20 Best Treks around Chardham Yatra

Every year during the pilgrimage season thousands of devotees travel to the state of Uttarakhand to go for a religious pilgrimage. The famous spiritual tour called the Char Dham Yatra is filled with a wide range of spiritual activities and also adventure activities. Many tourists from all over the country also visit the Chardham sites alongside sightseeing as they are located in picturesque backdrop. Most of the local sightseeing spots are within 3 km distance, so this also a fun activity with amazing places enroute. Pilgrims take the Prashad darshan, a holy dip in the Kund waters, and various treks by foot as the shrines are located in high altitude areas. Here are the top 20 best Treks around Chardham Yatra to try.

Treks around Kedarnath

  • Vasuki Tal

    Trek Route : Gaurikund – Rambara – Garud Chatti – Kedarnath – Vasuki Tal
    Distance in km : 8 km from Kedarnath

    This is one of the shortest and best treks for beginners or a person who has not trekked earlier in his or her life. It is also the simplest form of trekking, so the people with average health also can take this trek. It is one of the most picturesque places on earth even for sightseeing in Uttarakhand. Situated at a towering altitude of 4,135 meters, the lake of glaciers reflects the light ad blooms flowers around the great Himalayan peaks, especially the Brahma Kapal. While the distance from Kedarnath site is 8 km, the total distance from the trek start point of Gaurikund given above trek route is of total 24 kms.

  • Paniya Tal

    Trek Route : Gaurikund – Rambara – Garud Chatti – Kedarnath – Vasuki Tal – Paniya Tal
    Distance in km : 11 km from Kedarnath

    This is one of the shortest and best treks for beginners or a person who has not trekked earlier in his or her life. It is also the simplest form of trekking, so the people with average health also can take this trek. It is one of the most picturesque places on earth even for sightseeing in Uttarakhand. Situated at a towering altitude of 4,135 meters, the lake of glaciers reflects the light ad blooms flowers around the great Himalayan peaks, especially the Brahma Kapal. While the distance from Kedarnath site is 8 km, the total distance from the trek start point of Gaurikund given above trek route is of total 24 kms.

  • Gandhi Sarovar

    Trek Route: Gaurikund – Kedarnath – Vasuki Tal
    Distance in km: 4 km from Kedarnath

    Situated in the lap of Kedarnath at the peak of Kirthi Stambh mountain, it is nestled in the heart of the glacier Chorabari Bamak. This Gandhi Sarovar is also famously called the Chorabari Tal and is one of the closest treks to the pilgrimage site Kedarnath. The total distance from the starting point of Gaurikund till Chorabari Tal is 18 kms but it is just 4 km distance from Kedarnath situated at the height of 3,900 meters.

  • Panwali Kantha

    Trek Route: Guttu – Gaurmanda – Panwali Kantha
    Distance in km: 27 km from Kedarnath

    This trek begins at the starting point of Guttu and the trekkers go though much nature – green meadows, lush bugyals, blooming flora, and is a soothing peaceful upward walk on foot. The best thing about this favorite trek among trekkers is the massive view of all the pilgrimage spots – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath mountain peaks. On the way people also can spot the rare fauna and different animals. The slopes of this mountain trek is covered with lush greenery in summer months and when you trek in the winters, you can find a blanketed snow over the mountains.

  • Vasudhara Falls

    Trek Route: Mana Village – Saraswati Temple – Vasudhara Falls
    Distance in km: 6 km from Badrinath

    The beautiful waterfalls from a height of 122 meters situated at a height of 3,658 meters this top sightseeing place in Uttarakhand is only five kilometers from the famous pilgrimage site – Badrinath. The peak tops gives an outstanding view of various other peaks such as Balakun’s peak or Alkapuri, and even Chaukhamba and Neelkanta. It is one of the best treks around Badrinath with rocky path.

  • Satopanth Lake

    Trek Route: Mana Village – Chakratirtha – Satopanth Lake
    Distance in km: 14 km from Badrinath

    The trekkers to this lake top will go not only for the sightseeing and experience of trekking but also to take the mystical blessings. This hard rock terrain is more for the moderate trekker to experienced due to the challenges during trekking. On the trek you get to view other peaks such as Neelkanth, Chaukhamba, and Satopanth. This crystal clear lake of Satopanth is worshiped as it is considered a sacred lake. It is at a towering height of 4,600 km surrounded by various famous mountain peaks. While it is rocky and green in summer months, it gets covered in beautiful snow during cold winter months. It is situated 14 km from Badrinath town.

