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Ranthan Kharak Trek

Discover the hidden clearings of Kumaon

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TREK DIFFCULTY

Moderate

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TREK DURATION

7 days

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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 the Garhwal region.

Be it a forest section, small stream crossings, the kharaks, meadow walk, push towards Thal tok, the serene quietness of Balchan kund and the view of Mt. Nanda Devi ! The summit push alone was an out of this world experience. Luckily we got to experience hail as well.

And you know what, we spotted 3 yellow Martin while returning from Parava thor. We saw it near Bhopal ji's ( guides ) home before entering the Namik village. They were really cute ! They reminded me of the Red panda of Sandakphu.

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. 

Trekkers share why they loved Ranthan Kharak

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Vinayak Jayant Oak

Age 55, IBM, Pune

The natural beauty of this trek is beyond compare; it’s truly something that no human hands could replicate.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Ranthan Kharak trek for several reasons, but its standout feature is undoubtedly the stunning Rhodo garden along the way. The natural beauty of this garden is beyond compare; ...Read More
I thoroughly enjoyed the Ranthan Kharak trek for several reasons, but its standout feature is undoubtedly the stunning Rhodo garden along the way. The natural beauty of this garden is beyond compare; ...Read More
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Devansh Chouhan

MBBS Student

The visuals from the summit were unreal, it was like a dream.
I did the trek in may 2024 and needless to say the craving for adventure was definitely satisfied in this trek , there was no one but our teams on the entire trek . I really liked the blend of nature ...Read More
I did the trek in may 2024 and needless to say the craving for adventure was definitely satisfied in this trek , there was no one but our teams on the entire trek . I really liked the blend of nature ...Read More
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Koushik Krishnan

Bangalore

What stays in my mind is the walk through the enchanting canopy of flowering rhododendrons.
This was the perfect trek for me. I was in between jobs, and I wanted to slot a trek. It had the right difficulty level, duration and novelty. What stays in my mind is the walk through the enchanting ...Read More
This was the perfect trek for me. I was in between jobs, and I wanted to slot a trek. It had the right difficulty level, duration and novelty. What stays in my mind is the walk through the enchanting ...Read More
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Saumya

Group of May 2024 | Age 16, Pune

Although it’s a relatively new trek, I think it’s one of the best in Uttarakhand.
Ranthan Kharak is a very underrated trek in Uttarakhand. Throughout the journey, you’ll see lush greenery, animals, and insects. The Indiahikes team does a great job providing a luxurious experience, ...Read More
Ranthan Kharak is a very underrated trek in Uttarakhand. Throughout the journey, you’ll see lush greenery, animals, and insects. The Indiahikes team does a great job providing a luxurious experience, ...Read More
low-preview-ztvj7kaf0tcgjp33 summitandme2ztvj7kaf0tcgjp33 summitandme2
Vinayak Jayant Oak

Age 55, IBM, Pune

The natural beauty of this trek is beyond compare; it’s truly something that no human hands could replicate.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Ranthan Kharak trek for several reasons, but its standout feature is undoubtedly the stunning Rhodo garden along the way. The natural beauty of this garden is beyond compare; ...Read More
I thoroughly enjoyed the Ranthan Kharak trek for several reasons, but its standout feature is undoubtedly the stunning Rhodo garden along the way. The natural beauty of this garden is beyond compare; ...Read More
low-preview-ztvkskaf0tcgjp35 devanshchauhanranthanztvkskaf0tcgjp35 devanshchauhanranthan
Devansh Chouhan

MBBS Student

The visuals from the summit were unreal, it was like a dream.
I did the trek in may 2024 and needless to say the craving for adventure was definitely satisfied in this trek , there was no one but our teams on the entire trek . I really liked the blend of nature ...Read More
I did the trek in may 2024 and needless to say the craving for adventure was definitely satisfied in this trek , there was no one but our teams on the entire trek . I really liked the blend of nature ...Read More
low-preview-ztvlf0af0tcgjp4a img 4834ztvlf0af0tcgjp4a img 4834
Koushik Krishnan

Bangalore

What stays in my mind is the walk through the enchanting canopy of flowering rhododendrons.
This was the perfect trek for me. I was in between jobs, and I wanted to slot a trek. It had the right difficulty level, duration and novelty. What stays in my mind is the walk through the enchanting ...Read More
This was the perfect trek for me. I was in between jobs, and I wanted to slot a trek. It had the right difficulty level, duration and novelty. What stays in my mind is the walk through the enchanting ...Read More
low-preview-ztvl0eaf0tcgjp4b screenshot2024 08 25211408ztvl0eaf0tcgjp4b screenshot2024 08 25211408
Saumya

Group of May 2024 | Age 16, Pune

Although it’s a relatively new trek, I think it’s one of the best in Uttarakhand.
Ranthan Kharak is a very underrated trek in Uttarakhand. Throughout the journey, you’ll see lush greenery, animals, and insects. The Indiahikes team does a great job providing a luxurious experience, ...Read More
Ranthan Kharak is a very underrated trek in Uttarakhand. Throughout the journey, you’ll see lush greenery, animals, and insects. The Indiahikes team does a great job providing a luxurious experience, ...Read More

Watch these videos to get a glimpse of the trek

About the Ranthan Kharak Trek
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Hear from our trekkers themselves!
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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.