The ethereal Valley of Flowers National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Chamoli, renowned for its meadows filled with endemic alpine flowers and diverse fauna. This high-altitude Himalayan valley has a rugged landscape with snow-capped mountains and lush greenery. The trek usually starts from Govindghat, after which trekkers move to Ghangaria, the base camp for the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib visits. The entire valley is dotted with a variety of flowers like the Brahmakamal, Blue Poppy and Cobra Lily, and is also home to rare and endangered animals like the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, musk deer, and blue sheep. The best time to visit is from July to September when the flowers are in full bloom. Trekking in this region offers not just natural beauty but also a spiritual ambiance, as the region is associated with Hindu mythology.
Auli, in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, is a premier ski resort destination with its clean, glittering slopes providing a panoramic view of famous Himalayan peaks such as Nanda Devi and Mana Parvat. Skiing in Auli attracts adventure enthusiasts from across the globe during the winter months of December to March when the slopes are covered in a thick blanket of snow. Skiing sessions are conducted under the supervision of expert instructors, and the duration can vary from a few hours for beginners to several days for long-duration courses. There are slopes of varying lengths and gradients, making it suitable for both beginners and veteran skiers. For non-skiers, there are ample opportunities to enjoy the snow and the magnificent mountain scenery.
The twin temple tour of Badrinath and Kedarnath, nestled in the majestic Himalayas of Chamoli, is one of the holiest pilgrimages in Hinduism, being a part of the Char Dham Yatra. Badrinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one among the 108 Divya Desams, holy shrines for Vaishnavites, while Kedarnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The journey to these sacred shrines is as spiritually rewarding as it is physically challenging. The temples are typically accessible from late April or early May to October or November, before winter snowfall seals off the paths. Pilgrims and tourists alike are captivated by the serene beauty of the snow-clad mountains and the clear, blue skies. The experience is a journey not just outward but inward, offering moments of introspection and spiritual enlightenment.
Rudranath, a natural rock temple located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Chamoli, is dedicated to the god Shiva. It is one of the Panch Kedar, the five abodes of Shiva, set amidst dense forests and alpine meadows. The trek to Rudranath is a spiritual and adventurous journey, often considered to be the most difficult among the Panch Kedar treks. The path to Rudranath is studded with wild orchids and rhododendrons and offers panoramic views of the Himalayas. Along with the spiritual significance, trekkers can enjoy the sight of quaint villages, green meadows, and a variety of flora and fauna. Upon reaching the temple, trekkers can witness the mighty Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nanda Ghunti peaks.
Satopanth Lake is a serene glacial lake situated at an altitude of approximately 4,600 meters above sea level in the Chamoli district. It is considered sacred by Hindus and is associated with various legends linked to the Mahabharata. This challenging trek involves crossing glaciers, negotiating tricky paths, and enduring harsh alpine weather. The trail passes through scenic landscapes, with majestic views of snow-clad peaks of the Chaukhamba, Swargarohini, and Balakun. The triangular lake has crystal clear green waters and is a haven for trekkers and spiritual seekers alike. The trek to Satopanth Lake is both physically demanding and spiritually uplifting, offering an unforgettable adventure.
The Roopkund Trek is an exhilarating trek to the high-altitude glacial Roopkund Lake located in the Garhwal Himalayas. At an altitude of approximately 5,029 meters, the lake is famously known as the 'Mystery Lake' or 'Skeleton Lake' due to the several hundred ancient human skeletons found at its edge. The trek offers a stunning combination of verdant greenery in the Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal meadows, along with views of snow-capped peaks like Trishul and Nanda Ghunti. Starting from Lohajung base camp, the trail encompasses lush forests, delightful streams, quaint villages, and sprawling grasslands. Witnessing the magnificent Mt. Trishul from Roopkund’s ridge is a sight to behold. This trek is a favorite among adventure enthusiasts for its challenging trails and the intriguing lore associated with it.
Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek is a refreshing trek that takes you to the 'Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand.' The trek begins from Chopta, which is a serene hamlet offering imposing vistas of the Himalayas. Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world nestled in the mountains, is a harmonious blend of spirituality and natural grandeur. A further climb from Tungnath leads to Chandrashila peak, where one can get a spectacular panoramic view of the Himalayas, including Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Chaukhamba peaks. The trek is relatively easy to moderate, making it suitable for beginners as well as experienced trekkers. The journey through lush meadows, thick forests, and several streams, rewards trekkers with a mesmerizing sunrise at the Chandrashila summit.
The Kuari Pass Trek, also known as the Lord Curzon Trail, is among the best in the Garhwal mountains of Chamoli for those who wish to savor the majestic views of the high Himalayas closely. The trek passes through the Nanda Devi Sanctuary, offering breathtaking sights of the Nanda Devi, Kamet, Dronagiri, and Chaukhamba peaks. The journey is covered with thick alpine forests of oak and rhododendron that turn a whole different kind of stunning in the autumn. The meadows (Bugyals) on the way are exceptionally beautiful and provide excellent camping spots. The trekking route is not very difficult, making it suitable for fit first-timers and seasoned trekkers alike. Nestled in the lap of the snow-capped peaks, trekkers can embrace calm, undisturbed forests and the beauty of pristine Himalayan flora and fauna.
This trek is part of the famed Panch Kedar trail that includes visits to the sacred shrines of Lord Shiva at Kalpeshwar and Madhmaheshwar. The trek offers a diverse experience through remote villages, forest-covered trails, and alpine meadows. Madhmaheshwar is the middle one of the Panch Kedar and offers splendid views of the Chaukhamba, Kedarnath and Neelkanth peaks. Kalpeshwar, the only Panch Kedar shrine accessible throughout the year, is home to the natural cave temple where hair (Jata) of Lord Shiva is worshiped. The trekking journey to both these temples is often combined, offering an intimate experience of the local culture, the dense forest terrain, and the magnificent sight of the Garhwal Himalayan ranges. It is also one of the less traveled paths which make for a peaceful trekking experience.
The trek to Vasudhara Falls is a relatively unexplored and tranquil trail leading to a spectacular waterfall situated 9 km from Badrinath. Perched at an altitude of around 3,658 meters, the Vasudhara Falls plunge from a height of about 400 feet, forming a misty ambiance around it. According to legends, the water of Vasudhara Falls turns away from visitors who are not pure of heart. The trek starts from Mana, the last village before the Mana Pass and near the Tibet border. The trail to Vasudhara is moderately easy and goes past the Bhim Pul and Saraswati river, offering remarkable views of the surrounding mountain peaks. The trail ends with the stunning sight of the falls against the backdrop of majestic Himalayan mountains, a refreshing reward after the tranquil trek.
Hill Stations (50)
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Historical Places (112)
Museums (38)
Wildlife Sanctuaries (16)
National Parks (15)
Forts (4)
Villages (46)
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Mountains (16)
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Trekking Places (36)
