Trekking enthusiasts will get a full taste of the rich biodiversity and serene climate of the Himalayan mountains. They will also be able to witness the local culture in close quarters while also enjoying the peace of the wilderness.
As one travels through the width of the Himalayas one can witness the variety of sceneries that are associated with each region. Ladakh in the north is famous for its dry and barren lands, whereas the states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh are known for their holy treks and picturesque landscapes. As we move further east we come upon the state of Sikkim which provides you with breathtaking views and gives you the closest experience to the treks in Nepal.
Some things to consider before you begin your trek
Before taking a deep dive into the natural beauty of the Himalayas we need to consider certain key points in mind:
Choosing the correct trek
Selecting a trek that is best suited to your level of expertise will ensure that you enjoy the experience thoroughly without putting any sort of undue peril on your body.
Conduct proper research on your trek
Doing the proper research before going on the trek will allow you to plan accordingly and prevent any mishaps. A lot of material can be found online which can be referred to understand the local landscape and culture.
Choose a guide or a tour package
Good guides and reliable tour packages will make your stay comfortable and save you in times of emergency.
Always keep some days in hand
Sometimes things can go against your plans, thus it is important to have some buffer days in case of need. Make your travel plans accordingly.
Physical and mental preparation
You should be in good shape both physically and mentally before going on a trek. Some of them can be pretty grueling and intensive. Putting in some physical training is always suggested before making the trip.
Appropriate packing
Make sure to pack adequately and do not carry extra things as it will only add to the weight that you will have to carry. Get proper clothing and footwear which are durable and suited for trekking.
If you are a trekker by heart, here is a list of the best Himalayan treks:
Valley of Flowers trek
Anybody in love with flowers will have a sensory overload as they cover the course of this trek. Located in the heart of Uttarakhand beside the Nanda Devi Biosphere it is one of the oldest known treks in India. The valley of flowers was declared a National Park by the Government of India in 1980 and since then, it has remained popular among the trekking faithful.
Best Time to Visit the Hampta Pass Trek:
The best time to trek to Hampta pass trek Package is from June to late October. During the months of summer, monsoon, and early Autumn, the trek changes its appearance dramatically.
From June to mid-July, the trekkers can expect quite an amount of snow, blanketing the landscape from Balu ka Ghera and onwards. The valley here is narrow, and it is not located right in the way of the sun's rays.
Trekkers can experience the monsoons on the trekking path from July to August. However, after the pass, the trail lies in the rain shadow region of the Pir Panjal Range of the lesser Himalayas. Hence, there is no rain on the Lahaul side while the rest of India encounters rainfall.
With September, the weather improves, and colorful varieties of wildflowers can be spotted. The skies are clearer with no rain clouds around this time. Temperatures come down as much as 10°C in the daytime.
A fast-approaching October makes temperatures drop every week around this time, slowly inching towards a frigid winter.
The trek to Valley of flowers Package is a moderate-level trek and requires a time duration of 6 days to complete. During the hike, trekkers will be able to reach a height of (4390 M). The average cost of the trek ranges between USD 110-120 (INR 8450- 10500) per person. All prices are exclusive of GST. The age limit permitted for the hike is between 8 to 55 years, with good physical condition.
The hardest part of the trek is when you head out of the Hemkund Sahib gurudwara which is the highest gurudwara in the world. It will present you with the spellbinding beauties of lush green valleys and majestic waterfalls while getting a bird’s eye view of the Valley of flowers national park.
Kedarkantha Trek Best Time Visit
Unlike the other treks which can be undertaken in the summer, the Kedarkantha trek Package is primarily a winter trek. It comprises a six-day hike through the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park in Uttarakhand. This is a trek that comprises a summit climb. Right from the beginning the steep climb rewards with magnificent views of the nearby valleys and deep gorges. It is one of the few beginner-friendly summits climbs that exist in India.
The Kedarkantha trek is considered to be a moderate one and requires around 6 days to complete. The highest distance achieved during this trek is (3810 M). The average cost for this trip is USD 125-145(INR 9750-11500) per person. All prices are exclusive of GST and the basic travel costs. Generally, people within the age limit of 8 to 55 years can travel on this trek.
Chadar Trek Best Time To Visit
Another trek situated in Ladakh the frozen Chadar Trek Package holds great wonders and magnificent sceneries for those who wish to scale its mighty heights. The trek is a grueling test of your strength and endurance in sub-zero temperatures. If you can withstand all this you will be rewarded with a close-up view of the culture of the people living in the Zanskar region. It feels like a trip to the North pole with food and rations being carried on sleds and living inside caves.
The Nerak Waterfall is grand in its size besides being a completely frozen waterfall. To experience such grand sights one needs to visit this trek during the months of mid-January to mid-February. It is a 9-day trip that reaches the highest point (3500 meters).
Since this is also a winter trek the best time to go for this trip would be around January and February. This being said these are dangerous treks that ride some very treacherous paths and should be researched properly in advance.
The average cost of a person undertaking this trek comes around USD 310-330(INR 24150-26000). The trail starts from the picturesque location of Leh and ultimately returns to Leh. The most difficult aspect of this trek is facing harsh winter conditions.
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
The Queen of all treks in India, the Kashmir great lakes trek Package is certainly one of the most beautiful treks in India if not the world. The trek takes place in the northwest of Srinagar and it provides various cinematic shots and panoramas of nature that are bound to leave you captivated nonetheless. This can generally be placed under the category of moderate to difficult treks. This is due to the fact of huge distances are covered per day at such high altitudes. Thus one should be aware of their physical condition before undertaking this trek.
Skiing in Gulmarg Package
Gulmarg, located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir in India, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Its stunning beauty, serene atmosphere, and abundant natural resources make it a perfect destination for adventure enthusiasts. The Skiing in Gulmarg Package trek is a must-do for anyone who loves hiking and trekking. The trek starts from Gulmarg and takes you to several breathtaking viewpoints and scenic spots, including the Khilanmarg, Affarwat Peak, and Alpather Lake.
