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Four great rivers, the Ganges, Indus, Sutlej & Yamuna, carve Himalayan foothills and smooth vast sandy plains into a foundation for astounding forts, vpalaces, holy places, the ruin of History and life of Nature and the Arts.
There are number of famous peaks in the Northern India these include Trishul ( 7120 metres) and Nanda Devi (7817 metres) India's second highest mountain. There are also many pilgrimage sites, such as Badrinath, Yummotri, Kedarnath, and Gangotri near the source of Holy River Ganges and Rishikesh the meditation capital of the world. The trekking routes pass through rich, green forests and cross-beautiful meadows carpeted with exotic alpine flowers in the summers.
In Uttaranchal there are several popular hill stations, including Nainital, Mussorie, Ranikhet, Almora, Kausani, Binsar and also the famous Corbett Wildlife National Park. Journey through this scenic region and saying in the small but charming resorts, huts and palace hotels is a beautiful retreat and reminds of the bygone era of the British Raj.
One of the most beautiful and rewarding treks in this region, offering stunning close-up views of the India's second Highest Peak-Nanda Devi (7822 mts) and surrounding mountains. We trek in the outer sanctuary of Nanda Devi, with its abundance of flora and fauna. This superb holiday comes to an end with a jeep safari in Corbett National Park.
A trek to the source of the river Ganges, the most sacred river in India, and the base Camp of the towering and majestic Shivling Peak (6543 mts.). the journey takes us through bustling pilgrim centres, dense blue pine forests and flowering meadows. This superb holiday comes to an end with a delightful stay in the hill station of Mussoorie.
Adventure Travel
Among the popular treks in the Northern Indian state of Uttaranchal are those to Nachiketa Tal, Dodi Tal, Dayara Bugyal (bugyal, a high-altitude meadow), Sat Tal, Kedar Tal, Gangotri-Gaumukh-Nandanvan Tapovan and to Yamunotri (the source of the river Yamuna).
Nachiketa Tal can be accessed from Chaurangi-Khal (29 km from Uttarkashi town by road) and a further trek of 3 km through very scenic surroundings. Accommodation is available at Chaurangi-Khal in a PWD inspection bungalow. For Dodi Tal, trekkers can go by road to Kalyani. From here on has to go a further 5 km to Agoda. The trek to Dodi Tal (16 km) ascends gradually from here through thick forests and scenic hill landscape. The lake, situated at an elevation of 3,307 m, has accommodation facilities by way of a forest rest house and a log cabin. Permits to fish for trout here can be had from Uttarkashi.
Serious trekkers can envisage going beyond Dodi Tal to Yamunotri. The trail from Dodi Tal to Hanuman Chatti is 27 km and Yamunotri a further 13 km from there. The trek to Dayara Bugyal commences from Barsu, near Bhatwadi (32 km from Uttarkashi en route to Gangotri). The trek itself is about 8 km and reaches an altitude of about 10,000 feet. During winters the almost 28 sq km of gradual slopes make the place ideal for skiing. Those intending to stay on will have to arrange for tents, details of which can be had from the GMVN or Uttar Pradesh Tourism (UPT) offices. A trail leads from here to Dodi Tal (30 km) passing through very dense forest.
Sat Tal (or the seven lakes) is accessible from Dharali, 74 km from Uttarkashi, en route Gangotri. A short trek of 7 km will lead the visitor to this memorable group of lakes. While Gangotri and the motorable route from Uttarkashi to Gangotri are enchanting by themselves, the former is not without trekking options, albeit mostly in the higher regions. Gangotri has a tourist bungalow and several other lodging facilities (which must be booked in advance during the yatra season). Trekking in these areas is serious business. The 18-km trek to Kedartal takes one to a height of 15,000 feet and is not recommended for the amateur. An easier proposition is to go further up to the glacier's head at Gaumukh-the source of the mighty Ganges. It is 18 km from Gangotri but the trek is not arduous. Going 6 km further up from Gaumukh to Nandanvan Tapovan is somewhat more specialized since it involves traversing the glacier itself. The reward at Tapovan is a fascinating close encounter with many famous peaks like the Shivling, Satopanth and Kalindi Khal.
Western Himalayas
The major trekking areas of the Western Himalayas are Garhwal and Kumaon regions in Uttar Pradesh. The areas around Gangotri and Yamunotri have quite a good number of popular treks. Nanda Devi is another famous trekking option and most of the area comes under Kumaon region.
Major treks of Uttar Pradesh
1. Gangotri (3,046 m) to Gangotri Glacier (6,500-7,000 m)
2. Tapovan (4,463 m) to Shivling (6,543 m)
3. Gangotri to Kedartal (5,000 m)
4. Gangotri to Yamunotri via Dodital
5. Har-ki-Dun Trek
6. Pindari Glacier Trek (Bharari 1,524 m to Zero Point 4,000 m)
7. Roopkund (4,800 m) Trek from Gwaldam (1,950 m)
8. Curzon Trail from Gwaldam to Tapovan
9. Nanda Devi and Milam Glacier Trek
10. Darma Valley Trek
Major Treks of Himachal Pradesh
1. Jalori Pass (3,350 m) Trek from Narkanda
2. Pir Panjal Trek (5,000 m)
3. Bahrmaur (1,981 m) to Manimahesh Lake (3,950) Trek
4. Lahaul Treks
5. Darcha to Padum (Zanskar)
6. Manali to Chandratal (4,270 m)
7. Udeypur to Bhagga Valley
8. Sangla (2680 m) to Chitkul (3,450 m)
9. Manali to Manikaran to Pulga along Parvati River
10. Bara Boulder to Sangam
11. Mudh to Spiti
12. Kaza to Comic (Spiti)
13. Manali to Lahaul and Spiti
14. Solang Valley to Beas Kund
15. Dhauladhar Treks beginning at Dharamshala, Baijnath, and Palampur
Major Treks of Jammu & Kashmir
1. Pensi La to Padum
2. Karsha to Lamayaru
3. Padum to Leh
4. Spituk to Hemis
5. Lamayaru to Alchi
6. Nubra and Shyok Valley Trek
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