Uttarakhand is a paradise for people who admire the mountains and the thrill of trekking. There are some of the most picturesque and rewarding treks in Uttarakhand, be it the gentle strolling in the forests or exploring tough high-altitude trails. Peaks with snowy tops, alpine meadows, clear streams, and distant villages come together to help the trekkers create memorable occasions on foot.
Ask anyone who lives in these hills, and you’ll get to hear tales of sacred peaks, hidden valleys and journeys that shaped entire regions. Many of today’s trekking routes follow ancient pilgrimage paths or old trade trails that once linked remote Himalayan settlements. The treks here are thus not only about reaching a summit, but they are also about slow travel, connecting with nature, and discovering life in the Himalayas. The trails are suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers. So, read on to explore everything you need to know about trekking in Uttarakhand and choose the best Uttarakhand Tour Packages to plan the best trip ever!
Top 15 Treks in Uttarakhand
The Indian Himalayas have one of the most varied trekking paths in Uttarakhand. These treks and the places to visit in Uttarakhand lead travellers across alpine valleys, forested areas, glacial valleys, and high mountain passes. These treks offer unforgettable views and memorable experiences that are perfect for both beginners and experienced trekkers.
1. Kedarkantha Trek
Kedarkantha is indeed one of the best treks in Uttarakhand, especially for winter trekkers and freshers in trekking. Located within the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, the route passes through dense pine forests, small campsites and snow-covered meadows that offer tremendous views of the Himalayan peaks, including Swargarohini and Bandarpoonch. The climb starts in Sankri and then gradually heads toward the summit, which makes it ideal for travellers who seek a fulfilling winter trek. The snow-laden landscape from December to April adds to its favour among tourists seeking classic Himalayan scenery and peaceful nights under star-studded skies.
Trek Altitude: 3,810 m (12,500 ft)
Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Trek Distance: 20- 25 km (approx)
Trek Duration: 5- 6 days
2. Nag Tibba Trek
Among the easy treks in Uttarakhand, Nag Tibba Trek is quite famous for beginners and short weekend treks around Dehradun. The summit, at an elevation of about 3,022 meters, overlooks the Bugyals of the Lesser Himalayas, offering glimpses of peaks like Kedarnath and Bandarpoonch, without steep technical climbs. The trail goes through deodar and oak forests and ends with a ridge that has sprawling views. It is ideal for travellers who want a quick mountain experience without steep gradients, hence attracting mainly first-time trekkers and families.
Trek Altitude: 3,022 m (9,915 ft)
Trek Difficulty: Easy
Trek Distance: 16- 20 km round trip
Trek Duration: 2 days
3. Har Ki Dun Trek
Har Ki Dun is among the famous treks in Uttarakhand, representing a strong combination of culture and nature in the Garhwal Himalayas. Known as the “Valley of Gods,” this trek goes through some of the ancient villages, thick forests and alpine meadows that appear snow-clad during winter. Local peaks such as Swargarohini and Bandarpoonch are visible during this trek, which shows the traditional village life along with ancient customs of the people. With reasonably graded altitudes, the route presents striking sunrises within a cradle-shaped valley, which is of value for scenic and cultural interests.
Trek Altitude: 3,566 m (11,700- 11,675 ft)
Trek Difficulty: Moderate
Trek Distance: 47 km
Trek Duration: 7 days
4. Chopta- Chandrashila Trek
The Chopta-Chandrashila trek is one of the most scenic winter treks in Uttarakhand, fusing spiritual heritage with breathtakingly beautiful views. The trek starts from Chopta, after which the itinerary proceeds to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world and from there to the peak of Chandrashila, which stands at approximately 4,000 meters. The trail and summit remain snow-laden during winter and offer breathtaking, postcard-like vistas of peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul and Chaukhamba. It falls into the category of a moderately difficult trek and hence fits all trekkers who look for a mix of adventure, spirituality and grand views of the Himalayas.
