Trek Guide: 3 Solo Treks to Plan in Uttarakhand in 2021

Trekking in Uttarakhand is a blend of rugged, untouched Himalayan terrain and pilgrim/shepherd trails, making it one of the most exquisite places to plan solo treks.

Trekking culture in Uttarakhand has evolved from pilgrimages, making it both easier & complex to plan. Unlike Himachal, it is difficult to get the right gear on rent in Uttarakhand, but at the same time, it is a lot easier to find forest rest houses, food stalls even in the remotest villages.

Thorough research and advanced planning will amplify your trekking experience, and this guide will help you with that. Keep reading to know more about the top 3 solo treks in Uttarakhand.

Chopta-Tungnath-Chandrashila-Deoria Tal Trek in Uttarakhand

This trek offers astounding views of some of the most sublime Himalayan peaks. The trek is an experience of the divine with views of the Mountains of Garhwal and Kumaon from Nanda Devi, Trishul, Nandaghunti, Kamet, Dronagiri, Chaukhamba, Kedar dome, Thalaysagar, Gangotri ranges, to Jahanukut.

Total Trek Distance: 27 km
Terrain Type: Rhododendron forests, grasslands, gradual & steep ascents, rocky patches

Trek Duration:

Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
3 km (1 hour)	16 km (7-8 hours)	8 km (7-8 hours)

Max Altitude	No. of days	Difficulty level	Base Village
13100ft (3992metres)	4 Days	Moderate	Sari

Short Itinerary:

Day 1:

Start the journey at Rishikesh
Arrange transport to Rudraprayag (bus/shared taxi)
Reach Ukhimath by bus/shared cab
Travel ahead to Sari in a shared cab
Overnight stay at Sari

Day 2:

Altitude- 7,800 ft (2377 metres)
Start your trek post-lunch
Trek from Sari to Deoria Tal (3 km)
Reach Deoria Tal by 3 and pitch your tent
You can pack dinner for the night from Sari
There are no water sources during the trek

Day 3:

Altitude- 8,700 ft (2651 metres)
Trek from Deoriatal to Chopta through Rohini Bugyal (16 km)
Take a guide on this route; the trails are unmarked and confusing
Stay overnight at Chopta
Two main water sources available

Day 4:

Altitude- 13,100 ft. (3992 metres)
Chopta to Tungnath, Chandrashila Summit (8 km)
Back to Chopta

How to reach the base village for Deoriatal-Chandrashila Trek

The starting point for the journey to Sari Village could be Rishikesh/Haridwar. Hardiwar is well-connected to major Indian cities.

By Bus: There are frequent overnight buses to Rishikesh from Delhi (230 km). Get off in Rishikesh and continue on a bus to Rudraprayag (141 km). From here, get on the bus to Ukhimath (45 km) and continue in a shared cab to Sari Village (12 km).

By Air: The nearest airport, Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, is 230 km from Sari. The best way to travel is to take a bus from Dehradun to Rishikesh (43 km) and follow the same route forward.

By Rail: The closest railway station is Haridwar Junction (HW), 220 km from Sari Village. You can take a bus to Rudraprayag or Ukhimath from the GMOU bus stop in Haridwar (500 metres from the main bus stop).

Best time to plan Deoriatal-Chandrashila Trek

This trek is accessible throughout the year. The best time to plan a solo trek is March to early May (rhododendron blossoms throughout the valley) and September to November (clear skies, snow-clad mountains). The trek in winter might be difficult for solo trekkers. If you want to plan the trek between December and February, it is best to take a guide with you.

Nag Tibba Trek in Uttarakhand

Nag Tibba is the highest summit in the lesser Himalayas of the Garhwal region in Uttarakhand and ideal for a weekend trek with alluring views of the snowy peaks of Bandarpoonch, Kedarnath and Chanabang along with the Doon Valley. Moving through the thickets of oaks and rhododendrons along the rocky trails and blossoming green fields in summer months to abundant snow in the winters, the trek is a comfortable and picturesque weekend getaway.

Total Trek Distance: 16km
Terrain Type: farmlands, shepherd trails, thick forests

Trek Duration: 2 days

Water Sources: Hydration pack + water bottles (2 litres)

Day 1	Day 2
5-6 hours (4.5 km)	5 hours (11km)

Max Altitude	No. of days	Difficulty level	Base Village
9,915 ft (3021.8metres)	2 Days	Moderate	Panthwari

Short Itinerary:

Day 1:

Reach Nainbagh from Dehradun (75km/ 3.5 hours)(bus/shared taxi)
Reach Panthwari (base village) from Nainbagh (shared cab – 16km/ 40 minutes)
First water source – 1.5 km from Panthwari
Trek from Panthwari (4,642 ft) to Camp 1 (Khaitan, 7,627 ft ) (4.5 km, 5-6 hours)
Second water source is at the Forest department gate, 3 km from Panthwari
Overnight stay at Khaitan

Day 2:

Altitude- 7,627 ft (2324.71 metres)

Early morning trek from Panthwari to Nag Tibba Base (8530ft) (2 km/ 1 hour))
Trek to Nag Tibba summit from the base (1.15 hours)
The descent back to Nag Tibba Base and Panthwari via Kahitan (8km, 3 hours)

How to reach the base village for Nag Tibba Trek –

The base village of Panthwari is around 90km from Dehradun which takes around four hours to cover. Dehradun is well connected to the major Indian cities.

