21 Treks Around Char Dhams for Adventure Lovers
Char Dham Yatra is one of the most exhilarating and fulfilling pilgrimage treks of India. The Char Dhams, namely, Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath hold a special significance not just for religious and spiritual people but for adventure seekers too.
Keeping the importance of Char Dhams in mind, we have compiled a list of treks that you can undertake around the four pilgrimage sites of the Char Dhams so that you get the best of not just the Char Dhams but its neighboring scenic spots.
List of Treks near Char Dhams - Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri
Treks around Kedarnath
1. Vasuki Tal
Trekking route: Gaurikund – Rambara – Garud Chatti – Kedarnath – Vasuki Tal
Situated 8kms ahead of Kedarnath, Vasuki Tal is a short trek which people visiting Kedarnath can easily take. The clear glacial lake gleams magically at an elevation of 4,135mts with beautiful Brahma Kapal and other Himalayan flowers blooming around it.
If you start the trek from Kedarnath itself, then you’ll have to cover a distance of 8kms. You can also start the trek from Gaurikund which is a 24kms trek.
2. Painya Tal
Trekking route: Gaurikund – Rambara – Garur Chatti – Kedarnath – Vasuki Tal - Painya Tal
Trek 3 kms ahead of Vasuki Tal, you’ll come across Painya Tal, an undiscovered lake lying peacefully at an altitude of 4,400 mts. Painya Tal lies close to Mayali Pass. Reaching here requires you to traverse through steep cliffs which are quite exhausting. The lake, however, takes away all your exhaustion with its serene raw beauty.
3. Gandhi Sarovar
Trekking route: Gaurikund – Kedarnath – Gandhi Sarovar
Situated at the mouth of Chorabari Bamak glacier, Gandhi Sarovar is a small crystal clear lake, also known as Chorabari Tal. Gandhi Sarovar lies at the foot of Kedarnath and Kirthi Stambh peak at an elevation of 3,900mts.
Gandhi Sarovar trek is just a 4 kms trek from Kedarnath and a total of 18kms trek from Gaurikund.
4. Panwali Kantha
Trekking route: Guttu – Gaurmanda – Panwali Kantha
Panwali Kantha trek is one of those treks that you wouldn’t want to miss out on. Situated at an elevation of 3,500mts, the meadows of Panwali Kantha offers you the rare view of the complete range of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath mountain peaks and a wide variety of flowering herbs and animals.
The trek takes you through the seven bugyals/meadows of Panwali Kantha. The lush green meadows are a treat to the eyes in the summers while the same meadows covered in snow during winters look breathtaking.
Panwali Kantha is just 27kms from Kedarnath. The trekking begins from Guttu and after a trek of 18kms amidst a captivating landscape, you reach Panwali Kantha.
Treks around Badrinath
1. Vasudhara Falls
Trekking route: Mana village – Saraswati temple – Vasudhara Falls
Situated just 6kms from Badrinath, Vasudhara Falls is a ravishing waterfall plunging from a height of 122mts and set at an elevation of 3,658mts. The 5kms trek starts from Mana village and goes through Saraswati temple. From Vasudhara Falls, you’ll be able to see the stunning views of Chaukhamba, Neelkantha, and Balakun's peak, also known as Alakapuri.
2. Satopanth Lake trek
Trekking route: Mana – Chakratirtha – Satopanth Lake
Satopanth Lake is a crystal clear glacial green lake worshipped as a holy and a mystical lake. The triangular lake is situated at an elevation of 4,600mts amidst mountain peaks decorated with snow. Located 14kms from the town of Badrinath, the Satopanth Lake trek is moderately difficult which challenges you at times.
However, the trails and the views of Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, and Satopanth among other peaks make the journey worthwhile.
3. Alkapuri glacier
Trekking route: Mana village – Alkapuri Glacier
Alkapuri glacier is an enormous glacier situated at the base of Balakun peak at an elevation of 4,600mts. The glacier is the source of the Alaknanda River and spreads into two valleys leading to Satopanth and Gaumukh. Alkapuri Glacier trek is suitable for anyone who loves mountains and traversing through a Himalayan crevasse.
The glacier lies out 15kms from Badrinath and a 12kms trek from Mana village takes you to this magnificent place.
