Best Summer Treks in Uttarakhand for Beginners and Experienced Trekkers

Known as “The Land of Gods”, the “Heaven of India”, Uttarakhand, is a place of unparalleled beauty to the trekkers. The destination hosts some of the finest views of Himalayas right from its vast undulating verdant valleys to its vast alpine meadows as well as its soaring icy summits, frozen rivers or glares, age-old edifices to its most holy expedition paths. High-alt-mountain treks remain inaccessibility till its snow caps melt and so with advent of summer season. High high Himalayan trails of Uttarakhand open up to make a traveller enjoy splendid excursions. For trekking enthusiasts, summer season is an inviting period for Valley of Flowers, Roopkund, Pindari Glacier, Har Ki Dun, Pangarchulla, Kuari Pass, Dayara Bugyal, Kedartal, Ali Bedni Bugyal among many others. Similarly the spiritual trails like Adi Kailash, Panch Kedar, Rudranath and of course Do Dham Yatra allow you mix religious devotion, rugged adventure with serene Himalayan scenery. No matter whether you have an inexperienced soul trying out for a green field or an adept mountaineer in search for tricky expeditions high atop, Uttarakhand has every alternative for you personally!Table of ContentsOverviewSummer Treks in UttarakhandTips for Summer Treks in UttarakhandConclusionSummer trekking to Himalayas Uttarakhand, Uttarakhand the summer edition; trekking to the Himalayas in summers have a distinct aura, quite unlike the winter, which allows a spectacular opening up of mountain routes as the lower and middle level passes melt away. A wide variety of mountain ranges are a destination for trekkers in Uttarakhand during summers-the dense woods offer verdant treks to valleys, alpine meadows bloom into carpets of wild flowers, and various high altitude passes open up allowing one to walk on glacial routes or cross high mountain passes. The Valley of Flowers trekking, Har Ki Dun trek, Pindari Glacier trek, Dayara Bugyal trek, Ali Bedni Bugyal trekking, Roopkund trekking, Pangarchulla peak trek, Kuari Pass trekking- are popular choice among trekkers for their amazing mountainous vistas, in summers. Adventure as well as religious trekking to Uttarakhand mountains goes beyond these- you can also get to go on spiritual journeys to Adi Kailash Yatra, Panch Kedar Yatra, Rudranath Trek or the extremely sought-after Do Dham Yatra. Keep in mind that not all the mentioned treks to Uttarakhand mountain trails might be available for trekking during the summer, depending on high altitude passes’ duration or accessibility. Always be aware of route accessibility and current local conditions for any trek to mountains of Uttarakhand prior planning of.Summer Treks in Uttarakhand1. Roopkund TrekSTARTING POINT: LohajungENDING POINT: Roopkund LakeDIFFICULTY LEVEL: Moderate to DifficultTREK DISTANCE: Approximately 50–55 KMBEST TIME: May to June and September to OctoberThe Roopkund Trek: Highlights 0f The 'Skeleton Lake' High at altitudes in Uttarakhand, the Roopkund trek holds fame not only for its picturesque valleys, meadows and forested paths, but most so for its famous skeletal lake, Roopkund Lake. Lying nestled in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, the trek offers an unforgettable trekking in mountains experience, taking you through dense forests, open fields, rocky stretches and views of the Himalayan peaks. One must plan out their itinerary based on seasons as pass is often closed due to harsh climate. The trekking trails will include some of the best trekking experiences; trekkers usually start from the Lohajung region into forests leading to idyllic villages of Garhwal and traverse through the best of alpine meadows such as Ali and Bedni Bugyal that offer immense views of Himalayas. Beyond the meadows the terrain would gradually transform into rocky landscape eventually leading the way to Roopkund. Trekkers will gain higher altitudes by conquering some severe ups and downs on rugged and challenging terrain on most paths of the Roopkund trek and it often has varying weather patterns, due to this the Roopkund trek is ideal for those who love trekking extensively and carry prior experience in mountains. The trek demands high level of physical fitness and prior trekking expertise due to its steep ascents, challenging weather and primarily the rocky trails. The Roopkund trek is not only known for its natural beauty but is a medley of cultural variety as