By Bus:

There are overnight buses from Delhi to Dehradun ( 276km, around 11 hours) (6 hours by cab)

From Dehradun, it takes around 3.5 hours to Nainbagh by bus (75km and 150INR).

From Nainbagh, shared cabs run to Panthwari (16km, 40 minutes and 50INR).

By Air:

Panthwari is around 90km from Jolly Grant Airport (DED) in Dehradun, which is connected to all the major Indian cities by air.

From Dehradun follow the above route.

By Rail:

Dehradun Railway Station, around 90 km from Panthwari, is the closest railway station. It is connected to all the major Indian cities. From Dehradun follow the above route.

Best time to plan Nag Tibba Trek –

Summer (April-June) and winter (October-December) are best suited for this trek. It is best to avoid monsoon (July-September). For the snow trekking experience, plan the trek between January to March.

Dayara Bugyal Trek in Uttarakhand

Dayara Bugyal is one of the finest alpine meadow treks in the world. With wondrous views of Mt.Bandarpoonch and Greater Himalayas amidst unending heavenly meadows make it one of the most remarkable and unmissable treks. The astounding biodiversity of flora and fauna is a delight for birdwatchers and wildlife lovers.

Total Trek Distance: 22km
Terrain Type: Thick forests, alpine meadows

Trek Duration: 6 days
Water Sources: Carry 2 litres, unreliable scarce water sources.

Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
4-5hours (3.5-4km)	2 hours (3km)	6-7 hours (8km)	4 hours (5.5km)

Max Altitude	No. of days	Difficulty level	Base Village
12,100 ft (3,688metres)	6 Days	Moderate	Raithal

Short Itinerary:

Day 1:

Reach Raithal from Dehradun (Dehradun-Uttarkashi- Bhatwari-Raithal) (185km/ 7-8 hours) (bus/shared taxi)
Watch the sunset in Raithal over Mt Jaonli and Draupadi ka Danda peaks
Stay overnight in Raithal.

Day 2:

Altitude- 7,096 ft (2,163 m) to 9,750 ft (2,972 m)
Trek from Raithal to Gui. ( 3.5km-4km, 5 hours)
Stay overnight in tents.

Day 3:

Altitude- 9,750 ft (2,972 m) to 10,500 ft (3,200 m)
Trek from Gui to Chilapada (2.5km, 3.5 hours)
It is a short day for altitude acclimatization.

Day 4:

Altitude- 10,500 ft (3,200 m) to 11,829 ft (3,605 m) to 9,066 (2,763 m)
Trek from Chilapada to Dayara top
Descend from Dayara to top to Nayata
Stay overnight at Barnala Campsite

Day 5:

Altitude- 10,500 ft to 7,0956 ft
Trek back from Nayata to Raithal (5.5km, 4-5 hours)
End of the trek, and overnight stay at the Raithal site.

Day 6:

Departure from Raithal after breakfast for Dehradun (around 8-9 hours)

How to reach the base village Raithal for Dayara Bugyal Trek –

The base village of Raithal is around 185km (7 hours) from Dehradun. Dehradun is well connected with the major Indian cities.

By Bus/Road:

Overnight buses run from Delhi to Dehradun ( 276km, around 11 hours) (6 hours by cab).

From Dehradun, get a bus to Uttarkashi (5 hours, 145km and 250 INR).

From Uttarkashi, shared cabs run to Raithal (45km, 2 hours and 100 INR) or till Bhatwadi (30km) and another shared cab to Raithal, 10 km away.

By Air:

Raithal is around 185 km from Jolly Grant Airport (DED) in Dehradun. which is connected to all the major Indian cities by air.

From Dehradun follow the above route.

By Rail:

Dehradun Railway Station (185 km) is the closest railway station to Raithal. From Dehradun follow the above route.

Best time to plan Dayara Bugyal Trek-

Winter months (November-February) offer a snow-capped vista with temperature ranging between -8°C to 12°C. The summer (April-June) gives a lavish view of the green alpine meadows with pleasant weather (7°C to 25°C). Spring (March-April) offers a mix of snow, greenery, flowers and exuberant fauna while autumn (mid-September- October) unfolds a riot of colours in the meadows and sharp mountain views with clear skies.

Trek Guide: 3 Solo Treks to Plan in Uttarakhand in 2021