10 BEST TREKS IN INDIA FOR ADVENTURE
1. Chadar Trek
Walking on the ice-covered river of Zanskar is an ultimate experience for adventurers who are keen to enjoy trekking in the Ladakh Himalayas. This trek is also named as Chadar trek (as Chadar means blanket, and the frozen river acts like a blanket).
Spring water prevents this icy blanket from completely smothering the river, which in some places, retains its rapids. The trek goes by shuffling along the Chadar that breaks and changes colour on the river every few hours!
A magnificent and at times challenging trek, Chadar Trek gives opportunities to enjoy a visit to ancient Buddhist monasteries and secluded villages situated in the Trans Zanskar ranges. At places, the Chadar (ice sheet) does not form a cover over the river.
Then, the trekkers have to forge a new trail treks in india over snow-covered banks to move down to a spot on the Zanskar river, where the ice is more stable.
2. Gomukh Tapovan Trek
The Gomukh Tapovan Trek can be said to be the best trekking destinations in India, both because of the wonderful sightseeing opportunity it provides and the spiritual significance associated with it. The trek along the holy Bhagirathi River takes the tourist right up to the source of the river which is commonly known as Gomukh (which means the cow of the mouth in local language).
The camp at Tapovan offers some of the rarest sites in the Himalayas i.e. the view of eight enthralling peaks- Bhagirathi I, II, III, Mt. Shivling, Chaturangi, Meru Parvat, Bhirgupanth and Sudarshan. Many other peaks that offer brilliant views of the Gangotri Glacier are also the alluring part of this trek.
Gomukh Tapovan Treks in india can be undertaken by amateurs, provided they possess the physical fitness. During the course of the trek, you will also come across a huge patch of lush meadow. The towering peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas surroundes Tapovan, which is itself a lush, verdant region. Herds of the blue mountain goats ‘Bharals’, are often spotted here, to the great delight of trekkers.
3. Kuari Pass Trek
Quite famous among trekking enthusiasts, Kuari Pass Trek offers stunning vistas of the snow-capped peaks of the Greater Himalayan Range. Also named as Lord Curzon’s Trail, the trek goes through the lush valleys, ancient forests, and small villages. On reaching Kuari Pass, the trekker is rewarded with panoramic views of the magnificent peaks of Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Kamet, Hathi-Ghodi Parvat and Dronagiri.
4. Dzongri – Goecha La Trek
There are many reasons behind the Dzongri-Goecha La Trek being one of the most exciting treks in India. The treks in india begins from the town of Yuksom, a place famous for its historical significance. Here, you get an opportunity to explore the traditional culture and lifestyle of the people. Another thing which captures your attention is the unique style of wooden fencing which is aesthetically pleasing.
Since the trek follows the route through the Sikkim Himalayas, you are treated to breathtaking views of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Tufts of clouds conceal its peaks at times, and brings them out into open view at others, as if its beauty were meant to be admired in stages. At the foothills, vast expanses of lush meadows stretch themselves out in leisure.
What sights are these, and what calming effects they have on the mind! You are also treated to views of Mt. Pandim and Mt. Kabru. Most of all, this treks in india offers you the luxury of being alone in the company of nature, even as you pass through oak plantations, fields with dancing wild flowers and rhododendron forests.
5. Shepherd Trail Trek
The Shepherd’s Trail Treks in india is famous, among other things, for taking you to the distant and secluded villages in Himachal Pradesh, which are open only four to five months in a year. The Shepherd Trail Trek crosses over Dhauladhar Mountain Ranges. ‘Hanuman Ka Tibba’ or ‘White Mountain’ (5639m), located just behind Dharamshala Town, is the highest peak in this range.
The treks in india begins from the outskirts of Manali and ends at shepherd’s village of Bara Bhangal, situated on the banks of Ravi, one of the main rivers flowing out of these mountains. The forest of Birch and Rhododendron pave the way to the mountain pass after which a descent directs you to an exquisite walk through the verdant forests and over the debris of glaciers.
6. Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek
There are many reasons behind the Chopta Chandrashila Trek being one of the most famous high-altitude treks in India. It is one of those treks which can be undertaken throughout the year. During the course of this trek, trekkers are treated to 360° views of various Himalayan peaks like Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi and Trishul.
One can also get to view the beauty of the alpine vegetation, for which this region is so famous. There are two to three routes which are suggested as the starting point for Chandrashila Treks in india. The highlight of the trek is when you go past the 1000-year-old Tungnath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located at a height of almost 3048m, Tungnath Temple is renowned for being the highest Lord Shiva Temple in the world.
7. Valley of Flowers Trek
The Valley of Flowers, located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overlooked by the magnificent Zanskar ranges, this region boasts more than 300 kinds of alpine flowers, besides a biodiversity which has remained relatively untouched. The Valley of Flowers is a part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.