well with villages on the trek and scattered along the paths, natural abundance through oak forests and beautiful natural vistas comprising lush green areas. During pleasant season few patches of snow can be seen as well near the peak. Roopkund trek only starts when the pass is clear from snow.2. Valley of Flowers TrekSTARTING POINT: GovindghatENDING POINT: Valley of FlowersDIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy to ModerateTREK DISTANCE: Approximately 38–40 KM round tripBEST TIME: July to SeptemberThe Valley of Flowers trek is one of the best treks which is most visited and demanded among Uttarakhand treks in the Himalayas. Chamoli district in Uttarakhand, this spell binding valley lies in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve which is well known among floral experts and nature enthusiasts due to a multitude of wild alpine flowers, flowing streams, high mountain range, tranquil aura. Normally trek would begin from Govindghat from here we would reach Ghangaria and our base camp for the Valley of Flowers. From Ghangaria we would trek inside to enthrall ourselves with blooming colorful flowers of this mystical valley during blooming season. The valley in the season blooms into its full glory when hundreds of thousands of species of alpine flowers, like painted gems on nature's carpet of green are spread all over the valley displaying their brilliance of red, blue, pink and yellow. The flowers like primulas, anemones, potentilla, Himalayan blue poppies are some of the prominent varieties that are found depending on the season. Not just this the entire trail showers us with fabulous views of the mountains nearby along with the chirping music of streams running along with us. Moreover, one can even add Hemkund Sahib the holy Sikh Shrine for added spiritual dimension to the trek and that to a higher altitude from The Valley of Flowers trek. It is a moderate to tough trek as due to trekking the entire day and we need to be fit enough, the views would definitely pay off our hardships. Proper trekking equipment like comfortable trekking shoes,rain wear, plenty of water to drink, sufficient layers of warm clothing as per seasons, and constant consumption of food is essential. A Nature Lover, Photographer, young family members with children and trekking debutants interested to delve into Himalayas would find this trek an ideal vacation for themselves. Amongst the list of nature tours globally, this trek is quite an enjoyable easy hike and you wouldn't need to consider it being a tough challenge to trek.3. Pindari Glacier TrekSTARTING POINT: Khati Village / Dhakuri routeENDING POINT: Pindari Glacier Zero PointDIFFICULTY LEVEL: ModerateTREK DISTANCE: Approximately 50–60 KM round tripBEST TIME: April to June and September to OctoberPindari Glacier Trek is one of the many classic Himalayan trek trails in Uttarakhand which you find in Kumaon region . The route delves into the mighty Himalayas and winds past scenic forested regions , remote villages, high alpine meadows and the rock-strewn terrain of the Himalayas until it culminates at the imposing Pindari Glacier (Kumaon Himalayas). The journey is dotted along villages and camps that includes the likes of Dhakuri, Kahrkia, Khati, Dwali, Phurkia and zero point in the end. Each bit of terrain you will traverse has its very own vista- dense forests, alpine meadows, alpine rocky patches, streams and valleys. The main allure of this route for trekking purposes is an insight into relatively isolated stretches of Himalayas and views of ranges peaks, streams, waterfalls, walls and cliffs as one proceeds. ThisPindari Glacier Trek gets the “medium” category due to its altitude range, length, and long walking hours. There are no highly technical climbs required but trekkers should have good leg stamina and endurance. However, good fitness levels are important as one should be able to comfortably trek and ascend for about 5-8 hours a day. The summers are favourable around and in the initial portions of the trekking route; while snow often lingers about upper reaches during different times depending on snow. Other best times include Septembers and October, when there’s immense clarity in the Himalayan vistas. This is a suitable choice for anyone looking to traverse the awe-inspiring glacial vistas of the Kumaon region, while exploring the less-travelled valleys and pristine Himalayan terrains.4. Bali Pass TrekSTARTING POINT: