi, Sudarshana, Thalay Sagar, and Kedar dome. From Gaumukh to Nandanvan, one has to trek along the Gangotri and Chaturangi glaciers. The trek is not a very tough one but needs good physical fitness. The scenic Nandanvan is the base camp for the Bhagirathi peaks that offers a panoramic view of the surrounding Shivaling peak.

The trek to Nandanvan begins from Gangotri. This is a long trek over terminal glacial moraine and steep ascents and descents. One has to trek 14 km to reach Bhojbasa from Gangotri. Gaumukh Glacier is 5 km from Bhojbasa and Nandanvan is 8 km from Gaumukh. Most of the terrain is with loose rocks that are prone to fall. The trek is considered difficult and it is a 4 day trek from Gangotri to Nandanvan and back. An experienced guide is a must.

While there is direct access from Gomusk to Nandanvan, tourists can also trek to Nandanvan from Tapovan by crossing the massive Gaumukh Glacier. The 7 km trek starts with steep descent from Tapovan to reach the glacier and ends with steep climb of approximately 100 m to reach Nandanvan. A further ascent starting from Nandanvan and following the Chaturangi glacier brings one to the Emerald green Vasuki Tal. ...

Adventure / Trekking | Lake & Backwater

At a distance of 17 km from Gangotri, Kedartal, also known as Shiva's Lake, is a glacial lake situated in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. It is one of the highest lakes in Uttarakhand, situated at an astounding altitude of 4,912 m. It is also one of the beautiful trekking routes in Uttarakhand.

The picturesque Kedartal is situated at the base of the Thalay Sagar and Bhrigupanth Peak. The lake is fed by the water from snow over Thalay Sagar (6,904 m), Meru (6,672 m) and Bhrigupanth (6,772m), and is the source of Kedar Ganga, an important tributary of Bhagirathi River, considered as Lord Shiva's contribution to Bhagirathi River.

Kedartal is a popular trekking destination and the trek commences from Gangotri. The Kedartal trek, being one of the moderate treks in the Garhwal Himalayan region, is recommended for trekkers having prior trekking experience. The route involves a steep rocky climb along the narrow Kedar Ganga gorge en route to Bhoj Kharak, which is 8 km from Gangotri. Kedar Kharak is the next available camping site, which is 4 km from Bhoj Kharak. From here one need to trek 5 km to reach Kedartal. This 17 km trek usually takes 3-4 days to complete. The camping points of the trek are Bhoj Kharak, Kedar Kharak and Kedartal. The route passes through scenic Himalayan forests.

Kedartal is an immaculate lake holding crystal clear water and the view of the reflections of Thalay Sagar peak is truly enchanting. It is surrounded by Thalay Sagar, Bhrigupanth, ...

Adventure / Trekking | Wildlife

At a distance of 1.5 km by trek from Gangotri, Gangotri National Park is a national park situated in the upper catchment of Bhagirathi River in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The Park falls under the bio-geographical zone and is situated at an altitude of 1800 m to 7083 m. It is one of the most beautiful high-altitude wildlife sanctuaries in India apart from being one of the best areas for trekking in Uttarakhand.

Gangotri National Park was established in 1989 and it covers an area of 2390 sq. km. The northeastern boundary of Gangotri National Park is along the international boundary with China and has various springs, waterfalls and snowy mountain peaks. The river Bhagirathi flows through the valleys inside the park, providing it the nourishment for sustaining the innumerable bird and animal species in this region. The landscape of the park is mainly dominated by alpine scrub, oak and betula.

The origin of Ganga River, known as Gaumukh, is located inside Gangotri National Park. The enchanting beauty of the area is dominated by the snow clad mountains, eye catching springs and tall dense green forests. Gangotri National Park has typical high altitude ecosystem influenced by the trans-Himalayan elements. The area enclosed by the park also borders with Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary and Govind National Park.

The park contains more than 15 species of mammals and 150 species of birds. This also includes some of ...

Adventure / Trekking | Pilgrimage

At a distance of 10 km from Yamunotri Temple, Saptarishi Kund is the original source of Yamuna River fed by Champasar Glacier situated in the upper parts of the massif created by Bandarpunch Mountain. It is an ideal place for trekking near Yamunotri for 2-3 days.

