Trekking in Garhwal

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Garhwal is known as the most beautiful land amidst the mountains of the Asian sub - continent. Apart from the four holy shrines of the Hindus- Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri and Gangotri, Garwal has much more to offer in form of world class adventure such as trekking, hiking etc.

Trekking in Garhwal has its own delights and dangers. Whilst mountaineering is a preplanned affair, trekking does not require as much preparation. Mountaineering is more technical in nature and can be hazardous but this is not so in the case of trekking. Trekking is always be organized in groups. For those fascinated by the unexplored, the hills of Uttar Pradesh offer breathtaking adventurous trekking routes. Trekking is the best way of getting to know any land, its people, its culture and traditions.

A Garwal trekking tour in this area, combined with visits to the holy temples of Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath and Yamunotri, will add spiritual experience of the Himalayas as you watch the stream of people bathing and lining up in front of the temples to have a view of holy shrine, and to wash away, the sins of a lifetime.

Few popular Trekking trails of Garhwal are :

Panch Kedar Trek :
Panch Kedars are the five different forms of the Hindu God Shiva, and are known as kedarnath (3584m); Madmaheshwar (3289 m); Tungnath (3810 m); Rudranath (2286 m); Kalpnath (2134 m). The mountainscape from each temple is fascinating, the valley full of rich fauna & flora and the people hospitable.

Kedarnath, Vasuli Trek :
The trek starts from Gaurikund, where one can have a refreshing bath in the hot water sulphur springs. The trek from Gaurikund to Rambara winds along the river Mandakini through forests and across beautiful water falls.

The trek from Kedarnath to Vasuki Tal is a continuous ascent along a goat track and it offers a panoramic view of Chaukhamba peaks. The final trek to Vasuki Tal is downhill for 1 Km. At the bottom of this, one can see rectangular slabs of rocks. The best season is May to Sept.

Dodital Trek :
Dodi Tal is situated at an elevation of 3024 mts., north of Uttarkashi and is surrounded by dense woods of oak, pine, deodar and rhododendrons. The crystal clear lake is full of rare fishes and the Himalayan Golden Trouts. The trek to Dodi Tal Commences from Uttarkashi to Kalyani and is approachable by motor. Kalyani to Agoda is a gradual climb through woods, fields and villages on a mule track.. The trek from Agoda to Dodi Tal is steep and through thick forests.

Best Season for Trekking in Garhwal:

The route is open throughout the year, though in winters it is quite cold. For summers, a round trek is possible from Hanumanchatt to Uttarkashi via Dodi Tal.