Pickup & Drop: Dehradun (Pickup: 6–8 AM | Drop: Evening/Night)
Nearest Rail Head: Dehradun
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport (DED), Dehradun
Accommodation: Camping in Tents (Twin/Triple Sharing) or Homestay at Base Camp
Meals: All Meals on the Trek (Vegetarian + Eggs)
Trail Type: The trail weaves through dense pine and oak forests, opening into expansive alpine meadows that burst into color during the season. The final stretch involves a rewarding summit climb that offers panoramic views of the Bandarpunch, Black Peak, and the snow-laden ranges of Garhwal.
Best Season: January – March for snow-laden meadows and a pristine winter trekking experience; October – December for crystal-clear skies, pleasant days, and stunning post-monsoon landscapes.
Gulabikantha Trek
Tucked away in the Garhwal Himalayas, the Gulabi Kantha Trek (12,100 ft) is an offbeat Himalayan trail that rivals popular bugyal treks like Dayara and Ali–Bedni, but without the crowds. The trek is named after the “gulabi” (pink-red) rhododendrons that cover its slopes every spring, turning the meadows into a carpet of color. From the summit, trekkers are rewarded with sweeping 360° Himalayan views of Bandarpoonch, Kala Nag, Srikanth, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Chaukhamba, and Trishul.
Unlike many treks, Gulabi Kantha offers a complete Himalayan experience in a short duration — villages, forests, bugyals, a sacred lake, and high summits. It’s perfect for those who want an untouched, soulful trek away from commercial routes.
What Makes Gulabikantha Special?
Rhododendron Paradise: In spring, the forest trails and meadows bloom with red & pink rhododendrons, making the entire trek feel like a Himalayan garden.
360° Summit Views: Rare chance to see both Gangotri and Yamunotri ranges together, along with Bandarpoonch & Black Peak.
All-in-One Landscape: The trek combines forests, meadows, high ridges, and campsites under starlit skies in just 5–6 days.
Spiritual Significance: Locals believe the meadows are blessed by the goddesses of Yamunotri and Gangotri, making the trail both divine and scenic.
Easy-Moderate Trail: Ideal for beginners, families, and photographers who want Himalayan beauty without extreme difficulty.
Trek Highlights
Duration: 5–6 Days
Max Altitude: ~12,100 ft
Trek Distance: ~18–20 km (round trip)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Best Season:
Spring (Mar–Apr): Rhododendron bloom
Summer (May–Jun): Green meadows, clear skies
Autumn (Sep–Oct): Crisp golden landscapes
Winter (Nov–Dec): Snow-covered bugyals
Base Camp: Raithal Village (7,400 ft)
Key Attractions on the Gulabikantha Trek
Raithal Village (7,400 ft) – The Cultural Gateway
Base camp for Gulabi Kantha.
Traditional Garhwali wooden homes & warm hospitality.
Early Himalayan views of Bandarpoonch & Srikanth.
Barnala Tal (~9,000 ft) – Forest Lake Stopover
A small high-altitude lake nestled in pine & oak forests.
Beautiful reflections of surrounding trees.
Popular first campsite.
Rhododendron Forests
Dense oak & pine trails lined with bursting rhododendrons in spring.
Birds like the Himalayan Monal add to the beauty.
Gulabi Kantha Meadows (~12,100 ft) – The Summit Meadow
Vast open bugyal with panoramic 360° Himalayan views.
Stunning sunrise and sunset colors on snow peaks.
Meadows change colors with every season.
Why Choose This Trek?
The Gulabi Kantha Trek, tucked in the Garhwal Himalayas at 12,100 ft, is an offbeat Himalayan trail known for its vibrant rhododendron blooms, uncrowded meadows, and sweeping 360° Himalayan views. Perfect for trekkers seeking soulful landscapes and authentic Himalayan experiences, it offers forests, bugyals, a sacred lake, and high ridges all in one compact journey.
Why Do the Gulabi Kantha Trek?
Rhododendron Paradise – Blooming red & pink rhododendrons transform the trek into a Himalayan garden.
Rare Summit Views – Panoramas of Bandarpoonch, Kala Nag, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Chaukhamba & Trishul.
Offbeat & Peaceful – Escape crowded routes like Dayara or Ali–Bedni for a serene wilderness trek.
All-in-One Landscape – Villages, forests, bugyals, sacred lake, and summit meadows in just 5–6 days.
Spiritual Significance – Meadows believed to be blessed by goddesses of Yamunotri & Gangotri.
Beginner-Friendly – Gentle trails make it ideal for families, first-timers & photographers.
Trek Highlights – Gulabi Kantha
Duration: 5–6 Days
Maximum Altitude: 12,100 ft
Trek Distance: ~18–20 km (round trip)
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Best Season:
Spring (Mar–Apr): Rhododendron bloom
Summer (May–Jun): Green meadows, clear skies
Autumn (Sep–Oct): Golden crisp landscapes
Winter (Nov–Dec): Snow-covered bugyals
Base Camp: Raithal Village (7,400 ft)
Key Attractions on the Trek
Raithal Village (7,400 ft):Base camp with traditional Garhwali homes & early Himalayan views.
Barnala Tal (~9,000 ft):High-altitude forest lake & first campsite.
Rhododendron Forests:Vibrant spring trails with Himalayan Monal sightings.
Travel insurance, evacuation or hospitalization costs.
Meals during transit (Dehradun to/from base camp).
Personal trekking gear (shoes, jackets, poles, backpack, etc.).
Extra cost for personal porter/mule to carry luggage.
Transport from Dehradun ↔ Barkot/Hanuman Chatti (can be arranged on request).
Personal expenses: snacks, bottled water, tips, temple donations, etc.
Any cost due to unforeseen changes (weather, landslides, roadblocks, etc.).
Anything not specifically mentioned under "Inclusions".
Optional on-demand (extra cost):
Satellite phone for emergency communication.
Gamow Bag (portable hyperbaric chamber for AMS).
AED (Automated External Defibrillator).
How to Reach
By Air:Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (~25 km from city). Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata & Lucknow. Taxis/shared cabs available to city (~40–50 mins).
By Train:Nearest station is Dehradun Railway Station. Overnight trains available from Delhi (Nanda Devi Express, Dehradun Express). Well connected from Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, Lucknow, Varanasi & more.
By Road:Volvo/state buses from Delhi ISBT Kashmiri Gate → Dehradun (~6–7 hrs). Buses also available from Haridwar, Rishikesh, Chandigarh & Jaipur.
Pickup:From Dehradun Railway Station / Prince Chowkbetween 6:00–8:00 AM (Day 1). Drop-off at same location on final day (~7–8 PM). Distance Dehradun → Barkot ~125 km (~5–6 hrs) via Mussoorie, Kempty Falls & Yamuna Valley.
