Uttarakhand offer the most challenging hikes for seasoned trekkers & the most scenic trails for beginners
UTTARKAHND IS A trekkers’ paradise. Doesn’t matter whether you are the high energy, tough outdoors type or the simple walking variety. There is a beautiful route waiting for all of you. Just put on your hiking boots, take a deep breath, and get set to go.
Most trails in the hilly terrain are without litter and crowds. The villagers you encounter en route are extremely hospitable without expecting bakshish for any help they may offer you. Even the wildlife here is more curious than frightened! But do note that for independent, serious trekkers, often finding guides is not simple, and for beginners, walking uphill may just prove a bit tougher than it is on the planes.
Also, you may be surprised by the vagaries of the weather But the joys of the trek far outnumber any of this. Pack well, research in advance and brave some stretches of bad roads, and you can be rest assured that some of the most beautiful snow peaks, panoramic views and forested hillsides await you at the next curve.
While some of the treks can be done in groups with friends and family, others, such as the ones in the high-altitude glacial regions, are meant for seasoned trekkers and should not be attempted without guidance of local sherpas and climbers.
The best time for trekking in Uttarakhand, as with most other Himalayan states, is summer and winter. The monsoon sees unpredictable weather, sometimes even landslides. So it is best to avoid planning a trek around those months.
Some of you may also frown upon the idea of trekking in the harsh winter, but those who have witnessed the beauty of the icy landscape in this season can tell how rewarding it is.
An amazing experience that you will cherish forever
A’BUGYAL, IN local parlance, is a high-altitude meadow. The Himalayan regions are blessed with some beautiful alpine grasslands. Trekking up to these bugyals, and camping among the flowers, under the stars, is an experience a lifetime. The Bedni Bugyal is one of the finest meadows here, and also perhaps the most romantic of them all. Think acres and acres of meadows scooped out of a lush mountainside, a steep ridge arching up into the sky. Bed also a major way-station on the Nanda Raj Jat Yatra, a ritual procession held every 12 years. The next one is to be held in 2013
Ali Bugyal treats you to the poetic beauty of a grassland flanked by the western Trishul peak.
A lesser known but beautiful meadow is Dayara. Easily one of the most spectacular treks the Gangotri region, Dayara to Uttarakhand what Khajjiar(Dalhousie) is to Himachal. Perched near Bhatwari on the Uttarkashi-Gangotri(approx 27 km from Uttarkashi) highway, Dayara poetic beauty of a grassland flanked by the western Trishul peak. A lesser known but beautiful meadow is Dayara. Easily one of the most spectacular treks the Gangotri region, Dayara is to Uttarakhand what Khajjiar(Dalhousie) is to Himachal Perched near Bhatwari on the Uttarkashi-Gangotri(approx 27 km from Uttarkashi) highway, Dayara provides excellent ski slopes. SEASON: Summer is the best time to go camping. March to June.
GOOD TO KNOW: Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam(GMVN) has a division that can help you with information required for camping.
Ride the rapids on the Ganga, Kali and Tons rivers
RAFTING IS THE most popular adventure sport in Uttarakhand. Fast-moving rivers offer a thrilling experience for white water rafters These rivers gush down through deep forests, rocky terrains, mountains, sometimes even snowy slopes. Stretches along Alaknanda, Dhau liganga and Kali rivers have several challenging rapids. You can opt for a simple half-day tour or a four to five-day experience Do make sure you have an experienced guide.
Choose between simple or expert levels. Whether you choose to negotiate fast and furious river currents or gently float along the hillside, the adrenaline rush is incredible
The Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, are the main tributaries of Ganga and meet at Devprayag. Their waters are of Grade IV to V.
Mori is where you go tossing on the turbulent Tons. The power trip continues t Khunigad from where you can drive back to Mori campfire and dinner.
You can also raft from Barkot Lakhamandal and Damta to Yamuna bridge, near Mussoorie Over the years, many rafting camps have come up here. The two stretches are absolutely safe for beginners.
Rafting courses are conducted trained and qualified river guides of the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam(GMVN). The course includes rafting, river-guide services, boarding and lodging.
Rafting trips are also organised by privately-run adventure clubs. Most camps are usually located between Shivpuri and Kaudiyala, upstream from Rishikesh on the way to Devprayag during the season.
SEASON: September-November and March-April-May
GOOD TO KNOW: It is perfectly safe for non-swimmers to go rafting in Uttarakhand. As long as you have a life jacket on, there is nothing to fear.
