Short trekking getaways in Uttarakhand
The reasons for opting for a shorter trek may be many – they are ideal for beginners who are just looking to take their first step into the wondrous world of trekking. Some may simply enjoy the thrill of experiencing the all-encompassing beauty of mountains within numbered days. While for others it may be the enticing idea of leaving behind the humdrum of life for a little rendezvous in the hills whenever a long weekend rolls around the corner.
Nothing invigorates and relaxes the body and mind in equal measures than a short trekking escapade. Traversing through twisting, secluded mountain pathways, experiencing its sublime untouched beauty, encountering vivid flora and fauna all the while creating everlasting memories seems like just the therapy one needs.
Wondering where you can find short treks in India that ticks all the right boxes? Why Uttarakhand of course! It’s no secret that Uttarakhand is the ideal travel destination for all-mountain lovers, but this North Indian state has much to offer than meets the eye.
6 Short treks in Uttarakhand that are an experience like none other
2. Deoban Trek: A lesser-known weekend trek in Uttarakhand, the Deoban trek is the perfect adventure for those who love the mystery of forests and the beauty of mountains. Keeping true to its name the Deoban (Deo – deodar, ban – forest) trek is a unique and rare one where you get the opportunity to stroll in a forest densely populated by giant trees aged over 600 years. On a clear, sunny day you may witness as many as 55 mountains from the ultimate destination, the Vyas Point (9,279 ft)! Located near the Chakrata town of Uttarakhand, the Deoban trek has easy accessibility from Delhi and only takes two days to complete. It is, however, worth mentioning that although the trek is easy-moderate during summer and autumn, conquering the trek in winter can be a little tricky as the entire stretch remains carpeted in thick white snow.
3. Binsar trek: Sitting pretty at an altitude of 8000 ft, the Binsar Trek may only be a 2-day trek in Uttarakhand but it is an experience you remember for a lifetime. The trek beginning from Almora starts with a walk through the wilderness. Hanging moss, silver fir, thickets of fern and scattered wildflower make the climb to the top feels as good as walking through an enchanted fairyland. Located in the Kumaon region of Himalayas, the Binsar sanctuary is home to an array of animals. The second day of the trip includes a visit to the hallowed Jageshwar Temple, one of the revered sacred sites of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The view from the summit is a splendid one as you get to witness the Kumaon valley in all its glory along with the spectacle of the snow-capped peaks of Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, Kedarnath and more. Deemed as an easy and beginner-friendly trek, Binsar is a perfect short trek in Uttarakhand to venture into September to July.
4. Rudranath trek: Pitched at a height of 1181 ft above sea level, the Rudranath Trek is one of the most rewarding treks of the Garhwal Himalayas. Composed of natural rock formations, the Rudranath temple - a temple solely dedicated to the mighty Lord Shiva, is not only an anomaly of nature but is also easily one of the most spiritual and divine locations in India. And although most people undertake the trek owing to the Rudranath temple’s spiritual significance and to be one with god – they are left spell bounded by the ethereal beauty of the journey. The trail meanders through verdant valleys, grassy meadows, dense woodlands and deep gorges. The mystifying beauty of the towering Nanda Devi, Nanda Ghunti and Trishul’s snow cloaked summits make for a sight that will remain etched in your mind’s eye for years to come. The trek is a 3 day – 20 km journey and is perfect for a short trek in Uttarakhand. The trek is rated moderately difficult as the road to the top is fairly laborious and challenging. But believe us when we say that the view from the top is worth the trouble.
5. Khaliya Top: A relatively lesser-known small trek in Uttarakhand, the Khaliya Top trek is perfect for nature lovers and those in search of a little relaxation and solitude in the mountains. The trail begins from Munsiyari, a small town in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand and is a 4-day 3-night journey. Within these numbered days you get to soak in the diverse beauty of nature – alpine meadows, the snowy peaks of Panchachuli, Ramrambha, Nanda Kot and Heordal, sleepy hamlets and exotic wildlife are some of the hike’s main attractions. If you are lucky you may get glimpses of some of the most unique and uncommon animals and birds such as Yellow-fronted Marten, Monal, Ghurar and more. If you want to add a sliver of thrill to your journey you may also partake in adventure sports like skiing once you reach the top. The ideal time to set on the Khaliya Top trek would be during the spring season i.e. March to April. If you, however, desire to see snow the months of September to December would be more appropriate. The Khaliya top trek is easy to moderate in terms of difficulty and is equally enjoyable for both beginners and seasoned trekkers.
6. Chopta trek: Uttarakhand is noted for its long, arduous trekking expeditions. Hence trekkers who are time-starved and in search of a small trek in Uttarakhand tend to miss out on many of Uttarakhand’s best treks. This is one of the chief reasons why the 4 days and 3 nights, 5 km Chopta Tungnath trek has garnered so much interest among various kinds of trekkers. Having its inception from the Sari village of Haridwar, the trail is a continuous journey of ascent and descent and remains rocky and challenging throughout. But the adventure is not all that makes the Chopta Chandrshila trek memorable. Tungnath temple, Chaukhamnba massifs, rhododendron forests, lakeside camping and panoramic views of the Dronagiri, Nanda Devi, Trishul, Gangotri, Nandaghunti, Kedar and Thalaysagar from an altitude of 11,154 ft are what make the trip so irresistible. The trail is labeled as moderately difficult for its steep uphill climbs make the journey to the top quite tricky. The best season to visit Chopta truly depends on the trekker’s preference as the trail exhibits a unique kind of beauty round the year. The summer months of April to June and winter months of Oct to Dec usually experience more traffic.
Whether you are simply planning a quick trip with your friends who’ve become much too busy with life, looking to escape into the mountains, taking a plunge into the world of trekking or searching for a way to fight the Monday blues – these short weekend treks in Uttarakhand are just what you need.
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