An
abode of pristine natural beauty, the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttaranchal is
popular as one of best trekking destinations in India. In fact, trekking in
Garhwal must occupy a top position in your Uttaranchal tour itinerary.
An important region and administrative division of Uttaranchal state,
Garhwal is bounded on the north by Tibet, on the east by Kumaon region and
on the west by Himachal Pradesh. The Garhwal division comprises the
districts of Chamoli, Dehradun, Haridwar, Pauri Garhwal, Tehri Garhwal,
Uttarakashi and Rudraprayag.
While you trek through the Garhwal Himalayas, you will cross lush verdant
valleys and undulating green meadows, which remain beautifully carpeted with
alpine flowers during summers. In addition to these, the meandering rivers,
shimmering lakes, massive waterfalls, dense attractive forests, lofty
mountain peaks make your trekking highly exciting and memorable one. Apart
from these, you also get a good chance to meet the mountain people and
observe their lifestyle, cultures, settlement patterns, dress, dialect,
jewellery etc.
Popular Treks
Garhwal Himalayas has a number of wonderful trek routes that takes you to
picturesque locations of the region. Most famous trekking routes in Garhwal
region include :
- Dehradun - Mussoorie Trek (Duration - 7 Days).
Route Covers : Dehradun -
Sahastradhara - Bheetsi - Dhanaulti - Mussoorie.
- Mussoorie - Naqtibba Trek (Duration - 7 Days).
Route Covers : Mussoorie
- Thatyur - Devalsari - Nagtibba.
- Khatling Trek (Duration - 19 Days).
Route Covers : Khatling
Glacier - Chokital - Dudh Ganga Gufa - Masuri Tal - Paijan Tal / Teen
Tal / Punya Tal - Basukital - Kedarnath.
- Dodi Tal Trek (Duration - 14 Days).
Route Covers : Dodital
- Hanuman Chatti - Yamunotri.
- Har Ki Dun Valley Trek (Duration - 14 Days).
Route Covers : Mussoorie
- Purola - Naitwar - Saur - Taluka - Osla - Har-ki-Dun.
- Valley of Flowers Trek - (Duration - 12 Days)
Route Covers : Joshimath
- Govindghat - Ghangaria - Valley of Flowers.
- Gangotri-Gaumukh- Tapovan Trek (Duration - 10
Days).
Route Covers : Gangotri -
Bhojbasa - Gaumukh - Tapovan.
- Rishikesh-Pauri-Binsar Trek (Duration - 7 Days).
Route Covers : Rishikesh-
Pauri - Binsar.
- The Source of the Ganges Trek - (Duration - 18
Days).
Route Covers : Khatling
Glacier - Ratgarhyan / Ruddugera South - Ruddugera Pass - Ruddugera
North - Gangotri.
Other Treks
- Hem Kund - Valley of Flowers Trek (Duration - 9
Days).
- Kauri - Tapovan Trek (Duration - 12 Days)
- Kedarnath - Vasuki Tal Trek (Duration - 9 Days)
- Rishikesh- Gopeshwar Trek (Duration - 11 Days)
- Chanrashil Summit Trek (Duration - 9 Days)
- Kalindikhal Pass Trek (Duration - 17 Days)
- Kedar Tal Trek (Duration - 14 Days)
- Kempty Trekking (Duration - 7 Days)
- Nanda Devi Trek (Duration -13 Days)
- Roop Kund Trek (Duration - 13 Days)
- Dayara Bugyal Trek (Duration - 6 Days)
Essential Gears Required
In Garhwal essential trekking gears are provided by GMVN (Garhwal Mandal
Vikas Nigam) that include the tents and maps. Apart from GMVN, there are a
number of private operators who provide required items for trekking. Always
pack your bag according to the duration of the trek. Essential items which
you should carry in your bag are sufficient food, clothes, first-aid kit,
battery-torch, lights etc.
Garhwal Climate
Garhwal has a moderate climate, with comfortable summers and cool winters.
In summers the temperature raises to a high of 37°C, while in winters
the temperature may drop below 0°C. May to October is the best time to
enjoy trekking in Garhwal Himalayas.
Transportation for Garhwal
Garhwal region is conveniently linked by roads to rest of the country. Bus
services are available from the towns of Uttaranchal and nearby states to
Garhwal region. Apart from roads, you can also reach Garhwal via railways or
airways. Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun (Garhwal) is the main airport of
the region, which has flight from Delhi and other airports of the country.
Dehradun railway station is the major rail-head of the Garhwal region, which
is connected by direct trains with major cities and towns of India.
