Destination Guides > Trekking Guide > Kumaon & Garhwal

Excellent opportunities abound for trekking enthusiasts in the hill region of Garhwal and Kumaon. For years, countless pilgrims and trekkers have walked about 20 km from Gangotri to reach the snout of the glacier, which gives birth to Ganga, one of the most sacred rivers in the country. Only a few bother to travel another five km along the glacier to the breathtakingly beautiful Tapovan, the land of the sacred flower known as Brahmakamal.

Har-ki-Doon in western Garhwal is another favourite with the trekker. After the monsoon, the high altitude grazing Alps is a riot of colours with hundreds of species of flowers in bloom. The 19 km trek to the famous Sikh shrine is best done in two days. Through the thick cypress forests, this trek could earlier be combined with an excursion into the Valley of Flowers. But owing to increased traffic in the wake of media publicity and promotion, it is now prohibited to enter the valley. Another three-day trek to Dodital near Uttarkashi finds favour with angling enthusiasts who see an excellent opportunity for trout fishing. Come October and it is time for clear blue skies and bright sunshine. In the hills of Kumaon, the excursion to the Pindari glacier has achieved the status of a classic. Only those who can brave the biting cold of March can witness the rhododendron trees bloom in crimson glory.

WHEN TO GO:
The season for trekking is between May and June and again from September through October.

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