Ranthan Kharak Trek

Ranthan Kharak Trek: A Journey Through Majestic Landscapes

Nestled in the lesser-known region of Kumaon, Uttarakhand, the Ranthan Kharak Trek is an appealing 6-night, 7-day voyage spanning about 34 to 38 kilometres. This easy-moderate-level trek requires climbing to a maximum altitude of 13,000 feet at Ranthan Top. The starting and ending point of this trek is the charming village of Gogina; the trail strolls through lush oak and rhododendron forests, sprawling alpine meadows, and classic Himalayan settlements, offering trekkers a rich and fascinating natural beauty and traditional lifestyle.

Ranthan Top offers stunning panoramic views of majestic peaks like the Panchachuli range, Mt. Mrigthuni, Mt. Dangthal, Nanda Kot and Nanda Devi. In spring, the trekkers are rewarded with the breathtaking bloom of rhododendrons. During this season the landscape does not look less than a painting where it is coloured in shades of red, pink, and white.

Key highlights of the Ranthan Kharak Trek:

-        Nestled in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, this lesser-explored place lets you experience true peace and raw natural beauty.

-        While trekking, you witness beautiful and dense Rhododendron, oak and coniferous forests expanding to Bugyal meadows.

-        After reaching Ranthan top, panoramic views of Himalayan peaks make the whole trekking experience worth and rewarding.

-        Experience authentic Kumaon culture by visiting villages like Gogina and Dharapani.

-        Enhance the wilderness adventure by staying in remote, serene camps.

-        Challenging yet accessible trails make it perfect for both beginners and trekking enthusiasts.

How to get a permit for the Ranthan Kharak Trek?

Obtaining a permit for the Ranthan Kharak Trek is a crucial and important step. The trek traverses through a forest area; hence, taking a permit from the forest authority is a mandatory process for both national and foreign nationals. Foreign nationals will need additional permits facilitated by their trekking agency.

Acquiring a permit can be a bothersome task; hence, it is suggested to ask your trekking agency to take care of the specific requirements. Thin Air Expedition includes its permit cost in their package only. When you book a trek with them in advance, they take care of necessary permits and the processing on your behalf.

If you are planning to obtain a permit independently, then contact the Bageshwar Forest Department Division Office and enquire about the procedure of filing the application and obtaining the permit. Make sure you have all the valid IDs, like an Aadhaar card, PAN card and driving licence, before requesting the same.

Complete day-wise itinerary of the Ranthan Kharak Trek

Day 1: Kathgodam to Gogina

Drive distance: 265 km, around 10 to 11 hours

Altitude covered: 6,200 ft

Meals included: dinner

Overnight stay: guesthouse

How does your day 1 look?

·        Arrive at Kathgodam, followed by a scenic drive to Gogina via Almora, Bageshwar, and Sama. Traveller of Thin Air Expedition will pick you up. The package includes to-and-fro transportation.

·        Gogina is far from Kathgodam; reach the pickup point on time so that you can reach the guest house on time and enjoy piping hot dinner.

·        The route takes you through the scenic town of Almora and the picturesque Binsar. The entire stretch is covered with pine trees.

·        In a few hours' drive reach Bageshwar, the last prominent town in the Kumaon location.

·        Arrive in Gogina in the evening and call it a day. The charming mountain village of Gogina has a few good homestays. If reached on time, you can either take a leisurely walk or directly go to your allotted rooms after dinner for rest.

Day 2: Gogina to Namik village

Trek distance: 6 km, around 3-4 hrs

Altitude covered: 7,300 ft.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, and dinner

Overnight stay: camping at Namik village

How does your day 2 look?

·        After a warm and hearty breakfast, start your journey from Gogina to Namik village.

·        Trek through the farms of the village and a woodland. After a few km trekking, reach a mud spot mixed with loose rocks from where a sharp descent begins. Listen to your trek leader’s instructions carefully and walk cautiously while advancing.

·        Cross the ledge; before reaching the ledge, you will pass a few sections through big rocks.

·        Look at your left to see cliffs and right to see the Ramganga River. This is going to be the first sight of this river.

·        Trek carefully as the descent gets steeper gradually until the river. Also, you will cross the metal suspension bridge to reach the river. From here the trail ascends, and after a sharp climb reach Namik village, your destination of the day.

·        A bird’s eye view of the valley, oak, maple, and deodar forests and dwarf bamboo trees are going to be the highlights of the day. These Dwarf Bamboo trees are known as ‘Ringaal’.

·        You will be surprised to encounter a few interesting sights here, for example, wild snake berries. Don’t fall for the name berries; they might look like a fruit, but most of them are not edible and might get you sick. Namik village has a government school and very few houses where locals are busy with daily chores on their farmlands.