Saptrishi Kund is about a half km in diameter, and its water is dark blue in color, The water of the nearby glaciers gathers in this lake. On the banks of Saptrishi Kund Lake, there are naturally created slate stones. The rare Brahma Lotus grows here. It is believed that seven great Rishis Kasyapa, Atri, Bharadwaj, Viswamitra, Gautama, Jamadagni, and Vasistha performed penance at Saptrishi Lake in ancient times.

The Saptrishi Kund is located amidst magnificent and enchanting surroundings of the lofty rock strewn glaciers. This scenic spot lies at an altitude of 4421 m. Trek to Saptrishi Kund is considered to be one of the most difficult treks in the Himalayas. The route of Saptrishi Lake is covered with ice and it is a difficult journey which needs a guide.

The 10 km trek to Saptrishi Kund starts from the Yamunotri temple. The whole trek passes through dense forests and rugged mountainous terrain. Around 5 km up the hill there is a little camp site between two rivulets if one wishes to pitch tent for a night. From the camp site, it is another 5 km of steep walk to the Kund and it is risky to camp at Saptrishi Kund due to heavy winds. Saptrishi Kund ...

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 9 km from Yamunotri, Bali Pass Trek is one of the least explored treks in the Indian Himalayan region that connects Har Ki Dun Valley with Yamunotri. It is one of the best and tough treks in Uttarakhand.

Bali Pass is situated at an elevation of about 4,800 m in the Garhwal Himalayan region and was an old route from the Tons river valley to the Yamuna river valley. It continues to attract trekkers during the monsoon season when the snow melts and the pass is approachable. The pass is more approachable from the Har Ki Dun valley as the gradient is small.

The Bali Pass trek commences from Sankri, which is approximately 153 km from Mussoorie and 130 km from Yamunotri by road. The trekking trail stretches for approximately 7-8 days with elevation ranging from 1,900 m to 4,800 m, passing through the charming Har Ki Dun valley. The trail runs through Govind National Park, which houses several colorful orchards, species of animals and birds. The Bali Pass Trek after crossing the Har Ki Dun valley moves through the Ruinsara Tal. The trek to Bali Pass is considered as one of the moderate treks in the Garhwal Himalayan region. The area is surrounded by Bandarpunch range and some of the famous peaks are Kalanag, Bandarpunch west and Ruinsara. This region was made popular by Jack Gibson, a teacher at the Doon school in the late 1940's.

Day 1: Sankri to Taluka - 12 km (4-5 Hours)
There is a motorable ...

Adventure / Trekking | Wildlife

At a distance of 12 km from Library Bus Stand, Benog Wildlife Sanctuary has is a bird-watching haven and a part of famous Rajaji National Park, one of the popular wildlife sanctuaries in India. Set amidst thick forests, Benog Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the top tourist destinations in Mussoorie and among the must include in Mussoorie packages.

Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Vinog Mountain Quail Sanctuary, was established in the year 1993. This beautiful sanctuary, spreading across an expanse of about 339 hectares, is a heaven for birdwatchers. It is located in a pine-clad slope and is surrounded by snowcapped peaks of the Himalayan ranges.

The place is known for the rare species of birds that habitats in its area. The sanctuary is home to several species of exotic birds such as White Capped Water Redstart and Red Billed Blue Magpie to name a few. The Mountain Quail or the Pahari Bater was last spotted here in 1876, and is now considered extinct. This is also home to a variety of rare and common fauna like Himalayan goat, panther, leopard, deer and bear.

Apart from large number of fir and pine trees, this sanctuary is also populated with several medicinal plants. Beautiful views of snow peaks like Chaukhamba and Bandar Punch can be seen from this sanctuary. Aglar River, a tributary of Yamuna River ...

Adventure / Trekking | Pilgrimage

At a distance of 18.5 km from Library Bus Stand, Bhadraj Temple is located on the western region of Mussoorie at Bhadraj. It is an ideal spot for trekking and is also known as the milkman's trail in Mussoorie.

Bhadraj temple is dedicated to Lord Bal Bhadra, brother of Lord Krishna. This temple is situated atop a hill and offers a splendid view of the Doon Valley, Chakrata ranges and the Jaunsar Bawar area of Himalayas. Every year Bhadraj temple organizes a fair from 15th to 17th of August which attracts thousands of devotees who seek blessings from Lord Bhadraj. The devotees offer milk and butter to the idol of the deity.