Trek Altitude: 4,000 m (13,123 ft)
Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Trek Duration: 3- 4 days
5. Dayara Bugyal Trek
Dayara Bugyal ranks as one of the most satisfying short treks in Uttarakhand, featuring wide, colour-shifting alpine meadows. The trail compensates you with overwhelming views of the surrounding Himalayan giants, winding through lush forests into open grasslands. Generally, it's a trek that can be completed in a few days. The best time for Dayara Bugyal is during the post-monsoon and winter seasons, since a touch of snow only adds to the beauty of this trek. Its relatively moderate effort and spectacular vistas make it a popular choice for travellers who want a compact yet fulfilling Himalayan trek
Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Trek Distance: 20- 25 km
Trek Duration: 4- 6 days
6. Auden’s Col Trek
The trek is often considered the toughest trek in Uttarakhand, meant for experienced trekkers and climbers who have experience with such high-level treks. This high-altitude pass links Gangotri with Kedarnath and provides steep climbs, technical glacier crossings, crevasse navigation and unpredictable weather. The trek crosses Auden’s Col Pass, flanked by massive icefalls and towering Himalayan peaks. This trek needs proper acclimatisation, technical gear and professional guidance due to its inaccessibility and demand for prudent effort. It is not a journey for comfort or great views but one that tests endurance, skill and some serious high-altitude adventure.
Trek Altitude: 5,490 m (18,010 ft)
Trek Difficulty: Very Difficult
Trek Distance: 85 km
Trek Duration: 13- 15 days
7. Bali Pass Trek
Bali Pass is regarded by many as the most difficult trek in Uttarakhand due to its steep climbs, narrow ridges and heavy snow conditions at higher altitudes. The trek connects Har Ki Dun valley to Yamunotri and involves long walking hours across rocky terrain as well as snowfields. The pass crossing itself is technically demanding and often requires rope support and crampons. Stunning views of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch and Kalanag peaks reward trekkers who manage this intense trail. This trek is thus suitable only for highly experienced trekkers.
Trek Altitude: 4,950 m (16,240 ft)
Trek Difficulty: Difficult to Very Difficult
Trek Distance: 66 km
Trek Duration: 8- 9 days
8. Valley of Flowers Trek
The Valley of Flowers is one of the most beautiful monsoon treks in Uttarakhand. The best time to visit the Valley of Flowers is between July and September, when the alpine valley bursts alive with hundreds of rare Himalayan blooms. Nestled within a UNESCO World Heritage site, the trek offers a gentle rise through scenic landscapes, waterfalls and lush meadows. While technically not difficult, slippery monsoon trails and rare landslides mean caution is called for. In all, it's ideal for nature lovers chasing vibrant scenery, rather than extreme adventure.
Trek Altitude: 3,658 m (12,000 ft)
Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Trek Distance: 38 km
Trek Duration: 5- 6 days
9. Gaumukh- Tapovan Trek
The Gaumukh-Tapovan trek is a classic glacier trek in Uttarakhand that takes adventurers to the source of the River Ganga at the Gaumukh Glacier. The trail offers stunning views of Shivling, Bhagirathi peaks, and Meru, along with long glacier walks and some exposed sections. The vast meadows at Tapovan contrast beautifully with the ice below. While the trek isn't overly technical, it does require good fitness due to the altitude gain and long walking days, making it perfect for those who want to see high-altitude Himalayan landscapes along with the rivers in Uttarakhand.
Trek Altitude: 4,463 m (14,640 ft)
Trek Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Trek Distance: 46 km
Trek Duration: 6- 7 days
10. Kuari Pass Trek
The Kuari Pass trek is one of the best short treks in Uttarakhand. It offers lovely views of Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, and Kamet in a short amount of time. Also known as the “Curzon Trail,” this trek goes through oak forests, local villages, and open ridgelines. Even though it's relatively short, it provides classic Himalayan scenery without demanding too much in terms of technical skills. It’s suitable for fit beginners and intermediate trekkers who want to experience Uttarakhand’s mountains without a lengthy commitment.
