37 Best adventure & trekking places in Uttarakhand

At a distance of 20 km from Auli, 27 km from Joshimath, 21 km from Tapovan & 17 km from Gurson Bugyal, Kuari Bugyal is a famous meadow known for untouched beauty of Himalayas situated at an altitude of 3350 m. It is well known for one of the famous trekking trails in Uttarakhand, Kuari Pass Trek.

Kuari Bugyal is perfect place for trekking. During summer season, tourists throng to this place to explore the trekking trails of this beautiful region. Lord Curzon made the trek to Kuari Pass, and since than it has come to known as Curzon's trail. It is very popular among European and American travelers.

There are four trekking routes to reach Kuari Pass with different starting points at Auli, Ghat, Joshimath and Tapovan. The Ghat route is the longest trail with a length of 40 km spread across 4-5 days while Auli route is shortest which is 20 km long and take about 3 days. All the trails reach Gailgarh, from where Kuari Pass is scaled on same day and returned back to the base camp. Among these four trails, Auli route is most famous and most frequented trekking path to Kauri Pass.

Trekkers can hire porters, guides, camping equipment and cooks from the Joshimath base camp. It is also an amazing place to watch the magnificent mountains like Nandadevi, Dunagiri and Trisul from very close.

Route 1: Auli - Gorson - Gailgarh - Kuari Pass (20 km trek, 3 days)
Route 2: Ghat - Ramni - Sanatoli - Kuari Pass (10 km motor + 40 km trek, 5-6 days)
Route 3: Joshimath ...

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At a distance of 25 km from Gopeshwar, 83 km from Ukhimath and 140 km from Kedarnath, Rudranath is a pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It lies at an altitude of 2286 m in the Garhwal Himalayan Mountains. Rudranath is the third temple to be visited in the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit. It is a popular pilgrimage site and also a famous place for trekking in Uttarakhand.

The Rudranath temple is believed to be established by the Pandavas, the heroes of the Hindu epic Mahabharata. Legend has it that the Pandavas came to the Himalayan mountains in search of god Shiva, to redeem them of the sins of killing Kauravas in the epic Kurukshetra war. God Shiva did not wanted to meet them and escaped in form of a bull in the ground and reentered in parts in the Panch Kedar places: the hump raising in Kedarnath, the arms appearing in Tungnath, the navel and stomach surfacing in Madhyamaheshwar, the face showing up at Rudranath and the hair and the head appearing in Kalpeshwar.

Rudranath is situated amidst thick forests; here the face (mukha) of god Shiva is worshipped as Nilkanth Mahadeva. The deity is a Swyambhu (self-manifested) Shivalinga shaped like a human face formed by the projection of a huge rock. There are numerous sacred water tanks near the temple. These include Surya-kund, Chandra-kund, Tara-kund, Mana-Kund etc. Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nanda Ghunti are the famous mountain peaks, which provide the backdrop to the ...

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At a distance of 23 km from Gangotri, 9 km from Bhojbasa and 5 km from Gaumukh, Tapovan is an area consisting of beautiful meadows at the feet of Mt. Shivling in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. It lies at an altitude of 4460 m in Garhwal Himalayas beyond Gomukh.

Tapovan means forest of penance and as the name suggests it is actually a cold barren dry land suitable for offering penance. Tapovan area is full of meadows, streams and flowers. It is one of the most visited trails in Uttarakhand trekking. These meadows are considered as one of the best high altitude meadow in India. Tapovan area is base camp for several mountaineering expeditions including Shivling peak, Bhagirathi peak etc.

The trek to Tapovan begins from Gangotri and the trek is considered as moderate to difficult. It is a 4 day trek from Gangotri to Tapovan and back. Tapovan can be reached by two routes; the first one is the classic route which goes via Gaumukh Glacier. One has to trek 15 km to reach Bhojbasa from Gangotri. Gaumukh is 4 km from Bhojbasa and Tapovan is 5 km beyond Gaumukh. After reaching Gaumukh Glacier one need to traverse the glacier and climb a rugged track to reach Tapovan. The Tapovan trek is done as a four day trip from Gangotri.

To take the second route, trekkers need to cross Bhagirathi River at Bhojbasa. From here, 9 km long trek on moraine and small ridges will lead to Tapovan. The Tapovan campsite is located at the foot of Mount Shivling (6,543 m). There is also ...

