Trekking In The Land Of Gods

Trek is a long and an adventurous journey undertaken on foot, in areas where common means of transport are generally not available. It should not be confused with mountaineering. The Himalayan routes in India are famous for some of best trekking routes in the world, attracting a large number of trekkers. From trekking routes that challenges professional trekkers, to the routes easily accessible by even amateur and first time trekkers, trekking is an awesome experience in the high Garhwal mountain ranges.

Uttarakhand - the land of Gods and the home of Himalayas, located in the northern India, has many such trekking routes. It is the most popular area for trekkers form across the world. Uttarakhand is a region of outstanding natural beauty, its marvels in its high Himalayan ranges and glaciers (towards the northern part of the state), while the lower reaches are densely forested. The state has always been a destination for mountaineering, hiking and rock climbing in India.  With its gorges, deep valleys and lofty mountains the geography of this land is idle.

Roopkund is a popular trekking site among trekkers. The frozen Roopkund lake is famous for the mystery of skeletons, dating back to 850 AD, found in the lake, which was covered by the National Geographic Channel in a documentary. On the trek to Roopkund are also the beautiful meadows of Bugyal.

The termination point for all these treks is Rishikesh. Rishikesh, a small picturesque spiritual town along the river Ganga, is located in foothills of the Himalayas . It is also considered to be the “Yoga Capital Of The World” and is a magnet for spiritual seekers. The place keeps you spiritually enthralled, from the moment you enter Rishikesh, till you head back home. No wonder the Beatles choose Rishikesh for their Transcendental Meditation at the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Thereafter, Rishikesh catapulted to Western fame.

Trek on to the beautiful lake, Deorital for an easy, relaxed walk in which you don’t have to put much vigor into. From where you can trek on to Chandershilla top, which is the only place from where you can get a perfect 360 degrees view of the Himalayas. Another easy trek is to the Surya Top, which also offers a mix of everything a Himalayan trek has to offer. You can catch a Himalayan black bear, musk dear or even a leopard while on your up through the forests or watch out for   pheasants, eagles, butterflies and many varieties wild flowers. And if you want to see rare Himalayan birds like the Paradise Fly Catcher and the Fork Tail Fly Catcher you can easily trek to Har Ki Dun valley.

The best time to visit the hills of Uttarakhand is from October to June, when you can expect clear blue skies. In the summer months of April to June, avoid the plains and take to the hills instead. Rains occur from end June to September, and though the snow-clad Himalayan views may not be visible, the monsoons in itself could be quite delightful. Famous as an offbeat destination, some compare the place with the heaven.

Happy trekking!

Categories: Ali Bugiyal, Rishikesh, Roopkund Lake, Trekking in the Himalayas, Trekking Holidays, Trekking in Northern India, Trekking in Uttarakhand, Trekking routes, Trekking Tours