Bhadraj temple can be reached by 11 km trek from Clouds End. The trail passes through Dudhli village (3 km) from where the temple is 8 km trek. The terrain close to the summit is covered with thick forest of oak trees. There are multiple trails to reach the temple from Dudhli village.

The best time to visit Bhadraj temple is post Monsoons. This place can be visited as a one day trip from Mussoorie.

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 15 km from Dhanaulti Bus Station, Camp Kanatal / Camp Thangdhar is an adventure camp located at Kanatal near Dhanaulti. Situated on Chamba-Mussoorie Road, it is one of the best adventure campsites in Dhanaulti, and among the must include places as part of Dhanaulti Tour Packages.

Situated at an altitude of about 8300 feet, Camp Kanatal, is one of the most exciting and famous places to visit in Dhanaulti for camping lovers and adventure junkies. It offers plenty of outdoor activities like rock climbing, snow camping, trekking or mountain biking. For those who wish to relax, stargazing, and bird-watching are the most relaxing things to do while staying in this camp. The camp also organizes bonfires, buffet meals, indoor-outdoor games and barbeque nights, etc.

Surrounded by pine and deodar trees, the camp also graciously provides sightseeing service to the nearby tourist destinations. The stunning and picturesque 180-degree view of the snow-clad Garhwal Himalayas will fill you with a romantic allure. If you like the company of the lost architectural ruins of the past, you can head over to the Jain temples nearby, which are the structural marvels of the gone era, intricately carved with the Jain deities. The temples are located in the Kanali Fort, overlooking the Betwa river.

This adventure camp is open for 24 hours and has accommodation facilities that have been developed especially for the tourists who are interested in mountain adventure. ...

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 120 km from Kausani and 80 km from Bageshwar, Pindari Glacier is a glacier found in the upper reaches of the Kumaon Himalayas, to the southeast of Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot. It is one of the most easily accessible of all the Himalayan glaciers and also one of the top places of trekking in Uttarakhand.

The glacier flows to the south for a short distance of about 3 km, 0.25 km in breadth and gives rise to the Pindari River which meets the Alakananda at Karnaprayag in Garhwal district. The Pindari trek offers serenity and tranquility along with the spectacular mountain scenery. It lies between the Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot peaks and terminates at an altitude of 3627 m.

Trek to Pindari Glacier is a soft core trekking experience, within the capacity of amateur trekkers in love with nature and its pristine glory. The trail to reach the Pindari Glacier crosses the villages of Song, Loharkhet, crosses over the Dhakuri Pass, continues onto Khati village (the last inhabited village on the trail), Dwali, Phurkia and finally Zero Point, Pindar, the end of the trail. Though most of the trail is along the banks of the Pindari River, the river is mostly hidden until after Khati. The Pindari Glacier trail provides for a 80 km (56 mi) round-trip trek that most people find comfortable to complete in 7 days. The Pindari Glacier is also famous for other adventure sports like ice climbing and mountain biking.

Day 1 - Loharkhet to Dhakuri (10 km / 5 hours)

Start ...

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 16 km from Rishikesh Railway Station, Shivpuri is a small town located on the Rishikesh - Badrinath Road. Famous for White Water, it is one of the top places to visit as part of Rishikesh tour packages, especially for adventure enthusiasts.

Known for its numerous camps, Shivpuri is the major River Rafting destination in Rishikesh. Shivpuri is the starting point of the most popular River Rafting trip on the Ganges River. Rafting at Shivpuri is one of the things to do in Rishikesh as it has the most ideal river rafting stretch in Rishikesh. Rafting from Shivpuri till Lakshman Jhula is a 16 km stretch and covers some of the most exciting Grade III, IV Rapids for approximately 3 hours. This adventurous trip covers exciting rapids like a roller coaster, golf course, clubhouse, etc. The rafting is supported by excellent safety standards and well-trained guides.

Besides rafting, tourists can indulge in several activities like camping, mountaineering, and jungle trekking at Shivpuri. Visitors will also have the opportunity of learning the techniques of yoga and meditation during their stay in Shivpuri.

The Rafting season in Shivpuri starts in Mid-October and ends in June. Shivpuri Rafting is ideal for non-swimmers. Shivpuri Rafting trip can be enjoyed by friends, families, college groups, corporate groups, and everyone ...

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 38 km from Rishikesh and 22 km from Shivpuri, Kaudiyala is a small village located on Badrinath Road in Uttarakhand.

