Uttarakhand is a land for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Trekking in Himalaya and Nepal is an unparalleled experience that can seldom be completely expressed in black and white. Some experiences are always cherished only when you feel them and the trekking trails are no exception. Garhwal is a very attractive territory located in the North Western part of Himalayas. The land is home to trekking trails of all complexities and diversities.
There are a number of trekking trails in Garhwal that invite trekking enthusiasts from all over the world.
1. Auden Col Trek
Beginning from Gangotri and winding all the way to the Nala Camp, the Auden Col Trek is perhaps one of the toughest treks in the Garhwal region. As you find your way through lush pine and birch forests, your eyes can feast the magnanimous beauty of the snow clad Himalayas. This trek is lined on one side by Jogin I and Gangotri III and on the other by Khatling glacier.
2. Har-Ki-Doon
Located at the base of Fateh Parvat, the Har Ki-Doon is a bird watcher’s paradise. This moderate trek passes through lush canopies of chinar, willow, walnut and chestnut trees. A popular pilgrimage destination, this region is reckoned as the land of Gods. The region has a beautiful waterfall and this is also one of the places where you can spot wildlife. Har-Ki-Doon is also home to temple of Duryodhana. About 5 kms from Har-Ki-Doon is the Jaundhar Glacier situated at 4300 meters high.
3. Nanda Devi Trek
Between May and mid October, the Nanda Devi Trek is a must if you are planning trekking in Himalaya and Nepal during this time. Approximately 11 days, you can go through various mountain ranges like the Kamet, Changabang and Dunagiri. You should not miss to visit the very beautiful Nanda Devi wildlife sanctuary along the way. In this trek, you also cut across numerous villages that offer you a taste of the rich and beautiful culture of the locals in these parts of the country.
4. Chopta Chandrashila Trek
Safely and beautifully nestled at an altitude of 2900 mts is the Chopta. The trekking trail to the rock face Chandrashila is exceptionally brilliant with breathtaking sights of snow covered Himalayas. This part of Garhwal Himalayas cannot be trekked in the months of December and January when it is completely covered with snow making trekking almost impossible and unsafe. But, the summit offers spectacular sights of Nanda Devi, Kedarnath, Trishul and Chaukhamba peaks. This trek amongst trekking in Himalaya and Nepal houses Tungnath, the highest temple in the Himalayas.
