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blowing. Uttaranchal Himalayas encompasses the
major part of Indian Himalayas. Uttaranchal (Garhwal & Kumaon ),
harbouring many snow covered peaks above 6,500 meters, is an
excellent destination for trekkers. Remained underdeveloped for a
long time the area is still in its primitive form and has vast areas
of pure wilderness, holding different cultures offering a chance to
have a close encounter with outstanding views of greater Himalayan
range, alpine meadows, rare high altitude flora & fauna, etc.
Trekking in the different valleys of pure wilderness in Uttaranchal
offers one to get an insight into the lifestyle of the mountain
people, their settlement patterns, customs & costumes and much more.
Major Sites for Trekking
Trekking in Garhwal
Panch Kedar Trek
Panch Kedars are the five distinct forms of the Lord Shivas, and are
known as Kedarnath (3584 m); Madmaheshwar (3289 m); Tungnath (3810
m); Rudranath (2134 m). The treks from each temple is fascinating.
The valley full of rich flora & fauna and hospitable people is very
exciting for the trekkers.
Kedarnath - Vasuki Tal Trek
The trek starts from Gaurikund, where one can have a refreshing bath
in the hot water sulphur springs. The trek from Gaurikund to Rambara
winds along the river Mandakini forest and across beautiful
waterfalls. The trek from Kedarnath to Vasuki Tal is a continuous
ascent along a goat track and it offers a panoramic view Of
Chaukhamba peaks. The final trek to Vasuki Tal is Downhill for 1 km.
At the bottom of this, one can see Rectangular slabs of rocks.
Dodi Tal
Situated at an altitude of 3024 m from sea level, north of
Uttarkashi and surrounded by dense woods of oak, pine, deodar and
rhododendrons. The amazing lake is full of rare fishes and the
Himalayan Golden Trouts. The trek to Dodi Tal commence from
Utarkashi to Kalyani and is accessible by motor. Kalyani to Agoda is
gradual climb through woods, fields and villages on a mule track.
The trek from Agoda to Dodi Tal is steep and through dense forests.
Gangotri Kedarnath Trek
This trek is along the old pilgrim route from Gangotri to Kedarnath.
From Gangotri one has to come down to Mala by motor. The actual trek
starts from Mala, after crossing the river Bhagirathi. The trek is
on equal level upto Sauri-ki-gad and from this point the climb to
Belak is gradual. From Belak to Budha Kedar, to is downhill through
dense forests full of birks and wildlife. From Budha Kedar to
Panwali, it is an uphill climb through terraced fields and scenic
villages. The marvellous view of the Garhwal Himalaya is very
refreshing. The 'Bugyals' (alpine meadows ) on this trek are most
beautiful, specially the Kush-Kalyani and the Panwali Bugyals.
Gangotri-Gaumukh-Nandavan-Tapovan Trek
This trek is a combination of mountain climbing, rock climbing,
boulder-hopping and glacier traversing. It passes through orchards
of coniferous pine trees at chir-basa and birch at Bhojasa. From
Gaumukh to Nandanvan, one traverses along the Gangotri and
Chatturangini glaciers. Pitch a camp at the junction of
Chatturangini and Bhagirathi Gangotri glaciers. From Nandanvan, view
the Shivalinga, Bhagirathi, Sudarshana, Thelu peaks and Kedar Dome.
Cross the Gangotri glacier and rocky face before arriving at the
lush green meadows of Tapovan, surrounded by many named and unnamed
peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas.
Trekking in Kumaon
Pithoragarh, in the state of Uttaranchal, borders Nepal in the east
and Tibet in the north, and is often called 'miniature Kashmir'.
Known for the abundant natural beauty and many fine temple that are
important pilgrimage points, Pithoragarh is the base for many
exciting treks eg. Pithorgarh-Parwati Lake -Chota Kailash-Sinla Pass
Trek.
There are many interesting trekking routes along the Gori valley in
the district of Pithoragarh. The trekking routes of
Munsyari-Martoli-Milam-Ralam glacier is just fascinating. During
treks in the kali, Kuti and Dhauli eastern valley regions, one not
only walks along a large portion of the Kailash-Mansarover route,
but also gets an insight into the social and cultural life of the
local people living in the Chaudans, Byans and Darma valleys.
Bageshwar - Sunderdhunga - Pindari - Kafni Glacier Trek
At the confluence of the rivers Gomti and Saryu 36 kms from Kausani,
lies this religious town of Bageshwar. A major pilgrimage centre of
the Kumaon Himalayas. Bageshwar is dotted by temples and places of
worship and is often equated, by pilgrims, with Varanasi for its
divinity. From Bageshwar to Song is a 40 kms motorable road and from
Song and there is a trek of 14 kms to Dhakuri, 8 km trek to Khati
and 7 km trek to Jatoli from where the route turns to Sunderdhunga
Pindari and Kafni.
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