“Those who travel to mountain-tops are half in love with themselves and half in love with oblivion.” ― Robert Macfarlane (Solo Treks in Uttarakhand).
For the solo traveler, journeys across the Himalayas is always a difficult endeavor. The challenge of conquering the mountains all alone gives a feeling of uncertainty and fear. This is not the case with Uttarakhand. Uttarakhand is a safe haven for the solo traveler, Devbhumi (As it is called) is an adventure lover’s dream come true. There are plenty of options for solo treks in Uttarakhand.
Uttarakhand is never bustling with tourists, hence solitude is all around when you travel through the remote valleys and villages of Uttarakhand. Uttarakhand is a mountain state situated in the Central Himalayas (The Gharwal & Kumaoun Himalayas). Home to lush alpine forests and majestic central Himalayan peaks, Uttarakhand is also the birthplace of the river Ganga. Adding to the spellbinding beauty, the state is home to the Nanda Devi (the second highest mountain in India).
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The Nanda Devi Biosphere reserve is a trekkers paradise, with a large number trails and treks for adventure lovers. Uttarakhand is a year-round trekking destination, with a vast number of popular and less known routes ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. This land is blessed with several high altitude lakes. The vast green meadows with the striking Himalayan peaks are truly a sight to behold. The locals receive you with open arms, this is especially true if one travels into the inner villages where village folk often welcome you into their house for the night.
There is a total of 6 national parks and 4 wildlife sanctuaries inside the state. The sacred land has a vast array of endangered flora and fauna. The Bengal tiger, Snow leopards, and the Blue sheep are some the exotic animals that can be seen in the states national parks. Many remote and ancient mountain villages are present inside the state's remote districts. These villages are accessible by road and provide an escape from the sight and sounds of the city. It is always great to hear the wind whistling down these green valleys. Here are some of the places and treks that make you one with nature and leaves you in awe of the magical beauty of this land.
The Recommended list for Solo treks in Uttarakhand.
Kalap- The Perfect Abode
The Upper reaches of the Gharwal Himalayas are home to some beautiful villages, but this one takes the crown. Kalap is a small village nestled deep in the mountains. Kalap till this day remains mostly untouched by the modern world. The village is a stuff of dreams and is accessible only by trekking from netwar, the journey takes around 4 hours. The nearest city is Dehradun (210 kilometers away). The village is located among virgin pine forests and its surroundings offer stunning natural beauty. With the Snowcapped ranges of the Bandarpunch on one side and the stunning river valley on the other, the village is a storytellers dream.
The whole valley is believed to be the birthplace of the Mahabharata. There are several trekking trails around the village once followed by nomadic herders. This place is a godsend for the people seeking some quality alone time. This is the best place for people traveling solo, trails here are among the best treks in Uttarakhand
Dayara Bugyal Trek- the first timers dream
The dayara bugyal is a vast stretch of meadows located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The trek is very much underrated for trekkers, so the place is still in its pristine original conditions. The Dayara bugyal was initially used by shepherds, because of the abundance of lush green grass available during the spring-summer months. The early trekkers quoted the bugyal as being one of the most beautiful sights in Uttarakhand. The trail runs across villages and the trek is considered to be a great first-time trek. The lush forests that lie en route are home to oak, rhododendron and maple trees. They often a get a yellow coat during the fall season and this sight is mesmerizing.
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| Photo Credit; India Hikes |
The trek is open for all Seasons. Winter changes the landscape entirely and blankets the bugyal in a thick coat of white. Winter months bring a lot of skiing activities to the slopes. The bugyal gives you some of the most beautiful views of the snowcapped peaks.
The Bandarpoonch Ranges can be seen in their full glory from Dayara.