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At a distance of 11.5 km from Badrinath and 6 km from Mana Village, Vasudhara Falls is one of the famous tourist attractions around Badrinath. It is one of the popular places for short trekking near Badrinath.

Vasudhara Falls is surrounded by beautiful mountain peaks. The water of this cascading falls flows down from the height of 400 feet and is situated at an altitude of 12,000 feet. The falls is considered as a haunting site. There is a myth behind this waterfall that the water of Vasudhara Falls turns away from the visitors who are not pure at heart. From a distance, the water of the fall appears like milk flowing down the mountain.

The fall looks stunning during monsoon & post monsoon season with lush greenery and beautiful mountains around. March to June is the ideal time to visit this waterfall. Mana is accessible only when Badrinath season starts in Apr/May, so the best season to visit this place is between May and June.

Visitors have to trek 6 km from Mana village to reach the falls. The trekking from Mana to Vasudhara takes about two hours one way. The first 2-3 km is comparatively easy to walk. But, after passing the Saraswati Mandir, the trek becomes difficult as the trail becomes very steep. The views of Vasudhara river valley during this trek are very scenic. A bath under the falling water is very refreshing and adventurous. One can see mountains like Chaukhamba, Nilkantha and Balakun from ...

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At a distance of 12 km from Helang, 27 km from Joshimath and 56 km from Gopeshwar & 215 km from Kedarnath, Kalpeshwar is a pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the picturesque Urgam valley in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It lies at an altitude of 2200 m in the Garhwal Himalayas. It is a part of the famous Panch Kedars and also a good trekking route near Joshimath.

Kalpeshwar temple is the fifth temple to be visited in the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit, comprising five Shiva temples in the Garhwal region. Kalpeshwar is the only Panch Kedar temple accessible throughout the year. This temple is a small stone temple and has a stone idol of Lord Shiva. Nearby the temple is a cave upon which is the image of hair locks are carved naturally. These are considered to be the hair locks of Lord Shiva that appeared in Kalpeshwar. Hence, Lord Shiva is also called as Jatadhar or Jateshwar. Kalpeshwar houses the famous Kalpavriksha. This tree is believed to fulfill all the wishes of a person.

The Kalpeshwar temple is believed to be established by the Pandavas, the heroes of the Hindu epic Mahabharata. Legend has it that the Pandavas came to the Himalayan mountains in search of god Shiva, to redeem them of the sins of killing Kauravas in the epic Kurukshetra war. God Shiva did not wanted to meet them and escaped in form of a bull in the ground and reentered in parts in the Panch Kedar places: the hump raising in Kedarnath, the arms appearing in Tungnath, the navel ...

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At a distance of 61 km from Ghuttu village and 15 km from Kedarnath, Mayali Pass is situated at an elevation of 5300 m in Bhilangana Valley and it offers great views of Masar Tal and Vasuki Tal. Also the pass is famed for the spectacular view of Thalay Sagar, Kedar dome and other peaks of Gangotri region.

Mayali Pass is a famous place for trekking in Uttarakhand and is followed by many trekkers every year. In ancient time this trek was used by pilgrims to travel between Gangotri and Kedarnath. The Mayali Pass trek route starts from Ghuttu and the goes along Bhilangana valley. The Mayali Pass trek from Ghuttu to Gaurikund is of moderate difficulty. The trek offers an extraordinary experience of Himalayan peaks. The remote Indian villages of Gangi, Bhilangna River Catchment, Thalay Sagar peak, and Khatling glacier are the highlights of Mayali Pass trek.

Mayali Pass is approachable by two routes. One is from Ghuttu and the other is from Mala, a village right above Uttarkashi. The route from Mala goes through a lot of grasslands and is very beautiful, but takes two weeks. The route from Ghuttu is the shorter one and is 9-10 days trek.

The trek starts from Ghuttu and moves parallel to River Bhillangna via Reehi, Gangi, Kalyani, Kharsoli, Tambakund and then reaches Khatling Glacier, the source of River Bhilangna. Chowki, a meadow near Khatling Glacier is an amazing camping ground with great view of peaks, the most impressive being Thalay Sagar peak. From Chowki, ...

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At a distance of 30 km from Badrinath and 25 km from Mana, Satopanth is a mountain lake situated close to Swargarohini Peak in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is situated at an altitude of 4,600 m (15,100 feet) in Garhwal Himalayas. It is one of the well known destination for trekking in Uttarakhand.