SankriENDING POINT: Janki ChattiDIFFICULTY LEVEL: DifficultTREK DISTANCE: Approximately 60–70 KMBEST TIME: May to June and September to OctoberThe Bali Pass Trek is a demanding trek in the Himalayas, joining Tons Valley and Yamuna Valley. The high-altitude trek of the Garhwal Himalayas covers steep ascents, narrow trails, alpine meadows, forests and breath-taking views of Himalayan peaks. The Bali Pass trek typically starts from Sankri, which is a popular launching point for many Himalayan treks. Trekkers are taken across some remote villages, various forests, rivers, and high mountain camps before finally traversing the Bali Pass. The high mountain trek to the Pass with rugged trails and wide mountain views in your eyesight becomes extremely pleasurable while approaching Bali Pass. The trek can offer fabulous and breathtaking views of peaks like Swargarohini and Bandarpoonch, as per weather and visibility. The Bali Pass Trek is absolutely not an option for novice trekkers. It requires a fairly high degree of levelness, as well as prior understanding of undertaking Himalayan treks and sufficient mental toughness. Along the trek, you can observe various unique remote hill villages and experience old mountain cultures, which you won't even find while trekking on the commonly chosen paths. The summer is the main time to walk for Bali Pass (before the monsoons kick off). However, be prepared for snow depending on the actual trail to cross-whether there is snow or not. You're urged to gain proper trail report of recent pass conditions before starting this expedition.5. Gaumukh Tapovan TrekSTARTING POINT: GangotriENDING POINT: TapovanDIFFICULTY LEVEL: Moderate to DifficultTREK DISTANCE: Approximately 40–46 KM round tripBEST TIME: May to June and September to OctoberAmong all the beautiful high altitude treks in Uttarakhand Gaumukh Tapovan Trek would stand out. The trek begins at the holy town of Gangotri and subsequently climbs down to the well-known snout of the river Bhagirathi-Gaumukh, and from there to the serene meadows of Tapovan. This trek is a wonderful mixture of divinity, adventure, glacier and enchanting Himalayan beauty. Gangotri which is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand adds to the divinity of the trek for devotees and at the same time refreshes nature lover. The slopes on the route are quite steep with river valleys, rocky terrain and high altitude regions. The trek down to Gaumukh allows the trekkers to experience the wonderful Gangotri glacier and surrounding Himalayan gigantic peaks. Tapovan is a mesmerizing sight with meadows full of colorful flowers and amazing Himalayan views especially the imposing Shivling peaks make the backdrop seem more imposing. It is one of the best possible campsites that could be found, and the panoramic Himalayan views from this site are mind blowing. Physical fitness and endurance are essential for this trek since it falls under extreme altitude regions with strenuous terrain. One would also need to be completely well acclimatized while traveling up to high altitudes. Climate in the glacier and high altitude terrain can change without any notice and one needs to be extra careful. It would be advisable for trekkers to possess prior high altitude trekking experience before undertaking this Gaumukh Tapovan trek. Summer and early fall are the best seasons for the trek, but all dependent upon weather conditions and permission from the local authorities. The divine settings of the place along with the presence of glaciers, meadows and imposing snow-capped Himalayan mountains make the Gaumukh Tapovan trek an unforgettable expedition.6. Har Ki Dun TrekSTARTING POINT: SankriENDING POINT: Har Ki Dun ValleyDIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy to ModerateTREK DISTANCE: Approximately 45–50 KM round tripBEST TIME: April to June and September to NovemberHar Ki Dun trek is one of the most beautiful and culturally significant treks in Uttarakhand. It is called the “Valley of Gods” for a good reason, given it rests within the folds of lush greenery within the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park. It is a saucer-shaped valley and presents breath-taking views of forest, villages, rivers, meadows and the towering Himalayas. The trek starts from Sankri and progresses through tiny mountain hamlets to finally reach the Har Ki Duncot-shaped valley. You can easily observe the picturesque life of the inhabitants