Situated at an altitude of 380 m on the banks of River Ganga, Kaudiyala is famous for White Water rafting and it is a beautiful camping site. The 36 km stretch of River Ganges from Kaudiyala till Rishikesh offers some of the world's most fun-filled and challenging Grade III and Grade IV river rapids along with a Grade V rapid. These rapids are termed as difficult, as they feature some serious obstacles to rafters sailing along.

Kaudiyala rafting is especially famous because this stretch includes a Grade V rapid which is the only grade V rapid on the Ganges. Kaudiyala rafting is not recommended to a group of first-time river rafters. The total time taken to complete the expedition is around 8 hours.

The GMVN Tourist and Rafters' Camp offers courses in trekking, rafting and water-skiing. Some of the good private camps include Camp Panther and Beach Tented Camp run by Snow Leopard Adventures at Shivpuri. These camps offer package for rafting and camping. All the necessary rafting equipment, meals, games like volleyball, water polo and bonfires are part of the package. The rafting packages range from standard 2 day/1 night options to longer ones.

Best season to enjoy Kaudiyala beauty and adventure is from October to April. Rafting and camping bookings can be done online ...

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 8.5 km from Rishikesh Railway Station, Brahmapuri Rafting Point is situated on Bhadrinath Road in Uttarakhand. It is one of the best places for adventure sports in Uttarakhand. This rafting stretch serves as the inaugural rafting trip every year in Rishikesh. The rafting trip is the first one to open and the last one to get closed each year.

The Brahmapuri rafting is one of the cost-effective and safe river rafting packages in Rishikesh. This stretch has around 4 rapids most of which can be classified as Grade I and Grade II. These are ideal for family rafting trips in Rishikesh and school groups. The 9 km long rafting stretch that starts from Brahmapuri takes about 2 hours which can be participated by anyone aged 8 years and above. The package includes Brahmapuri rafting trip and several fun activities like camping, bonfire, volleyball, cliff jumps, Body surfing, etc.

Rafting Cost: Rs.350 Per Person, Rs.1450 per person for 1N/2D

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 16 km from Shivpuri and 32 km from Rishikesh Railway Station, Marine Drive River Rafting Camp is located near Byasi and is one of the most adventurous river rafting trips in Rishikesh.

This is a 25 km long rafting stretch starts from Marine drive near Byasi to Lakshman Jhula and takes about 4 hours. Marine Drive rafting package includes camping with all meals, bonfire snacks, rock climbing/rappelling and the 25 km Marine Drive Rafting stretch. The rafting stretch has around 12 rapids most of which can be classified as Grade III and Grade IV. Among these the major ones are the Three Blind Mice, Roller Coaster and the Golf Course rapids. The Marine drive rafting package is one of the most adventurous rafting packages in Rishikesh.

This rafting package includes Marine drive rafting and several fun activities like camping, bonfire, volleyball, cliff jumps, Body surfing, etc. This rafting package is ideal for persons having prior experience in rafting.

Rafting Cost: Rs.750 Per Person, Rs.2000 Per Person for 1N/2D

Adventure / Trekking | Lake & Backwater | Pilgrimage

At a distance of 8 km from Kedarnath, Vasuki Tal or Vasuki Lake is an enchanting lake situated at an altitude of 4135 m in the beautiful hills of Kedarnath in Uttarakhand. It is also a famous place among Uttarakhand Treks.

Vasuki Tal is surrounding with very high mountains and provides beautiful view of several peaks of Himalayas. This is the lake where Lord Vishnu is believed to have bathed in ancient times. Crystal clear water flowing through the lake revealing the rock stacks inside is an amazing view in Vasuki Tal. This beautiful lake provides a charming view of the neighboring Chaukhamba peaks. There are several beautiful, colorful flowers around the Vasuki Tal and one of the famous flowers is Brahma Kamal. During winter the lake it is completely frozen.

Vasuki Tal is quite large in size and also the trekking is difficult. The total distance of Vasuki Tal trek is about 8 km from Kedarnath. The trek from Kedarnath to Vasuki Tal is a continuous ascent along a narrow track. To get to the lake one has to cross the Chaturangi Glacier and Vasuki Glacier. These glaciers are filled with ravines and crossing them demands good fitness. Trekking enthusiasts usually form a group of at least six members and start the trek. Trekking guide is must to do Vasuki Tal trek.