Satopanth is a triangular lake with three corners spread within the circumference of about a kilometer. The lake is surrounded by snow covered peaks and is named after the Hindu gods Mahesh, Vishnu and Brahma. It is believed that the divine Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh had meditated here and each corner of the triangular lake is named after them.

The lake is considered to be of religious significance to the local people. There is a saint known as Moni Baba, who stopped talking several years ago. There is a common belief that he can live only on sun and air, if food is unavailable. Also some unique birds are found here, which pick up the pollutants of the lake and thus keep the lake clean. The local belief is that these birds are Gandharvas who guard the lake against evils. The lake can be reached by trek crossing Lakshmivan and Chakratirtha. It is said that goddess Lakshmi and her husband Narayan meditated in Lakshmivan and Chakratirtha respectively and while meditating Narayan kept his famous Sudarshan Chakra on the valley which depressed by the weight of that Chakra to form a beautiful round shaped meadow surrounded by lofty mountains.

Satopanth ...

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At a distance of 38 km from Badrinath and 33 km from Mana, Swargarohini is a mountain range in the Saraswati Range of the Garhwal Himalayas. It lies in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, west of the Gangotri group of peaks. Swargarohini is 8 km trek from Satopanth Lake. It is one of the best trails among Uttarakhand trekking.

Swargarohini is a group of four peaks, of which Swargarohini I draws the attention and lies at a height of 6252 m. Swargarohini trek is the only trek which allows trekkers to go deep inside the Greater Himalayas. This trek is famous for enchanting rocky views and exhaustive conditions. Swargarohini derives its name from the legends associated with the peak which mentions that the path leads to heaven and it was followed by Pandavas & Draupadi.

The ideal time to visit Swargarohini is from May to October. The trek starts from Mana, 5 km ahead of Badrinath. The trek from Mana village to Swargarohini is difficult and requires local guide. This route is trekked by very few people and requires porter to carry tent and food. Visitors have to take the regular trekking route to Vasudhara, the trail ascends higher and then crossing a dangerous Dhano Glacier. Trek from Mana village to Lakshmivan (8 km) is picturesque. The 13 km trek from Lakshmivan to Chakratirth is little tough. The 4 km trek from Chakrathirth to Satopanth Lake is even tougher. But the beautiful view of the mountains alongside is ...

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At a distance of 9 km from Badrinath, Nilkantha is a snowy peak in the shape of a pyramid near Badrinath in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The peak is situated at an elevation of 6,597 m above sea level. It is one of the best trekking trails in Uttarakhand.

Neelkantha, which is also known as the Garhwal Queen, is named after Lord Shiva. From a distance the peak resembles Lord Shiva sitting in meditation. It receives the first ray of Sun which glimmers the valley. Nilkantha is a major peak of the Garhwal Himalayas in the Uttarakhand region. Although substantially lower than the highest peaks of the region, it towers dramatically over the valley of the Alaknanda River and rises 3,474 m above Badrinath. Frank Smythe described the peak as second only to Siniolchu in Himalayan Beauty.

The Satopanth Glacier is on the northwest side of Nilkantha, the Panpatia Glacier remains on the southwest side and feeds Khirao Ganga, a small stream that runs under the south side of the peak. Few successful ascents have been reported on Mt. Neelkanth, the first climb from its western ridge was attempted in 1993 by two British Climbers.

The best time to visit Neelkanth Peak is from June to September. The 10 km long Nilkantha trek starts from Badrinath. Trek from Badrinath to Charan Paduka (3 km) is picturesque and visitors can visit the foot prints of Lord Vishnu along with Rishi Ganga Falls here. The 6 km trek from Charan Paduka ...

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At a distance of 18 km from Govind Ghat, 42 km from Badrinath and 36 km from Joshimath, Hemkund Sahib is a well-known Sikh shrine located in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is also known as Gurudwara Hemkunt Sahib and is one among the 508 important pilgrimages for Sikhs. Situated near Valley of Flowers, it is also a popular place for trekking in Uttarakhand apart from being one of the most scenic places in Himalayas.

Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib is dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. This gurudwara is situated at an altitude of 4329 m and is surrounded by seven snow-capped mountain peaks. This gurudwara is the world's highest gurudwara and is visited by both Sikhs as well as Hindus. It is believed that at this particular spot Guru Gobind Singh meditated for a long time. According to Hindu mythology, Rishi Medhasa of the Markandeya Purana and Lord Ram's younger brother, Lakshman, performed penance at this site.