·        Enjoy the village lifestyle and get to know the locals and their daily routine after reaching the campsite. Another village which can be seen from your campsite is called Keemu. You will also spot a glacier which goes by the name of Namik Glacier.

·        Take a rest and get yourself ready for the next day.

Day 3: Namik village to Bajamania camp

Trek distance: 6 km, around 3-4 hrs

Altitude covered: 9,000 ft.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, and dinner

Overnight stay: camping at Bajamania

How does your day 3 look?

·        After a hearty breakfast, head towards a beautiful clearing trail called Baji Harak, also known as Bajimanian Kharak.

·        The well-laid-out trail helps trekkers pass by several forested sections and clearings. The first clearing has many small shepherd huts, which come after a short trek. Depending on the time of the season, you can see cattle grazing.

·        Today is the day you will witness the Rhododendrons in full bloom. You will also pass through a section of oak and maple trees. The spring season is the best time to see the Rhododendrons.

·        Fill your water bottles from Pauri Roli stream and take a small break. There is a diversion ahead; at left, there is a shortcut to Thal Tok, which will be covered on the next day of the trek. This route is mainly used during the evacuation.

·        After a small break at Pauri Roli, get ready for the steep climb to reach first Kharak (Raj Gailgadi clearing). This place is a paradise for birdwatchers, as they will spot many bird species like laughing thrushes, barbets, woodpeckers, and verditer flycatchers. Chirping of birds along the trail is enough to captivate you.

·        A few more shepherds’ huts and you will reach another clearing – Parvar Thor.

·        After the clearing, another forest section will come. Stay on the trail, and you will arrive at Baji Kharak. Balchan Kund is to the southwest from the main trail. Take a stroll to the Kund and click pictures. If you are lucky enough, yellow martens and monals (birds) can be spotted here. The locals believe this lake is holy and often visit here to pray.

·        Stay in the tents overnight.

Day 4: Bajamania Camp to Thal Tok Camp

Trek distance: 3 km, around 2-3 hrs

Altitude covered: 11,000 ft.

How does your day 4 look?

·        Take a turn to head towards the slope’s western side from the Bajimanian campsite. Through a stony trail, ascend gradually only to see more rhododendrons. Begin with a gradual ascent by following a stoned trail leading towards clearings lined by dwarf Rhododendron trees. As you gain height, you will notice the change in colour of these dwarf trees from red to pink.

·        Trek for one km to reach a diversion where there is only one path taking you to the left. Keep walking left and arrive at the ledge. It is going to be an easy walk for some time from here.

·        Continue the walk for a bit longer; the path will lead you to the clearings of Thala Kharak. From here you can see Thal Tok.

·        Trek on the clearance until you start seeing giant mountain slopes rising up on your right. From here the trail gets a bit steeper.

·        On the way you will see small juniper shrubs – prominent vegetation of the area. This is where you can also spot Himalayan pikas.

·        Your campsite today is at Thal Tok , an expansive grassland good for taking an evening walk and watching the sunset.

Day 5: Thal Tok to Ranthan Top to returning to Parwa Thor Camp

Trek distance: 6-7 hrs, around 4 to 5 hours

Altitude covered: 13,000 ft

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, and dinner

Overnight stay: Parwa Thor Camp

How does your day 5 look?

·        Today is the day when you will be crossing rocky sections, including boulders, and trekking a bit extra than the other days of this journey. This challenging day will test your fitness and patience at the same time.  

·        Start your trek with a steep zig-zag climb leading towards the Chopu Top only to view the mesmerizing towering peaks of Nanda Devi, Nandakot, Dang thyal, Mrigthuni, Maiktoli and Tharkot. From here only you will see the open view of the entire valley.

·        The Chopu region is quite famous for Monals and mountain goats. After the Chopu top, the trail gets steeper. You will need to walk on the ridge for a while to reach Ranthan Top. The mix of ridges, ledges and steep zigzags leads you towards Ranthan Top.

·        Look at your front from here to see snowy sections if you chose to trek during the summer season. Follow your trek leader’s instruction cautiously in order to cross risky edges and ridges successfully.

·        After a lengthy and challenging walk, rewards are waiting, like the magnificent mountain views. Like, on your left lie the majestic ranges of the Garhwal Himalayas as well as the peaks of the Kumaon Himalayas. Enjoy the view, click pictures and soak in the successful completion. Now prepare for the descent.

·        Follow the same trail you used to reach the top. Descending is riskier when you are walking on ridges due to slippery trails. This is where your trekking poles will come in use.

