Explore the Best Treks in Himachal Pradesh And Uttarakhand

Believe it or not, North India is famous for its scenic beauty, pleasant weather, and stunning landscapes. Isn’t it amazing to explore exotic places on foot? Well, our country has the most relaxing and adventurous treks to offer. Start your day with trekking and make your night mesmerizing under the stars. Whether it is summer, winter or monsoon, the best trekking trails of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh enables you to explore adventure and nature at its best.

Indeed, trekking is one of the best ways to visit places that offer panoramic views and pleasant environment. Visiting the places only by walking will bring you much closer to nature and will bring the best out of you

Himachal Pradesh, as the name suggests, comprises of a long chain of mountains that invite nature lovers and adventure freaks to get lost in its beauty. You just cannot resist the charm of these mountains. Similar to Himachal, Uttarakhand also offers the best trekking experience for those who yearn to explore the challenging yet beautiful trekking trails. Either you are an expert or amateur, these states always have something amazing in store for you.

Referred to “Abode of Himalayas”, Himachal Pradesh is probably the region when it comes to having an amazing trekking experience. A visit to Himachal Pradesh will always entail that you will be having at least one of the most famous treks here. You just cannot neglect the mesmerizing views of various Himalayan ranges. Apart from this, enjoy its vast flora and fauna, wildlife sanctuaries, and various adventurous activities.

Overall, Himachal Pradesh offers the best treks a myriad of scenic trails for newbies as well as the experienced trekkers. It’s time to rejuvenate yourself with trekking that literally serves as a weekend gateway for city life.

Are you ready to explore the peaks but not sure where to start with? A look into the expert tips will help you avoid mistakes, thus making sure that the experience will fulfill your expectations-

• Ensure you are within budget

Prior to planning spend an adequate time to create a budget and plan the perfect itinerary accordingly.

• Keep itinerary at bay

It is not mandatory to be too much ambitious with your itinerary. Certain factors including acclimatization and unfavourable weather might demand few days. You just can’t master mountains in a single trip.

• Plan the trek smartly

Various regions of Himachal and Uttarakhand are prone to heavy monsoon rains. Considering this fact, the month of March until June is generally considered the peak trekking season.

• Hire a guide

If you are a newbie, it is best to hire an experienced local guide. Sometimes, the most detailed navigation and maps tend to be failed in remote areas.

It’s high time to be a footloose and buckle up your hiking boots. The scenic trekking trails of Himachal will make you forget everything and lose yourself to nature. Have a look at some of the most fascinating treks-

1. PinParvati Pass Trek

Highlights

• Pin Parvati Pass Trek Passes through a variety of forests and meadows in Parvati valley
• Explore the sharp contrast in landscapes, culture, flora, and fauna
• A walk to remember from the cold mountain region of Spiti to the rich biodiversity of Parvati valley Range of experiences it offers
• Pulley bridge at Tunda Bhuj
• Marshlands at Mantalai
• Alpine meadows of Odi Thach
• Reach Kheerganga to explore dense forests
• Freshen up with the hot water springs at Parvati kund
• Have an amazing camping experience at Mantalai lakeside and relish the fascinating views of mountains

Altitude: 5319 metres above sea level

Months to visit: July to September

Trekking skills: High, as the trail is about 100 kms and requires a course of 16 days to carry out the trek. Spare 16 days and 15 nights to explore this heart warming tour that will remain etched in your minds forever.

How to reach?

By Air: Bhuntar airport in Kullu is the nearest airport from Manali and you can start your trek from here

By Rail: Apart from Chandigarh and Pathankot, Joginder Nagar railway station is the nearest

By Road: Easily accessible through well maintained good network of roads that link the major cities including Ambala, Delhi, Chandigarh, Dehradun and Shimla.

Parang- La Trek

2. Trans-Himalayan trek connecting Spiti to Ladakh

Highlights of Parang – La Trek

• Start the trek from Kibber, a high altitude village in the mountains of Spiti
• Climb Parang-La trek prior to descending to the pasture lands of Rupshu in Ladakh
• Have an eye-catching view of the most beautiful lake in Himalayas- Tsomoriri lake
• End your trek in Korzok that has an ancient monastery
• Explore the peaks of Lungsher and Chamseher Kangri surrounding Tsomoriri

Maximum Altitude: 5540 metres

3. Kinner Kailash Parikrama Trek

Highlights of Kinner Kailash Parikrama Trek

• Revolving around the holy Mount Kailash, this trek is considered one of the toughest treks
• A trek of 60 Kms that starts in Thangi through Charang, crossing Charang La Pass and ends in Chitkul village
• Follow the stones kept on top of each other marking the path
• Spare your 6 days along with a lot of courage and faith to complete this trek
• Moderate trek from Lambar to Charang
• Completely isolated trek from Charang to Lalanti
• A day of trekking to reach Charang La base camp

Months to visit: June to September

4. Bhabha Pass Trek

Highlights of Bhabha Pass Trek

• Enjoy a range of adventurous activities including mountaineering, angling, river rafting, paragliding, rock climbing and camping
• Spare 7 days to enjoy the non stop thrill
• Saddle point, the highest point of this trek
• A challenging tour full of boulders and moraines
• Capture the stunning images of the Pin and Bhabha valleys

Altitude: About 1400 feet high in its lowest region and reaches well over 20000 feet

5. Buran Ghati Trek

Highlights of Buran Ghati Trek

• A pastoral way between Pabbal valley (Shimla district) to Sangla valley (Kinnaur district)
• View a perfect blend of deodar and pine forests
• Besides, explore beautiful watershed, waterfalls, meadows, and lakes
• Trek ends in Burwa village
• Afterwards, you can plan to visit beautiful Kinnauri villages
• A medium difficult 8- day long trek that will offer you a different trekking experience
• This trek demands trekkers to climb down a snow wall
• Offers a range of beautiful farmlands, orchards, and meadows to streams and thick forests
• Taste the delicious local food

