Uttarakhand, the land of soaring Himalayan peaks and sacred rivers, is home to some of the most iconic trekking base camps in India. These base camps in Uttarakhand serve as starting points for adventure seekers, spiritual pilgrims, and mountaineers who aim to explore the majestic Garhwal and Kumaon Himalayas. Whether you’re heading to Valley of Flowers, Gaumukh, or attempting expeditions to Nanda Devi or Mount Trishul, these base camps offer the perfect blend of natural beauty and logistical support.
Why Are Base Camps Important in Uttarakhand?
Base camps in Uttarakhand are more than just stopovers—they are:
- Strategic starting points for high-altitude Himalayan treks
- Essential acclimatization zones for mountaineering expeditions
- Access points to famous pilgrimage routes
- Entry zones into protected wildlife and biosphere areas
Top Base Camps in Uttarakhand
Nanda Devi East Base Camp
- Region: Kumaon Himalayas, Uttarakhand
- Base Camp Starting Point: Munsyari
- Maximum Altitude: ~13,000 ft (3,900 m)
- Duration: 9–12 Days (Round Trip)
- Trek Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Best Time to Visit: May–June & September–October
Govindghat Base Camp (Valley of Flowers & Hemkund Sahib)
- Altitude: 6,000 ft approx.
- Base for: Valley of Flowers Trek, Hemkund Sahib Trek
- Best Time to Visit: June to September
- Highlights:
- Gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site – Valley of Flowers
- Spiritual trek to Hemkund Sahib, a revered Sikh pilgrimage site
- Rich alpine flora and vibrant meadows
Lohajung Base Camp (Roopkund, Ali Bedni Bugyal)
- Altitude: 7,700 ft
- Base for: Roopkund Trek (now partially restricted), Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek
- Best Time to Visit: April to June, September to November
- Highlights:
- Serene oak and rhododendron forests
- Mythological connection to Goddess Nanda Devi
- Excellent facilities and homestays
Sankri Base Camp (Har Ki Dun, Kedarkantha Trek)
- Altitude: 6,400 ft
- Base for: Kedarkantha, Har Ki Dun, Bali Pass, Rupin Pass
- Best Time to Visit: Round the year (for Kedarkantha)
- Highlights:
- One of the most popular winter trek base camps
- Traditional wooden houses, stunning views of Swargarohini
- Local Garhwali hospitality and culture
Sari Village (Deoria Tal)
- Altitude: 6,600 ft
- Base for: Deoria Tal
- Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November
- Highlights:
- Perfect for beginner-level trekkers
- Clear views of Himalayan peaks like Chaukhamba
Joshimath (Nanda Devi & Kuari Pass Base Camp)
- Altitude: 6,150 ft
- Base for: Kuari Pass, Nanda Devi National Park, Auli Skiing
- Best Time to Visit: All seasons depending on the trek
- Highlights:
- Gateway to the inner Garhwal Himalayas
- Excellent connectivity and stay options
- Pilgrimage town with mythological importance
Tapovan Base Camp
- Region: Gangotri National Park, Uttarkashi
- Starting Point: Gangotri (via Gaumukh)
- Altitude of Tapovan: ~14,640 ft (4,463 m)
- Trek Duration: 6–8 days (round trip)
- Trek Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Best Time to Visit: May–June and September–October
Gangotri Base Camp
- Location: Gangotri, Uttarkashi District, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: ~10,000 ft (3,048 m)
- Base For: Gaumukh Trek, Tapovan Trek, Nandanvan, Kalindi Khal Expedition
- Best Time to Visit: May–June and September–October
- Trek Duration: 4 to 10 days depending on the route
- Trek Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Yamunotri Base Camp
- Base Location: Janki Chatti (6 km below Yamunotri)
- District: Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
- Yamunotri Temple Altitude: 10,804 ft (3,293 m)
- Trek Distance: 5–6 km (one way)
- Best Time to Visit: May to June and September to October
- Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (well-paved)
Auli Base Camp
- Location: Auli, near Joshimath, Chamoli district
- Altitude: ~8,200 ft (2,500 m)
- Base for: Skiing, Gorson Bugyal trek, Kuari Pass trek, Nanda Devi expeditions
- Best Time to Visit:
- Winter (Dec–Feb) for skiing
- Summer (Apr–Jun) for trekking & scenic views
- Autumn (Sep–Oct) for clear mountain panoramas
Panchachuli Base Camp
- Location: Darma Valley, Near Munsyari, Pithoragarh District
- Altitude of Base Camp: ~13,800 ft (4,206 m)
- Trek Starting Point: Dharchula → Dar → Urthing
- Trek Distance: ~60–70 km (round trip)
- Trek Duration: 6–9 days
- Trek Grade: Moderate
- Best Time to Visit: May–June and September–October
Chopta Base Camp
- Location: Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: ~2,680 m (8,790 ft)
- Base for: Tungnath Temple, Chandrashila Peak, and Deoria Tal
- Best Time to Visit: April–June & September–November
- Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Ideal For: Nature lovers, photographers, beginners, pilgrims, and families
Ghangaria Base Camp
- Location: Chamoli District, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: 3,050 m (10,000 ft)
- Trek Starting Point: Govindghat → Pulna → Ghangaria
- Trek Duration to Ghangaria: ~10 km (4–6 hours)
- Base for:
- Valley of Flowers (4 km from Ghangaria)
- Hemkund Sahib (6 km steep ascent)
- Best Time to Visit: Mid-June to September
Barsu Village Base Camp
- Location: Uttarkashi District, Garhwal, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: 2,250 m (7,382 ft)
- Best Known As: Dayara Bugyal Trek Base Camp
- Best Time to Visit:
- Trekking: April–June, September–November
- Snow Trekking: December–February
- Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Ideal For: Beginners, families, photographers, solo trekkers
Dharchula Base Camp
- Location: Pithoragarh District, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: ~940 meters (3,080 ft)
- Famous For:
- Starting point of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (India route)
- Gateway to Adi Kailash and Om Parvat.