4. Valley of Flowers
Trekking route: Govindghat – Ghangaria – Valley of Flowers
The Valley of Flowers is one of the most sought after trekking destinations of Uttarakhand. With its wide variety of exquisite Himalayan flora and diverse fauna, the Valley of Flowers is a bouquet of nature. Valley of Flowers is a national park and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Covering an expanse of 87.50 km2, Valley of Flowers is a trek that you must take at least once.
It is situated 25 kms from Badrinath and the trek starts from Govindghat. From Govindghat, you’ll trek for 17kms to Valley of Flowers. You can easily hire taxis till Govindghat from Badrinath.
5. Hemkund Sahib
Trekking route: Govindghat – Ghangaria – Hemkund Sahib
Hemkund Sahib is a gurudwara dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh located at an elevation of 4,632mts located by the crystal clear lake. Hemkund means ‘lake of snow’ and the pristine water of this lake is as cold as snow. The enchanting view of Hemkund Sahib surrounded by seven mountain peaks, each peak with the Sikh triangular flag, Nishan Sahib in its cliff is bound to make you spellbound.
Hemkund Sahib lies 13kms from Badrinath and the trek starts from Govindghat. From Govindghat, you’ll have to trek for 21kms to reach Hemkund Sahib.
Treks on the route of Kedarnath and Badrinath
1. Chopta- Tunganath- Chandrashila Trek
Trekking route: Chopta – Tunganath – Chandrashila
Tunganath temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the sacred Panch Kedars. Situated at an elevation of 3,680mts, Tunganath Temple is the highest temple of Lord Shiva. The temple stands tall at Chandranath Parvat.
Ahead of Tungnath, at a short gradient of 1.5 kms lies Chandrashila peak, standing tall at an elevation of 4,000mts.
The Chandrashila Tunganath Trek is one of the most popular treks of Uttarakhand. The picturesque trail of the trek and the exhilarating view of the snow-capped mountains with peaks like Kedarnath Dome, Chaukhamba, Trishul, and Nanda Devi surrounding you, all lead to an extraordinary experience.
The base camp for Chandrashila Tunganath Trek is Chopta, a beautiful scenic hamlet with its own charm.
2.Deoria Tal
Trekking route: Sari village – Deoria Tal
The emerald lake situated at an elevation 2,438mts provides you an experience of two worlds- one being the pristine beauty of the flora, fauna, and the surrounding mountain peaks, and the other being the mesmerizing reflections of the surrounding in the crystal clear water of the lake, the most prominent one being of the Chaukhamba peak.
Since Deoria Tal falls under the Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary, you will get to see animals strolling around the lake early in the morning.
Treks around Gangotri
1. Bhojbasa Trek
Trekking route: Gangotri – Bhojbasa
Bhojbasa is a picturesque location lying 14kms from Gangotri. The rugged terrains and the rough barren land alongside the Bhagirathi River give Bhojbasa a raw feel to it. Since Bhojpbasa is located on the way to Gaumukh Glacier, which lies 4 kms ahead of it, temporary accommodation facilities are plenty in Bhojbasa.
If you are feeling adventurous after visiting Gangotri and want to advance further, then Bhojbasa is the spot trek for you.
2. Gaumukh
Trekking route: Gangotri – Bhojbasa – Gaumukh
Gaumukh is the snout of Gangotri Glacier and the source of the Bhagirathi River. The snout resembles the shape of a cow’s head and hence the name ‘Gaumukh’. Gaumukh is just 4kms from Bhojbasa and goes through rocky terrains. Mount Shivling looks exhilarating from Gaumukh.
3. Tapovan
Trekking route: Gangotri – Bhojbasa – Gaumukh – Tapovan
Located at an elevation of 4,463mts, Tapovan is a famous trekking destination at the foot of the Shivling peak. Tapovan serves as the base camp for treks to Shivling peak, Bhagirathi peak, etc. The large meadows, gushing streams, and wild floras set amidst the majestic Himalayan peaks of Nanda Devi, Bhagirathi peak, etc.
Tapovan is located just 5kms from Gaumukh glacier.