The construction of this gurudwara started in the mid-1960s, after Major General Harkirat Singh of the Indian Army discovered it. This star shaped Gurudwara is made up of white marbles and concrete. It is located on the shores of the pristine Hemkund Lake. The circumference of the crystal clear Lake is 2 km and its clear, still waters mirror images of the Saptashringa Peaks which surround it. A small temple dedicated to Lakshman, brother of Lord Rama is also located in the vicinity of the gurudwara.

This gurudwara can be reached only ...

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At a distance of 27 km from Gangotri, 12 km from Bhojbasa and 8 km from Gaumukh, Nandanvan is a small meadow located on the base of Bhagirathi Glacier at an altitude of 4330 m past Tapovan in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.

Nandanvan offers the astounding view of famous peaks like Shivling, Bhagirathi, Sudarshana, Thalay Sagar, and Kedar dome. From Gaumukh to Nandanvan, one has to trek along the Gangotri and Chaturangi glaciers. The trek is not a very tough one but needs good physical fitness. The scenic Nandanvan is the base camp for the Bhagirathi peaks that offers a panoramic view of the surrounding Shivaling peak.

The trek to Nandanvan begins from Gangotri. This is a long trek over terminal glacial moraine and steep ascents and descents. One has to trek 14 km to reach Bhojbasa from Gangotri. Gaumukh Glacier is 5 km from Bhojbasa and Nandanvan is 8 km from Gaumukh. Most of the terrain is with loose rocks that are prone to fall. The trek is considered difficult and it is a 4 day trek from Gangotri to Nandanvan and back. An experienced guide is a must.

While there is direct access from Gomusk to Nandanvan, tourists can also trek to Nandanvan from Tapovan by crossing the massive Gaumukh Glacier. The 7 km trek starts with steep descent from Tapovan to reach the glacier and ends with steep climb of approximately 100 m to reach Nandanvan. A further ascent starting from Nandanvan and following the Chaturangi glacier brings one to the Emerald green Vasuki Tal. ...

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At a distance of 17 km from Gangotri, Kedartal, also known as Shiva's Lake, is a glacial lake situated in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. It is one of the highest lakes in Uttarakhand, situated at an astounding altitude of 4,912 m. It is also one of the beautiful trekking routes in Uttarakhand.

The picturesque Kedartal is situated at the base of the Thalay Sagar and Bhrigupanth Peak. The lake is fed by the water from snow over Thalay Sagar (6,904 m), Meru (6,672 m) and Bhrigupanth (6,772m), and is the source of Kedar Ganga, an important tributary of Bhagirathi River, considered as Lord Shiva's contribution to Bhagirathi River.

Kedartal is a popular trekking destination and the trek commences from Gangotri. The Kedartal trek, being one of the moderate treks in the Garhwal Himalayan region, is recommended for trekkers having prior trekking experience. The route involves a steep rocky climb along the narrow Kedar Ganga gorge en route to Bhoj Kharak, which is 8 km from Gangotri. Kedar Kharak is the next available camping site, which is 4 km from Bhoj Kharak. From here one need to trek 5 km to reach Kedartal. This 17 km trek usually takes 3-4 days to complete. The camping points of the trek are Bhoj Kharak, Kedar Kharak and Kedartal. The route passes through scenic Himalayan forests.

Kedartal is an immaculate lake holding crystal clear water and the view of the reflections of Thalay Sagar peak is truly enchanting. It is surrounded by Thalay Sagar, Bhrigupanth, ...

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At a distance of 1.5 km by trek from Gangotri, Gangotri National Park is a national park situated in the upper catchment of Bhagirathi River in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The Park falls under the bio-geographical zone and is situated at an altitude of 1800 m to 7083 m. It is one of the most beautiful high-altitude wildlife sanctuaries in India apart from being one of the best areas for trekking in Uttarakhand.

Gangotri National Park was established in 1989 and it covers an area of 2390 sq. km. The northeastern boundary of Gangotri National Park is along the international boundary with China and has various springs, waterfalls and snowy mountain peaks. The river Bhagirathi flows through the valleys inside the park, providing it the nourishment for sustaining the innumerable bird and animal species in this region. The landscape of the park is mainly dominated by alpine scrub, oak and betula.

The origin of Ganga River, known as Gaumukh, is located inside Gangotri National Park. The enchanting beauty of the area is dominated by the snow clad mountains, eye catching springs and tall dense green forests. Gangotri National Park has typical high altitude ecosystem influenced by the trans-Himalayan elements. The area enclosed by the park also borders with Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary and Govind National Park.