- Base for Darma, Kuti, and Chaudas Valleys
- Best Time to Visit: May to October (Yatra & trekking season)
- Border Checkpoint: Near Indo-Nepal border; entry and permit hub
Urgam Village
- District: Chamoli, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: ~2,133 m (7,000 ft)
- Base for:
- Kalpeshwar Temple – One of the Panch Kedars
- Trekking to Rudranath (via Helang–Panar route)
- Himalayan homestay experiences
- Best Time to Visit: March–June & September–November
- Languages Spoken: Garhwali, Hindi
- Ideal For: Pilgrims, nature lovers, trekkers, solo travelers
Sangan Chatti (Sangam Chatti) Base Camp
- Location: Uttarkashi District, Garhwal, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: ~1,900 m (6,233 ft)
- Significance: Former base camp for Yamunotri Temple Trek
- River Confluence: Located near the confluence (sangam) of Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna rivers
- Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November
Mandal Base Camp
- Location: Near Gopeshwar, Chamoli District, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: ~2,200 meters (7,200 ft)
- Famous For:
- Alternative base to Chopta for Tungnath–Chandrashila Trek
- Gateway to Anusuya Devi Temple & Atri Muni Cave
- Lush forests, eco-tourism, and birdwatching
- Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November
- Ideal For: Nature lovers, trekkers, birdwatchers, pilgrims
Raithal Village Base Camp
- Location: Uttarkashi District, Garhwal, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: ~1,800 m (5,900 ft)
- Popular For:
- Base camp for Dayara Bugyal Trek
- Homestay tourism and Garhwali culture
- Nature trails, birdwatching, and photography
- Best Time to Visit: April to June, September to December
- Ideal For: Beginners, solo trekkers, families, school groups
Ransi Village Base Camp
- District: Rudraprayag, Garhwal, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: ~2,100 meters (6,890 ft)
- Significance: Starting point of Madhyamaheshwar Temple Trek
- Best Time to Visit: May to mid-June, September to mid-November
- Ideal For: Pilgrims, trekkers, nature photographers, spiritual seekers
Munsyari Base Camp
- Location: Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: ~2,200 m (7,218 ft)
- Ideal For:
- Treks to Panchachuli Base Camp, Milam Glacier, Ralam Glacier
- Birdwatching, skiing, cultural tourism
- Best Time to Visit: April to June & September to early November
- Languages Spoken: Kumaoni, Hindi, English (limited)
Pindari Glacier Base Camp
- District: Bageshwar, Kumaon region
- Base Camp Altitude (Phurkiya): ~3,250 m (10,662 ft)
- Glacier Snout (Zero Point): ~3,660 m (12,008 ft)
- Trek Duration: 6–7 days round trip
- Best Time to Visit: Mid-April to June & September to early November
- Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Total Trek Distance: ~90 km round trip (Loharkhet to Zero Point)
Mana Pass Base Camp
- Location: Mana Village, near Badrinath, Chamoli, Uttarakhand
- Base Altitude: ~3,200 meters (10,500 ft) at Mana Village
- Pass Altitude: ~5,632 meters (18,478 ft)
- Significance:
- One of the highest motorable passes
- Historic trade route to Tibet
- Near Saraswati River origin and Badrinath Temple
- Permits Required: Yes (from SDM, ITBP & Army; special permission for civilians)
- Best Time to Visit: May to October (weather and military clearance permitting)
Kuflon Village Base Camp
- Location: Near Sangamchatti, Uttarkashi, Garhwal
- Altitude: ~1,650 m (5,400 ft)
- Famous For:
- Base for Dodital–Darwa Pass trek
- Eco-tourism and birdwatching
- Nature-based retreats and peaceful stays
- Best Time to Visit: April to June & September to early December
- Ideal For: Trekkers, nature lovers, solo travelers, school groups
Lohajung Base Camp
- Location: Chamoli District, Garhwal, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: ~2,300 m (7,550 ft)
- Famous For:
- Base camp for Roopkund, Brahmatal, Bedni Bugyal treks
- Traditional Garhwali culture
- Panoramic views of Nanda Ghunti and Trishul peaks
- Best Time to Visit: March to June & October to early January
- Ideal For: Trekkers, photographers, solo travelers, spiritual seekers
Mana Village Base Camp