Trek Altitude: 3,658 m (12,000 ft)
Trek Difficulty: Moderate
Trek Distance: 33 km
Trek Duration: 5- 6 days
11. Kalindi Khal Trek
Kalindi Khal is one of the most challenging high-altitude treks in Uttarakhand. It connects Gangotri with Badrinath through massive glaciers and remote mountain terrain. The trek involves continuous glacier walks, steep moraine sections, and exposure to extreme altitudes for several days. It offers breathtaking views of peaks like Kamet, Mana, and Abi Gamin, but it requires excellent acclimatisation and technical skills. Because of its isolation and tough conditions, Kalindi Khal is only suitable for expert trekkers with prior experience in high-altitude and glacier trekking.
Trek Altitude: 5,950 m (19,520 ft)
Trek Difficulty: Very Difficult
Trek Distance: 95 km
Trek Duration: 12- 14 days
12. Kagbhusandi Tal Trek
The Kagbhusandi Tal trek is one of the most scenic lake treks in Uttarakhand, leading to a beautiful high-altitude alpine lake near Nilkanth peak. The trail goes through dense forests, remote villages, and untouched mountain landscapes that most trekkers rarely see. The emerald-colored lake sits in a stunning glacial basin, offering peace and raw Himalayan beauty. This trek is physically demanding due to steep climbs and limited facilities, making it perfect for those seeking wilderness and lesser-known paths.
Trek Altitude: 5,230 m (17,160 ft)
Trek Difficulty: Difficult
Trek Distance: 60 km
Trek Duration: 9- 10 days
13. Pangarchulla Peak Trek
Pangarchulla trek is one of the rewarding moderate treks in Uttarakhand that gives a true summit experience without long expedition timelines. Starting from the Kuari Pass region, the trek features gradual forest trails followed by steep snow climbs near the summit. From the top, trekkers enjoy panoramic views of Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, and Hathi-Ghoda peaks. While you don’t need technical skills, being fit and having some snow trekking experience is important, especially during late winter and early spring.
Trek Altitude: 4,700 m (15,420 ft)
Trek Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Trek Distance: 40 km
Trek Duration: 6- 7 days
14. Gidara Bugyal Trek
Gidara Bugyal is one of the most beautiful offbeat treks in Uttarakhand, featuring vast alpine meadows that remain mostly untouched by mass tourism. Unlike popular bugyals, this trek offers long walks through meadows, traditional shepherd huts, and uninterrupted mountain views. The trail is physically demanding due to long walking days and altitude gain, but the experience feels raw and peaceful. Gidara Bugyal is perfect for trekkers looking for solitude, expansive landscapes, and a deeper connection to Uttarakhand’s high-altitude grasslands.
Trek Altitude: 4,300 m (14,100 ft)
Trek Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Trek Distance: 42 km
Trek Duration: 7- 8 days
15. Rudranath Trek
Rudranath is one of the most spiritually rich yet hidden treks in Uttarakhand, also known as one of the truly unexplored treks in Uttarakhand. It is part of the Panch Kedar circuit, leading to a remote Shiva temple surrounded by alpine meadows and dramatic rock faces. The trail includes steep ascents, forest sections, and exposed ridges, requiring strong endurance. Despite the effort, the trek rewards travellers with serenity, spiritual depth, and stunning Himalayan views far from commercial trails.
Trek Altitude: 3,600 m (11,800 ft)
Trek Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Trek Distance: 54 km
Trek Duration: 6- 7 days
Conclusion
Uttarakhand brings about a trekking experience that is so much more than beautiful mountain scenery. With easy-going routes and brief escapes on one end and extreme high-altitude trips and secret alpine tracks on the other, the treks in Uttarakhand can suit any type of trekker. The Himalayas are manifested in each trail in a different form- silent forest trails, flower-grown valleys, glacial terrains, spiritual trails and endless meadows.
Such journeys are primarily about the exploration of local culture, nature and personal strength. Uttarakhand is one of the best trekking destinations in India with clearly defined trails, seasonal diversity and spectacular views. Careful planning, proper acclimatisation and respect for the mountains are key to enjoying these journeys safely. Trekking in Uttarakhand offers memories that one will cherish for a lifetime.
View on Map
(+91) 8287636079
