The hilly and mountainous regions of Garhwal and Kumaon lie in the state of Uttarakhand thus separating it from the plains and its earlier state of Uttar Pradesh. The majestic greater himalaya stretches across the northern regions of Garhwal and Kumaon and the states of Himachal, Uttarakhand and Haryana. The eastern borders of Nepal and Tibet to the north form its International boundaries. The spectacular Himalayan peaks and glaciers are source to legendary rivers like the Ganges, Yamuna, 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 Uttarakhand is a haven for organic farming and bio villages have been formed for this kind of organized organic farming. With its bountiful natural beauty, Garhwal and Kumaon have since ancient days been invaded and ruled by various dynasties until the Gurkhas invaded in 1803 and remained until the British came to stay from 1815 until independence. The hilly regions of Garhwal and Kumaon still suffered under the administration of the plain areas which did nothing much for the development of the hilly regions and finally in 2000 the hilly regions of Garhwal and Kumaon were able to form a separate state of Uttarakhand.

Besides the early invaders, saints like Sankaracharya visited Garhwal as early as c 800 AD and established the temple of Badrinath. Since 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 as well. Explorers like Shipton, Tilman, 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.