20 Awesome Himalayan Treks You Need To Go On Now!
The Himalayas!! These ancient mountain ranges have been a source of fairy-tales, fantasies and mythological stories since mankind developed the power to communicate with each other. With time, some of these legends have become myths and myths have turned into stories. But the essence of the Himalayas remains the same. To unravel some of these mysteries head over to these offbeat trek spots in the Himalayas:
Treks Under 6 Days
1. Prashar Lake Trek
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Located in the enchanting Kullu Valley and amidst the mighty Himalayan range, the Prashar Lake looks straight out of a fantasy novel. The view is surreal at the lake point and only gets better with height. Do try this for a weekend outing from Delhi or other nearby places.
Altitude: 9,000 feet
Grade: Easy
Period: 2 days
Best time to visit: Throughout the year except monsoon months.
2. Nag Tibba Trek
Loosely translated into Serpent’s Peak, this circular trek provides breathtaking views of the Bandarpoonch Peak, Kedarnath Peak, Chanabag and many other magnificent peaks and valleys. Located quite close to Mussoorie, the route goes through thick Deodar tree forests and has amazing camping places to make your trek extra enjoyable.
Altitude: 10,000 feet
Grade: Moderate
Period: 2-3 days
Best time to visit: April end to October; January to March for a trek in snow.
3. Bhubhu Pass Trek
The Bhubhu Pass trek is a favorite amongst visitors driving up from Delhi and Chandigarh towards the Kullu Valley looking out for a fun filled weekend. It is especially popular during the winter months when the weather is cold and lots of adventurous activities can be pursued. The trek can be completed in a short duration or can be lengthened according to your wish and the climb is gradual and easy.
Altitude: 9,514 feet
Grade: Easy
Period: 2-5 days
Best time to visit: April to June; October to November
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4. Chopta Tungnath Trek
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Tungnath Temple is the highest Shiva temple in the world and of tremendous importance to Hindus. The route is said to provide one of the most scenic views possible of the Kedarnath Peak and Nanda Devi. The view is especially spectacular during the summer months. The climb is relatively simple and perfect for beginners, who want to go ahead and tame higher summits in the future.
Altitude: 12,073 feet
Grade: Easy
Period: 5 days
Best time to visit: February to October
5. Hampta Pass Trek
The Hampta Pass is the best trail possible to kick off your trekking adventures. This well known trekking place in India is perfect for beginners and has views that will leave you mesmerized for the duration of the trip. The inclination is gradual and the route consists of green meadows, glacial valleys and quite a lot of snow. Only downside is that you might encounter a lot of people while trekking on the route.
Altitude: 14,100 feet
Grade: Moderate
Period: 5 days
Best time to visit: May to October
6. Malana-Chandrakhani Pass Trek
Though this trek is not for the faint-hearted, nevertheless the end result of the trek will make your heart skip quite a few beats! The Malana-Chandrakhani Pass trek is tough and not exactly for first-time trekkers. People who have had some trekking experience in the past are the ones who opt to go for this one, and they are rewarded amply by the adrenaline pumping trails, majestic views and life-lasting memories.
Altitude: 11,811 feet
Grade: Difficult
Period: 5 days
Best time to visit: Mid-May to November
7. Sar Pass Trek
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Kasol itself has become a haven for trekkers, backpackers and adventure hungry hikers. The trek from Kasol to the frozen lake Sar is a splendid myriad of valleys, mountains and meadows. There are a lot of camping spots to spend the nights under the starry sky so as to make the most out of your trek.
Altitude: 13,779 feet
Grade: Moderate
Period: 5 days
Best time to visit: May to June end; September to November
Treks Within 6-10 Days
8. Borasu Pass Trek
This highly adventurous trek is one that will make you use up all the skills and gears available in your arsenal. The route is full of all possible kinds of landscapes that will make you switch from shoes to crampons and force you to use your wits and experience over the course of the journey. The beauty of this trek is that it will make you view the Marinda Lake, Har Ki Dun Valley and the lush green, flowery meadows.
Altitude: 17,880 feet
Grade: Difficult
Period: 6 days
Best time to visit: June; September to October
9. Kedarkantha Trek
If you are a novice at trekking and looking for some good week-long hands-on action then the Kedarkantha Trek is the perfect match for you. It is especially popular as a winter trek as one can see a splendid view of snow capped peaks in the distant horizon while on the route. Even the trail is covered with freshly fallen snow in the winters to add to the beauty.
Altitude: 12,500 feet
Grade: Easy
Period: 7 days
Best time to visit: December to April
10. Bandarpoonch Trek
Image Source: Paul Hamilton/Flickr
Bandarpoonch literally means ‘Tail of a Monkey’ and is so called because legend says that Lord Hanuman extinguished his tail's fire at the very spot after being lit on fire by Ravana. The trek is very popular in Uttarakhand because of its scenic trails which provide you with a view of Himalayan ranges, wide variety of flora and fauna and some pretty famous glaciers.
