Ranthan Kharak Trek: Uttarakhand's Crowning Glory

Join me as I take you through one of the most breathtaking and underrated treks in India: the Ranthan Kharak Trek. Nestled in the Kumaon region, this trek is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. From picturesque villages to majestic Himalayan peak views, this journey has something for everyone—whether you’re a first-time trekker or a seasoned adventurer.

💡 Trek Details:

Day 1: Arrival at Gogina Village

How to Reach Gogina:
Take a train/bus to Kathgodam (the nearest railhead and 230 km away)
From Kathgodam, hire a taxi or take a bus to Bageshwar, then a local cab to Gogina.
We drove from my mountain home in a village called Natadol which about 65km away from Kathgodam and 195 km away from Gogina.

Highlights:
Gogina is a charming Himalayan village surrounded by lush greenery.
Spend the day acclimatizing and exploring the serene village life.

Day 2: Gogina to Bajiman Kharak

Distance: ~12 km

Terrain: Gradual ascent through terraced fields, small streams, and dense forests.

Highlights: On this day, we trekked directly from Gogina to Bajiman Kharak. It was a long and challenging trek, recommended only for avid trekkers with good endurance.
For a more comfortable experience, it’s ideal to break the journey and spend the night at Namik Village (6.5 km from Gogina).
Between Namik and Bajiman Kharak (5.5 km), the trail passes through the several kharaks (clearings between the forests) and vibrant rhododendron forests that are in full bloom during spring (March–May).
Bajiman Kharak is a serene campsite with a small shelter and a temple, perfect for a night under the stars.

Day 3: Bajiman Kharak to Thal Tok

Distance: ~5 km

Terrain: Rolling paths through forest clearings and expansive meadows.

Highlights:
Continue through the Kharaks, clearings in the forest that offer breathtaking views.
Arrive at the Thala Bugyal meadow, a sprawling grassland surrounded by towering peaks.
Camp at Thal Tok, a serene spot about 500 meters above Thala Bugyal, offering magnificent views.

Day 4: Thal Tok to Ranthan Top (and the Descent to Namik Village)

Ascent to Ranthan Top: ~6 km

Highlights:
A steep climb leads to Chofu Top and the we come onto a ridge offering 270° panoramic views of some of the most iconic Himalayan peaks:
Mt. Trishul I & II, Nanda Devi, Nanda Devi East, Panchachuli Massif, and more, before reaching Ranthan Top.

The Descent:

After taking in the incredible views, we returned to Thal Tok, packed our campsite, and descended to Namik Village (~11 km).
We took a shortcut through Thala Bugyal, which reduced the distance by 3 km. Again, we pushed ourselves as we knew we could do it and were feeling strong. (If you're not an avid trekker, you can choose to stay at purva thor kharak and trek to Gogina the next day, skipping Namik)
Spent the night at a cozy homestay in Namik Village, recovering from the day’s long trek.

Day 5: Namik Village to Gogina Village

Distance: 6.5 km

Terrain: Gradual descent through forests and fields before climbing a little back again.

Highlights:
A peaceful and scenic trek back to Gogina Village.
From Gogina, we drove back to Natadol.
Optional: Return Journey
From Gogina, you can head back to Kathgodam the same day or choose to stay overnight and leave the next day.

Best Seasons:
Spring (March–May): Vibrant rhododendron blooms and lush greenery.
Autumn (September–November): Clear skies and stunning views.

This video is not just a guide but a celebration of Kumaon’s beauty. While Garhwal is a popular trekking destination, Kumaon is still a lesser-explored paradise. I hope to inspire you to hike and trek more, explore hidden gems like this one, and appreciate the beauty of nature through my lens.

🔗 Stay Connected:
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What’s your favorite trek or hidden gem in India? Drop a comment below and let’s share ideas! Drop a comment also if this video inspired you to explore Ranthan Kharak!

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00:00 - Introduction
00:36 - Day 0: Natadol to Gogina
01:57 - Gogina
02:29 - Day 1: Gogina to Bajiman Kharak
05:37 - Namik Village
06:34 - Namik to Bajiman Kharak
10:58 - Day 2: Bajiman Kharak to Thal Tok
14:36 - Thala Bugyal
14:53 - Thala Bugyal to Thal Tok
17:24 - Day 3: Thal Tok to Ranthan Top
21:08 - Ranthan Top

#RanthanKharakTrek #TrekkingIndia #AdventureTravel #Kumaon #DroneFootage #HimalayanTrekking #HiddenGemsIndia


🎵 Music Credits:

Youtube Audio Library
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Track 1: Music by https://www.bensound.com/free-music-f...
Artist: Roman Senyk
License code: 9OCBKFIGM6JBXXK0