The park contains more than 15 species of mammals and 150 species of birds. This also includes some of ...

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At a distance of 10 km from Yamunotri Temple, Saptarishi Kund is the original source of Yamuna River fed by Champasar Glacier situated in the upper parts of the massif created by Bandarpunch Mountain. It is an ideal place for trekking near Yamunotri for 2-3 days.

Saptrishi Kund is about a half km in diameter, and its water is dark blue in color, The water of the nearby glaciers gathers in this lake. On the banks of Saptrishi Kund Lake, there are naturally created slate stones. The rare Brahma Lotus grows here. It is believed that seven great Rishis Kasyapa, Atri, Bharadwaj, Viswamitra, Gautama, Jamadagni, and Vasistha performed penance at Saptrishi Lake in ancient times.

The Saptrishi Kund is located amidst magnificent and enchanting surroundings of the lofty rock strewn glaciers. This scenic spot lies at an altitude of 4421 m. Trek to Saptrishi Kund is considered to be one of the most difficult treks in the Himalayas. The route of Saptrishi Lake is covered with ice and it is a difficult journey which needs a guide.

The 10 km trek to Saptrishi Kund starts from the Yamunotri temple. The whole trek passes through dense forests and rugged mountainous terrain. Around 5 km up the hill there is a little camp site between two rivulets if one wishes to pitch tent for a night. From the camp site, it is another 5 km of steep walk to the Kund and it is risky to camp at Saptrishi Kund due to heavy winds. Saptrishi Kund ...

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At a distance of 9 km from Yamunotri, Bali Pass Trek is one of the least explored treks in the Indian Himalayan region that connects Har Ki Dun Valley with Yamunotri. It is one of the best and tough treks in Uttarakhand.

Bali Pass is situated at an elevation of about 4,800 m in the Garhwal Himalayan region and was an old route from the Tons river valley to the Yamuna river valley. It continues to attract trekkers during the monsoon season when the snow melts and the pass is approachable. The pass is more approachable from the Har Ki Dun valley as the gradient is small.

The Bali Pass trek commences from Sankri, which is approximately 153 km from Mussoorie and 130 km from Yamunotri by road. The trekking trail stretches for approximately 7-8 days with elevation ranging from 1,900 m to 4,800 m, passing through the charming Har Ki Dun valley. The trail runs through Govind National Park, which houses several colorful orchards, species of animals and birds. The Bali Pass Trek after crossing the Har Ki Dun valley moves through the Ruinsara Tal. The trek to Bali Pass is considered as one of the moderate treks in the Garhwal Himalayan region. The area is surrounded by Bandarpunch range and some of the famous peaks are Kalanag, Bandarpunch west and Ruinsara. This region was made popular by Jack Gibson, a teacher at the Doon school in the late 1940's.

Day 1: Sankri to Taluka - 12 km (4-5 Hours)
There is a motorable ...

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At a distance of 12 km from Library Bus Stand, Benog Wildlife Sanctuary has is a bird-watching haven and a part of famous Rajaji National Park, one of the popular wildlife sanctuaries in India. Set amidst thick forests, Benog Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the top tourist destinations in Mussoorie and among the must include in Mussoorie packages.

Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Vinog Mountain Quail Sanctuary, was established in the year 1993. This beautiful sanctuary, spreading across an expanse of about 339 hectares, is a heaven for birdwatchers. It is located in a pine-clad slope and is surrounded by snowcapped peaks of the Himalayan ranges.

The place is known for the rare species of birds that habitats in its area. The sanctuary is home to several species of exotic birds such as White Capped Water Redstart and Red Billed Blue Magpie to name a few. The Mountain Quail or the Pahari Bater was last spotted here in 1876, and is now considered extinct. This is also home to a variety of rare and common fauna like Himalayan goat, panther, leopard, deer and bear.

Apart from large number of fir and pine trees, this sanctuary is also populated with several medicinal plants. Beautiful views of snow peaks like Chaukhamba and Bandar Punch can be seen from this sanctuary. Aglar River, a tributary of Yamuna River ...

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At a distance of 18.5 km from Library Bus Stand, Bhadraj Temple is located on the western region of Mussoorie at Bhadraj. It is an ideal spot for trekking and is also known as the milkman's trail in Mussoorie.

