Gulabi Kantha Trek
5 Days · 3200m · Remote Pink Meadows · Rhododendron Forests · Garhwal
📅 5 Days
🌿 Pink Meadows
🥾 Remote Trek
🥾 Moderate
5 Days · 3200m · Remote Pink Meadows · Rhododendron Forests · Garhwal
Gulabi Kantha is a lesser-known high-altitude meadow in the Uttarkashi district of Garhwal, named for the pink flowers (rhododendrons and wildflowers) that colour the meadow in the spring months. The area sits at around 3200m and is reached by a forest trail from villages in the Tons River valley. The lack of crowds and commercial development makes it one of the most genuine wilderness trekking experiences in Uttarakhand.
The trail to Gulabi Kantha passes through thick deodar and oak forest before entering open meadow zones. The views from the upper meadow extend towards the Tons valley hills and the distant Garhwal range. The path is not well signposted and a local guide familiar with the area is essential. Bird diversity in the forest zone is high, and the trek gives you a good chance to see Himalayan wildlife including ghoral and barking deer.
Dev Yatra organises Gulabi Kantha trek packages from Haridwar with local Uttarkashi-based guides who know the trail well. The trek is suited for those who want to avoid the more commercialised routes like Kedarkantha and experience genuine Garhwali forest and meadow terrain. Best time is April-May for flower season and September-October for clear views.
Spring season colours the meadow with pink rhododendrons and wildflowers. One of the most scenic flower shows in Garhwal.
Far fewer trekkers than Kedarkantha or Dayara Bugyal. Genuine wilderness experience in Tons valley area.
Ghoral, barking deer, and 80+ bird species in the deodar forest section. Good birdwatching in early morning.
Views of Tons valley hills and distant Garhwal range. Peaceful open meadow camping.
FLOWER SEASON
Best for pink rhododendrons and wildflowers. Snow melting. Fresh green forest. Most colourful time.
AUTUMN
Clear skies, good Himalayan views. Forest golden. Less crowded. Very photogenic.
WINTER
Snow covers meadow. Trail difficult without winter gear. Not recommended for casual trekkers.
All our treks start from Haridwar . Reach Haridwar first:
Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun (35 km from Haridwar). Flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru available.
Haridwar Railway Station — well connected pan-India. Overnight trains from Delhi take 5-6 hours.
Delhi ISBT to Haridwar by Volvo (6 hrs). State buses connect Haridwar to all base towns.
Delhi to Haridwar 210 km (4-5 hrs via NH-58). Pickup from Delhi/Chandigarh/Dehradun available.
Gulabi Kantha is best in July–August when the pink primulas are in full flower — coming here in September for views but missing the flowers defeats the purpose. The ridge is 3500m and on the approach to Valley of Flowers. It gives a high perspective on the Bhyundar Valley and the VoF below. It is much quieter than the main valley floor. Trail finding requires a guide — this is not a marked route. Carry rain gear as the monsoon is the best season and afternoon showers are common.