Situated in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas, the Ranthan Kharak Trek is ideal for those willing to experience nature’s beauty and tranquillity. Starting from Lohajung Village, the trekking trails of this moderate trek take you through remote villages, dense forests, and picturesque meadows to the wonderful Ranthan Kharak, a meadow situated at 4,200 meters in height offering excellent sights of majestic snow-covered Himalayan Peaks. Nestled close to Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, the Ranthan Kharak Trek holds ecological importance as it introduces trekkers to the region’s rich cultural heritage and Biodiversity.
Reasons to choose the Ranthan Kharak Trek? This trek offers an off-beat trek experience, unlike other crowded Himalayan trekking trails. This quality of Ranthan Kharak Trek makes it unique and perfect for those willing to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of busy city life and immerse themselves in the raw beauty of untouched landscapes. The diverse terrain, unique flora, and warm hospitality of locals make it best suited for those who crave cultural authenticity and thrilling adventure.
➔ Trek Duration: Around 5 to 6 days
➔ Trek Distance: Approximately 34 to 38 km (both ways)
➔ Difficulty Level: Considered Moderate to Difficult
➔ Best Time to Visit: From May to June (Spring-summer months) and September to October (post-monsoon)
➔ Starting Point(Name of Base Village): The trek starts from Lohajung Village
➔ Maximum Altitude: 13779 feet
The most suitable time for the Ranthan Kharak Trek is during the spring-summer months (from May to June) and post-monsoon months (from September to October). The weather remains stable during these months with daytime temperatures ranging from 10 to 18 degrees Celsius and dropping to 0 to 10 degrees at night. Trekking in the spring season would reward trekkers with blooming rhododendrons, while the post-monsoon months come with sunny days, clear skies, and fresh crisp air. It is advised to avoid trekking during the monsoon season (from July to August) as this region receives heavy rainfall and the chances of landslides are higher during this time. You should also avoid going between November and April (winter season) because heavy snowfall can block the trekking trails.
➔ Trekking essentials: Trekkers must pack essential trekking gear, such as a trekking pole, a lightweight backpack, a sleeping bag for lower temperatures, a headlamp, and a route map.
➔ Clothes: The weather remains pleasant during the daytime, but it can drop at night, so pack layers, woollen clothes, a windproof jacket, a raincoat, track pants, a hat, woollen gloves, woollen socks, and fleece.
➔ Trekking Shoes: The trekking shoes should be comfortable and have good ankle support.
➔ Other essentials: Other important things to carry are sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, sunglasses, and a first aid kit.
➔ Miscellaneous: Toiletries, snacks, and energy bars.
The starting point of the Ranthan Kharak Trek is Lohajung Village, and there are several ways to reach here.
The closest airport to Lohajung Village is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, around 280 km away. After reaching the airport, you can hire a Taxi to Lohajung Village.
There are frequent buses from Dehradun and Delhi to Karnaprayag. You can take a bus from these places and then change buses or hire a taxi to Lohajung Village.
The closest railway station to Lohajung Village is in Kathgodam, around 230 km away. After reaching at the station, you can take a bus or shared jeep to Lohajung Village.
➔ Proper Acclimatisation: Acclimatisation is the key to high-altitude treks. Our itinerary includes an acclimatisation day to help you adjust to the altitude.
➔ Drink Enough Water: Carry a reusable water bottle that can carry at least 2 to 3 litres of water.
➔ Stay on Designated Trail: Since the Ranthan Kharak trek involves walking in remote areas, it is advised to stay on the designated trekking trail with your guide and other group members.
➔ Check Weather Forecast: The weather can be unpredictable in the Himalayan region. Avoid trekking in case of heavy rain or storms.
➔ Trek with a guide: Hire a local, knowledgeable guide who will help you navigate the trail and ensure your safety.
Day 1 - Drive to Gogina from Kathgodam
Drive Distance: 235 km
Time taken: 10-11 hours
Altitude gain: From 1,818 feet to 6,415 feet
Day 2 - Start Trekking from Gogina to Reach Namik Campsite
Trek Distance: 6-7 km
Trek duration: 6 hours
Altitude loss: From 6,415 feet to 5,938 feet
Altitude gain: From 5,938 feet to 7,390 feet
Day 3 - Trek to Bajimanian Kharak from Namik Campsite
Trek distance: 5 km
Trek Duration: Around 6 to 7 hours
Altitude Gain: From 7,390 feet to 9,690 feet.
Day 4 - Trek to Thal Tok from Baji Kharak
Trek Distance: 5 km
Trek duration: 6 to 7 hours
Altitude Gain: From 9,690 feet to 11,130 feet
Day 5 - Trek to Parava Thor from Thal Tok via Ranthan Kharak
Trek Distance: 10 km
Trek duration: 9 to 10 hours
Altitude Gain: From 11,130 feet to 12,887 feet
Altitude Loss: From 12,887 feet to 9,210 feet
Day 6 - Return to Gogina from Parava Thor
Trek distance: 10 km
Trek duration: 5 to 6 hours
Altitude Loss: From 9,210 Feet to 6,415 Feet
Day 7 - Drive to Kathgodam from Gogina
Drive distance: 235 km
Drive duration: 10 to 11 hours
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The Ranthan Kharak Trek was an incredible adventure for me and my friends. I was amazed to see the stunning views of the surrounding snow-covered mountains and picturesque meadows. The moderate difficulty made it adventurous, and the scenic trekking trails provided an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy city life. It was a very rejuvenating experience for us.
