Garhwal and Kumaon (Uttrakhand‘s Eastern hills).Known as Dev Bhoomi (“Adobe of the Gods”), every peak, river and trail is either named after a Hindu god or goddess, or finds mention in holy scriptures. Relatively easy to access, Garhwal and Kumaon are a wonderful introduction to the Himalayas. A single walk can lead through forests, valleys bursting with wild flowers, and glacial monoscapes of rock and ice, The Best Seasons for Trekking in Garhwal and kumaon are between Februaryand May and September and November.

Trekking in Garhwal and Kumaon

1: The Gaumukh Trail

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="254"] Trekking Map[/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="1300"] Road from Gangotri to Tapovan[/caption] This 26-km (16-mile) path traces the infant River Ganges along an ancient pilgrim trail, from Gangotri to its glacial source at Gaumukh. The route crosses the Gangotri Glacier and forks, leading to the meadows of Tapovan and Nandanvan, dominated by the imposing Bhagirathi and Shivling peaks. Duration: 6 Days Altitude: 4,500 m (14,764 ft) Level of Difficulty: Moderate to tough

2: Dodital

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="254"] Trekking Guide[/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="1300"] Road to Dodital[/caption] one of Garhwal’s popular treks, the 23-km (14-mile) path from Kalyani follows the Asi Ganga river valley, past Agoda to Dodital. This jewel-like lake, whose waters swarn with trout, is set in a densely wooded bowl. The Pine and deodar forests are home to a variety of Himalayan birds. Duration: 3 days Altitude: 3,024 m (9,921 ft) Level of Difficulty: Easy

3: The Valley of Flowers National Park

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="254"] Trekking Guide[/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="660"] View from Valley of Flowers[/caption] A 20-km (12-mile) climb from Govindghat, has a profusion of wild flowers Duration: 3 days Altitude: 3,352 m (10,997 ft) Level of Difficulty: Moderate

4: The Curzon Trail

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Trekking route[/caption] The 70-km (44-mile) trail is named after the British viceroy who followed this route. From Ghat, it skirts the western edge of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary, crossing over the Kauri Pass, with clear views of Nanda Devi. It ends at Tapovan, 12-km (8-mile) northwest of Joshimath. Duration: 6 days Altitude: 4,268 m (14,003 ft) Level of Difficulty: Tough

5: Pindari Glacier

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="449"] Trekking Guide[/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Pindari Valley[/caption] It is a 50-km (31-mile) trek from Song, throughdense forests with fine views of Trishul Peak. Duration: 6 days Altitude: 3,650 m (11,975 ft) Level of Difficulty: Tough

Tip for Walkers

Be Prepared: Acclimatization is essentialfor altitudes over 3,000 m (9,843 ft). See tips for Avoid Acute mountain Sickness (AMS). For Longer routes, guides are necessary. On the trek: Drink Plenty of water. Carry a first aid kit and cooking fuel. Never burn wood, which is a scarce resource. Put out all fires properly, leaving no burning embers. Do not litter, and carry your rubbish back with you. Permite: In Garhwal, travel permits are required for border areas which can be obtained from the District Magistrate’s office in Uttarkashi, (01374) 222 280 or the GMVN, Rishikesh, (0135) 243 1793. No Permits are required for Kumaon. Equipments hire and operators: In Garhwal, contact Mount support in Uttarkashi, GMVN (0135) 243 1793, in Rishikesh, GMVN (0135) 274 7898, for trekking assisstance; in DehraDun, contact Garhwal Tours and Trekking, (0135) 248 0799. In Kumaon, Parbat Tours n Nainital,(05942)235 656, and the Nainital Mountaineering Club, (05942) 235 057, organize treks.

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