Altitude: 4724 metres

Distance:16 kms

Months to visit: Mid June to early October

6. Shrikhand Mahadev Trek – More of a spiritual trek

Highlights of Shrikhand Mahadev Trek

• Shrikhand Mahadev peak is believed to be meditated by Lord Shiva and visited by Pandavas
• Expect the snow covered peak that will add up to its natural charm
• Reach the top and visit the small shrine of Lord Shiva
• Great place to visit for Hindu devotees
• Start your trek from Jaon after visiting the shrine of Goddess Shakti
• A 70 kms two way trek from Jaon to Shrikhand Mahadev that will take you through scenic views of opaque forests, meadows, and water streams.

Altitude: 5155 metres

Pilgrimage season: July and August

Uttarakhand, often called the “Land of Gods” is a fantastic destination for trekkers. Referred to as Garhwal Himalayas, it is categorized into western Garhwal division and eastern Kumaon division.It bestows an amalgam of abundant scenic beauty and adventure opportunities. The adventure fanatics visit this place in search of the best places for trekking in Uttarakhand. Satiate your desire to visit various temples, lakes, glaciers and waterfalls. Have a look at some of the best treks in Uttarakhand-

7. Auden’s Col Trek- A dream trek for every adventure seeker

Highlights of Auden’s Col Trek

• One of the high altitude mountain passes in Garhwal Himalayas
• Connects Rudragaira valley and Bhilanganga valley
• Considered one of the toughest treks in Garhwal Himalayan region
• Takes you through breath-taking alpine forests and meadows along with varied species of flowers and streams
• Don’t forget to get a view of high peaks including Rugragaira, Jogin, Bhagirathi and Kedar Dome
• Besides trekking and camping, it also has various shrines and temples in store
• 18 day long trip which starts from Gangotri , one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites
• Head towards Nala camp from Gangotri that includes 8km easy trek
• Take a 7-8 Kms gradual climb from Nala camp to Rudragaira Base Camp
• Passing through Gangotri group of peaks, reach Auden’s Col
• You can continue your trek to Khatling Glacier and thereafter to Chowki upto Kedarnath

Altitude: 5490 meters

Best months to visit: Summers (May-June)

Post monsoon (September- Mid October)

Apart from regular buses at Haridwar, you can also have an access to the shared jeeps to reach Uttarakhand.

It will take 6-7 hours

8. Kalindi Khal Trek

Highlights of Kalindi Khal Trek

• Get ready to experience mind blowing landscapes and views
• Not meant for weak hearted as it is a 99 kms long trek
• Only experienced trekkers can have a zest to complete this trek
• Start your trek through Gangotri and reach Kalindi Khal via Gaumukh, NandanBan, Vasuki Tal and Kalindi Base
• Continue the trek by descending towards Arwa till Badrinath
• The trail will take you through thick bed of snow and cuts through several glaciated and narrow treks.
• You will have to make use of crampons and fixed rope to reach your destination
• Have a look at the gorgeous meadows of Tapovan

Altitude: 5946 meters

Best months to visit: Summer (Mid-June)

Monsoon (July- Early September)

9. Har Ki Dun trek

Highlights

• Referred to as the Hanging valley of Gods
• Situated in western ranges of Garhwal Himalayas
• Moderate trek that offers a wonderful trekking experience
• The residents here are believed to be practicing polygamy and worshiping Duryodhana
• Believed to be the place from where Pandavas reached heaven
• Witness a wide variety of flora and fauna here

Altitude: 3566 Kms

Best months to visit: March – June

September- Mid November

A sneak peek into the best treks that bisect border between Himachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand –

10. Lamkhaga Pass Trek

• Filling the gap between Garhwal and Himachal Pradesh, this trek is surrounded by various mountains
• Crosses through the dense forests of deodar, pine and Bhojpatra
• Downhill and uphill trail to the Kyarkoti meadows
• Apart from alpine meadows, witness a range of moraines and small gushing streams
• Start your journey from Harsil in and follow a 14 km trek to reach Kyarkoti
• Expect a steep climb from the first day of your trek
• Enjoy a variety of landscapes that lead you to Lamkhaga Pass Base Camp
• This trek leads off at Chitkul via Nagasthi

11. Borasu Pass Trek

• Situated in the border of Himachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand
• Well rounded trek that offers multiple landscapes
• Start your trek from Taluka that passes through beautiful Har Ki Dun valley
• Surrounded by the Himalayan peaks, get fascinated by view of colorful birds and wildlife
• Expect glacier moraine, steep narrow ridges, vertical snow slopes and boulder fields on your way
• Get a unique trekking experience of the Himalayan culture of Garhwal and Kinnaur
• Difficult trek that requires a good fitness level and trekking experience

Best months to visit Borasu Pass Trek: May end-June

September-October

Overall, trekking is one of the most fascinating things that adventure lovers have done in India so far. If it has been your lifelong dream, the aforementioned treks will soon become your bucket list od the expeditions. Various amazing treks in the embrace of Himalayas are waiting to be explored by the travel enthusiasts.

Trekking, being a highly soft adventure sport, allows everyone in a good physical condition to try it once. If you are a beginner, you can hire an experienced guide or join an adventure club. It is not a great idea to go to the mountains alone.
Indeed, India can boast of some of the most stunning trekking routes in the world. The treks may vary in terms of difficulty, duration, regions as well as cultural elements. Thus, on the basis of these factors and of course, your budget, you can make a decision about which trek would be the most suitable for you.