Uttarkashi is the gateway to your adventures in Himalayas. There are plethora of scenic hikes and treks near Uttarkashi for that can cater to a novice and even an experienced campaigner.
From Day-hikes to Multi-day treks, from high altitude to lakes to rolling meadows treks near Uttarkashi has got it all. Therefore, I have consolidated this list based on my experience and knowledge. So lets get started.
9 Epic Treks Near Uttarkashi For A Thrilling Experience
Uttarkashi district is home to several popular and relatively obscure treks. Meadows, Alpine lakes, Mountains passes, vantage points you name it, Uttarkashi has got it all.
Therefore, here are treks nearby Uttarkashi which start from the administrative town of Uttarkashi. So keeping this in mind lets get started.
By the way, if its your first to time to Uttarkhand, here is a list of things to pack for a trip to Uttarakhand.
Dayara Bugyal – One Of The Most Famous Treks Near Uttarkashi
Dayara bugyal needs absolutely no introduction. The hike to rolling meadows of Dayara is the perfect for those beginners wanting to commence their hiking journey.
Dayara bugyal offers delightful views of Snowy lofty peaks which will certainly awestruck you. Plus the gradual trail along with short its relatively shorter distance will be perfect for beginners.
Although, most trekking companies run this trek for multi-days & during the winter, It can easily done as a day-hike even for beginners who have decent fitness. I personal did the Dayara bugyal trek as a day hike.
By the way, here is a detailed guide on how to reach Uttarkashi as a first time traveler from the major cities and towns.
| Base
Raithal OR Barsu village |
| Altitude
3000 to 3400 m |
| Total Distance
18 Km |
| Best time
Throughout the year |
Gaumukh Tapovan – Trek To The Actual Source Of River Ganga
How does the idea of trekking to source of River Ganga with a chance of witnessing the colossal peaks up close sound to you ? Exhilarating right ?
Well Gaumukh Tapovan trek is exactly what I just described, hiking to the actual source of the holy River Ganga which rises from snout of Gaumukh glacier.
The trek receives a decent footfall thanks to pilgrims and trekkers frequenting the trail. Also, the scenic vistas that the trail has to offer makes it absolutely worth the effort to be honest.
| Base
Gangotri |
| Highest Altitude
4300 m |
| Total Distance
46 Km |
| Best Time
May-June, September-October |
Gidara Bugyal – One Of The Grandest Meadow Treks Near Uttarkashi
Not very far from the famous Dayara bugyal lies Gidara bugyal perched at an higher elevation with even grander views of Himalayan peaks and scenic vistas enroute.
While it is certainly not as easy as Dayara, but it still can be attempted by the beginners to be honest. The views are grander, the meadow is bigger than Dayara.
Gidara bugyal has multiple approaches, but the route from Bhangeli is the most famous one. Alternatives are Tihar village or via Barsul/Raithal.
By the way, here are 13 surreal places to visit near Uttarkashi that are pretty.
| Base
Bhangeli/Raithal/Barsu/Tihar |
| Highest Elevation
4240 m |
| Total Distance
Depends on the base. 26 Km from The Bhangeli route. |
| Best Time
May-June & September-October |
Kedartal – Alpine Lake, Lofty Peaks, Ethereal Vistas
Gangotri is the base for ultimate treks near Uttarkashi and Kedartal is one of them.
Perched at an altitude of around 5000 m Kedartal is an alpine lake with an opportunity to witness mount Thalaysagar, Bhrigupanth, & more very closely.
Of course, the trek is not easy unlike some other treks in the region like Dayara Bugyal, but of course the landscapes are just awe-inspiring.
| Base
Gangotri |
| Highest Elevation
5000 m |
| Total Distance
50 km |
| Best Time
May-June & September-October |
Lamkhaga Pass – An Epic Crossover Trek From Harsil To Chitkul
Are you an avid trekker looking to up your trekking game with a challenging crossover trek with otherworldly landscapes, then Lamkhaga pass is for you.
The trail starts from the Bagori village of Harsil and ends at the Famous Chitkul valley of Baspa valley, Kinnaur via Lamkhaga pass.
Alpine lake, otherworldly meadows, lofty peaks, forest trail & an epic crossover, this trek has got it all. This trek might be very challenging for absolute beginners.