- District: Chamoli, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: ~3,200 m (10,500 ft)
- Significance:
- Last village on the Indian border
- Trekking base camp for Satopanth Tal, Swargarohini, and Mana Pass
- Mythological site linked to Mahabharata
- Best Time to Visit: May to October
- Ideal For: Pilgrims, trekkers, history lovers, photographers
Kala Nag Base Camp
- Location: Uttarkashi District, Garhwal, Uttarakhand
- Base Camp Altitude: ~4,100 m (13,450 ft)
- Summit Altitude: 6,387 m (20,955 ft)
- Trek/Expedition Duration: 10–12 days
- Ideal Season: May–June, September–October
- Permits Required: Yes (IMF and forest department approvals)
- Difficulty Level: Challenging (for experienced trekkers and climbers)
Kanakchauri Base Camp
- District: Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: ~1,800 m (5,900 ft)
- Best Time to Visit: October to June (clear views in winter and spring)
- Known For:
- Base camp for Kartik Swami Temple Trek
- Sunrise and sunset views of Himalayan peaks
- Peaceful rural setting and cultural richness
Harsil Base Camp
- Location: Uttarkashi District, Garhwal, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: ~2,620 m (8,595 ft)
- Famous For:
- Base camp for treks to Gangotri Glacier, Lama Tekri, and Nelang Valley
- Himalayan river landscapes and apple orchards
- Peaceful alternatives to busy Char Dham sites
- Best Time to Visit: April to June & September to early November
- Ideal For: Trekkers, pilgrims, families, solo travelers, nature photographers
Darma Village Base Camp
- Location: Darma Valley, Pithoragarh district, Kumaon
- Altitude: ~3,000 m (9,800 ft)
- Famous For:
- Starting point of Panchachuli Base Camp trek
- Traditional Bhotiya culture and villages
- Himalayan rivers, glaciers, and wildflower meadows
- Best Time to Visit: May to June, September to October
Barsu Base Camp
- Location: Uttarkashi District, Garhwal, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: ~2,250 m (7,380 ft)
- Famous For:
- Base camp for Dayara Bugyal & Barnala Tal treks
- Easy-to-moderate trail, ideal for beginners
- Picturesque Himalayan village with homestay culture
- Best Time to Visit: April to June & October to January (for snow treks)
- Ideal For: Trekkers, families, solo travelers, school/college groups
Ghuttu Base Camp
- Location: Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: ~1,550 m (5,085 ft)
- Best Time to Visit: May to June and September to early November
- Ideal For: Intermediate to experienced trekkers, photographers, solitude-seekers
- Famous For:
- Base for Khatling Glacier Trek
- Meadows of Panwali Kantha
- Mythological connections with the Kedarkhand region
Wan Village Base Camp
- District: Chamoli, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: ~2,400 m (7,875 ft)
- Famous For:
- Base/exit point for Roopkund Trek
- Route to Bedni Bugyal and Ali Bugyal
- Access to virgin Himalayan forest trails
- Best Time to Visit: May to June and September to October
- Ideal For: Trekkers, backpackers, nature lovers, photographers
Essential Facilities Available at Base Camps
- Homestays and budget guesthouses
- Medical first aid and emergency response
- Local guides and porters
- Mules for luggage transport
- Shops for basic trekking gear
- Mobile network (in some areas only)
Sustainable Trekking from Base Camps
Responsible travel is the need of the hour. While trekking from base camps in Uttarakhand, keep these eco-friendly practices in mind:
- Carry your waste back
- Avoid plastic
- Stick to marked trails
- Respect local culture and wildlife
- Support local guides and homestays
Map of Prominent Base Camps in Uttarakhand (Embed Map Suggestion)
Include a user-interactive map showcasing locations like Sankri, Joshimath, Govindghat, Lohajung, and Sari for better UX and internal linking.
Popular Treks That Start from Base Camps in Uttarakhand
| Base Camp | Popular Trek(s) | Difficulty | Duration |
| Govindghat | Valley of Flowers, Hemkund Sahib | Easy-Moderate | 5–7 Days |
| Sankri | Kedarkantha, Har Ki Dun, Bali Pass | Moderate | 4–8 Days |
| Lohajung | Bedni Bugyal, Brahmatal | Moderate | 5–7 Days |
| Joshimath | Kuari Pass, Nanda Devi | Moderate | 5–9 Days |
| Sari | Deoria Tal – Chandrashila | Easy | 2–4 Days |
