Uttarakhand
Known as the ‘abode of gods’ for being home to four spiritual hotspots of Hinduism and India’s holiest (and longest) river, Uttarakhand also hosts Nanda Devi, the country’s highest peak that is completely in India (and second only to Kangchenjunga that is shared with Nepal). While this is a ‘pilgrim state’ for many Indians and a yoga mecca for many global travellers, to me it is home. There’s more to trekking here, too: it’s India’s unofficial rafting capital, plus the offbeat climber’s dream with a plethora of lesser known peaks interspersed with bucket list hikes.
Hidden gems in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand
Bedni Bugyal & Bagwawasa
Difficulty: Moderate Max Elevation: 3,354 metres (Bedni) Duration: Five daysStart/end point: Wan village Accommodation: Camping The Bedni Bugyal, an alpine meadow in eastern Uttarakhand, is part of a triple trek that starts here. The first is the hike to Roopkund, the ‘skeleton lake,’ where ancient human remains spark mystery and eerie stories. Bedni Bugyal itself is an easier trail, a wildflower studded high-altitude meadow that has often rewarded me with dreamy settings and photographers with enchanting shots of alpine horses grazing in the wild. A little after the meadow, the trail branches off to the third offshoot, Bedni Bagwawasa, another alpine meadow sought especially by those in search of the elusive Brahma Kamal. The state flower of Uttarakhand that blooms at high-altitudes and usually after dark (also called Queen of the Night), is found in abundance here but in the monsoon season, when trekking conditions are difficult. The flower features in folklore and mythological stories from the region and is considered a reward by devotees who literally go the extra mile for it. Need to know Too much littering at Bedni Bugyal led to a ban on camping there a few years back, which is for the better; you can now expect sweeping vistas with the place restored to its original picture-postcard look. One must retreat to Gairoli Pathar, three kilometres away, to camp, or the village of Wan, 13 kilometres before it, to stay overnight at a homestay. The Roopkund trek can be thrown in as an add-on, but is for seasoned hikers as it involves crossing a high-altitude pass. Wan village is an 8.5 hour drive (250 kms) from the closest train station at Kathgodam, another six hours from the capital New Delhi.
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Uttarakhand
Nanda Devi East & Milam glacier
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuousMax Elevation: 3,430 metres & 3,870 metres respectively Duration: Seven days Start/end point: Lilam village near Munsyari, Uttarakhand Accommodation: Camping with homestays in the last village Nanda Devi, the highest mountain that is entirely within India and one worshipped here as the people’s goddess, is the stuff legends are made of. A smorgasbord of mystery and mythology, this is the mountain I grew up fascinated by, attending festivals in the goddess’ honour and reading about the mad mountaineers she attracted. The mountain itself is closed off to visitors for conservation reasons, but this five-day trail in Kumaon takes you as close as possible to the base camp of its lesser peak. It can be done as a loop together with Milam glacier, whose reputation and allure has been tarnished with the arrival of a road. The distance to the trail head is a killer, but well worth the effort for the trail branching off towards Nanda Devi. Need to know Munsyari is a whopping 600 kms from New Delhi and the closest route by air is via a helicopter service, though it is erratic and also limits your luggage. A road journey is ideal (or train to Kathgodam), best done over two days with an overnight stop mid-way. Munsyari is the last outpost for this trek, and also has an uphill but beautiful day hike to the Khalia top meadow which has stunning views of the Panchahuli range.
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Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand
Known as the ‘abode of gods’ for being home to four spiritual hotspots of Hinduism and India’s holiest (and longest) river, Uttarakhand also hosts Nanda Devi, the country’s highest peak that is completely in India (and second only to Kangchenjunga that is shared with Nepal). While this is a ‘pilgrim state’ for many Indians and a yoga mecca for many global travellers, to me it is home. There’s more to trekking here, too: it’s India’s unofficial rafting capital, plus the offbeat climber’s dream with a plethora of lesser known peaks interspersed with bucket list hikes.
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Bedni Bugyal & Bagwawasa
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Nanda Devi East & Milam glacier
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