Located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, the Ranthan Kharak Trek is like a hidden gem. My friend told me about this almost a month ago, and the moment we got time out of our busy schedule, we booked it from Banbanjara right away. The dense forests, serene meadows, and eye-pleasing views of the surrounding peaks made us fall in love with nature all over again. Thank you, Banbanjara, for this incredible adventure.
My experience of the Ranthan Kharak Trek was magical! I went on the trek solo, and at first, I was all worried about my safety. But on the journey, I met lovely fellow trekkers, and our guide was helpful, and he took good care of our safety. I made many new friends, and all of us had a great time enjoying the adventure and scenic views from the summit. My entire journey was filled with excitement.
The Ranthan Kharak Trek is an incredible choice for those looking for a less-crowded and adventurous journey. This trek offers a perfect balance of natural beauty and adventure, making it perfect for everyone. Apart from the views and adventure, I would like to appreciate the efforts of the team Banbanjara for taking care of all the logistics. Thank you, Banbanjara, for providing this wonderful break from the hustle and bustle of busy city life.
If you are someone like me looking for an off-beat Himalayan Trek with stunning scenery, the Ranthan Kharak is a must-do. The panoramic views of the surrounding mountains were spectacular. This trek offers a perfect challenging experience with a smaller crowd. The glimpse into Kumaoni's local culture made our adventure even more enriching.
The Ranthan Kharak Trek was one of the best treks I have done so far. As a trekking enthusiast and some travelling with first-timers, I think it was a great adventure with well-balanced challenges and an opportunity to explore Kumaon Himalaya’s hidden charm. After hours of trekking through the dense forest, we were introduced to ‘Kharaks’, the large, picturesque meadows. I had so much fun with my friends and fellow trekkers.
My trek to Ranthan Kharak was a refreshing escape from city chaos into nature’s heart. The stunning views of the Himalayas were a pure treat to our eyes. The trails were free of the crowd, offering a sense of peace. We also met the locals residing in villages and learned about their culture. I highly recommend it to those seeking a peaceful escape from their busy 9 to 5 life.
The trek to Ranthan Kharak was incredible. It was a perfect balance of adventure and cultural interaction in local villages. Although the trek was rated as moderate, we faced a few challenges during the final summit climb, but it was manageable with the help of our experienced trek guide. The views of lush valleys and snow-covered mountains were the main highlight. Thanks to Banbanjara for the great service.
As an adventure and photography enthusiast, the Ranthan Kharak trek was like a dream come true for me. It rewards us with stunning vistas with each step. Watching the first and last rays of the sun falling on snow-capped peaks, creating a perfect scenery, was a pure treat to our eyes. Banbanjara’s well-paced itinerary allowed me to live in the moment and capture the best shots.
Everything about the Ranthan Kharak trek was perfect. From views to well-balanced challenges. Apart from this, Kumaoni culture remained the main highlight of our trek. Meeting with the locals and learning about their way of living and traditions added a unique, enriching touch to our overall experience.
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The Ranthan Kharak Trek is a spectacular multi-day journey through Uttarakhand’s Kumaon Himalayas, famous for its natural beauty. The trekking trail of Ranthan Kharak Trek takes you through dense forests and introduces you to a high-altitude meadow known as ‘Kharaks'. Offering a tranquil escape from the city crowd, this trek rewards you with magnificent views of famous peaks like Nanda Devi and Panchachuli, covered in snow.
Usually, the duration of the Ranthan Kharak Trek is around 6 to 7 days. This timeframe is for the entire trek, including ascending to several campsites, reaching the summit at around 12,900 feet, and descending back to Gogina. The trekkers will have to trek for around 5 to 8 days daily through various terrains. Ascend gradually to allow your body to acclimatise properly and appreciate the stunning views of the Himalayan Landscapes.
The Ranthan Kharak Trek is rated as moderate, making it accessible for both experienced and beginner-level trekkers with good fitness levels. While you don’t need prior experience in a high-altitude trek, a good level of physical fitness is essential. The trek involves walking on diverse terrain, with a few steep sections, especially at the final summit climb. You should be comfortable walking for 6 to 8 hours each day during the trek to reach the summit at 13,000 feet in height.
The best time for the Ranthan Kharak Trek is during the pre-monsoon months (from April to June) or post-monsoon months (from September to November). The weather during the pre-monsoon months is pleasant, and the temperature ranges from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius during the daytime, and it drops to 5 to 10 degrees at night. While post-monsoon months come with sunny days and a fresh crisp in the air, with daytime temperatures ranging from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius and dropping to 0 to 5 degrees at night.
While experienced trekkers can go on the trek without a guide, hiring a guide is recommended for an enhanced trek experience. A guide helps you navigate the diverse terrain safely and shares cultural insights. A group tour simplifies the logistics, like meals and permits. A guide is a must, especially for those new to the region and the concept of high-altitude trekking.
Trekkers should expect tented accommodation during the Ranthan Kharak Trek, which is usually provided on a sharing basis. We provide veg dishes like lentils and snacks.
You just need basic forest department permits for entry because the trekking trail passes through protected forest areas of Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region. But you don’t need to worry about the permits; we arrange all the required permits for our guests, and the price is included in the package's total cost. You just have to provide a few documents, like a passport or an Aadhar Card for verification.
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