Into the Himalayas: A Motorcycling Expedition Through Less-Travelled Valleys of Uttarakhand
- Twisted Trails Adventures
- Feb 10
- 6 min read
Twisted Trails Adventures had seen its fair share of thrilling rides, but this journey—through Darma Valley, the Panchachuli Peaks, Dugtu Village, and onto the sacred Adi Kailash and Om Parvat in Vyas valley—promised to be something truly special.
The engines roared to life as we kicked off our adventure into the heart of Uttarakhand from Haldwani city. Our destination for the day was Chaukori - a small hill town that had been on our radar for a while. Nestled at 2,010 meters, Chaukori isn’t just another mountain stop—it's a panoramic balcony to some of the most breathtaking Himalayan views imaginable. The ride was a dream, with smooth roads winding through dense pine forests, sleepy villages, and tea gardens stretching as far as the eye could see. By the time we reached, the sun was setting, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. From our viewpoint, we could see the Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Nanda Kot, Trishul, and Panchachuli Peaks, standing tall like silent sentinels guarding the land. We realized why Chaukori is often called Uttarakhand’s hidden paradise—a place where time slows down, and the mountains speak in whispers.
From Chaukori to Didihat – A Ride Through the Heart of Kumaon
Leaving Chaukori behind, we rode toward Didihat, a charming town tucked deep in the hills of Pithoragarh district. The ride was nothing short of spectacular. Didihat, known for its rich history and serene landscapes, felt like the perfect place to rest for the night before pushing further into the wild terrain of Darma Valley. We reached the KMVN Goverment Guesthouse where the hotel staff welcomed us with steaming hot dal, fresh rotis, and herbal tea. Sitting around a small bonfire, listening to the stories of the locals, we knew we were stepping deeper into the untouched beauty of Uttarakhand.
Into the Untamed Beauty of Darma Valley
The next morning, we kicked off early, heading toward Darma Valley, a hidden gem in the eastern Kumaon region. The ride tested both our machines and our endurance—steep ascents, sharp switchbacks, and unpaved sections that made every kilometer an adventure. But as we entered the valley, the effort was more than worth it.
Darma Valley, fed by the Dhauliganga River, is a lush expanse surrounded by snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and ancient tribal villages. From here, we got another breathtaking view of the Panchachuli Peaks, their majestic summits reflecting the golden hues of the late afternoon sun.
The Panchachuli Base Camp Trek – A Journey to the Giants
After an exhilarating day in Darma Valley, we made our way to Dugtu Village, where we had one of the most rejuvenating nights of our trip. The traditional mud houses of Dugtu, known for their ability to retain warmth, provided the perfect refuge from the cold mountain air. That night, we sat around the warm glow of a traditional kitchen, savoring simple yet delicious mountain food—hot rotis, freshly made dal, all infused with the unmistakable flavor of wood fire cooking. We also tried the local rice liqour, quite strong and flavourful. With full stomachs and tired muscles, we slept like never before.
The next morning, well-rested and fueled by hot cups of tea, we geared up for the Panchachuli Base Camp Trek. Leaving our bikes & cars behind, we set off on foot, following the rugged trail that led us through dense forests, glacial streams, and flower-filled meadows. The closer we got to the base camp, the grander the Panchachuli Peaks appeared, their snowy summits towering over the valley like Himalayan titans. Reaching the base camp felt like standing on the edge of the world, where the mountains whispered ancient tales and the wind carried the echoes of adventurers who had come before us.
The Ride to Adi Kailash – A Journey Through the Clouds
With our spirits high from the Panchachuli Base Camp Trek, we saddled up once again, ready for the next leg of our adventure—Adi Kailash, the "Chhota Kailash" of India. This was one of the most anticipated parts of our expedition, and the excitement was palpable as we rolled out of Dugtu in the early morning chill.
The route ahead was completely off-road, a true test of both skill and endurance. The sheer thrill of navigating these rugged paths was an experience like no other. Every turn revealed a new dramatic landscape—vast open valleys, sheer cliffs dropping into deep gorges, and snow-fed rivers carving their way through the mountains.