as you pass through quaint villages like Taluka and Osla. From Sankri to Taluka, the trail follows the River Supina and then ascends into the valley to the National Park where a series of ancient temples dots the green landscape. One of the biggest draw of the valley are the splendid views of the mountain ranges surrounding the valley in the horizon with the sky and landscape in the foreground. The valley is popular among novice trekkers due to the relatively easy ascent (as compared to other treks in Uttarakhand). The landscape unfolds from green to snow-capped to dotted with alpine flowers in different seasons of the year. Birdwatching, flora and fauna and serene vistas contribute in making this trek an unparalleled experience. The trail is a fantastic mix of dense pine forests, meadows, and streams while the imposing massifs of Garhwal Himalayas serve as a panoramic backdrop.7. Pangarchulla TrekSTARTING POINT: Dhak / Auli regionENDING POINT: Pangarchulla SummitDIFFICULTY LEVEL: Moderate to DifficultTREK DISTANCE: Approximately 35–40 KM round tripBEST TIME: April to May and November to DecemberPangarchulla trek is a grand high altitude adventure in Garhwal Himalayas and one of the most famous trek among the others in the region, mostly for its summit push and mesmerizing view of some great himalayan peaks. The trek is a passage through forests, meadows, snow-covered patches and rocky terrain to the summit. Depending on the season, parts of the upper section of the trek might be under the blanket of snow and turn the whole trek into a white himalayan wonderland. What stands out most among others is the summit climb of pangarchulla. The trek towards the top of pangarchulla may seem arduous due to it’s steep ascent, needs presence of mind and a fit body at times especially if the path leading to the summit is snow laden. The view of the peaks and ridges surrounding from the summit is amazing and the visual appeal is simply breath-taking. The path to pangarchulla is also through some beautiful forests of oak and rhododendrons and in the month of spring when rhododendrons bloom, lower section of the trek adorns some lovely colors. This trek is more of a trek for experienced trekkers. It does not involves technical mountaineering but, the high altitude, tough climbs and snow and tricky weather conditions can be really tough for someone, who has done some low altitude trek before. This is a more suitable trek for those who are a little familiar with mountain trekking. Ideal season to trek Pangarchulla largely depends on the conditions of snow. Spring is one of the widely accepted seasons for experiencing snow in the high altitudes of Pangarchulla.8. Kuari Pass TrekSTARTING POINT: Dhak / Auli regionENDING POINT: Kuari PassDIFFICULTY LEVEL: ModerateTREK DISTANCE: Approximately 30–40 KMBEST TIME: April to June and September to NovemberA Brief Introduction to Kuari Pass Trek One of the popular passes treks of Uttarakhand is the trek to the Kuari Pass which means gateway to the mountains. During Kuari Pass trekking you have remarkable views of a range of famous peaks of the Himalayas. Your trek goes through charming forests, alpine meadows, remote mountain villages and some high ridgelines, with options that bring you close to areas such as Auli, Gorson Bugyal and the regions close to the Pass. One of the highlight of the trek is the vistas of the Himalayas, from where, if you get fortunate with a good weather day you would have views of peaks after peaks standing over the ridge as far as eyes could see. However, spring time brings in Rhododendron flowers that make the trek very special, while autumn has the best chance of clear skies and views. This trek is graded as moderate, meant for those who can spend considerable amount of walking time and are at least moderately fit, and it generally requires spending at least some time walking uphill as well as steeper sections, but not as harsh as those done at the higher passes and technical trekking destinations. The trek passes through dense forests and also opens to some open and undulating terrain. Camping in alpine regions adds more beauty for a truly different experience of traveling away from typical places of interest for visitors. Though summer and the weeks after monsoons make most of the passes in the Himalayas trek friendly, weather may vary. Kuari Pass trekking route also experiences similar weather patterns, so one should ensure conditions