4. Gangotri Glacier Trek
Trekking route: Gangotri – Bhojbasa – Gaumukh – Gangotri Glacier
The 30kms long and 4kms wide Gangotri glacier is one of the largest glaciers in the Himalayas and one of the primary sources of Ganges. Goumukh is the terminus of the Gangotri Glacier and the Goumukh-Gangotri trek is undertaken by many pilgrims who visit Gangotri temple and by adventure seekers who wish to trek to this magnificent glacier.
5. Kedartal
Trekking route: Gangotri – Bhojkharak – Kedar Kharak – Kedartal
Kedartal, which is also known as Shiva’s Lake is a glacial lake situated at an elevation of 4,750mts. The 18kms trek from Gangotri is an adventurous and a difficult one. From Kedartal, you’ll be able to see Mt. Gangotri, Mt. Thalaysagar, Mt. Bhrigupanth, and Mt. Jogin right in front of you.
The views from Kedartal and the view while trekking towards Kedartal is one of the best with mountain peaks, high altitude pastures, and magnificent pine forests accompanying you as you move further.
6. Dodital with Darwa Top/Pass Trek
Trekking route: Sangam Chatti – Agoda – Bebra – Manjhi – Dodital – Darwa Top
Situated at an elevation of 3,010mts, Dodital is an emerald lake lying amidst dense oak, pine, and deodar forests. Unlike other treks mentioned above, for Dodital trek doesn’t start off from Gangotri. It’s an interesting trek near Gangotri, which starts from Sangam Chatti. Sangam Chatti to Dodital is a 22kms trek traversing through dense oak, deodar, and rhododendron trees.
A 10 kms trek from Dodital will take you to Darwa Pass, situated at an elevation of 4,150mts. Darwa Pass offers you mesmerizing views of the Himalayan horizon with peaks like Banderpoonch Massif distinctively visible from the top.
7. Shivling Base Camp Trek
Trekking route: Gangotri – Bhojwassa – Gaumukh – Tapovan – Meru Glacier – Nandanvan – Vasuki Tal – Bhojwassa
Mount Shivling is one of the most sacred peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas soaring at an elevation of 6,543mts. It is a difficult trek which starts from Gangotri and goes through Gaumukh, Tapovan, Meru Glacier, Nandanvan, and Vasuki Tal, all of which offer spectacular views and a terrain worth exploring.
8. Sat Tal Harsil Trek
Trekking route: Harsil – Dharali village – Sat Tal
Sat Tal is a cluster of seven beautiful high altitude natural lakes located near the town of Harsil. Harsil is located just 25kms from Gangotri and the trek begins from Dharali village which is located about 2kms from Harsil. The 3 kms trek towards Sat Tal is an easy one which goes through a picturesque landscape.
All the lakes are close to each other and the view is refreshing to the soul.
Treks around Yamunotri
1. Ruinsara Tal
Trekking route: Sankri – Taluka – Osla – Har Ki Doon – Debshu Bugyal – Ruinsara Tal – Bali Pass – Yamunotri
Located at an elevation of 3,500mts at the foot of Mt.Kalanag, Ruinsara Tal is a clear water lake surrounded by wildflowers and alpine pastures. The trek to Ruinsara Tal passes through Har ki Dun Valley, famous for its scenic landscape, and Bali Pass, which is also known as Yamunotri pass. To the south-west of Ruinsara Tal, lies Yamuna Kanta, which is the pass leading to Yamunotri.
Bonus
Khatling Shahasratal Trek
Trekking route: Guttu – Reeh – Gangi – Kharsali – Bhedikharag – Khatling glacier
Khatling glacier is a lateral glacier perched at an elevation of about 4,000mts. The glacier is the source of Bhilangna River which is one of the major tributaries of Bhagirathi River. To the west of the glacier lies Sahastratal and to the east of the glacier lies Masartal and Vasuki Tal. The trek to Khatling glacier is a hard one suitable for adventure seekers with good fitness level.
Khatling glacier is 20kms from Kedarnath and 19kms from Gangotri.
Char Dham Guide
- Char Dham Tours - Char Dham Hotels - Char Dham Car Rentals
- Char Dham Yatra Guidelines - Char Dham Registration Guide
- Char Dham Route - Char Dham Travel Tips - Char Dham News
- Importance of Char Dham Yatra - Char Dham Yatra
- Kedarnath Helicopter Services - Char Dham Yatra by Helicopter
- Do Dham Same Day Heli Tour
Char Dham Destinations
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