5 EASY TREKS TO INTRODUCE TO YOUR KIDS
Are you looking for some fun and adventurous ways to bond with your kid in the lap of nature? Do you want to introduce them to the joys of trekking and the beauty of the Himalayas? If yes, then you are in luck! Uttarakhand, the land of gods, offers some of the best and easiest treks for families. These treks are suitable for kids of all ages, as long as they are enthusiastic. These offbeat treks will not only give you and your kid a memorable experience, but also teach them valuable lessons about nature, culture, and life. Here are five easy treks that you can try with your kid in Uttarakhand:
VALLEY OF FLOWERS
Valley of Flowers is a dream come true for those kids who loves flowers or rainbows. Valley of Flowers, or the Garden of Eden, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national park, famous for its variety and abundance of alpine flowers. It is located near Joshimath, and can be reached by road. This trekking trail is one the oldest treks in Uttarakhand and when you will reach the Valley of Flowers, a paradise of flowers of different colors, shapes, and sizes, spread over an area of 87 square kilometers. You can explore the valley and enjoy the sight of these beautiful flora and the butterflies. You will also get a glimpse of the Nanda Devi, Nilgiri, and Rataban peaks. This trek is ideal for kids who are flower lovers and rainbow chasers, as they will get to see the most beautiful and rare and exotic flowers in the world.
DEORIA TAL TREK
This trek is a perfect combination of lake, forest, and mountain views. It starts from the picturesque village of Sari, where you can reach by road from Haridwar or Rishikesh. Deoria Tal has a serene lake surrounded by lush greenery and snow-capped peaks. You can camp near the lake and enjoy the starry night and the reflection of the mountains in the water. The next day, you will trek to Chopta, a small hamlet known as the mini-Switzerland of India. On reaching Chandrashila which is the summit of the trek, you will get an amazing view of the Himalayan ranges, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, and Kedar. This trek is ideal for kids who love nature and mythology, as they will get to see the rich flora and fauna of the region, as well as the ancient temples and legends associated with them.
KEDARKANTHA TREK
This trek is a wonderful choice for kids who want to experience snow and winter in the Himalayas. Kedarkantha, or the Throat of Shiva, is a prominent peak in the Garhwal Himalayas, at an altitude of 3,850 meters. It is located near Sankri, and can be reached by road from Dehradun. The trekking trail offers a view of a frozen lake surrounded by pine and oak trees. You can camp here and enjoy the snow and the campfire. Upon reaching the Kedarkantha base camp, you will get a clear view of the Kedarkantha peak and the surrounding ranges. You can camp there and enjoy the sunset and the starry night. Kedarkantha summit offers a 360-degree view of the Himalayan peaks, such as Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Black Peak, and Ranglana. This trek is suitable for kids who are snow lovers and winter enthusiasts, as they will get to see the snow-covered landscape and the frozen lake.
DAYARA BUGYAL TREK
This trek is a must to do for kids who love meadows and flowers. Dayara Bugyal, or the high-altitude meadow, is one of the most beautiful and scenic places in Uttarakhand. It is located near Uttarkashi, and can be reached by road from Haridwar or Rishikesh. The trek starts from a village called Barsu, where you will trek for about 5 km to reach Barnala, a small clearing with a pond and a temple. You can camp there and enjoy the views of the meadow and the mountains. Dayara Bugyal offers a view of a vast expanse of green grass and colorful flowers, with the backdrop of the Bandarpoonch, Draupadi Ka Danda, and Srikanth peaks. You can explore the meadow and enjoy an amazing picnic. This trek is suitable for kids who are nature lovers and photographers, as they will get to see the beauty and diversity of the Himalayan meadows.
NAG TIBBA TREK
This trek is a great option for kids who want to experience a high-altitude trek without much difficulty. Nag Tibba, or the Serpent’s Peak, is the highest peak in the lower Himalayas, at an altitude of 3,022 meters. It is located near Mussoorie, and can be reached by road from Dehradun. The trail of this trek passes through dense forests of oak, rhododendron, and deodar, where you can spot various birds and animals. You can camp at the base camp and enjoy the bonfire and the views of the Doon valley. At the Nag Tibba summit, where you will be rewarded with a stunning view of the Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, Kala Nag, and Gangotri peaks. This trek is suitable for kids who are adventurous and energetic, as they will get to climb a high peak and enjoy the thrill of camping.