The best time for visiting it is the monsoon season, because this is when the flowers are in full bloom. The trek for Valley of Flowers begins from Ghangaria. The highlight of the trip is when you reach the Valley of Flowers, which is clothed in the most colourful flowers belonging to different species and varieties. Some of the most commonly spotted flowers in this region are marigold, poppies, daisies and primulas. The park is also home to several kinds of medicinal plants and a few endangered animals.
8. Adi Kailash Trek
The Adi Kailash Trek is a religious trek which takes you in the heart of the Kumaon Himalayas making it amongst 10 of the best hiking destinations in India. Standing at an elevation of 6310m in the district of Pithoragarh, it bears a close resemblance to the holy Mt. Kailash in Tibet, thus getting its name as Adi Kailash or Chhota Kailash.
The trek is certainly not easy and requires some kind of experience in trekking. It commences from Tawaghat, which can be reached by road from Darchula.
The trek route covers the area of Lamari, Budhi, Nabhi, Nampha, Kutti, Jyollingkong, Nabidhang, and Kala Pani.
At Gunji, the route splits into two, trekkers can choose to take a detour and first witness Om Parvat. During the course of the trek, one also gets an opportunity to admire the magnificent mountain ranges of Annapurna, Kali River, forests and the famous Narayana Ashram. The trek takes you to Kali Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Kali. The famous water bodies in this area are Parvati Sarovar, Gauri Kund and Aachri Tal.
9. Dodital Trek
Located at an altitude of 3310m above sea level, Dodital is one of the most beautiful treks in North India. It is named after the rare Himalayan trout, which is known as Dodi in the local language. Dodital Trek starts from a small and sleepy village called Sangam Chati. This is followed by a steep climb all the way to Agoda settlement.
An enjoyable experience during the trek is camping, which is done in close proximity to the rivulet at Bhebra.As you pass the rhododendron, oak, bamboo and pine forests, the beauty of the surrounding landscape gradually unfolds before your eyes. The mind delights at the sounds of the birds chirping and the sights of valleys in the distance. The trek also gives you a dash of adrenaline, if adventure is what you seek.
The trekking trail also takes you past a steep ridge and brings you quite close to the Himalayan Ranges. Once you reach the Dodital Lake and its mesmerizing beauty, you realize that every part of this difficult trek was completely worth it.
The pure blue and silent waters of the Dodital Lake play a large part in lending tranquillity to the surroundings.If you are attracted to avi fauna, you will find much to celebrate here. Some of the variety of birds which you can expect to see during the course of this trek are Grey Tit, Himalayan Babbler, Brown Fronted Woodpecker, Red Billed Blue Magpie and Bush Robin.
10. Hampta Pass Trek
Hampta Pass Trek is one of the highly sought after treks in North India. This trek is all about experiencing the beauty of the region. Wide green pastures, glacial valleys and lofty mountains, these are some of the faces of nature that this trek introduces you to.
During a certain point in the trek, you will be able to enjoy the spectacular views of Lahaul and Spiti valleys as well as the mountain ranges of Spiti and Pir Panjal.
This trek also offers you adventure in good measure, as you get a chance to camp at Chandratal, the Moon Lake.
Hampta Pass is at an altitude of 4270m and stretches across the Pir Panjal Range in the Himalayas.
The landscape here is such that it compels you to stare at it until you are lost in a train of thoughts, and that’s certainly one of the reasons why it is so popular among international tourists.
Slopes of mountains extend gracefully to meet the meadow below. Throughout the course of the trek, the fabulous views of the snow-capped Dhauladhar Peaks remain with you, while the gentle murmurs of the streams and rivulets reach your ears. If nature’s beauty is what you seek, then you will get that in abundance here.
DISCLAIMER : ALL THE IMAGE RESOURCES USED IN THIS ARTICLE IS THE COURTESY OF :
- https://banbanjara.com/tours/chadar-trek-frozen-zanskar-river
- https://indiahikes.com/gaumukh-tapovan
- https://www.himalayanhikers.in/kuari-pass-trek/
- https://www.himalayanhikers.in/goechala-trek/
- https://www.trekkinginindia.com/trekking-in-himachal/shepherd-trail-gaddi-trek.html
- https://www.taleof2backpackers.com/tungnath-deoriatal-chandrashila-trek/
- https://www.thrillophilia.com/tours/valley-of-flowers-uttranchal
- https://www.tourmyindia.com/treks/adi_kailash.html
- https://www.shikhar.com/blog/dodital-trek-dodital-winter-trek-a-dodital-darwa-winter-trek/
- https://www.himalayanhikers.in/hampta-pass/
