Situated in the beautiful Uttarakhand in India, the Chanap Valley is a relatively lesser-known and stunning valley offering pristine views of surrounding areas. The Chanap Valley trek starts from the small town of Joshimath and leads up to a trail that reveals some of the most incredible views and sceneries. The Chanap Valley trek gives visitors an opportunity to explore and admire the beautiful Garhwal Himalayas and various kinds of flora and fauna on the way. Trekkers and nature lovers looking to explore some of India’s hidden and undiscovered gems should not miss out on this immaculate destination.
Things To Know About The Chanap Valley Trek
Here are the things you should know before embarking on the scenic trek on the Chanap Valley to ensure you are well-prepared and have a comfortable and pleasant experience
1. Best Time To Visit Chanap Valley Trek
The best time to go for the trek is usually May to October, when the trek is most accessible to visitors as well as nature lovers
- May-June is usually comfortable and pleasant, with mild temperatures during the day and slightly cooler by night. The flora in the surrounding areas are vibrant and in full bloom. The clear skies allow visitors to fully appreciate the panoramic views of the Garhwal Himalayas and make it an overall surreal experience for the visitors
- July- August is the rainy season, and although there are occasional rain showers, trekking is still possible. Due to the rains, the flora and landscapes look vibrant and beautiful. However, it is advisable to be very careful while trekking in this season due to the occurrence of landslides, or trekkers could slip, which could prove to be very dangerous.
- September-October is the post-monsoon season, which allows visitors to enjoy a comfortable temperature similar to the pre-monsoon season. The skies are the clearest during this season, allowing the best visibility of the natural beauty of the surrounding landscapes. Therefore, this season is the peak trekking season, and visitors can expect a lot of fellow trekkers to join them.
Must Read: Places To Visit In Uttarakhand
2. Ways To Reach The Chanap Valley Trek
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- By Road—Plenty of taxis and cabs are available to Joshimath, the base point of the Chanap Valley trek. Private vehicles can also be taken; however, the terrain is very challenging, so visitors should make sure that their private cars are equipped to handle this kind of terrain.
- By Train- Visitors can catch a train to Rishikesh from major cities such as Mumbai or Delhi. From Rishikesh, frequent buses will take visitors to the base camp for the trek in Joshimath. Visitors can also opt to hire taxis or cabs, but the journey is quite long and may turn out to be tiresome since the distance between Rishikesh to Joshimath is about 250 kms which will take about 8-10 hours to cover.
- By Air—Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to the Chanap Valley. After reaching this airport, visitors can take a bus or taxi to the base point of the camp—Joshimath or Auli, depending on the trek route they decide to take.
- Base points—The most common base point of the trek is Joshimath, from where jeeps or other kinds of local transportation will take you to the start point. Some people opt to take the Auli route, which is a beautiful skiing destination only a few kilometres away from Joshimath.
3. Things To Carry On The Chanap Valley Trek
Before embarking on treks, visitors must ensure they are fully prepared with all the necessary items that might come in handy during the trek. Doing so gives them a truly wonderful experience with no hindrances.
- Some clothing items to definitely carry with you are comfortable trekking boots, extra T-shirts and pants to be safe, waterproof jackets and gloves, and caps or hats.
- For gear and other equipment, trekkers should carry a backpack that is big enough to accommodate a variety of items and comfortable enough to carry. Water bottles, trekking poles, and sleeping bags are a must for the trek. Trekkers can also carry a headlight for better visibility
- Trekkers should carry sufficient food and snacks to munch on so they are not hungry, as they need a lot of energy to spend while trekking. Healthy snacks such as almonds, walnuts, and ready-to-eat meals should suffice.
- For proper navigation, trekkers should carry maps or a compass. They can also carry a portable charger if their phone runs out of battery. Binoculars, cameras for capturing beautiful sceneries and moments, and garbage bags not to litter the place are recommended.
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Places To Visit Near Chanap Valley
Apart from the scenic trek, tourists can visit many beautiful destinations near the Chanap Valley for a truly incredible trip.
1. Auli
Image Credit: Amit Shaw for Wikimedia Commons
Located at a distance of about 30 kms from the Chanap Valley, this destination is a true paradise for winter sports lovers. Auli is renowned for its skiing slopes and the breathtaking views of the Himalayas. This place is also sometimes used by trekkers as the base point of the Chanap Valley trek and is a perfect spot for nature lovers, hikers and trekkers.
2. Badrinath
Image Credit: Mayank.choudha for Wikimedia Commons
Located about 40 kms away from the Chanap Valley, this sacred place is renowned for its temples and the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains it has to offer, especially the Neelkanth peak. One of the most famous temples in Badrinath, the Badrinath temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu and is one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in the country. Hence, this is the perfect destination for nature enthusiasts, spiritual seekers, and devotees.
Suggested Read: Hill stations in Uttarakhand
3. Valley Of Flowers
Image Credit: Tapuu for Wikimedia Commons
Situated roughly 20 kms away from the Chanap Valley, this UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its stunning and diverse flora. The Valley of Flowers trek is quite popular among trekkers and offers panoramic views of the surrounding meadows. The flowers are the most vibrant and in full bloom, especially during the monsoon and post-monsoon season Many trekkers flock there to witness and trek through the scenic valley.
Further Read: Amusement Parks In Uttarakhand
Now that you have a comprehensive guide for the things you need to know before you embark on a trek through the Chanap Valley, it is time to pack your bags, gear and equipment and plan a trip to Uttarakhand to have an unforgettable experience amidst the lush greenery and panoramic vistas of the Himalayas in the Chanap Valley.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Chanap Valley Trek
Where is Chanap Valley trek located?
The location of Chanap Valley is Thaing, Joshimath, Uttarakhand 246443. Although Joshimath is the base camp of the trek, the actual start point of the trek is located a few metres away from Joshimath where cars or other vehicles are not permitted, hence trekkers will have to walk towards the actual base point.
How long is the Chanap Valley trek?
The Chanap Valley trek usually takes about 5-7 days to reach the end point. However, the duration of the trek highly depends on the start point of the trek.
Is it compulsory to hire a guide for the trek?
Although it is not mandatory to hire a guide for the trek, it is highly advisable to do so. Visitors can be better prepared and well-equipped with the help of a guide.
Can first-time trekkers go for the Chanap Valley trek?
The Chanap Valley trek is not for beginners. Trekkers with some experience before can trek through the valley but it is not advisable for first-time trekkers to explore this valley.
What are some of the accommodation options in the trek?
The usual accommodation of the trekkers during the trek are tents. However, when passing through villages, various inns or guesthouses may be available.
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