Uttarakhand is the state well known as the “The Land of the Gods” It has some of the most stunning treks in India. Its vegetation covers beautiful sceneries such as mountains, and the cultural values of this state are intact to attract both the novice and professional hikers. This is an informative article where I detail treks in Uttarakhand that are easy for novices but provide an amazing experience with breath taking views and still have some challenge. Here is a list of easy treks in Uttarakhand that any first-timer should definitely consider!
1. Chopta Tungnath Trek
Chopta Tungnath trek is best for those who are looking for a spiritual journey. it is also known as the “Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand”, and is a beautiful hill station area characterized by the green(blue) hills and snow-clad mountains. The trek is gain you Tungnath Temple, the highest temple of Lord Shiva in the world is located at an altitude of 11,586 ft. From Tungnath, a small trek of half an hour or so to Chandrashila peak will take one to the peaks of Nanda Devi, Trishul and Chaukhamba. This is a two day trek hence very suitable for a weekend adventure trip.
2. Brahmatal Trek
The Brahmatal Trek offers trekkers a unique experience of walking through dense forests, snowcovered trails, and open meadows. Located at an altitude of 3,600 meters, Brahmatal Lake is a frozen wonder during winter, surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks. The trek is accessible during winters when most other trails are closed due to snow. With moderate difficulty, this fiveday trek offers panoramic views of Mount Trishul and Mount Nanda Ghunti. Brahmatal Trek is perfect for beginners wanting to experience snow trekking and Himalayan views without technical challenges.
3. Kedarkantha Trek
Kedarkantha Trek falls in the trekking season of winter among the Uttarakhand trek and can be done by first-timers. This is a five day trek that is done in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary and reaches an altitude of 3,810 meters, at which point one has panoramic views of the Himalayas coated with snow. The trek goes through dense woods, silence pastures and beautiful sites for camping and therefore makes the experience very enjoyable. It typically lasts five to six days but the climax is the Kedarkantha peak. The slopes in Kedarkantha are easy to moderate and the view makes it a trek that first timers can easily attempt.
4. Laka Glacier Trek
Though located in Himachal Pradesh, the Laka Glacier trek is another excellent choice for beginners exploring the region near Uttarakhand. Starting from McLeod Ganj, this short trek takes you to the Laka Glacier, nestled at an altitude of around 3,200 meters. It offers a blend of rocky terrain, alpine landscapes, and snowy patches, depending on the season. The trek is manageable for beginners due to its short duration and minimal technical challenges. On clear days, the views of Dhauladhar Range are stunning, and the trek provides a taste of glacier trekking within a limited timeframe.
5. Dayara Bugyal Trek
Dayara Bugyal is a highaltitude meadow trek that offers easy trails and captivating views, perfect for beginners. Situated at an altitude of 3,408 meters, Dayara Bugyal is one of Uttarakhand’s most beautiful alpine meadows, often carpeted in vibrant wildflowers during summer. The trek starts from Barsu village and passes through dense oak forests, quaint villages, and rolling meadows. With gentle gradients and lush greenery, this trek is ideal for those who want to experience Uttarakhand's natural beauty without challenging themselves too much. It’s a threeday trek, perfect for a short adventure.
6. Kuari Pass Trek
The Kuari Pass Trek, also known as the "Curzon Trail," is a beginnerfriendly trek that takes you to a height of 3,650 meters. This trek offers some of the most splendid views of the Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, Kamet, and Dronagiri. The trail passes through thick forests of oak and rhododendron, charming villages, and expansive meadows. Trekkers can also witness stunning campsites along the way, with aweinspiring views at every turn. This fourday trek is relatively easy and provides an ideal introduction to trekking in the Himalayas, especially during spring and autumn.
7. Hampta Pass Trek
Despite being in Himachal Pradesh, the Hampta Pass trek is infamous among Uttarakhand trekkers for the variety of terrains and relatively easy trail. From Manali, this trek is approximately 26 km in total and takes five days to accomplish. It leads through stunning pine woods, pleasant rivers, and nice meadows before climbing up the high altitude pass of 4,270 meters. As such a trek of moderate level of difficulty and topographical diversity can be a perfect start for those willing to try the real trekking at high altitude and with more difficult routes.
All of these treks in Uttarakhand offer an excellent geographical and cultural combination of trails which will be perfect for first-time trekkers. The treks are suitable for all level trekkers and provide the unforgettable journey of majestic himlayan peaks.