Bhadraj temple is dedicated to Lord Bal Bhadra, brother of Lord Krishna. This temple is situated atop a hill and offers a splendid view of the Doon Valley, Chakrata ranges and the Jaunsar Bawar area of Himalayas. Every year Bhadraj temple organizes a fair from 15th to 17th of August which attracts thousands of devotees who seek blessings from Lord Bhadraj. The devotees offer milk and butter to the idol of the deity.

Bhadraj temple can be reached by 11 km trek from Clouds End. The trail passes through Dudhli village (3 km) from where the temple is 8 km trek. The terrain close to the summit is covered with thick forest of oak trees. There are multiple trails to reach the temple from Dudhli village.

The best time to visit Bhadraj temple is post Monsoons. This place can be visited as a one day trip from Mussoorie.

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At a distance of 15 km from Dhanaulti Bus Station, Camp Kanatal / Camp Thangdhar is an adventure camp located at Kanatal near Dhanaulti. Situated on Chamba-Mussoorie Road, it is one of the best adventure campsites in Dhanaulti, and among the must include places as part of Dhanaulti Tour Packages.

Situated at an altitude of about 8300 feet, Camp Kanatal, is one of the most exciting and famous places to visit in Dhanaulti for camping lovers and adventure junkies. It offers plenty of outdoor activities like rock climbing, snow camping, trekking or mountain biking. For those who wish to relax, stargazing, and bird-watching are the most relaxing things to do while staying in this camp. The camp also organizes bonfires, buffet meals, indoor-outdoor games and barbeque nights, etc.

Surrounded by pine and deodar trees, the camp also graciously provides sightseeing service to the nearby tourist destinations. The stunning and picturesque 180-degree view of the snow-clad Garhwal Himalayas will fill you with a romantic allure. If you like the company of the lost architectural ruins of the past, you can head over to the Jain temples nearby, which are the structural marvels of the gone era, intricately carved with the Jain deities. The temples are located in the Kanali Fort, overlooking the Betwa river.

This adventure camp is open for 24 hours and has accommodation facilities that have been developed especially for the tourists who are interested in mountain adventure. ...

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At a distance of 120 km from Kausani and 80 km from Bageshwar, Pindari Glacier is a glacier found in the upper reaches of the Kumaon Himalayas, to the southeast of Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot. It is one of the most easily accessible of all the Himalayan glaciers and also one of the top places of trekking in Uttarakhand.

The glacier flows to the south for a short distance of about 3 km, 0.25 km in breadth and gives rise to the Pindari River which meets the Alakananda at Karnaprayag in Garhwal district. The Pindari trek offers serenity and tranquility along with the spectacular mountain scenery. It lies between the Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot peaks and terminates at an altitude of 3627 m.

Trek to Pindari Glacier is a soft core trekking experience, within the capacity of amateur trekkers in love with nature and its pristine glory. The trail to reach the Pindari Glacier crosses the villages of Song, Loharkhet, crosses over the Dhakuri Pass, continues onto Khati village (the last inhabited village on the trail), Dwali, Phurkia and finally Zero Point, Pindar, the end of the trail. Though most of the trail is along the banks of the Pindari River, the river is mostly hidden until after Khati. The Pindari Glacier trail provides for a 80 km (56 mi) round-trip trek that most people find comfortable to complete in 7 days. The Pindari Glacier is also famous for other adventure sports like ice climbing and mountain biking.

Day 1 - Loharkhet to Dhakuri (10 km / 5 hours)

Start ...

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At a distance of 16 km from Rishikesh Railway Station, Shivpuri is a small town located on the Rishikesh - Badrinath Road. Famous for White Water, it is one of the top places to visit as part of Rishikesh tour packages, especially for adventure enthusiasts.

Known for its numerous camps, Shivpuri is the major River Rafting destination in Rishikesh. Shivpuri is the starting point of the most popular River Rafting trip on the Ganges River. Rafting at Shivpuri is one of the things to do in Rishikesh as it has the most ideal river rafting stretch in Rishikesh. Rafting from Shivpuri till Lakshman Jhula is a 16 km stretch and covers some of the most exciting Grade III, IV Rapids for approximately 3 hours. This adventurous trip covers exciting rapids like a roller coaster, golf course, clubhouse, etc. The rafting is supported by excellent safety standards and well-trained guides.

Besides rafting, tourists can indulge in several activities like camping, mountaineering, and jungle trekking at Shivpuri. Visitors will also have the opportunity of learning the techniques of yoga and meditation during their stay in Shivpuri.