The best time to visit Vasuki Tal is from May to October, when the weather is mild and pleasant.

Adventure / Trekking | Pilgrimage

At a distance of 1 km from Tungnath, 4.5 km from Chopta, 32 km from Ukhimath, 74 km from Rudraprayag and 89 km from Kedarnath, Chandrashila is the summit of the Chandranath Parvat on which Tungnath Temple of Panch Kedar is located. It is situated at a height of 4000 m above sea level. This is one of the most popular Tourist places in Uttarakhand.

According to the mythology, Chandrashila peak is believed to be the spot where Lord Rama meditated after killing Raavana. Rama came to Chandrashila to meditate and pray Lord Shiva to cleanse the sins of killing Raavana. Local legend also states that Chandradev, the Moon God, had performed penance at Chandrashila for years.

Chandrashila trek is one of the most popular treks in the region. The trek to the peak is about 4.5 km which starts from Chopta via Tungnath (3 km from Chopta), where the highest Shiva temple is situated. Chandrashila can be reached by a further 1.5 km steep trek from Tungnath and offers mesmerizing views of the grandeur of Himalayan ranges. Though shorter in distance, steep climbing makes this trek a tough task. This trek takes approximately 6-7 hours both ways.

The Chandrashila summit offers the most beautiful view of the Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedar Peak and Chaukhamba peaks. The 360º panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks covered with glittering snow enchants the trekkers.

Chandrashila trek is undertaken throughout the year in Garhwal Himalayas ...

Adventure / Trekking | Pilgrimage

At a distance of 27 km from Kedarnath, 13 km from Gaurikund and 10 km from Sonprayag, Triyugi Narayan Temple is an ancient Hindu temple situated in Triyuginarayan village in Rudraprayag District of Uttarakhand. It lies at an altitude of 1980 m.

Triyugi Narayan Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The present temple, believed to have been built by Adi Shankaracharya. This temple offers panoramic views of snowcapped mountains with beauty of Garhwal hill region. The word Triyuginarayan is formed of three words tri means three, yugi denotes Yuga and Narayan is another name of Vishnu.

This place is associated with marriage of Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati. According to mythology, Triyuginarayan is the capital of Himavat. It was the venue of the celestial marriage of Shiva and Parvati. Lord Vishnu as Parvati's brother did kanyadaan and Lord Brahma was the priest of the wedding. Brahma Shila in front of the temple also marks the exact place of the wedding.

The architect of this temple resembles Kedarnath Temple. The sanctum houses a 2 feet silver idol of Lord Vishnu accompanied by goddess Lakshmi. There are idols of Badrinarayan, Sita Ramachandra, and Kubera. There is an akhanda jyothi burning inside the sanctum. In front of it there is an idol of Shiva and Parvati blessing devotees in newly wed form. Just outside, there is a saligrama shila of Lord Vishnu in sleeping posture with goddess Lakshmi and Ganesha.

A special feature of this temple is the fire ...

Adventure / Trekking | Lake & Backwater | Pilgrimage

At a distance of 16 km from Ukhimath, 59 km from Gaurikund, 73 km from Kedarnath and 56 km from Rudraprayag, Deoria Tal is a beautiful mountain lake located near Saari village in Uttarakhand. It lies at an altitude of 2438 m about 3 km uphill trek from Saari on Ukhimath-Chopta road. It is a popular destination for trekking near Badrinath and also one of the top Uttarakhand places to visit for trekking.

The lake is surrounded by thick forests and the crystal clear water of this lake offers the reflection of the mighty Chaukhamba peak. It offers a splendid view of Chopta, Tungnath and Chandrashila peak to the right and the breathtaking view of mountains like Chaukhamba, Nilkantha, Bandarpunch, Kedar Range, and Kalanag to the left. It is located in the Nanda Devi Biodiversity Park and has an abundance of colorful birds and mammals.

According to the Hindu mythology, Devas used to bath in this lake hence the name. The lake is also believed to be the Indra Sarovar referred in the Puranas by wandering sages. It is also believed that it was the place from where the Pandavas were asked questions by Yaksha. Deoria Tal serves as a popular trekking destination in the region because of its ease of the trail and soothing scenic beauty. The road is motorable up to Sari, 13 km from Ukhimath and from there one has to trek about 3 km to reach the lake. Jeeps are available from Ukhimath to reach Saari. The path is well marked and passes ...

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