  • Alkapuri Glacier

    Trek Route: Mana Village – Alkapuri Glacier
    Distance in km: 15 km from Badrinath

    This is one of the best treks around Himalayas and the people who would like to travel through Himalayan ranges. This is one of the top most treks in Uttarakhand standing at an elevation of 4,600 meters. It is also one of the biggest glaciers located as the Balkun peak’s base. The source of River Alaknanda river is from this enormous glacier. It also flows into two other valleys called Gaumukh and also Satopanth. It is only 12 km distance for trekking from Mana Village and 15 km from town of Badrinath. This is one of the picturesque treks that you can take in the Himalayan mountains.

  • Valley of Flowers

    Trek Route: Govind Ghat – Ghangaria – Valley of Flowers
    Distance in km: 25 km from Badrinath

    The trekking that is 17 km from starting point of the trek which is Govind Ghat is one of the best treks for visitors and even tourists from around the world. It is famously known for a sightseeing and trekking destination that is most sought after. There are so many blooming flowers and diverse flora and fauna in the Valley of Flowers and the name is given so. Moreover, this place is also approved as UNESCO world heritage site. The Valley of Flowers is one of the most beautiful national parks in India spreading across an area of 87.50 sq. km. It is as far as 25 km from the town of Badrinath but there are taxis available on hire up to Govind Ghat.

  • Hemkund Sahib

    Trek Route: Govind Ghat – Ghangaria – Hemkund Sahib
    Distance in km: 13 km from Badrinath

    The Hemkund Sahib translates into ‘Lake of Snow’ and is filled with crystal clear pristine waters in the lake. It is a snowy place in winters and stands at a towering elevation of 4,632 meters and the ice cold water is also freezing. There are a total of seven peaks around this beautiful lake and a Sikh triangular flag on each peak, Nishan Sahib in the mountain cliff. The picturesque location of the Gurdwara dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh is one of the best trips to view with the lake waters on the sides. The total trekking distance from starting point is 21 km to reach Hemkund Sahib.

  • Bhojbasa Trek

    Trek Route: Gangotri – Bhojbasa
    Distance in km: 14 km from Gangotri

    This is one of the shortest and best treks for pilgrims looking to trek around the four holy sites. This one is just within 14 km of the Maa Gangotri by the River Bhagirathi. The rocky rugged mountainous region gives a dry look to the entire region by the river. The Bhojbasa Trek is on the route to the Gaumukh glacier, there are also several accommodations available for a stop gap purpose. It is only 4 km further to this beautiful glacier. This is one of the best trekking places around Gangotri.

  • Gaumukh Glacier

    Trek Route: Gangotri – Bhojbasa – Gaumukh glacier

    This is one of the most beautiful glaciers situated in Uttarakshi that is only 4 km further up from the previous location. This is the source of water for the River Bhagirathi from this Gaumukh glacier. It is believed to be visible in the shape of a cow’s head and so is the name ‘Gaumukh’ given to it. This is the center of the Gangotri Glacier and the trek to this if also full of rocky mountainous terrain. There is another amazing view that the pilgrims and trekkers will get from here which is the Mount Shivling.

  • Tapovan

    Trek Route: Gangotri – Bhojbasa – Gaumukh – Tapovan

    It is the most famous trekkers favorite destination situated at the peak of the Mount Shivling peak. Sitting at the elevation of 4463 meters this trekkers point also serves as the base camp for the several other treks to the other peaks around such as Bhagirathi peak in addition to the Shivling peak. The vast lush meadows, the clear waters running from mountain streams, and wild flowers around gives an amazing view to the Himalayan mountains such as Bhagirathi, Nanda Devi and all. That is one of the major reasons that it is a trekker’s favorite for many. All these treks are in one above another so it is only 5 km far away from the Gaumukh glacier.

  • Gangotri Glacier Trek

    Trek Route: Gangotri – Bhojbasa – Gaumukh – Gangotri Glacier

    This is one of the lengthiest and wide treks and is a favorite for many. It is said to be 30 km in length and 4 km in width making the Gangotri glacier trek one of the largest in the Himalayan mountain range. Moreover, the Gangotri glacier is the main source of water of the River Ganges. This is a favorite trek among many pilgrims at the Ma Gangotri shrine and also adventure enthusiasts. The terminus is at the Gaumukh and the Gaumukh – Gangotri trek is often taken to see the great Himalayas.

  • Kedar Tal

    Trek Route: Gangotri – Bhojkharak – Kedar Kharak – Kedar Tal
    Distance in km: 18 km from Gangotri

    This is one of the lengthiest and wide treks and is a favorite for many. It is said to be 30 km in length and 4 km in width making the Gangotri glacier trek one of the largest in the Himalayan mountain range. Moreover, the Gangotri glacier is the main source of water of the River Ganges. This is a favorite trek among many pilgrims at the Ma Gangotri shrine and also adventure enthusiasts. The terminus is at the Gaumukh and the Gaumukh – Gangotri trek is often taken to see the great Himalayas.

