The Yamuna Valley Hotel Association recently welcomed a batch of Gulabi Kantha trekkers organised by us at Montaxe, reflecting growing support for winter tourism in the Yamuna Valley region of Uttarakhand.
The welcome took place at Hotel Shiva, Barkot, which serves as our base for the Gulabi Kantha Trek, where trekkers were received by local hoteliers and community representatives.
This gesture hotel association reflected growing cooperation between local tourism bodies and adventure travel companies working to promote sustainable, year-round tourism in the region.
Barkot serves as a key base for the Gulabi Kantha Trek as well as an important halt during the Yamunotri Yatra season.
Warm Welcome by Yamuna Valley Hotel Association
The trekkers were welcomed by Soban Singh Rana, President of the Yamuna Valley Hotel Association and Vice President of the Chardham Hotel Association.
The reception was held at Hotel Shiva, Barkot, and was marked by genuine warmth and encouragement for winter trekking initiatives.
The association has been actively supporting adventure tourism as tourist footfall traditionally declines after the Chardham Yatra season ends.
Encouraging Winter Tourism in the Valley
Winter tourism has become a focus area for the Yamuna Valley as hotels, homestays, and local services face low occupancy during off-season months.
The Hotel Association, under the leadership of Soban Singh Rana, is encouraging trekking activities like Gulabi Kantha to keep the local economy active throughout the year.
This approach aligns with the broader efforts of the Uttarakhand Government, which is actively promoting winter tourism across the state.
Speaking during the welcome, Soban Singh Rana shared his views on the future of winter tourism in the Yamuna Valley.
He said, “Yamuna Valley has strong potential for winter tourism. Treks like Gulabi Kantha, Aancha top, Dinada Bugyal and Baukh Tibba allow visitors to experience the mountains beyond the Chardham season. We encourage trekking companies and trekkers to promote winter tourism responsibly. This helps generate employment in remote villages and strengthens the local economy through adventure tourism.”
Gulabi Kantha Trek: Less Crowded, All-Season, and Recognised
The Gulabi Kantha Trek lies in the Yamuna Valley region of Uttarkashi district, deep inside the Rawain belt of Uttarakhand.
The Trek is known for being less explored, less crowded, and naturally beautiful. It is one of the rare Himalayan treks that offers genuine all-season trekking potential, not limited to winter alone.
Because of its sustainable tourism value and unique landscape, the Uttarakhand Government recognised Gulabi Kantha as the “Trek of the Year 2025-26.”
The recognition did not come from popularity alone. Gulabi Kantha stands out because it offers:
- A less explored, beginner-friendly trek without compromising on views
- True all-season trekking potential
- A rare cross-valley route connecting the Yamuna and Ganga valleys
- Strong scope for sustainable, low-impact tourism
Our Early Role in the Gulabi Kantha Journey
We at Montaxe were among the first trekking teams to organise the Gulabi Kantha Trek.
Back in 2018, through our parent platform WeUttarakhand, we conducted one of the earliest organised trekking batches on this trail.
At that time, Gulabi Kantha was largely unknown and was only used by local shepherds and village communities.
The trek did not suddenly emerge in recent years. It has always existed quietly, shaped by the mountains and the people who lived around it.
Local Employment at the Core of Our Operations
On the Gulabi Kantha trail, more than 90 per cent of our ground staff comes from local areas such as Nishni, Badiya, and other nearby villages.
Supporting local livelihoods is not an add-on for us. It is part of how we operate.
The Gulabi Kantha Trek is playing a crucial role in supporting local guides, porters, homestay owners, kitchen staff, and transport operators, especially during the winter off-season when employment opportunities are limited.
Responsible Trekking Practices at Montaxe
We follow responsible trekking practices across all our treks, including Gulabi Kantha.
This includes small batch sizes, local sourcing, safety briefings, and respect for mountain ecology.
As interest in Gulabi Kantha grows, so does our responsibility.
Through our Cleanaxe initiative, we remain committed to:
Keeping the trail clean, regardless of future crowd levels
Promoting eco-friendly trekking practices
Maintaining balance between human activity and fragile ecosystems
We are also in regular dialogue with the forest department, discussing long-term opportunities to preserve this trail responsibly.
What Our Trekkers Say
Trekkers who have experienced Gulabi Kantha with us have shared their feedback through google reviews.
Gulabi Kantha did not suddenly become special in 2025.
It has always been special – quiet, beautiful, and honest in character.
The Trek of the Year 2025–26 recognition simply brought attention to what the mountains had already shaped over time.
And for those who walk it with respect, Gulabi Kantha still offers what it always has: space, silence, and a deep Himalayan connection.
Plan your trek to Gulabi Kantha with Montaxe.
