Mayali Pass Trek – One of the Best Treks in Garhwal Himalayas
At an elevation of 5000m above the sea level, Mayali Pass is a challenging and rewarding trekking route in the Tehri Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India. The trek starts from the small village of Ghuttu and takes you through a remote and pristine region of the Himalayas, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, dense forests, glacial valleys, and pristine alpine lakes.
The trek is a 9-day journey that covers a distance of approximately 52 kilometers, with several steep ascents and descents along the way. The highest point of the trek is the Mayali Pass, which stands at an altitude of 5135 meters and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
The trail passes through several small villages, including Reeh, Gangi, and Kalyani, where you can experience the local culture and hospitality of the Garhwal people. The region is also known for its rich flora and fauna, with a variety of rare and endangered species found in the area.
The trek is best done during the months of May-June and September-October when the weather is favorable and the skies are clear. The terrain is challenging, with steep climbs, narrow ridges, and rocky paths, making it suitable for experienced trekkers who are in good physical condition.
Famous Tourist Attractions near Mayali Pass Trek | Places to visit near Mayali Pass Trek
The Mayali Pass Trek is a popular and challenging trek in the Indian Himalayas that offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, stunning landscapes, and remote Himalayan villages. Some of the famous tourist attractions that can be seen during the Mayali Pass Trek are:
Kedarnath Temple: The Kedarnath Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located at an altitude of 3,583 meters. It is one of the four sacred shrines of Char Dham Yatra and is believed to be one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
Deoria Tal: Deoria Tal is a beautiful lake located at an altitude of 2,438 meters that offers stunning views of the Himalayan peaks, including Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, and Kedarnath.
Chopta: Chopta is a picturesque village located at an altitude of 2,680 meters and is known for its scenic beauty, dense forests, and beautiful meadows. It is also the starting point of the Tungnath and Chandrashila trek.
Tungnath Temple: Tungnath Temple is the highest Shiva temple in the world and is located at an altitude of 3,680 meters. It is a popular pilgrimage site and is also the starting point of the Chandrashila trek.
Chandrashila Peak: The Chandrashila Peak is a popular trekking destination located at an altitude of 4,130 meters that offers stunning views of the Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, Trisul, and Chaukhamba.
Rudraprayag: Rudraprayag is a beautiful town located at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers and is known for its scenic beauty and religious significance. It is also a popular base for the Kedarnath and Badrinath yatra.
Gandhi Sarvoar: Gandhi Sarovar is a glacial lake situated at an altitude of 4,989 meters in the Uttarakhand Himalayas. It is named after Mahatma Gandhi, who visited this region during the Indian Independence Movement. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and is a popular trekking destination in the region.
Acvities to do in Mayali Pass Trek | Thing to do in Mayali Pass Trek
Mayali Pass Trek offers a variety of activities for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. Some of the activities to do in Mayali Pass Trek are:
- Trekking: Trekking is the primary activity to do while on Mayali Pass. The trekking trail passes through lush green forests, alpine meadows, and offers breathtaking views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks. The trek to Mayali Pass is difficult, and it takes around 8-9 days to complete.
- Camping: Camping is a popular activity in Mayali Pass Trek. The lakes in between Trek offers an excellent location to pitch a tent and enjoy the beauty of nature. The serene surroundings and the sound of gushing streams make camping in Mayali Pass Trek memorable experience.
- Photography: The trek to Mayali Pass offers stunning views of the Himalayan peaks, including Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Trishul and Nanda Devi. The lake is also a great location for photography enthusiasts, who can capture the reflections of the mountains in the crystal-clear water of the lake.
- Wildlife Spotting: Vasuki Tal trek offers an opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, including Snow Leopard, Indian Leopard, Yellow Throated Marten, Himalayan black bears, musk deer, and a variety of birds. Visitors can also spot the elusive snow leopard in the region.
- Meditation and Yoga: The serene and tranquil surroundings of Vasuki Tal make it an ideal location for meditation and yoga. Visitors can practice meditation and yoga amidst the stunning views of the Himalayan peaks and the crystal-clear water of the lake.
- Nature Walks: Visitors can take a leisurely walk around the lake and explore the surrounding forests and meadows. The walk offers an opportunity to soak in the beauty of nature and spot a variety of flora and fauna.