Altitude: 20,722 feet
Grade: Easy
Period: 8 days
Best time to visit: March to October
11. Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
The Kashmir Great Lakes trek is called the most beautiful trek that can be taken in India. And it should be if it takes you through the Switzerland of India. Some of the high altitude lakes seen during the trek are Kishansar, Gangabal and Vishnu Sar. This trek is a must try for beginners and trekking enthusiasts who wish to have an up and personal tete-e-tete with Mother Nature.
Altitude: 13,750 feet
Grade: Moderate
Period: 9 days
Best time to visit: July to August
12. Rupin Pass Trek
The Rupin Pass is not everybody’s cup of tea and requires some prior trekking experience before mounting an attempt here. The route is beautiful beyond words with its flowery and lush green meadows, pristine rivers, challenging climbs and snowy, mountainous landscape.
Altitude: 15,250 feet
Grade: Moderately Difficult
Period: 9 days
Best time to visit: May (last week) to June end; Mid September to October end.
13. Markha Valley Trek
Image Source: Raphael Affentranger/Flickr
The best way to explore the gorgeous Markha Valley is probably by taking a trek through two of the highest passes in the world Kongmaru La and Gandala La passes. The valley is enchantingly beautiful with its extensive landscape, ravines and rivers. Be careful though as the trek is a little difficult in its higher altitude reaches.
Altitude: 17,060 feet
Grade: Moderately Difficult
Period: 9 days
Best time to visit: June to September
14. Parang La Trek
One of Ladakh's newest and most beautiful trekking route, the Parang La trek will take the trekker through the incredibly famous Spiti Valley and will surely dazzle you with its treasure trove of natural beauty. This trek is said to be a very strenuous one and requires quite a bit of endurance, skill and experience all combined.
Altitude: 18,300 feet
Grade: Moderately Difficult
Period: 9 days
Best time to visit: August to October
15. Stok Kangri Trek
The Stok Kangri Trek will make you acclimatized to high altitude trekking and make you hungry for even more savory summits. The Stok Kangri has been judged as one of the world's top ten places to climb and rightly so! With its relative ease in climbing, beautiful view throughout the route and adventurous terrain, Stok Kangri has to be on every enthusiastic trekker's wishlist.
Altitude: 20,187 feet
Grade: Moderately Difficult
Period: 9-10 days
Best time to visit: July to September
Treks Over 11 Days
16. Kinner Kailash Trek
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
This scenic trek is sure to satiate the spiritual and adventure-seeking trekker inside you. Apart from being linked to various mythological stories, the trail has a huge lingam of Lord Shiva that changes its color throughout the day. The trek also provides the climbers with an astounding view of the Himalayan ranges and Zanskar Valley. You can mix and match your route according to the duration you want to spend at the trek and thus enjoy it the way you would like to.
Altitude: 17,194 feet
Grade: Difficult
Period: 10-15 days
Best time to visit: June to September
17. Bara Bhangal Trek
The Bara Bhangal Trek is a relatively unknown and difficult graded trek. It is recommended for experienced trekkers because of the tough terrain and changing weather. Your adrenaline is sure to start pumping when you try to take on the high passes, Himalayan terrain and the abundant snow all around. The plus side is that you will be treated to a view and experience that very few people can boast of having seen and felt.
Altitude: 15,748 feet
Grade: Difficult
Period: 12 days
Best time to visit: Mid-June to Mid-October
18. Homkund Ronti Saddle Trek
Homkund Trek can be said to be a close cousin of the Roopkund trek, mainly because of its close proximity to the Roopkund Lake and almost similar terrain. Only thing is that it is not as popular and simple as the Roopkund trail and thus is less crowded and more exciting to traverse. Don't worry! You won't have to compromise with the scenic landscape of Roopkund as the route is also as beautiful, if not more.
Altitude: 16,860 feet
Grade: Moderately Difficult
Period: 12 days
Best time to visit: June to July
19. Sudarshan Parbat Trek
The Sudarshan Parbat Trek is a fabulous yet relatively lesser heard of trek in the Uttarakhand region. It originates from Gangotri and heads towards Gaumukh, while offering splendid views of the Himalayan ranges and its many, mighty peaks. The path also offers an astounding view of the many glaciers in the area.
Altitude: 21,348 feet
Grade: Moderate
Period: 11-15 days
Best time to visit: May to June; September to October
20. Khatling Glacier Trek
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Khatling Glacier is one glacier that has to be visited to actually comprehend its sheer size and beauty. While undoubtedly the glacier is a delight for sore eyes, the path which leads to the final destination is also not less than celestial! The whole route provides you with panoramic views of green meadows, forests, snowy mountains and of course... more glaciers!
Altitude: 13,779 feet
Grade: Moderate
Period: 12-15 days
Best time to visit: May to October
So don't just while away your time reading and researching about these treks! Just go with the flow, trust your gut and have the time of your life!
*Note: Some images are for representational purpose only.
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