are feasible to trek prior starting the trek. The trek is an apt alternative to various tough treks but offers a glimpse into a real Himalayan pass-crossing, without being overly intense in difficulty for average trekking enthusiast.9. Ranthan Kharak TrekSTARTING POINT: MunsiyariENDING POINT: Ranthan KharakDIFFICULTY LEVEL: Moderate to DifficultTREK DISTANCE: Approximately 40–50 KMBEST TIME: May to June and September to OctoberRanthan Kharak Trek is a trek of less commercialized fame among the many Kumaon's famous trails in Uttarakhand that cater to wanderers seeking a less crowded yet enthralling sojourn amidst the Himalayas. The trek begins in the tranquil mountain village of Munsiyari and treks its way through alpine forests, lush meadows, panoramic ridge-walks and high altitude regions. Beginning from the mesmerising town of Munsiyari, flanked by views of high altitude peaks of the Himalayas, the trekkers have plentiful amount of sights and wonders to witness along as they traverse higher terrains. As we progress up the trail, dense vegetation slowly morphs into expansive alpine terrain, affording breathtaking, panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges. It has the rare merit of being a relatively unexplored terrain, and therefore provides better chances for trekkers to spend solitude in the Himalayas. Moderate Fitness Level Since the hike requires traveling to higher elevations for a couple of days and involves long stretches of walking and elevation gain, participants will be require some trekking experience on similar trails. Higher regions in the mountains often witness radical weather shifts, hence participants should pack clothes that can accommodate extreme changes in climate. Best Season Early to Mid Summer. This time of the year offers optimal access to the higher terrains in the region with respect to snow; however, the exact route may be conditioned by ground-level circumstances.10. Adi Kailash YatraSTARTING POINT: Dharchula / Gunji regionENDING POINT: Adi Kailash regionDIFFICULTY LEVEL: Moderate to DifficultTREK/TRAVEL DISTANCE: Varies by itineraryBEST TIME: May to October, subject to permits and weatherAdi Kailash Yatra: A Sacred Himalayan Odyssey One of the most rewarding spiritual expeditions to the Himalayas in Uttarakhand is the Adi Kailash Yatra, a journey to the sacred mountain of Adi Kailash, situated near the Sino-Indian border in the Kumaon Himalayas. It is one of the preferred destinations in the Himalayas for those seeking a meaningful spiritual expedition. The Adi Kailash Yatra The trip is generally started from Dharchula; you travel to the higher remote villages like Gunji, Nabhi and Kuti before moving on to the rest of the region. Other valleys form an indispensable section of most of the iternary itineraries. Unlike traditional trek destinations in the Himalayas, the Adi Kailash Yatra integrates the ride on vehicular options, few patches of walks, spiritual and mythological sites along with the high altitude terrain explorer expedition in a way that will offer a divine glimpse. In a nutshell it is a fusion of rough terrains, rivers, valleys and religious destinations. The route incorporates several stops which have ties in the local tradition and Hindu myths and legends making the journey one-of-a-kind to experience the serenity of remote region and spirituality from closer aspect of life. The destination's closeness to a sensitive border zone & its height means that the procedures to obtain permits, restrictions and road-related regulations can often vary. Thus prior to embarking on the expedition it would be always pertinent to inquire about the authentic requirement of visit; especially on ground, beforehand. It is best considered for people looking for more than the usual. Those physically adept and comfortable with journey into the extremely isolated parts of Himalayas. If spirituality combined with heavenly Himalayan landscape, adventure, culture, history etc. Is your idea of adventure holiday and you are considering a pilgrimage holiday in Indian Himalaya, do not miss the sacred Adi Kailash Yatra.11. Panch Kedar YatraSTARTING POINT: Gaurikund / different route-specific basesENDING POINT: Panch Kedar TemplesDIFFICULTY LEVEL: Moderate to DifficultTREK DISTANCE: Varies significantly by itineraryBEST TIME: May to October, subject to temple openings and weatherThe Panch Kedar Yatra is a spiritual sojourn of utmost significance in the