The Rafting season in Shivpuri starts in Mid-October and ends in June. Shivpuri Rafting is ideal for non-swimmers. Shivpuri Rafting trip can be enjoyed by friends, families, college groups, corporate groups, and everyone ...

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At a distance of 38 km from Rishikesh and 22 km from Shivpuri, Kaudiyala is a small village located on Badrinath Road in Uttarakhand.

Situated at an altitude of 380 m on the banks of River Ganga, Kaudiyala is famous for White Water rafting and it is a beautiful camping site. The 36 km stretch of River Ganges from Kaudiyala till Rishikesh offers some of the world's most fun-filled and challenging Grade III and Grade IV river rapids along with a Grade V rapid. These rapids are termed as difficult, as they feature some serious obstacles to rafters sailing along.

Kaudiyala rafting is especially famous because this stretch includes a Grade V rapid which is the only grade V rapid on the Ganges. Kaudiyala rafting is not recommended to a group of first-time river rafters. The total time taken to complete the expedition is around 8 hours.

The GMVN Tourist and Rafters' Camp offers courses in trekking, rafting and water-skiing. Some of the good private camps include Camp Panther and Beach Tented Camp run by Snow Leopard Adventures at Shivpuri. These camps offer package for rafting and camping. All the necessary rafting equipment, meals, games like volleyball, water polo and bonfires are part of the package. The rafting packages range from standard 2 day/1 night options to longer ones.

Best season to enjoy Kaudiyala beauty and adventure is from October to April. Rafting and camping bookings can be done online ...

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At a distance of 8.5 km from Rishikesh Railway Station, Brahmapuri Rafting Point is situated on Bhadrinath Road in Uttarakhand. It is one of the best places for adventure sports in Uttarakhand. This rafting stretch serves as the inaugural rafting trip every year in Rishikesh. The rafting trip is the first one to open and the last one to get closed each year.

The Brahmapuri rafting is one of the cost-effective and safe river rafting packages in Rishikesh. This stretch has around 4 rapids most of which can be classified as Grade I and Grade II. These are ideal for family rafting trips in Rishikesh and school groups. The 9 km long rafting stretch that starts from Brahmapuri takes about 2 hours which can be participated by anyone aged 8 years and above. The package includes Brahmapuri rafting trip and several fun activities like camping, bonfire, volleyball, cliff jumps, Body surfing, etc.

Rafting Cost: Rs.350 Per Person, Rs.1450 per person for 1N/2D

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At a distance of 16 km from Shivpuri and 32 km from Rishikesh Railway Station, Marine Drive River Rafting Camp is located near Byasi and is one of the most adventurous river rafting trips in Rishikesh.

This is a 25 km long rafting stretch starts from Marine drive near Byasi to Lakshman Jhula and takes about 4 hours. Marine Drive rafting package includes camping with all meals, bonfire snacks, rock climbing/rappelling and the 25 km Marine Drive Rafting stretch. The rafting stretch has around 12 rapids most of which can be classified as Grade III and Grade IV. Among these the major ones are the Three Blind Mice, Roller Coaster and the Golf Course rapids. The Marine drive rafting package is one of the most adventurous rafting packages in Rishikesh.

This rafting package includes Marine drive rafting and several fun activities like camping, bonfire, volleyball, cliff jumps, Body surfing, etc. This rafting package is ideal for persons having prior experience in rafting.

Rafting Cost: Rs.750 Per Person, Rs.2000 Per Person for 1N/2D

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At a distance of 8 km from Kedarnath, Vasuki Tal or Vasuki Lake is an enchanting lake situated at an altitude of 4135 m in the beautiful hills of Kedarnath in Uttarakhand. It is also a famous place among Uttarakhand Treks.

Vasuki Tal is surrounding with very high mountains and provides beautiful view of several peaks of Himalayas. This is the lake where Lord Vishnu is believed to have bathed in ancient times. Crystal clear water flowing through the lake revealing the rock stacks inside is an amazing view in Vasuki Tal. This beautiful lake provides a charming view of the neighboring Chaukhamba peaks. There are several beautiful, colorful flowers around the Vasuki Tal and one of the famous flowers is Brahma Kamal. During winter the lake it is completely frozen.

Vasuki Tal is quite large in size and also the trekking is difficult. The total distance of Vasuki Tal trek is about 8 km from Kedarnath. The trek from Kedarnath to Vasuki Tal is a continuous ascent along a narrow track. To get to the lake one has to cross the Chaturangi Glacier and Vasuki Glacier. These glaciers are filled with ravines and crossing them demands good fitness. Trekking enthusiasts usually form a group of at least six members and start the trek. Trekking guide is must to do Vasuki Tal trek.

