Be enthralled by unspoilt mountain vistas and explore far flung villages, flower filled valleys and pristine glaciers in the far north of Uttarakhand. Join throngs of pilgrims on the Char Dham route to temples at the source of Hinduism's four most sacred rivers or on the Hemkund pilgrimage to a mountaintop lake that is sacred to Sikhs. All are in a spectacular remote locations and yet attract thousands of pilgrims during the yatra season from April to November.

To escape the crowds and their litter, head to a Himalayan Shangri-la such as the beautiful Valley of flowers, remote Har Ki Doon valley or perhaps the most special of all, Nanda Devi Sanctuary. Trek to Kuari pass in the footsteps of Viceroy Lord Curzon or tackle a challenging trek to the Pindari or Milam glaciers, both in the eastern Kumaon district.

The best (safest) time to trek is either the pre monsoon period (mid May until the end of June), or the post monsoon season (mid Sept to mid Oct). In July and August the major problem is landslides that cut roads to the trail heads and cause long delays. Winter snow brings a smattering of skiers to Auli resort, a short cable car ride from Joshimath.

Government run GMVN arranges all inclusive treks on main routes. One can hire trekking equipment at reasonable rates from the Muni-ki-Reiti, Rishikesh GMVN office.