By the way, here is a super handy Uttarkashi travel itinerary for those wanting to experience the beauty of Uttarkashi.
| Base village
Bagori, Harsil |
| Highest altitude
5300 m |
| Total distance
Around 90 km |
| Best time
May-June & September |
Dodital – The Birthplace Of Lord Ganesha
Dodital perched at around 3300 m is a lake with religious importance. The trail to Dodital is fairly easy and perfect for speed hiking and beginners wanting to start out.
Experience hikers can take things up a notch and reach or even crossover to Dayara bugyal via Darwa top for that matter. But for beginners trekking to Dodital will be a good experience.
There is a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh at the lake and of course the vistas are spell binding throughout the trail to Dodital.
| Base
Sangam Chatti |
| Highest Elevation
3300 m |
| Total Distance
44 km |
| Best Time
Throughout the year except for Jan & Feb. |
Dhumdhar Kandi – A Challenging Crossover Trek To Sankri With Ultimate Grandeur Of Himalayas
Are you an experienced trekker looking for a challenging trek with insane vistas ? Dhumdhar Kandi might be a really great option for you.
The trail to Dhumdhar Kandi starts from the pretty village of Jhala and ends at Sankri via Dhumdhar kandi pass perched at an altitude of 5490 m.
The trek provides surreal views of Kalanag, Swargarohini black peak enroute. Alpine lake of Ruinsara taal also fall on the route, which makes it quite rewarding.
Are you planning to visit Uttarkashi soon, this blog will answer your question of how safe Uttarkashi is for travelers.
| Base
Jhala |
| Highest Elevation
5490 m |
| Total Distance
60 km |
| Best Time
May-June & September |
Kush Kalyan – One Of The Most Beginner Friendly Treks That Start From Uttarkashi
Kush Kalyan perched at around 3100 m is a beautiful meadow located in Tehri garwhal district but also accessible from Uttarkashi town.
The meadows can be approached from the village of Malla and its relatively lower altitude is perfect for those trekkers who are just starting out their journey.
This trek near Uttarkashi can be a great alternative for those looking to escape the crowd of Dayara but wanting an easy trail with incredible landscapes of the Himalayas.
| Base
Malla/Sila village |
| Highest Altitude
3100 m |
| Total Distance
16 km |
| Best Time
Throughout the year except Jan & Feb. |
Khedatal – One of The Best Off The Beaten Hikes Near Uttarkashi
If you love to tread on off the beaten path, the trek to Khedatal will be a perfect one for you. Perched at around 3400 m is a lake perched above Bukki village.
Incidentally I heard about this trek from a local of Bhatwari village while traveling to Uttarkashi. The idea of hiking to a not so high-altitude lake with a relatively easy trail and lesser footfall did excite me.
By the way, here are 8 noteworthy reasons why Uttarkashi is absolute worth the visit.
| Base
Bhatwari |
| Elevation
3400 m |
| Total distance
Around 35 km |
| Best Time
March-June & September-December |
Treks that Start from Sankri Region
If you are an avid trekker, you might know that there is no end to treks starting from Sankri region. Although this blog is about treks near Uttarkashi town the administrative capital of the Uttarkashi district.
I thought why not add the famous ones in Uttarkashi district as whole. This is just a brief list thought.
| Kedarkantha – India’s Most famous Winter Trek |
| Har Ki Dun – The valley of Gods |
| Bali Pass – Crossover trek from Sankri to Yamunotri |
| Borasu Pass – Crossover trek from Sankri to Chitkul |
| Ruinsara Tal – High altitude lake in Har Ki Dun valley |
| Dev Kyara – A beautiful trek in Jakhol region |
| Khimloga Pass – An Extremely difficult crossover trek from Liwari To Chitkul |
| Bharadsar Lake – High altitude lake in Himachal- Uttarakhand border with one route from Kasla |
This brings me to the end of this blog. I hope this consolidated list of Treks near Uttarkashi will help you find and embark on treks as per your comfort and expertise.
In case you have any queries on trails near Uttarkashi, do not hesitate to ask. Make sure to drop them in the comments below and I’ll be happy to answer them.
