5 Most Popular Treks In India
It is no exaggeration if said that trekking is one of the most popular adventure sports in India, famous worldwide. It is a lifetime experience, which offers you a high adrenaline rush and a chance to come close to the wonders of nature. The Himalayas offers several trekking routes, which range from being easy to extremely difficult. Such trails are a mix of flora, fauna, man-made structures, cultural experiences, religious delights, and much more. If you too are in search of such wonderful pleasures.
Hampta Pass Trek, Himachal Pradesh
Starting from village Hampta in the Kullu Valley and finishing at Chatru in the Lahaul & Spiti Valley, the popular Hampta Pass Trek is around 35 km. The duration is of around 4 to 5 days, with the highest altitude being 4400 m. If this is going to be your first high-altitude trek, it is an ideal option for you. The scenery is breathtaking and the experiences are unforgettable. You walk past snow-covered valleys, dense deodar forests, floral meadows, crystal clear water streams, Himalayan avifauna, and finally end it by walking through the barren lands of Lahaul-Spiti. The trek also includes of night camp stay at Chandra Tal.
Difficulty Level: Easy
Best Time: June to Mid- November
Beas Kund Trek, Himachal Pradesh
One of the most challenging trekking places in India, Himachal Pradesh offers a wonderful short trek named Beas Kund Trek. It is a popular long weekend trail in Manali. Walk along the banks of River Beas, as you enjoy wonderful views of the Pir Pinjal ranges, and Dhundi & Bakarthach meadows. Climb upwards to arrive at the originating point of the River, a glacial lake. It is also called Beas Kund, which as per legends was the bathing site of Sage Vyas, the author of Mahabharata. No prior trekking experience is needed for this trek.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Best Time: Mid-May to Mid-October
Chandrakhani Pass Trek, Himachal Pradesh
With generally a duration of around 10 days and a maximum altitude of 3650 m, the Chandrakani trek has a distance of 22 km. The Pass lies at higher elevations and the surrounding views are stunning. The journey starts from the picturesque Naggar Village in the Kullu Valley. Once at the Pass, treat your eyes to the views of Pir Panjal, Deo Tibba, and Parbati peaks. As you walk past meandering paths, dotted with oak and fir trees, enjoy the isolation being offered to you, away from human eyes.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Best Time: Mid June to Early October
Markha Valley Trek, Ladakh
Markha Valley is one of the largest valleys in the Ladakh region and Markha Valley trek is one of the most sought-after hiking trails in the region. With Leh as the starting point, this strenuous hike will take you through the Chilling, Skiu, Sara, Hankar, and Nimaling. During the 10 days of trekking, you will traverse through the tiny hamlets and you will be astonished to get a glance of the preserved monasteries, ruined forts, and temple. With the maximum altitude of 5,200 m above the mean sea level, one has to cover the 65 km and get an opportunity to cross two cardinal passes namely Ganda La and Kongmaru La. You will get a glance at the infinite Karakoram and Ladakh ranges. The stunning sights of K2 Mountain, Stok Kangri, and Kang Yatse peaks are fulfilling and the motivation of this trek. On a clear day, one can get a glimpse of the distant Tibet region. Enjoy Markha Valley Trek with this package.
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
Best time to visit: July to Mid September
Valley of Flowers Trek, Uttarakhand
Clearly one of the best trekking tours in India, the Valley of Flowers trek in Uttarakhand takes you to the UNESCO world heritage site and also the Sikh pilgrimage site of Hemkund Sahib. The trek distance of 55 km and the highest altitude is 3658 m. During the monsoon season, this pristine valley gets covered with various kinds of thousands of colorful high-altitude Himalayan flowers, making it look like heaven. Starting from Govindghat, it is ideal for trekkers of all age groups. Admire the finest creations of Mother Nature and feel spiritual bliss.
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Best Time: July to Mid- September