Garhwal Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, a significant pilgrimage undertaken to seek blessings from the Lord Shiva at his abode across five unique and revered shrines located at various altitudes across this region. It consists of the following five holy sites:KedarnathTungnathRudranathMadhyamaheshwarKalpeshwarThis pilgrimage is a unique odyssey in the form of several diverging trekking routes in place of a single trail, making this overall travel into a challenging physical ordeal as much as a spiritually elevated one. While trekking through verdant valleys, traditional villagers and dense forests to these pristine spots on the laps of higher Himalayas. Trekking to such unique locations gives the trekkers the essence of the Garhwal Himalayas’ immense diversity in term of flora, fauna and beauty coupled with the spiritual heritage that still resides in such remoteness within Uttarakhand. Out of these five temples, Tungnath is one of the highest Shiva temples of the world, whereas Rudranath is known for its remote mountain habitat surrounded by thick Himalayan forests.mSimilarly, Madhyamaheshwar and Kalpeshwar have their distinct features with varying Himalayas' landscapes to experience. Depending on how many of the five temples to travel, difficulty level varies, but an ideal yatra of these five shrines can last from several days to about 1-2 weeks depending on their accessibility. The yatra season can be planned once all these temples open for trekking, which typically occurs in the summer post a difficult winter. Panch Kedar Trek/Yatra is especially suitable for the trekkers who look forward to experiencing a healthy blend of pilgrimage and the challenging trekking adventures in the pristine environs of Uttarakhand.12. Rudranath TrekSTARTING POINT: Gopeshwar / Sagar Village routeENDING POINT: Rudranath TempleDIFFICULTY LEVEL: Moderate to DifficultTREK DISTANCE: Approximately 20–24 KM one way depending on routeBEST TIME: May to October, subject to temple opening and weatherRudranath Trek is amongst the five sacred Panch Kedar routes for devotees of Lord Shiva. In Uttarakhand, the remote Rudranath Temple, set at the foothills of high Himalayan peaks, offers alpine meadows, lush greenery and awe-inspiring mountain views. The trek offers spiritualism combined with wild landscapes. Different from many other pilgrimage routes where the destination might be easily accessible by roads for a part of the journey, the route to Rudranath demands considerable walking through rather remote areas for several kilometers. The journey unfolds through dense forests, high mountain ridges, sweeping grasslands and rural Himalayan settlements. The view keeps becoming wider and grander as one ascends through the terrain showcasing high-altitude Himalayan peaks. The natural beauty around Rudranath Temple in a peaceful setting attracts travellers seeking some time away from the bustling tourist spots for rejuvenation. Due to the long walking distances involved in the trek and the considerable altitude climb, it may become a tough journey and one needs a good stamina for the trek. Generally the trek is carried out during summers and early autumnal season. However, the travel options depend upon when the temple opens to the general public and the prevailing climatic condition in the regions.13. Do Dham YatraSTARTING POINT: Haridwar / RishikeshENDING POINT: Badrinath and KedarnathDIFFICULTY LEVEL: ModerateTRAVEL DISTANCE: Varies by itineraryBEST TIME: May to October, subject to temple opening and weatherDo Dham Yatra Is Best Pilgrimage circuit Of uttarakhand Which covers both The Himalayan Abodes-Kedarnath & Badrinath. The journey of Do DhamYatra covers the most iconic places for pilgrim sites, mountain vistas, old traditional Pilgrimage routes and cultural immersion. Kedarnath is a renowned shrine for Lord Shiva which lies amidst the awesome Himalayan valley. It requires hiking at length and hence Fitness will remain paramount. It is built on the riverside of Alaknanda River, with lofty Himalayan peaks in back. Depending on Package & route you chose for travel to reach those shrines can be by trekking, road and other authorized vehicle modes to reach sacred spots. Summer is a busy time to travel for pilgrims due to their reopening post their annual break. Climate is generally pleasant during summer. However, landslides and rains are frequent which can alter or put hindrances in trip