Trekking in the Indian Himalayas : 8 treks in Uttarakhand - Nanda Devi Sanctuary, Shivling and Gaumukh, the source of the Ganges

Experience one of the world’s great adventure destinations with trekking in the Indian Himalayas, where some of the highest mountains on Earth rise above ancient cultures, sacred landscapes and remote valleys. In Uttarakhand, trek among dramatic peaks, following age-old pilgrimage routes through glacier-carved valleys and across flower-filled alpine meadows. From the sacred source of the Ganges at Gaumukh to the cirque of Nanda Devi and the high meadows of Garhwal and Kumaon, this is a once-in-a-lifetime Himalayan journey. Spanning northern India’s most spectacular mountain regions, these trails take you deep into landscapes shaped by geology, spirituality and centuries-old ways of life. You’ll walk through traditional villages, cross dramatic suspension bridges, and follow routes used by pilgrims, shepherds and traders for generations. This Cicerone guidebook focuses on eight carefully chosen treks in the Uttarakhand Himalaya, each selected to showcase the area’s variety of landscapes, cultures and trekking experiences. Suitable for hikers with some prior mountain experience, the routes range from 3 to 9 days, with total distances of 15-85km (10–53 miles) and elevation gains of roughly 1000–4000m. It turns the complexity of planning a Himalayan trek into a clear, achievable goal by providing expert guidance to some of the finest multi-day treks in the Indian Himalayas. Eight treks, including the Nanda Devi Sanctuary, Shivling and Gaumukh, are described in clear stages with detailed route notes, 1:75,000 mapping and elevation profiles, allowing you to understand distances, terrain and daily challenges in advance A route summary table provides everything you need to know about each trail through the Uttarakhand Himalayas in a snapshot, including permit requirements, difficulty and whether it includes a glacier crossing Essential advice is given specific to hiking in the Himalayas, including altitude, acclimatisation and safety, supporting safe and enjoyable trekking