THE MAHASEER IS a shy, slippery fish. It means”big mouth and it is no small fry. Say the magic words”Golden Mahaseer’ to an avid angler, and watch his eyes light up. This elusive fish that provides one of the toughest challenges in angling, are found in plenty in the waters that flow through the Corbett National Park. The river Ramganga, flowing through the wild forests, creates one of the most beautiful settings for angling. Ramnagar makes a fishing base camp. Besides the Ramganga, the torrential river Kosi has an abundance of black and silver Mahaseer. It also has a healthy population of the goonch, a freshwater scavenger. Lohachaur 15 km north along the River Kosi makes for a good angling spot. Yamuna bridge near Kempty Falls in Mussoorie is also an angling attraction. About 12 km from the falls, the milky waters of the Kempty meet Yamuna. SEASON: The time for angling is in the warm-water season in October-November and April-June.
YOU CAN ALSO HOOK THE MAHASEER AT:
Beas Ghat: One of the most popular spots for Mahaseer, Beas Ghat is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas. This stretch Ganga offers one of the best experiences of angling in the wild. Pancheshwar: Located on the Mahakali river, Pancheshwar is situated on the India-Nepal border. Pancheshwar is a point where Kali and Saryu rivers converge. This point was unknown for quite a long time. It came into the limelight after being discovered by the Indian Army more than 40 years back.
GOOD TO KNOW: Some important items to bring on your angling outing would be packed lunch, sunblock and an extra set of clothes. The more comfortable you are the longer you will stay. Patience of course is an asset when it comes to this sport. You need to obtain permission from the forest officials for angling, and the village staff can assist you in your angling tour.
Take wings and soar amidst the tall mountains
IF YOU DREAM of flying like a bird, then you must try out parasailing and paragliding in Uttarakhand. The state attracts enthusiasts from all corners of the world.
Popular paragliding locations include Naukutchiatal in Nainital district, Pithoragarh, Rishikesh, Mussoorie, Pratap Nagar, Dayara Bugyal, Dhanaulti Ridge and Bedni Bugyal in Garhwal.
Located just four-and-a-half hours away from Delhi, close to Dehradun, Kalsi is a small but important town, replete with opportunities for sporting adventure, including parasailing, paragliding, as well as rafting and angling. Its rustic beauty and wide range of sporting opportunities makes it a tourist favourite.
Surrounded by beautiful hills and greenery all around, Kalsi sits by banks of the River Yamuna This gives it a pleasant climate year round, ideal for those who want take to the sky.
SEASON: Summer months ensure clear blue skies. March to June
GOOD TO KNOW: Make sure all your gear is in order before you take off. Always wear helmets and life jackets. Those overweight and children below 16 should not try this activity
Hit the slopes at one of the world’ s highest ski resorts
LOCATED ABOUT 16 KM from Joshimath, Auli is one of the highest winter sports resorts in the world. Its 3 km slope, ranging from a height of 2,519 to 3,049m, with a 500m drop make it comparable to the best of international ski resorts.
Auli offers a 180-panoramic view of Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, Kamet and Mana Parvat. The lovely Doonagiri is only a snowball throw away. From January to March, the slopes of Auli are carpeted with snow. The surrounding coniferous and oak forests cut wind speed to the minimum, giving skiers a natural advantage. Enthusiasts enjoy everything from cross-country to slalom and downhill skiing. State-of-the-art skiing facilities provided by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) make Auli an ideal spot for winter sports. A 500m-long ski lift carries skiers back to the top, saving them the trouble and time to bridge up wearing long skis. During the peak months, GMVN conducts short-term ski courses at Auli.
SEASON:End December to March.
GOOD TO KNOW: GMVN provides modern ski equipment. Participants are advised to bring heavy woollen clothing like caps, socks, gloves, mufflers, pullovers, trousers,windproof jackets, dark glasses, gum/snow boots and a torch, for personal use.
Cycling off road on rough terrain is a heady sport
FOR CYCLING ENTHUSIASTS who like the rough and the tough but the beautiful as well, Uttarakhand is just the place. Both, the Garhwal and Kumaon regions offer good trails for mountain bikers. If you want to stick to something simple, hire a sturdy mountain bike and go riding around the Terai forests along the foothills of Nainital. The terrain here is relatively easy. You can begin at Thakurdwara and move on to Ramnagar, which is close to Corbett national park. The scenic road through Kaladhungi goes till Haldwani. Get on to the numerous side roads that’ll take you through sal and teak forests. Another interesting biking trail is at Ranikhet where the 20-km downhill road takes you till the Kosi river, where you can cycle along the banks lined with trees. A tough biking trail is going uphill from Dehradun to Mussoorie, which is around a 35-km stretch. Don’t worry if you are gasping for breath. The gorgeous views of the valley will make you feel proud of what you have achieved.
SEASON:March to May and October to mid-December are the best.
GOOD TO KNOW: The helmet is the most important thing to protect you while you go mountain biking.
You need to be fit in order to enjoy the ride as the terrain only gets tougher once you reach higher up. The pleasant climate of uttarakhand is a blessing.