As we climbed higher, the air grew thinner, but luck was on our side that day—the skies were fairly clear, offering us a breathtaking view of Adi Kailash. The mountain stood before us in all its mystical glory, its symmetrical peak resembling the legendary Mount Kailash. The sight of it sent chills down our spines—not just from the cold but from the sheer magnificence of being in its presence. It was one of those rare moments where you feel completely insignificant yet profoundly connected to the world around you.
Trekking to Gauri Kund – A Sacred Oasis in the Himalayas
After parking our bikes at the base, we embarked on a short yet steep trek to Gauri Kund, a serene, mirror-like lake nestled at the foot of Adi Kailash. The path was challenging but rewarding, winding through rocky slopes and ancient trails that had been walked by pilgrims for centuries. As we neared the lake, we could see its crystal-clear waters reflecting the mighty Adi Kailash, creating an almost surreal image.
Legend has it that Goddess Parvati bathed in this very lake, and standing there, with the cool wind brushing against our faces, it wasn’t hard to believe that this place held divine energy. Some of us dipped our hands into the icy water, letting the moment sink in, while others simply sat in silence, taking in the profound tranquility of the place.
Back to Nabi Village – A Well-Earned Rest
As the sun began to dip behind the peaks, we made our way back to our homestay in Nabi Village, a quiet settlement perched on the Himalayan slopes. By the time we reached Nabi, exhaustion had set in, but so had an overwhelming sense of fulfillment.
The guesthouse host treated us to a simple yet scrumptious meal cooked over a fire stove—steaming rice, lentils, and spicy aloo ke gutke.
Tomorrow, we would ride on to Om Parvat, but for now, we slept deeply, knowing that this adventure was one we’d carry with us forever.
The Ride to Om Parvat – A Date with the Divine
Waking up in Nabi Village, the crisp morning air carried a chill that reminded us how deep we were into the Himalayas. The sun had barely started to rise, casting a soft golden glow over the distant peaks. Today was another big day—Om Parvat awaited.
We geared up, our bikes roaring to life as we hit the rugged mountain trails once again. The ride from Nabi to Om Parvat was nothing short of exhilarating, with the terrain getting rougher with each passing kilometer. Loose gravel, steep ascents, and sections where landslides had left their mark made the journey both challenging and thrilling.
As we climbed higher, we could see the silhouette of Om Parvat appearing through the mist. Then, just as we rounded a bend, the clouds parted—and there it was -
The legendary “ॐ” symbol, naturally etched in snow, stood out starkly against the dark rock of the mountain. It was surreal, as if nature itself had carved this divine script to remind the world of something greater than us. We offered our prayers at the shivling Murty and soaked in the magical sight. After the rush of spiritual energy of Om Parvat, hunger kicked in. Luckily, a small shack near the viewpoint was serving up steaming hot soft momos and bowls of Maggi—the ultimate mountain comfort food. Sitting there, sipping on piping hot tea with the view of the mighty Himalayas before us, felt like pure bliss.With our hearts full and stomachs satisfied, we rode back toward Nabi Village. The descent was just as thrilling as the ascent, with the setting sun casting long golden shadows over the rugged landscape.
The Last Ride – From Nabi to Pithoragarh
Morning in Nabi Village was bittersweet. The sun rose over the Himalayan ridges, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, but this time, instead of gearing up for another adventure, we were preparing for the final leg of our journey—the ride back to Pithoragarh.
By evening, we settled down in the pre-booked resort in Pithoragarh, where a grand farewell dinner awaited. As we sat together, sharing laughter, stories, and one last meal, there was a deep sense of camaraderie among us. We had started this journey as a group of riders, but somewhere along the way, we had become a family.
“To the roads we conquered, the trails that tested us, and the mountains that humbled us—cheers to this adventure and many more to come!” one of us toasted, raising a glass of Single malt whiskey now that we have successfully ended the tour with memories of extreme adventure. With handshakes, hugs, and promises to ride together again, we bid farewell. Some were headed back to their cities, while others were already thinking about their next ride.
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