It’s Friday again and the clock is ticking and you excitedly check the time every now and then. The clock hits your target and you gleefully walk towards the exit. The week has come to an end and you start preparing for the weekend. Only to realize that the weekend ended way too fast and you still haven’t rejuvenated from the previous week.
Sounds familiar? You are not alone. This happens to almost all of us and that’s why we want to share our secret for a lively week. And they are - Weekend Getaways. And not just some random getaway, we are talking about weekend treks that’ll not just renew your energy but will also open you too much more exciting experiences.
The landscape of Uttarakhand makes it suitable for different types of treks and the variation in terrain caters to everyone, whether a beginner or a professional. Here are 10 amazing weekend and extended weekend treks in Uttarakhand that’s easy, exciting, and fun.
2020 brings some good news for people who like to travel, trek and explore new places a lot, but due mostly cancel plans year after year due to leaves issues. But this 2020 there are many long weekends in which you can plan your treks and expeditions in Uttarakhand.
Weekend | ||||
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Start Date | Holiday Date | Occasion | Details | |
21 Feb | 21 Feb, Friday | Maha Shivratri | 3 Day Long Weekend | |
7 March | 10 Mar, Tuesday | Holi | 4 Day Long weekend if taken Monday leave | |
2 April | 2 Apr, Thursday | Ram Navami | 5 Day Long Weekend if taken Friday off | |
6 Apr, Monday | Mahavir Jayanti | |||
10 April | 10 Apr, Friday | Good Friday | Can be converted into 3/4/5 days extended long weekend depending the holidays you get | |
13 Apr, Monday | Baisakhi | |||
14 Apr, Tuesday | Ambedkar Jayanti | |||
23 May | 25 May, Mon | Id-Ul-Fitr (Ramzan Id) | 3 Day Long Weekend | |
31 July | 31 July Friday | Bakri Eid | 3 Day Long Weekend | |
12 August | 12 Aug, Wed | Janmashtami | Taking off on two days will make your extended week perfect for trekking | |
29 August | 31 Aug, Monday | Onam | 3 Day Long Weekend | |
2 October | 2 Oct, Friday | Gandhi Jayanti | 3 Day Long Weekend | |
14 November | 16 Nov, Monday | Diwali | Long weekend to enjoy in the Himalayas | |
28 November | 30 Nov, Monday | Guru Nanak Jayanti | 3 Day Long Weekend | |
25 December | 25 Dec, Friday | Christmas | 3 Day Long Weekend, perfect for winter treks | |
*Note: Some holidays are state specific, so you can plan as per your holidays. |
Altitude: 4000 mts
Trek Distance: 10 kms
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Duration: 4 days
Route: Delhi - Rishikesh - Rudraprayag - Ukhimath/Gopeshwar- Chopta - Tunganath - Chandrashila
Chopta Chandrashila trek is one of those popular treks in Uttarakhand that can be undertaken throughout the year. Chandrashila that literally suggests the ‘Moon Rock’ is the summit of the Chandranath Parvat on which the Tungnath temple of Panch Kedar is situated.
The trekking will begin from Chopta. Chopta serves as the perfect base camp for your trek to Chandrashila with its 360? panoramic views of the snow-clad mountains. From Chopta, you’ll trek for 3.5kms to reach Tunganath temple, and further 1.5kms to reach the Chandrashila summit. The easy gradient of the trek makes it quite suitable for people with moderate fitness levels.
Also Read: About Chopta | How To Reach Chopta | Chopta Packages | Chopta Photos
Altitude: 2,438 mts
Trek Distance: 2.3 kms
Difficulty Level: Easy
Duration: 2 days
Route: Delhi - Rishikesh - Rudraprayag - Ukhimath - Sari village - Deoria Tal
Calmly seated at an altitude of 2,438mts, Deoria Tal is an emerald-green lake with the enchanting surroundings. From Deoria Tal you’ll get to see the panoramic views of the gorgeous Chaukamba, Neelkantha, Thalaysagar, Meru, Sumeru & several other named & unnamed peaks of Garhwal Himalayas. The reflection of the mighty Chaukhamba peak the crystal clear waters of Deoria Tal is hypnotizing.
The trek to Deoria Tal begins from Sari village and is an easy one. Since it is just a 2kms trek, it is perfect for amateur trekkers and kids. If you can extend your trip, then you can trek further to Chopta, Tunganath, and Chandrashila.
Also Read: About Devariyatal | How To Reach Deoriyatal | Devariyatal Packages | Deoriyatal Photos
Altitude: 3,025 mts
Trek Distance: 16 kms (approx.)
Difficulty Level: Easy
Duration: 2 days
Route: Dehradun- Pantwari - Nag Tibba
Located at an elevation of 3025mts, Nag Tibba or Serpent’s Peak is the highest peak in lower Himalayas of Garhwal region. The trek begins from the village of Pantwari and can be completed with ease in two days. A fairly easy trek, Nag Tibba trek is one of the most popular weekend treks from Delhi and Uttarakhand.
Nag Tibba trek is open all year round with springs and summers offering a pleasant atmosphere and a great camping experience. Winters are no less with snow covering the trails and the grand views of the snow-clad mountains. From Nag Tibba, you can see the stunning Bandarpoonch peak, the Gangotri group of peaks, Kedarnath range and parts of Doon valley.
Also Read: About Nag Tibba | How To Reach Nag Tibba | Nag Tibba Photos
Altitude: 3,056 mts
Trek Distance: 3 kms
Difficulty Level: Easy
Duration: 4 days
Route: Delhi - Rishikesh - Joshimath - Auli - Gorson Bugyal
Located at an altitude of 3,056mts, Gorson Bugyal is a scenic meadow full of green pastures and coniferous forests. Gorson Bugyal is just 3kms for Auli and if you have extra time, you can extend your stay to enjoy Auli to the fullest.