·        The path will lead you to Thal Tok, and after you cut across Thala Kharak meadow, enter the forest area to reach Parava Thor. This is where your camp is going to be.

·        Rest for the day and get yourself ready for the next day descent.

Day 6: Parwa Thor Camp to Gogina

Trek distance: 9 km, around 5-6 hrs

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, and dinner

Overnight stay: guesthouse in Gogina.

How does your day 6 look?

·        The last day of your adventure takes through the same trail you used to trek up. Today marks the last day of the trek with your fellow friends as you make a return to Gogina.

·        The path will take you back to the beautiful Rhododendron and oak forests. While enjoying the charm of these forests for the last time, keep your foot carefully on the trail, especially during the steep sections.

·        There is no rush; take tiny and steady steps to avoid slipping. The trekking poles will come in handy.

·        Reach Namik village and take a short break. Rest and recharge for the final walk.

·        After Namik, Gogina is only a few km away. The last steep descent will lead you to the bridge. The river that flows under the bridge is called the Ramganga River.  A last uphill climb will lead you back to Gogina.

·        Take a well-deserved rest at Gogina guesthouse.

Day 7: Departure from Gogina to Kathgodam

Drive distance: 265 km, around 10 to 11 hours

How does your last day look?

Enjoy the last breakfast and meal with your fellow traveler friends and reminisce about the memories with each other.  

Thin Air Expedition arranges the traveler well in advance for your way back to Kathgodam from Gogina.

Ranthan Trek: Risks and Preparation

The maximum altitude of the Ranthan Kharak Trek is 12,887 ft, which can cause symptoms like dizziness, fatigue and altitude sickness. Weather is unpredictable in mountainous areas; sudden rain, snowfall and drops in temperature are common. The access to medical facilities is limited, and rescue can be delayed due to remote terrain; however, the trek leader at Thin Air Expedition always carries first aid kit with them to help you with the above-mentioned sickness. During the rain, trails and rocky paths can be slippery. You may encounter wildlife during the journey, as the trek passes through a dense forest area.

Take a day’s rest; acclimatize well before getting on to the trail to avoid dehydration, as high altitude increases that risk. Stay away from alcohol and smoke during the trek. Monsoon seasons are generally not suggested for the trek; however, if you plan a trek during this season then book your adventure with a trusted and certified trek leader. Even if you are planning a solo trek, the trekking agency takes you with a group to ensure your safety while respecting your privacy.

Although trek leaders carry a first aid kit with them, keep your medications and prescriptions with you throughout the trek.

Trekking offers you tranquility and connects you with nature. However, it is important to understand that keeping a check on yourself is not just trekking agency’s responsibility but yours also. Listen to the guidelines given by your trek leader before the journey begins and follow the instructions throughout your trek. Stay on the trail all the time, respect locals and their culture, and learn your emergency contacts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Ranthan Kharak Trek situated?

It is situated in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region. The starting point of this trek is Gogina village, Bageshwar district.

How long Ranthan Kharak trek?

This trek requires at least 7 days from and to Gogina village, which covers approximately 38 to 40 km in total.

What is the highest point of the Ranthan Kharak Trek?

The highest point of this trek is Ranthan Top, which is situated at an altitude of 3,928 meters (12,887).

What is the best time to do the Ranthan Kharak Trek?

For pleasant weather and to enjoy the Rhododendron bloom April to June (spring) is the recommended time period for the trek.

For clear skies, lesser crowds and crisp views, do this trek in the season of autumn (September to November).

Can I do the Ranthan Kharak Trek in winter?

Unless you are prepared for snow trekking, this trek is not suggested for you.

Can I do the Ranthan Kharak Trek in the monsoon?

The trails get slippery, and also landslides are common in this region during the monsoon; trekking to Ranthan Kharak during the rainy season is not advised.

How difficult is the Ranthan Kharak trek?

The Ranthan Karak trek is considered an easy to moderate trek. Beginners can do this trek only if they have a fair amount of stamina and good physical fitness.

What is the age limit to do the Ranthan Kharak trek?

The age limit to do this trek is 11 to 60 years. The trekker must include fitness in their daily routine to make this trek a success. Start brisk walks and jogging two weeks prior. Also, work on your leg strength, like lunges, high knees and other cardio workouts.  

Be prepared for some steep ascents and descents; the Ranthan Kharak Trek is a lesser-visited place and offers an immersive experience amidst the peacefully still and magnificent Himalayan backdrop. This offbeat gem allows our nature lovers some solitude amidst pristine landscape and a deep connection with themselves. Come, seek and explore the untouched beauty of the Kumaon Himalaya with Thin Air Expedition.