  • Dodital with Darwa Top / Darwa Pass trek

    Trek Route: Sangam Chatti – Agoda – Bebra – Manjhi – Dodi Tal – Darwa Top

    This is one of the most picturesque landscape on the planet with pine trees, dense oak, deodar forest land. It is filled with snow in winter months and you can find many rhodo dendron trees. This trek is a bit different from various other treks mentioned earlier. Here, the trek starting point is not the holy site of Gangotri but it starts at Sangam Chatti. This region to the final trek end Dodi Tal is a total of 22 km through which you can find the pine forests, and other trees that grow in the snowy region.

    Once you get here, there is another 10 km trekking to do to reach the Darwa Pass. This one is higher as it is at an elevation of 4150 meters. The Darwa Top provides a great view of beautiful peaks such as the Bander poonch Massif and the great Himalayan ranges which is uniquely witnessed from the peak top.

  • Shivling Base Camp Trek

    Trek Route: Gangotri – Bhojwassa – Gaumukh – Tapovan – Nandanvan - Vasuki Tal - Bhojwasa

    It is the most sacred treks as the pilgrims and trekkers or visitors will see the Mount Shivling in the backdrop. It is known to be one of the holy and most sacred peaks around the Garhwal Himalayan tops, a region believed that ‘Where man meets God and God meets Earth’. This is one of the highest altitude level as it is as 6543 meters. This trek is not for the faint hearted as it is one of the toughest treks that requires a lot of preparation to journey through the tough terrain. The Mount Shivling Base Camp Trek starting point is Gangotri via Gaumukh, Tapovan, (which is a popular trek route) Meru glacier, Nandanvan, and finally Vasuki Tal before you finish the trekking destination.

  • Sat Tal Harsil Trek

    Trek Route: Harsil – Dharali Village – Sat Tal
    Distance in km:Distance in km

    The Sat Tal means Sevel lakes as it is a gathering of seven different lakes at high altitude towards the town of Harsil. This beautiful village is all of 25 km from the Gangotri site of pilgrimage. While the trek starting point is from the Dharali village that is just 2 km from the Harsil, then the trek from there is km to reach Sat Tal. The seven lakes are all situated close to each other. The trek is worthwhile with refreshing views and peaceful views.

  • Ruinsara Tal

    Trek Route: Sankri - Taluka – Osla – Har Ki Doon – Debshu Bugyal – Ruinsara Tal – Bali Pass - Yamunotri

    This is the one and only trek that can be categorized as the treks near or around Yamunotri. It is an an elevation of 3500 meters situated at the base of Mount Kalang. This clear water lake called Ruinsara Tal is one of the most picturesque lakes around. There are Himalayan wild flowers, and alpine landscape. The Bali Pass which is also known as the Yamunotri Pass is famous for the amazing nature all around. Yamuna Kanta is towards the south-west of Ruinsara Tal that is the pass leading to the Yamunotri.

  • Chopta – Tunganath – Chandrashila Trek

    The Tunganath temple is one of the most sacred temples and one of Panch Kedars. It is dedicated to Shiva and is the highest temple for Shiva devotees that stands at an elevation of 3680 meters at Chandranath Parvat. The Mt. Chandrashila peak is only 1.5 km ahead of the Tunganath temple. This is a higher altitude of around 4000 meters. This is one of the most popular treks in Uttarakhand and is remarkably one of the toughest treks that a pilgrim can take. However, it is worth the picturesque view of the trekking trail with the snow topped mountains and famous mountain peaks of Kedarnath Dome, Trishul, Nanda Devi, and also Chaukhamba peaks. Chopta is a small pretty hamlet that is a base camp for the Chandranath Tunganath Trek route.

  • Sari Village - Deoria Tal Trek

    This mesmerizing lake in emerald blue reflects the nature including the trees,surrounding mountain peaks, fauna of the region, etc. in its still waters. It stands at an elevation of 2438 meters and the best reflection one can see is the reflection of the famous Chaukhamba peak in the water of Deoria Tal. You also get to see various snow – bound animals and wildlife especially as this region also comes under the Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary, so they come to drink water from the lake and this is an amazing time to see the flora and fauna around the Deoria Tal lake especially at morning.

  • Khatling Shashasratal Trek

    Trek Route: Guttu – Reeh – Gangi – Kharsali – Bhedikharag – Khatling Glacier

    The primary source for the River Bhilagna which is another tributary of the Bhagirathi river, is the Khatling glacier. Towards the east of this massive glacier is the Masartal and Vasuki Tal, the western region of the glacier is the Sahastratal. It is recommended only for those who are very fit and healthy as it is a very tough trek mostly for the adventure enthusiasts and it stands at an elevation of 4000 meters. This trekking route is 19 - 20 km distance from both of the pilgrimage sites – Kedarnath and Gangotri, two sites of the Char Dham Yatra tour. This is one of the best treks near Char Dham in Uttarakhand