Govind Wildlife Sanctuary & National Park is located in the higher reaches of the Garhwal Himalayas and near the town of Uttarkashi. It’s a protected reserve, which is home to an abundance of flora and fauna. It spans over an area of 1000 square kilometers showcasing unparalleled beauty in its landscapes. This National Park is also famous for its trekking routes and some of the most beautiful, challenging and popular trails of Uttarakhand go through it. Let us check out the most popular Uttarakhand treks that traverse through Govind Wildlife Sanctuary.

Popular Treks in Govind Wildlife Sanctuary

1. Kedarkantha Trek

Kedarkantha is a classic destination for winter trekking in India. I am sure everyone has heard about this trek and it is also the only peak trek which remains accessible in winter. The Kedarkantha summit is perched at an altitude of 12,500 ft and showcases a wonderful unobstructed panorama of the Himalayan Ranges. The trailhead lies at Sankri and it passes through a scenic route inside the Govind National Park. You will cross beautiful forested sections, a stunning frozen lake at Juda Ka Talab and get some of the most epic mountain views. This trek truly showcases the beauty of the Garhwal Himalayas.

Wildlife: Being part of the Wildlife Sanctuary, there are chances of spotting many wildlife species as well as plant species along the trekking route. Himalayan Monal, the state bird of Uttarakhand is one of the most beautiful bird species that you will spot in this trek. If you are lucky enough, you may also spot species like the Red Fox, Himalayan Tahr, ape species like Langurs and Macques and the Musk Deer

2. Bali Pass Trek

This is one of the most challenging treks in Uttarakhand and presents an immaculate beauty typical of the Garhwal Himalayas. There’s an exhilarating pass crossing, which is the main highlight of the trek. At an altitude of 16,200 ft, Bali Pass connects the beautiful Har Ki Dun Valley to the Yamunotri Valley. As you stand atop the pass, the Bandarpoonch Massif appears quite close and from the Base Camp, you get wonderful views of the Swargrohini peaks. The Ruinsara Tal, a beautiful glacial lake adds to the charm of this beautiful trek.

Wildlife: At the Bali Pass Trek you may spot some enigmatic bird species like the Himalayan Monal, the Black Eagle and the Golden Eagle. Among the flora get to see Rhododendron trees and the rare floral species – Brahma Kamal, juniper trees are also seen along this trail. Astute wildlife enthusiasts may also get to see Himalayan Tahr, Bharals and the exotic Musk Deer.

3. Har Ki Dun

Har Ki Dun which literally translates to ‘Valley of Gods’ is a beautiful valley inside the Govind National Park. The valley is located in the northwestern interiors of the Sanctuary and takes you along a scenically beautiful path through a vibrant valley with a stream rushing through it. It is one of the most beautiful treks that showcases the pristine beauty of Uttarakhand. The trek passes along some of the most remote and ancient villages and you get beautiful mountain views of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch and Black Peak.

Wildlife: The Himalayan Monal and the Kokhlas Pheasant are the most commonly spotted birds in this trek. Among the animal species, you may spot the Himalayan Black Bear, Musk Deer and Langurs.

4. Phulara Ridge

Starting from the charming village of Sankri, the Phulara Ridge trek leads you to the summit of a ridge standing at an elevation of 12,150 ft. Traversing along this ridge gives you the chance to soak in the breathtaking vistas of the Himalayan Ranges. En route, you'll encounter the picturesque campsites of Pushtara and Bhoj Gadi meadows. Upon reaching the summit, you'll be treated to panoramic views of prominent peaks such as Bandarpoonch, Kalanag, Swargarohini, Devkyara, Kedarkantha Peak, and more, offering a truly unforgettable experience in the Himalayan wilderness.

Wildlife: Rhododendron, Oak and Deodar are commonly spotted trees, whereas you may spot wildlife species such as Himalayan Black Bear and Musk Deer.

Beautiful Villages in Govind National Park

Sankri

Sankri is a beautiful Himalayan hamlet inside Govind National Park. It is situated at an altitude of 6,400 ft and is easily accessible by road. The village serves as the base for some of the most popular treks in Uttarakhand like the Kedarkantha Trek, Bali Pass, Phulara Ridge and Har ki Dun. Most of the time the village is bustling with adventurers who are out to explore the charm of the Himalayas. From Sankri, one can see beautiful mountain views of Swargarohini, Black Peak, Yamunotri & Gangotri.

Taluka

A small but scenically stunning village, Taluka is just 12 km away from Sankri. Taluka lies on the Har Ki Dun Trek route and once you step into the village, you will be instantly captivated by its charm. The village includes a cluster of traditional wooden and stone houses with a river streaming across the village. 

Osla

Osla is another picturesque village that you will come across in the Har Ki Dun Trek. At an altitude of 2950 m, visiting the village is like travelling through time. Ancient buildings in traditional architecture showcase the culture and rich heritage of the region. The wooden houses will instantly demand your attention and invoke a sense of awe. The Someshwar Mahadev Temple is a popular attraction in Osla which also depicts the fine and intricate architecture.

Gangad

Gangad is another ancient village inside the Govind National Park that presents the unique architecture of the region. The wooden houses in this village are extremely beautiful and will totally win your admiration. The locals are very warm and friendly and you can definitely  chat with them and hear some interesting folklore and legends.

Take any of these amazing trails to experience the beauty, the rich biodiversity and how human life in the region is interwoven with the very fabric of the wilderness. Whether it is the mesmerizing Har Ki Dun Trek or the challenging Bali Pass Trek, each trek presents a unique facet of the Wildlife Sanctuary and takes you closer to the high mountains of the region.