Trekking in the Garhwal Himalaya

Garhwal is right in the middle of the Himalaya, with Himachal in the West and North-West; Tibet in the North; the plains of Western Uttar Pradesh in the South and Kumaon in the East. Historically, it has been described in the ancient text of Kedarkhand to extend from Gangadwar (modern day Haridwar) in the South to the high mountains in the North, and from the Tamsa (Tons) river in the in the West to Buddhachal (the Nanda Devi group of peaks between Garhwal and Kumaon) in the East. Today it is an administrative division of the state of Uttaranchal, comprising the districts of Chamoli, Dehradoon, Pauri, Tehri and Uttarkashi. 

The history of Garhwal is older than that of the Ramayan and Mahabharata. It is a land of popular myths, like that of Lord Shiva appearing as Kirat, of Urvashi, Shakuntala and the Kauravas and Pandavas. Worship of Lord Shiva is pre-dominant in this region. In earliest times, Garhwal was known as Kedarkhand, or the region of Kedarnath. Scriptural texts mention a number of tribes that inhabited the region, such as the Sakas, the Nagas, Khasas, Hunas and Kiratas.

Undoubtedly the centre stage of the Indian Himalayas is formed by Garhwal. Garhwal, the land of many garhs, or forts, has been closely connected to the people of India since time immemorial. The Garhwal Himalayas seem to embody a mystical truth beyond the common precepts of man, a quality that has attracted sages and pilgrims alike for countless centuries. The peaks of Garhwal have not only aroused a sense of awe and eternity but also inspired great metaphysics and poetry.

It is the birthplace of Hinduism's two most holy rivers - the Ganga (Ganges) and the Yamuna. Here lie the Char Dhams -- the four Himalayan shrines -- which have attracted Hindu pilgrims for ages. Every stone in the Himalayas is said to have a sanctity of its own, every hill-top a divine aspect and every stream a profound holiness.

In Garhwal, great peaks like Kamet, Trishul and Nanda Devi rise majestically, separated by some of the mightiest rivers of northern India. The crowning glory of Garhwal is the beautiful Nanda Devi, whose twin summits tower over 26,600 ft above sea level. It is these awe-inspiring peaks, the mighty rivers, the beautiful valleys and meadows, and the legends and stories associated with all of the above that make Garhwal so special.

Here are some recommended treks in the Garhwal Himalayan Region.