The hilly and mountainous regions of Garhwal and Kumaon lie in the newly formed state of Uttaranchal separating it from the plains and carved out of the state of Uttar Pradesh. The majestic greater Himalaya stretches across the northern regions of Garhwal and Kumaon and the states of Himachal, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. The eastern borders of Nepal and Tibet to the north form its International boundaries. The spectacular Himalayan peaks and glaciers are the source to legendary rivers like the Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati, which flow down the naturally abundant beautiful valleys making the region rich in forests, flora and fauna contributing to the rich natural resources which also make it agriculturally rich. The traditional eco friendly farming system is now being organized in a larger scale as Uttaranchal is a haven for organic farming and bio villages have been formed for this kind of organized organic farming.

Shivling from Nandanvan

Besides the early invaders, saints like Sankaracharya visited Garhwal as early as 800 AD and established the temple of Badrinath. Ancient scriptures rightfully call Garhwal “Devbhoomi” or “Sacred Valley of Gods”, temples well known in Hindu mythology like Gangotri, Kedarnath, Yamunotri all lie in this area thus making Garhwal an important pilgrimage destination. Explorers like Shipton, Tillman, and Frank Smythe discovered many new valleys and Frank Smythe who discovered the Valley of Flowers considered this the most beautiful valley in the Himalaya. Most of the high, unknown valleys in this region still remain untrodden as not much is written or known about this region, which still remains pristine and untouched in all its natural glory.

While most trekking routes all over the Himalaya have become very popular and crowded, Garhwal and Kumaon with its well known hill stations, wild life parks like Corbett, temples still remain unspoilt thus offering its trekkers a wonderful Himalayan Experience which would bring them back to see more of the unknown.