Munsiyari: Uttarakhand is home to several hill stations - some prominent, some hidden. Munsiyari is one of the hidden treasures in the Kumaon district. Literally translated as ‘a place with snow’, it is one of the jaw-dropping places in the state. The town is sandwiched between the borders of India, China and Nepal. Imagine the kind of views you will witness!
The town rests on the bank of the Goriganga river and offers panoramic views of the mighty Panchachuli peaks. It is as scenic as it can get. If it is a place of snow, then trekking to the glaciers is a must. Explorers can trek up to the glaciers of Milam, Namik and Ralam, or the alpine meadows of Chiplakot Bugyal and Kalika pass.
Make sure you enjoy a couple of days reminiscing about the beauty of the rhododendrons, valleys, glacial lakes, rivers and waterfalls. You can also go skiing here during the winters.
The nearest airport to reach this town is Pantnagar, which is 250 km away. However, there are more flight options till Delhi. Kathgodam is the nearest railhead from where you can hire a cab. It is a long journey by road to the town from all of the above places.
Gaumukh: Gangotri is one of the holiest places in India. It is the gateway to the trek to Gaumukh, the source of the Ganges. The water flows out of the Gangotri Glacier, which is at the base of Bhagirath Parvat. You’ll be trekking up along a rocky valley trail to reach the glacier.
To spend more time in this beautiful area, trekkers go up till Tapovan, which is ahead of Gaumukh and set up tents there. Kedar Tal is a gorgeous clear lake situated around 20 km from Gangotri. You can see Thalay Sagar peaks reflected on a clear day.
It is important to check for permits before planning the trek, as only a certain number of people are allowed on this route per day.
The best way to reach Gangotri is by hiring a cab from Uttarkashi, Rishikesh or Haridwar.
Deoriatal trek: If you are just entering the world of trekking, then this is the trek for you. It is a breezy trek compared to other Himalayan treks. However, the reward is not breezy at all. The Deoriatal lake lies on a protective embrace of an 8,000-foot hilltop meadow. Trek through the rhododendrons and oak tree shades to reach this mystical lake. The crystal clear waters cast a reflection of the marble white Chaukhamba peaks. The area has several mythological stories related to Pandavas and Yaksha Dev attached to it.
This is an ideal place for camping. It is one of the few treks that can be done anytime of the year. If you are up for it, the trek can be extended till Tunganath temple and Chandrashila peak, which has the highest Shiva temple in the world.
The closest base camp is Sari village.
Pindari Glacier trek: This six-day long trek will give you the adrenaline rush as well as relaxing views to your eyes. Most of the areas are untouched and inhabited by only a few shepherds. It offers unmatched views of Nanda Kot and Nanda Khat from the brim of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary. The sanctuary has a rugged landscape, but is an expanse of wilderness. The trekking route traverses the sanctuary and offers varied views of landscape. You will pass through rhododendron forests, meadows, valleys and cascading rivers.
The trek begins from Loharket, a village close to Bageshwar. Loharket is accessible from Kathgodam railway station.
Rajaji National Park: Situated near Haridwar, the national park covers almost 1,000 sq km forested area. It is known for its wild elephants and leopards. The thick deciduous forest is also home to other animals like sambars, Himalayan black bears and lots of birds. The roaring Ganga and Song river flows through the park.
Take a safari through the park and go for a bird-watching tour. The national park can be covered as a day trip from Rishikesh or Haridwar, and you can even stay in log cabins at Chilla.
The village of Chilla near Haridwar is the base for visiting the park. There are frequent buses to Chilla from Haridwar.
Mountain biking: Uttarakhand’s diverse topography offers challenging routes for mountain biking. The Ultimate Mountain Terrain Biking Championship, which is said to be Asia’s longest mountain bike race, is held here. You take a cycle expedition through the Kumaon region exploring the depths and aesthetics during the journey. You can cover places like Bhimtal, Pahadpani, Champawat, Dharchula, Panchachuli base camp, Bageshwar, Nainital and Haldwani.
Reference: https://uttarakhandtourism.gov.in/blog/17-day-bicycle-trip-across-kumaon
This is one of the best ways to explore the destination while satisfying your adventure-pangs.
Bhimtal: One of the first lakes that come to our mind when we speak of Uttarakhand is Naini lake, the one that gives its name to yet another splendid hill station Nainital. While this area is much revered, 25 km away from Nainital is Bhimtal, named after the strongest Pandava Bhima. Its clear waters, surrounded by green hills, is the perfect place for some adventure activities.
If you are not up for strenuous treks, but still want to enjoy some activities, then Bhimtal offers boating, horse riding, cycling, kayaking, hot air balloon ride and water zorbing. Paragliding at Naukuchiatal, near Bhimtal, is a joyous activity too.
The nearest airport is at Pantnagar and the closest railway station is at Kathgodam. Taxis ply from both these places to Bhimtal.
Roopkund trek: If fear is not in your dictionary, then trek to Roopkund, which starts with the macabre sight of the 9th century skeleton remains that sit at the bottom of the glacial lake. Located at an altitude of 5029 m, this is a mysterious lake, about which people are still looking for answers.
Once you get over the sight, this stands to be one of the most spectacular treks in the world. The trail takes you through dark forests and long alpine stretches. The trek starts with walking through oak forests, meadows and then slowly you will find yourself walking on stretches of snow. Mt. Trishul peeks over as you climb further.
You might encounter snow storms and heart-thumping moments. But the views and experience are worth the effort.
The trek starts from Lohajung, which is 230 km from Kathgodam.
Kausani star gazing:
Perched high on a forest-covered ridge, this sleepy town offers panoramic views of the distant snow-capped mountains. It is a peaceful and quiet town. You can spend an entire day looking at the chir and blue pine forests, and the Himalayan peaks.
Kausani is also home to Stargate Observatory, which conducts astronomy workshops. If you are up for a night of stargazing, then you can spend several nights viewing distant planets and constellations.
There are also several trekking and hiking routes around the area. Rock Climbing, zorbing and rappelling are other activities to participate in.
Unforgettable thrills:
- Bungee jumping and rafting in Rishikesh
- Safari at Jim Corbett
- Trekking and skiing at Munsiyari
- Trek to Gaumukh and Tapovan
- Trek to Tunganath temple and Chandrashila peak, which has the highest Shiva temple in the world.
- Safari and stay at Rajaji National Park
- Mountain biking in Kumaon region
- Pindari glacier trek
- Water sports and Paragliding at Bhimtal
- Roopkund trek
- Star gazing at Kausani
