Solo treks in Uttarakhand and other parts of India are gaining immense popularity among trekkers. Exploring the majestic mountain trails all by yourself is an incredible feeling in itself. Not to mention it is kind of freeing to be on your own while exploring the unbound beauty of nature. Having said that, solo trekking in Uttarakhand or any other part of the country is not without its own set of challenges. So, here is a short and crisp guide for those wandering souls who love embarking on journeys alone to explore the world.
What are the challenges?
Let the challenges be the first thing to explore. However, here you need to keep something in mind. Challenges are a part of any journey, so even if you encounter them don’t be discouraged. They only make your journey even more memorable.
So, let’s take a look at the challenges which you may face while on a trekking expedition.
Self-motivation: At times, when you’re in a trekking journey, you need motivation to go on. There is no denying that the hiking trails can often be tough to conquer. In that scenario, you need to remember that you are your own motivator to not give up and go on.
Unpredictability: It is true that life is unpredictable. It is even more so when you’re travelling alone. It means you need to fix your own routes. Along with that, you also need to set your own campsite and even cook food for yourself. It’s true that the experience can be overwhelming but the journey is worth it.
Security: This is an essential aspect which you need to keep in mind. You need to understand while on a solo trek, your security is on your own hand. Hence, make sure to choose your travel routes carefully and also make sure to make friends on your way carefully.
Looking at the brighter side
Until now we saw the challenges involved in travelling all by yourself. Now, here are the ways which makes solo travel one of the most sought after mode of travel.
Skills: This is probably among the biggest advantages of travelling alone. When you travel all by yourself, you get the chance to implement your skills in real life settings. Not just that, you also learn a lot of new things.
Own Pace: When you are travelling with a group, one the biggest disadvantages is following the pre-determined schedule. It means if you like a place and want to stay there more then you’ll have to do so by consulting with others, which they may not agree to. However, when you’re travelling solo, there is no such issue. It’s because you can make your own plans and travel at your own pace.
Fighting fears: The best thing about solo travelling is that it turns into an excellent opportunity to face your fears. Solo travel can actually give you the boost you need to go forward with your future adventures.
Some Popular Treks of Uttarakhand
Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
The Gomukh Tapovan trip is beautiful, with aromatic flowers, snow-capped peaks, and other breathtaking views. One of the sacred rites is to take a bath in the holy Bhagirathi River. The spiritual aura of the pilgrim cities of Rishikesh, Uttarkashi, Gangotri, and Bhojwassa can also be experienced while trekking the Gomukh glacier. To witness the top vistas, marvel at the sight of the Bhagirathi sisters From May through October, the trail to Gaumukh is open to trekkers and pilgrims. During the winter, Gangotri National Park is closed due to severe snowfall. This trek’s main draw is a visit to the Gangotri Temple. It is one of Uttarakhand’s sacred Char Dhams.
Brahmatal Trek
Being one of the glorious treks of the Himalayas, Brahmatal Trek is the one that is easily accessible even in the peak winter months of January as well as February. Moreover, the views that it offers especially from Mt. Nanda Ghunti and Mt. Trishul are amazingly alluring. Brahmatal Trek is blessed with lusciously beautiful Rhododendron forests that is sprouted with beautifully fresh leaves in mid of March. Not only leaves, but lovely flowers begin to bloom as well and this makes it a perfect trail. Also, these flowers make the trekking experience even more delightful.
When you are all set for trekking, you will find n number of reasons to do this trek in the months of March and April. Brahmatal Trekking can best be seen during the peak season, i.e. in the months of May and June as the mountains are found covered with a smoky haze at this time. Brahmatal Trekking is full of surprises and another lovely surprise that it offers are the mountain views in the months of March and April. It is only at this trek that you can see the big mountains so close and to this magic is something that just can’t be missed.
Dayara Bugyal Trek
Dayara Bugyal Trek is mind blowing and is a strikingly beautiful alpine meadow. The Himalayas have always attracted people from all over the world and Dayara Bugyal Trek is no exception. The sheep grazing in the meadows and the snow-capped mountains that are overlooking the meadows and the autumn colors are a treat for the eyes. The Trek is too popular and many have experienced the beauty of the place and enjoyed every minute of it. Dayara Bugyal and Gidara Bugyal are supposed to be the two most beautiful alpine meadows in the country. If you want to view the best scenery of the Himalayas, then here it is.
How different it is from other treks
The treks in the Himalayas all go through the snow capped or snow-clad mountains, valleys, thick forests and quaint villages. They all explore the Himalayan ranges. The trek to Dayara Bugyal Trek is, however, different and is more relaxing, yet exciting even for the beginners. The natural beauty is incomparable and you can have a wonderful time as there is a good chance of Nordic and Alpine skiing in the winter. You can experience the best ski slopes here that is spread over 28 sq km. The grazing grounds and the meadows provide a 270-degree view of the magnificent Himalayas. You can walk in the meadow and immerse in the beauty of the Himalayan mountain ranges that are spread all around you.
Trail Nature
This is a classic trekking experience and you can discover the varied nature of the Himalayan ranges. At a high altitude, you will find the Dayara Bugyal in the Garhwal of the Himalayas. You can enjoy the views of the Gangotri and the Bandarpunch range from this place which are simply stunning. The rich floral diversity is again one of the many reasons why people choose the trek over and over again. Besides, the basic amenities and the needs of trekkers are taken care of as there is civilization found at Barsu village and other places as well. The minute you start the trek you will be stunned by the beauty and awed by the sheer magnificence of the place. God has given all his attention here and blessed the place with a little piece of heaven itself.
Places that you come across
Barsu is a small village that you first come across and also the starting point of the trek. Next you move on further to trek to Barnala Lake. This is an enchanting place where you can explore the forest around this wonder lake and also watch the rare birds here. Move further and you will notice the change of the flowering shrubs and the vegetation around you. While trekking to Dayara from Barnala you come across several meadows and you can see hundreds of sheeps, goats and horses grazing here. After reaching Dayara Bugyal, you can witness the lovely sunrise over the Himalayan snow capped mountain and admire the splendid view there. If you are trying to choose a trek this season, then try the Dayara Bugyal for its unique experience.