Reni and Tolma: Off-beat forest trails in Uttarakhand

Stone homes, forest trails and a lifestyle rooted in sustainability

In Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, away from the usual tourist circuits, lie the villages of Reni and Tolma. Known for their role in the Chipko movement, these remote settlements remain largely undiscovered, offering travellers a glimpse into a forest-led way of life shaped over generations.

Stone houses dot the landscape and daily life flows in harmony with the surrounding forests and rivers in Reni and Tolma, two villages that had been in the limelight almost half a century ago during the Chipko movement that aimed to protect the rapidly diminishing forests in Uttarakhand.

However, as the movement ended, the two villages fell off the headlines and disappeared from tourist trails as well, which in turn perhaps enabled them to retain their pristine nature and culture intact.

Thus, at a time when most accessible mountain locations in India suffer from overtourism and widespread ecological destruction, Reni and Tolma, bordering the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, remain idyllic and rooted in their traditional lifestyle. 

With seasonal migration, kitchens dependent on forest produce and traditions passed down through centuries, these villages reflect a the way of life in Uttarakhand hills, which remains connected to nature and sustainability. But that also makes them ideal for visitors looking for off-beat trails and immersive experiences in the region.

Forest walks and river trails

Adventure in Reni and Tolma villages is slow, immersive and close to nature. Forest walks through mixed oak and pine forests reveal hidden streams, medicinal plants and seasonal wildflowers. These trails are often used by villagers for daily movement between hamlets and fields, making walks both scenic and cultural. Short hikes from Tolma lead to viewpoints overlooking forested valleys and distant Himalayan ridges, especially the Nanda Devi peaks, which dominate the Uttarakhand Himalayas. Trails connecting nearby hamlets follow traditional migration routes.

The surrounding forests are also home to diverse flora and fauna, making the area ideal for nature enthusiasts interested in slow travel and ecological exploration rather than high-adrenaline trekking.

River trails along the Bhagirathi and its tributaries lead to quiet stretches ideal for birdwatching and photography. Early mornings bring mist rising from the water, while evenings are marked by the sound of flowing rivers and forest life settling in. These gentle explorations allow travellers to experience the landscape without disturbing its fragile balance.

Sustainable living in Reni and Tolma

Life in these villages is closely tied to forest resources. Residents depend on wood, herbs, fruits, roots and leaves for cooking, medicine and household use. Knowledge of forest cycles and conservation practices is passed down orally, ensuring that resources are used carefully and renewed naturally.

Reni and Tolma’s food culture reflects a close relationship with the forest and mountains. Local kitchens rely on millets like mandua and jhangora, forest greens, lentils and dairy, prepared in simple, nourishing ways suited to the Himalayan climate. Meals are seasonal and often made using ingredients gathered from nearby forests, giving visitors a taste of everyday mountain life.

Also Read: Lonar Lake: Maharashtra’s otherworldly wonder

A closer look at local life

Travellers can stay with locals in their stone houses, participate in daily village activities and learn about traditional cooking and farming practices. Local festivals such as Phool Dei, Harela and Nanda Devi fair and communal gatherings offer meaningful ways to engage with the community and understand its cultural aspect.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Reni and Tolma is between April and June, when the weather is pleasant and forest trails are accessible. In the post-Monsoon period, from September to November, there is another favourable period, offering clear skies and renewed greenery.