The Uttarakhand government has declared the Hanumanchatti–Gulabikantha trail in Barkot tehsil, Uttarkashi, as the ‘Trek of the Year’. This is the first time that a trekking route on the Yamunotri pilgrimage corridor has been officially developed for tourism.
Historically, this trail has been significant for locals who once used it to travel from the Kelshu Valley to Yamunotri Dham. The trek stretches about 8–9 km from Hanumanchatti via Nishani village, reaching an altitude of 2,900–3,000 meters above sea level. Local residents and youth played a vital role in reviving interest in this trail, after which the tourism department provided them with training in guiding and trekking.
District Tourism Officer K.K. Joshi said the development will benefit both Yamunotri and Dodital areas, as the route directly links Nishani village to the Kelshu Valley’s Dodital trail in Uttarkashi. Trekking on this trail will begin from September, with permission initially granted to around 300 trekkers in the first phase.