There is a place called Chattarkund located just 1kms from Gorson Bugyal. Chattarkund is a lake which is famous for its sweet water. The lake is situated amidst dense forest, with the Himalayas overlooking it. Gorson Bugyal with its calm and nostalgia-filled landscape is perfect for spending time in nature away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The journey from Delhi to Joshimath is 14hrs long. From Joshimath, you’ll take a ropeway to Auli. Auli serves as the base for your trek to Gorson Bugyal.
Also Read: About Gorson Bugyal | How To Reach Gorson Bugyal | Gorson Bugyal Packages | Gorson Bugyal Photos
Altitude: 3050 mts
Trek Distance: 3 km
Difficulty Level: Easy
Duration: 2 Days
Route: The temple is famous for the trek route from the dense forest to the ridge from where you can see majestic sunrise and beautiful sunset. It is also famous for its natural beauty, birds and uninterrupted view of Himalayan peaks.
You can see snow clad peaks starting from Bandar Punch in the west, Kedarnath Dome, Meru and Sumeru, Chaukhambha peak, Neelkanth, Dronagiri, Nanda Ghunti, Trishul and Nanda Devi group of peaks.
During March and April you will find an abundance of rhododendron on the trek, during Aug and September it's all green around and during winter you will see the most clear and closer view of the snow-clad Himalayan range
Also Read: About Kartikswami, How to reach Kartikswami, Kartikswami tour packages, Kartikswami Photos.
In 2020 You will get many extended long weekends, so you can plan for following treks as well.
Altitude: 3,800 mts
Trek Distance: 19 kms
Difficulty Level: Easy-Moderate
Duration: 4 days
Route: Delhi - Dehradun - Sankri - Juda ka Talab - Kedarkantha Base Camp - Summit
Kedarkantha is one of the most scenic and popular treks in Uttarakhand. Lately, it has been gaining a lot of popularity as a skiing destination and is considered the best winter trek. But summers in Kedarkantha have their own appeal and these features make you want to visit Kedarkantha more than once. The trail takes you through dense pine forests with gorgeous views of the lush green meadows and the towering Himalayas.
Normally a trek to Kedarkantha takes 6 days but we have customized the package for a weekend getaway. Your trek will start from the lovely Sankri village and go through the mesmerizing Juda ka Talab. The Kedarkantha summit stands tall at an altitude of 3,900mts and the view from the summit is captivating.
If you have got time, we advise you to extend your trip duration to get more out of Kedarkantha trek.
Also Read: About Kedarkantha | How To Reach Kedarkantha | Kedarkantha Packages | Kedarkantha Photos
Altitude: 1600-3800 mts
Trek Distance: 9 km
Difficulty Level: Easy-Moderate
Duration: 3 Nights
Route: Dehradun - Uttarkashi - Barsu - Barnal Tal - Dayara Bugyal
An ideal trek for long weekends, Dayara Bugyal can be a perfect start for beginners. This region receives heavy snowfall during winters. The trek goes through open land and dense forest at different places ending up at the vast expanse of a lush green meadow. Most of the trekkers start their trek from Barsu village and they trek down via Raithal to see the scenic beauty of both the routes.
Also Read: About Dayara Bugyal, How to reach Dayara Bugyal, Dayara Bugyal Photos.
Altitude: 1350 - 4150 mts
Trek Distance: 22 km
Difficulty Level: Easy-Moderate
Duration: 4 Nights
Route: Dehradun - Uttarkashi - Sangam Chatti - Bebra - Dodital
Dodital Trek is one of the most beautiful treks in Uttarakhand. Dodital is an emerald lake nestled amidst high mountains at an altitude of 3310 mts above sea level. With its serene setting and tranquil environs, Dodi Tal is arguably one of the most beautiful high altitude lakes of North India.
Also read: About Dodital, How to reach Dodital, Dodital Photos,
Altitude: 3500 mts
Trek Distance: 17 km
Difficulty Level: Easy-Moderate
Duration: 4 Nights
Route: Rishikesh - Joshimath - Govindghat - Ghangaria - Valley of flower
Bestowed with the rare and exotic Himalayan flora, the Valley of Flowers is a bouquet of nature peacefully snuggled in the West Himalayan region of Uttarakhand. The trek of Valley of flowers goes through dense forests, along with the Pushpawati river and can be reached by crossing many bridges, glaciers, and waterfalls on the way.
This glaring piece of nature is an Indian National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site exhibiting plush meadows blossomed with endemic alpine flowers and diverse fauna in this valley.
Also read: About Valley of flowers, How to reach Valley of flowers, Weather of Valley of flowers, Valley of flowers Photos.
Altitude: 3400 mts
Trek Distance: 19 km
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Duration: 3 Nights
Route: Rishikesh - Sagar Village - Pun Bugyal - Panar Bugyal - Rudranath
Rudranath, the highly revered temple of Lord Shiva is peacefully adorned in the Garhwal Himalayas. It is the fourth temple to visit in the circuit of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage.
The celestial temple is snuggled inside the rhododendron forests and the alpine meadows. The exhilarating trek to Rudranath temple can be either commenced from Sagar village, Helang or Urgam village.
Rudranath temple is the toughest one to reach in comparison with other temples of Panch Kedar. The Himalayan peaks adding to the glory of Rudranath are Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nanda Ghunti.
Also read: About Rudranath, Places to see in Rudranath, Rudranath Photos.
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