itinerary/plan. Booking of accommodation and transportation is very essential from the onset, especially in summer. It is advisable for the visitors to keep themselves informed about policies related to the latest update about temples’ reopening/ closures and latest travel advisory, local weather etc. Anyone who wish to embark on such a sublime, awe-inspiring spiritual trip this year can undoubtedly opt for it.14. Dayara Bugyal TrekSTARTING POINT: Barsu VillageENDING POINT: Dayara BugyalDIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy to ModerateTREK DISTANCE: Approximately 20–25 KM round tripBEST TIME: April to June and September to NovemberDayara Bugyal Trek is amongst the finest meadow treks in the region of Uttarakhand. Bugyal, which means an alpine meadow at high altitude, this meadow stretches as far as your eyes can see, offering majestic views of the Himalayan panorama. The trek to Dayara Bugyal can begin from a base such as Barnsu village and progresses through dense beautiful woods, leading eventually to these spectacular meadows. It’s for a simple reason that the trek to Dayara Bugyal is also amongst the ideal beginner treks, especially for families who are willing to tread their way to a relaxed Himalayan escapade. During summer, the grasslands take on a vibrant green hue and in close vicinity, one can also witness stunning vista of the nearby high mountains. The woods along the way comprising mainly of oak and rhododendron species provide shelter as you move through a rather pleasant stretch. Amongst the many aspects of Dayara Bugyal, an open space comes at a foremost spot rather than meandering between trees, here the landscape is much larger; these vistas offer the joy of freedom and widen scope for picture clicking, camp, and of course the serene silence of the Himalayas. Due to its moderate altitude and manageable trekking trail, Dayara Bugyal has the distinction of becoming ideal for someone considering trekking in the Himalayas for the first time. However, as much it's of great choice for beginners, be mentally prepared for long hours of walk along with rapidly fluctuating mountain weather conditions. In addition, depending on the program chosen, the trip can also be extended to visiting nearby attractions. Therefore, for travelers keen to savor alpine meadows along with beautiful forests, great Himalayan views, and tranquil camping spots, Dayara Bugyal has to be the best option during the summer months in Uttarakhand.15. Hemkund Sahib TrekSTARTING POINT: GovindghatENDING POINT: Hemkund SahibDIFFICULTY LEVEL: Moderate to DifficultTREK DISTANCE: Approximately 38–40 KM round tripBEST TIME: July to September, subject to opening dates and weatherThe Hemkunt Sahib trek is a divine pilgrim trek in Himalayas leading to one of the most sacred Sikh pilgrim destinations in India called Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib. The site is based in Chamoli district of the Indian Himalayas and is widely popular among tourists and pilgrims who are on search of spirituality and nature's wonder. Starting from Govindghat the trek first proceeds towards Ghangaria. As one reaches the destination from where the trek proceeds to Hemkunt Sahib then the path to the holy shrine is a sharp rise. The path to Hemkunt Sahib passes through forests, waterfalls, streams, rugged and rocky paths and the surrounding varies with the altitude gaining high. The final stretch leading to Hemkunt Sahib is quite tough as it has a very fast rate of gaining altitude. It is essential that the pilgrim is medically fit. Maintain the pace according to comfort. Take adequate rest while climbing to the holy shrine. At Hemkunt Sahib sits next to a beautiful high altitude lake surrounded by the mighty Himalayan peaks. During pilgrim season people gather from India and abroad to offer prayers and take blessings of the almighty and deities. Along with Valley of Flowers Hemkunt Sahib & valley of flowers trek offers you a spell bounding journey in the Himalayas. Valley of flowers is known for its wild and alpine flowers, whereas Hemkunt Sahib is known for its divine beauty. The pilgrim season in Hemkunt Sahib is very brief due to heavy snow fall during winters and due to the very high altitude. Summer booking can only depend on the official statement and the condition of the trek path at that time. Pilgrims seeking spiritually; a panorama and religious trek should not miss paying a visit to Hemkunt Sahib.