7 Most Underrated Treks in Uttarakhand

One of the most difficult choices that you may come across being an adventurer is to shortlist a trekking destination for your next Himalayan endeavor. Sometimes it becomes whether to choose a popular trek or an offbeat trekking route. There is no denying the fact that you cannot go back to your normal self if you have experienced the actual high Himalayas. 

Uttarakhand is a blessed land where trekking options seem to be never-ending. There are high altitude lakes like Nandi Kund, gigantic glaciers like Banderpunch,  goddess peaks like Nanda Devi, high altitude passes like Borasu, meadows like Gidara, and so on. 

But the question is – are we really making the most of it? Or have we become so drawn by other people’s explorations that instead of seeking something new, we are stuck in a loop of going with the flow, and in doing so we just get a glimpse of the actual meaning of the Himalayan landscape is. It’s hard to comprehend.

While Roopkund,  Rupin Pass, Gaumukh receives a lot of footfall every year, which has significantly helped in boosting the economy of the local community while subsequently providing them exposure. It is also true the real zeal for exploration has been bedridden for a while now. It’s high time that adventurers like you start off with exploring offbeat treks and give it a rest to places like Rupin Pass, Roopkund, Hampta Pass, Stok Kangri, and Nag Tibba.       

Take a look at a list of 7 most underrated off beat treks in Uttarakhand that you should really consider for your upcoming Himalayan affair:

1. Ruinsara Tal – 3500mts

Located at the foot of Swargarohini Group of Peaks, Ruinsara Tal is a hidden gem overlooking Black Peak and Banderpoonch Massif. It is one of the beautiful trails that is located at the heart of Govind Ballabh Pant National Park and covers most of Sankri Range. This week-long trek can be topped up with Bali Pass, a  daunting 5000mtr crossing to Yamunotri valley from Sankri Range.

2. Gidara Bugyal – 3900mts

 Sandeep Bisht

Gidara Bugyal

While Dayara Bugyal is one of the most popular meadows of Uttarakhand, Gidara Bugyal has been rarely exposed and a perfect offbeat trek to explore. The high-altitude pastures of Gidara Bugyal are favorite among shepherds and locals compare it with a living dream. It’s a  different dimension altogether as far as what we’ve heard of. It’s strange that not much documentation is done for this elusive highland in the Uttarkashi region.

3. Kedar Tal – 4800mts

 merakitriangle

Kedar Tal Lake close view.

Kedar Tal is an emerald lake situated next to Kedar Bamak Glacier at the foot of the enormous Thalaysagar (6,904) and Brigupanth Peak (6,772mts). If you have completed around 2-3 treks above 4000mts then you should definitely up your game by approaching Kedar Tal. The type of terrain you walk in so diverse and challenging at times that this hiking trail can be best described as a guru. There is a very short window to do Kedar Tal trek and the best time to do it is  September and October. 

4. Nanda Devi East Advance Base Camp – 4600mts

Sandeep Bisht for eUttaranchal at Nanda Devi Base Camp Route

The joy of standing at the feet of enormous peaks like Nanda Kot, Changuch, Kuchela Dhura, Nanda Khat is a blessing and overlooking the giant goddess peak of Nanda Devi is a different experience entirely. This 130kms expedition takes around 10 Days to cover from Munsiyari to base camp and back. While most people go to Milam Glacier and Ganaghar from Martoli, we want you to explore Lawangad Valley to reach the true Advance Base Camp of Nanda Devi East peak.

5. Panchachuli Base Camp – 4250mts

 Pushkar Singh 

Panchachuli Peaks are sacred peak of Kumaon hills ,it is a symbol of five pandavas ,and this picture was taken from Sinla pass (18025 Feet ) trekking route

The base camp of Panchachuli Peaks is an amphitheater unlike any other. The five giant peaks of Panchachuli Group looms high above the ground and their icefall colliding in the valley together is a rare sight and rarely seen too. It is located in the extreme northeast part of Uttarakhand while Nepal remains well within reach. The road journey before the start of this trek is a long and tiring one and maybe that’s the reason it has been out of the reach of most people, despite the beauty this region has to offer. This one should be on your wishlist too.

 We do hope that you choose any of the above off beat trails for your future Himalayan Expeditions where you’ll get to explore more and get a glimpse of the Himalayas rarely seen and experienced.