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TREK DIFFCULTY
Moderate
TREK DURATION
7 days
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
12,887 ft
Discover the hidden clearings of Kumaon
Trekking in Uttarakhand is synonymous with trekking in Gharwal. Yet, unknown to most, the neighbouring Kumaon has stunning mountains, magnificent forests, undulating meadows, and vast clearings. Kumaon is largely unexplored and has received little attention. Kumaon's Ranthan Kharak Trek is just one of many undiscovered trekking gems.
Let’s begin by celebrating the big mountains. On this trek, you see India's highest peak, Nanda Devi, and its sister peak, Sunanda Devi (also known as Nanda Devi East). We can see the sun rise over these two formidable peaks from our Chophu camp. On our right, sticking out of the clouds, is the impressive, jagged peak of Nanda Kot.
Even though Mt. Dangthal is not as tall as these mountains, being closer, it dominates our view. On the far east, we have Mt. Mrigthuni towering over the landscape. On the west, the five magnificent Panchachuli peaks stand out from the Ranthan Kharak ridge.
But there is more to Ranthan Kharak.
The forests are exceptionally dense and deep. Flora and fauna enchant every moment. The trees and birds in the virgin forests are just as diverse as the ones we see on our Goechala Trek.
Kharak means “clearings” in the local language. On this trek, there are some stunning clearings to trek through. In two such clearings, we set up camp! You don't get to camp in such settings every day. Frankly, we find the clearings on the Ranthan Kharak trek more beautiful than those on the Kedarkantha.
The trek transforms into an exciting ascent as we continue up the ridge towards the Ranthan peak. Large mountains flank us on either side of the ridge. The famous mountain ranges of Gharwal and Kumaon reveal themselves. The ridge itself, winding in and out of the folds of the mountains, gives the impression that we are riding an escalator to the summits. On either side of the ridge, the valley drops off into invisibility into rolling hills. It is an exhilarating experience.
Ranthan Kharak Trek is a gem in the Kumaon Himalayas that our trekking community still needs to discover. It is a rare opportunity that you must not let go of.
Our trek leader, Alveera Ansari, who has led more than 40 treks, came back from her first group of Ranthan Kharak recently. Here's her take on the trek:
"I'm back from Ranthan Kharak trek and I'm so glad that I was able to witness this trek ! What a beautiful trek Suhas and Nitesh have explored. 🤍
We definitely need to spread word about this beauty. This trek can really beat many treks in garhwal region.
Be it a forest section, small stream cross, kharak, meadow walk, push towards Thal tok, Balchan kund ( ladies can go towards the kund, only during yatra and Pooja, ladies are not going , so no restriction to women trekkers we had ) , view of Mt. Nanda Devi !, summit push, luckily we got hail as well 😅
And you know what, we spotted 3 yellow Martin while returning frm Parava thor. We saw it near Bhopal ji ( guides ) home before entering Naamik village. They were really cute ! They remained me of Red panda of Sandakphu.
Really, Ranthan Kharak is way more beautiful than I expected it to be."
Trekking in Uttarakhand is synonymous with trekking in Gharwal. Yet, unknown to most, the neighbouring Kumaon has stunning mountains, magnificent forests, undulating meadows, and vast clearings. Kumaon is largely unexplored and has received little attention. Kumaon's Ranthan Kharak Trek is just one of many undiscovered trekking gems.
Let’s begin by celebrating the big mountains. On this trek, you see India's highest peak, Nanda Devi, and its sister peak, Sunanda Devi (also known as Nanda Devi East). We can see the sun rise over these two formidable peaks from our Chophu camp. On our right, sticking out of the clouds, is the impressive, jagged peak of Nanda Kot.
Ranthan Kharak Trek Photo Gallery
Ranthan Kharak - Complete Trek Information
We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a Himalayan trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.
Use this section to learn about the Ranthan Kharak trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find these extremely useful.
Ranthan Kharak Video
Highlights on the Ranthan Kharak Trek
What I Like About Ranthan Kharak Trek
5 Reasons Why Indiahikes
When we brought out new trails in Indian trekking, safety came with us. Back in 2012, we were the first to introduce microspikes, and two years later, pulse oximeters became standard thanks to us. Nobody does safe treks like Indiahikes. In the mountains, emergencies don't care who you're with – everyone knows that when trouble hits, you look for the yellow tents of Indiahikes.
We are pioneers in trekking. Since 2007, we have brought out treks that have become India's most famous treks: Roopkund, Rupin Pass, Buran Ghati, Kedarkantha, Kashmir Great Lakes, Tarsar Marsar, Brahmatal, Phulara Ridge—the list goes on. In 2023 alone, we brought out five new treks in Indian trekking. We know treks better than anyone. This comes directly from the reason why Indiahikes was born: to bring out trek information and enable trekkers to trek on their own.
More than 25,000 people trek with us every year. We are the largest trekking organisation in India. 24% of our trekkers come back to trek with us every year. Over 4,000 students from the top educational institutions trek with us every year. Aside from this, families with children choose to trek with Indiahikes knowing that our treks are the safest. We have taken over 8000 children trekking so far, and the number continues to grow.
We focus on designing transformative experiences. Our trek leaders conduct thought-provoking exercises that help you reflect and contemplate. This impact stays with you for a long time. Trekkers return feeling energised, more confident, or developing abilities to deal with difficulties. Many have changed careers, rethought their core values, become more humble, shown gratitude to others, or started a new fitness journey.
Since 2012, we have pioneered sustainable practices that have become standard in trekking. Using eco-bags, our trekkers have cleared over 120 tonnes of litter from the mountains. We do not carry packaged foods; instead, we serve freshly made food. We do not light campfires; we carry coal to light angethis to keep you warm. Our bio-toilets not only keep our toilets odour-free but also enrich the soil. When you trek with us, you leave mountains better.
Indiahikes Features
You’re guarded with our trek again philosophy
If you are unable to complete a trek, or if you love a trek, you can repeat it with us anytime. You don’t have to pay us for it. See our thoughts behind this here.
Get expert guidance even before you start the trek
Get personalised support from our expert Experience Coordinators. From registration to departure, they'll prepare you every step of the way.
Join any group, they are all women-friendly groups
With around 30% of our trekkers being women, all women, including those travelling solo are comfortable to join any of our groups.
Meet like-minded trekkers
Indiahikes carries with it a strong spirit of trekking, one that comes with fitness, minimalism, mindfulness and a deep love for nature.
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