Trekking in Garhwal

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.