Trekking
Trekking Routes in Garhwal Part 1 |
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The beauty of the Garhwal hills is picture-perfect, a fusion of high mountain valleys and lakes, of many streams, and some of India's greatest rivers. Carmine rhododendron blooms and scarlet flame-of-the-forest blossoms are luminous in jungles of dense green, while the faith of an ancient civilisation has kept alive a lifestyle that dates back several centuries.
These are the playgrounds of the gods, where legends have the sanctity of history, and where the people are warm and hospitable in a way that is unknown to modern metropolises. Comprising the districts of Uttarkashi, Tehri-Garhwal, Pauri-Garhwal, Dehra Dun and Chamoli, the Garhwal hills are a veritable aradise for trekkers. Nature is in her element here, and trekking trails are renowned for the great beauty of their views, stunningly different at almost every turn. There is plenty of interest here for the amateur trekker too. For those interested in the fusion of art and culture with religion, the popular temple pilgrimages and hilltop temples will provide enough for a rewarding journey. Botanists can spend months studying the vast treasure-house of plants here. The birds of the Garhwal Himalayas, and their sheer profusion, will captivate bird-watchers. And for photographers, professional or amateur, the canvas of the mountain scenery will provide a perfect landscape. Nor is trekking in the Garhwal hills expensive, for one can stay at any of a number of rest houses, travellers lodges or dharamshalas at nominal rates. |
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Though you are advised to bring your own equipment, the Yatra Office of the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam at Munikireti, Rishikesh can help with the hiring of tents, sleeping bags, windproof jackets etc. Trained guides too are available at this office. Basic food is available at most places along the route, though if your trail takes you to remote areas advance arrangements are necessary. Trekking routes remain open from April to October, though the best period is considered to extend from April to June, and from mid-September to November. Base : Mussoorie Route One Route two Optional route: From Ringal Garh to Hatwal Gaon (6 km, camping site) - Guttu (10 km ) and from here on the regular route to Dehra Dun via Maldevata. Route three Route four Base : Uttarkashi Route one Route two Dodital has a beautiful lake, and is excellent for trout fishing Both Dodital and Agoda have forest rest houses to stay in. Kalyani has a fish hatchery, and from here one can catch a bus back to Uttarkashi. Camping is suggested on several points of the trek: the forest rest houses are under the charge of the Divisional Forest Officer , Uttarkashi. Optional route: Dodital - Hanuman Chatti- Yamunotri. From Dodital, there is an exciting trek route to Hanuman Chatti in the Yamuna valley. As there is no accommodation between Dodital and Hanuman Chatti, trekkers are advised to carry their own alpine tents, or spend the night in a shepherd's shelter. Hanuman Chatti, however is an important halting point enroute to the pilgrimage at Yamunotri and has a tourist bungalow and a forest rest house. From Hanuman Chatti, Yamunotri is at a distance of 14 km.Route three Optional route: From Kedarnath, one can extend the trek to Basukital, a steep climb of 8 km , with no facilities enroute. It is best to take a guide from Kedarnath, and to return the same day. Route four Uttarkashi (1,158 m) - Malla (6,000 ft) - Silla village ( 6,000 ft, 4 km) - Ghuttu (10,000 ft, 10 km)- Kailanpur (10,000 ft, 4km)- Bawani Bugyal (10,500 ft, 5 km)- Kyarki Bugyal (13,500 ft, 6 km)- Lamatal (13,500 ft, 5 km) Sahasratal (15,000ft, 5 km). On this interesting trek, one can stay in the school building at Silla village. There are shepherd's huts at Ghuttu, Kailanpur and Bawani Bugyal, and caves at Kyarki Bugyal, Lamatal and Sahasratal. Carrying your own alpine tents is recommended. Optional route: From Kyarki Bugyal one can either branch off, or return and proceed on a new leg : Kyarki Bugyal - Palang (7,500 ft, 10 km) - Jaurab village (6,500 ft, 5 km)- Silla village (6,000 ft, 4 km)- Malla (6,000 ft, 4 km). More Trekking Itineraries:
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Editor: Romola Butalia   (c) India Travelogue. All rights reserved. |