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| Photo credit: India Hikes |
The trail is well laid out and easily recognizable. The trek usually starts and ends at Barsu, a sleepy mountain village. Barsu is accessible by road year-round and is around 260 kilometers away from Dehradun. It is usually a 3 or 4-day trek. Upon reaching the dayara you can attempt to make it to the dayara top. The altitude rise is gradual. This trek is easy also for solo trekkers making their way to Uttarakhand. Snow is in abundance here during the winter months and it is recommended to go to the bugyal either during summer months from mid may or in the deep winter months
Deorital Chandrashila
Usually attempted during the spring and winter months the Deorital chandarashila peak trek is the complete package for solo treks in Uttarakhand. Everything you would expect from a Himalayan trek is present here. Uttarakhand has pristine forests but the stretch found on this trek between Deoritial lake and Burjgali is splendid. the forests nearby change their appearance when the rhododendrons bloom in the spring making this a colorful paradise for trekkers, the route is well mapped and the campsites are breathtaking. And when you reach the
The view from Chandrashila is so great that most of the seasoned trekkers recommended this on the to-do list of everyone attempting to trek in the Indian Himalayas.
The Deorital lake is also stunning to look at with the mountains painting their picturesque beauty over the lake all the time. Once at the top of the peak, the mountains of Garhwal and Kumaon surround you all of their magical beauty.
At Chandrashila peak you will find a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. All of the great mountains of Uttarakhand like Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, Kamet, Dunagiri, Nandaghunti, Kedar dome, Gangotri ranges are visible from the peak. The sunrise panorama from this place is one of the best views you will ever get to see. The trek is usually completed within 5 days and most of the accommodation being credited to campsites and lodges. This historic trek to Chandrashila is also called the grand winter trek as winter brings a welcomed change to the landscape furthermore, you'll get to see all those beautiful mountains with a whole lot more of snow.
The Trail starts from the village of Sari. Don’t forget to take the central trail when traveling from Deorital to Chopta. On the way, you'll see the Rohini bugyal a small stretch of green gazing out of the forest with views of the Kala parvat. The trek ends at Chopta from which you can take jeeps to Haridwar. This should always be on your bucket list for solo treks in Uttarakhand.
Askot- The musk deer sanctuary
Venturing far east into Uttarakhand you will step into the kali kuamoun region, famous for its stunning mountain views and its close proximity to borders of China and Nepal. Askot is a wildlife life sanctuary with the musk deer being the main attraction. The little village is located on a ridge at around 5412 feet. The village is located around 54kilometerss from Pithoragarh. Pine and deodar forest surround the village. This serves as the base camp for treks along Dharchula Range up towards the famous Kailash and Mansarovar.
Much easier trekking options are also available near to the village.
Several small villages are present inside the wildlife sanctuary. The ancient village of Ghangdura is home to the Van Rawats. The Endangered tribe resides in the High mountain slopes inside the sanctuary. The Pithoragarh fort is one for the history buffs out there. Chota Kailash, Kalapani, Nirrikot and Nirrikot Panchchuli Glacier are the other attractions inside the sanctuary.
The sanctuary is a perfect place to spot wildlife native to these mountains. This village continues to be an offbeat destination due to the remoteness of the place and the treacherous road conditions. Monsoons hit the area very heavily, hence it is not advised to travel to Askot in the Rainy Season. Spring brings the valley back into life and the route to the village blooms in blood red. So, why is this small wildlife sanctuary on the list of Solo treks in Uttarakhand? There are many small trails around the village which are well mapped and are considered easy. These trails prove ideal for the solo trekker.
Har ki dun Trek- The Stairway to Heaven
This is the cream of the crop for many trekkers. The har ki dun trek is special in many ways. The locals believe that the route was used by Pandavas to reach the gates of heaven.
This is one of the oldest and historic treks in Uttarakhand. The trail weaves through 3000-year-old villages and temples with adds to the spectacle of this famous trek. This trek is a good option for solo Travelers because several villages accompany the trial. The ascent to the actual base camp is also not that tiring as well. Several campsites along the give you a chance to gaze at The towering Swargarohini peak.
The Kalkatiyadhar campsite sits at the close to the har ki dun peak with the har ki dun naala flowing nearby. Alpine meadows, glacier basins, and pine forests add to the beauty of the trek. This trek is touted to be ideal for the first time trekker.
So here end's some of the best options for Solo treks in Uttarakhand as well as some offbeat villages which will calm your nerves & make you one with nature. Happy Trekking Everyone!!!
Very nice nafjaan. Keep it up.
ReplyDeleteThank You Sir :)
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