The best time to visit Vasuki Tal is from May to October, when the weather is mild and pleasant.

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At a distance of 1 km from Tungnath, 4.5 km from Chopta, 32 km from Ukhimath, 74 km from Rudraprayag and 89 km from Kedarnath, Chandrashila is the summit of the Chandranath Parvat on which Tungnath Temple of Panch Kedar is located. It is situated at a height of 4000 m above sea level. This is one of the most popular Tourist places in Uttarakhand.

According to the mythology, Chandrashila peak is believed to be the spot where Lord Rama meditated after killing Raavana. Rama came to Chandrashila to meditate and pray Lord Shiva to cleanse the sins of killing Raavana. Local legend also states that Chandradev, the Moon God, had performed penance at Chandrashila for years.

Chandrashila trek is one of the most popular treks in the region. The trek to the peak is about 4.5 km which starts from Chopta via Tungnath (3 km from Chopta), where the highest Shiva temple is situated. Chandrashila can be reached by a further 1.5 km steep trek from Tungnath and offers mesmerizing views of the grandeur of Himalayan ranges. Though shorter in distance, steep climbing makes this trek a tough task. This trek takes approximately 6-7 hours both ways.

The Chandrashila summit offers the most beautiful view of the Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedar Peak and Chaukhamba peaks. The 360º panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks covered with glittering snow enchants the trekkers.

Chandrashila trek is undertaken throughout the year in Garhwal Himalayas ...

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At a distance of 27 km from Kedarnath, 13 km from Gaurikund and 10 km from Sonprayag, Triyugi Narayan Temple is an ancient Hindu temple situated in Triyuginarayan village in Rudraprayag District of Uttarakhand. It lies at an altitude of 1980 m.

Triyugi Narayan Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The present temple, believed to have been built by Adi Shankaracharya. This temple offers panoramic views of snowcapped mountains with beauty of Garhwal hill region. The word Triyuginarayan is formed of three words tri means three, yugi denotes Yuga and Narayan is another name of Vishnu.

This place is associated with marriage of Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati. According to mythology, Triyuginarayan is the capital of Himavat. It was the venue of the celestial marriage of Shiva and Parvati. Lord Vishnu as Parvati's brother did kanyadaan and Lord Brahma was the priest of the wedding. Brahma Shila in front of the temple also marks the exact place of the wedding.

The architect of this temple resembles Kedarnath Temple. The sanctum houses a 2 feet silver idol of Lord Vishnu accompanied by goddess Lakshmi. There are idols of Badrinarayan, Sita Ramachandra, and Kubera. There is an akhanda jyothi burning inside the sanctum. In front of it there is an idol of Shiva and Parvati blessing devotees in newly wed form. Just outside, there is a saligrama shila of Lord Vishnu in sleeping posture with goddess Lakshmi and Ganesha.

A special feature of this temple is the fire ...

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At a distance of 16 km from Ukhimath, 59 km from Gaurikund, 73 km from Kedarnath and 56 km from Rudraprayag, Deoria Tal is a beautiful mountain lake located near Saari village in Uttarakhand. It lies at an altitude of 2438 m about 3 km uphill trek from Saari on Ukhimath-Chopta road. It is a popular destination for trekking near Badrinath and also one of the top Uttarakhand places to visit for trekking.

The lake is surrounded by thick forests and the crystal clear water of this lake offers the reflection of the mighty Chaukhamba peak. It offers a splendid view of Chopta, Tungnath and Chandrashila peak to the right and the breathtaking view of mountains like Chaukhamba, Nilkantha, Bandarpunch, Kedar Range, and Kalanag to the left. It is located in the Nanda Devi Biodiversity Park and has an abundance of colorful birds and mammals.

According to the Hindu mythology, Devas used to bath in this lake hence the name. The lake is also believed to be the Indra Sarovar referred in the Puranas by wandering sages. It is also believed that it was the place from where the Pandavas were asked questions by Yaksha. Deoria Tal serves as a popular trekking destination in the region because of its ease of the trail and soothing scenic beauty. The road is motorable up to Sari, 13 km from Ukhimath and from there one has to trek about 3 km to reach the lake. Jeeps are available from Ukhimath to reach Saari. The path is well marked and passes ...

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