Trekking
in India is always an amazing activity to explore and see the serene beauty of
nature. Walking, climbing, hiking are some other names for trekking. Himachal
Pradesh and Uttarakhand are the two scenic destinations famous for trekking in
India. You will see a lot of rivers, waterfalls, greenery, mighty valleys,
rocky mountains, tricky trails, animals and birds, quaint villages &
hamlets, and a lot more.
Here
I have jotted down some beautiful places to explore in both the states.
Himachal
Pradesh
Altitude:
4,270m
Difficulty:
Easy to Moderate
Season:
Mid-June to December (Except monsoon)
Duration:
12 days
This
amazing adventure is nestled in the mighty Pir Panjal ranges of Himalayas.
Hampta Pass connects the Lahaul Chandra Valley in Spiti and the Kullu valley.
It is a popular
trekking destination. The trek through the pass will give you an opportunity to explore
nature and its scenic beauty. Hampta Pass trek will take you through the alpine
meadows of flowers, mixed forests of oaks & conifers, splashing waterfalls,
rock walls, tiny lakes, mighty peaks, dense pinewoods, glacier basins, and a
lot of scenic natural beauty of the Himalayas. This trek is suitable for beginners
and fit trekkers. The trek starts from Manali and passes by so many quaint
villages like Sethan, Prini, and beautiful campsites like Chatru, SheaGoru, and
Balu ka Ghera. The best time to visit Hampta Pass is in the months of May-
June, and September to December. The area receives heavy snowfall during the
winter months.
Altitude:
2,050m to 5,000m
Difficulty:
Tough
Season:
May to September
Duration:
18 days
One
of the most challenging treks of Himachal Pradesh. Bara Bhangal Trek is another
beauty that is less explored and untouched by the crowd of travelers and
trekkers. This evergreen valley enfolds the beauty of lush green meadows, a
wide variety of Himalayan birds and animals, thick glaciers, and great
landscapes of nature. Bara Bhangal is one of the longest trekking trails which
can be completed in 17 days. The curvy and rocky paths, dangerous moraines and
ridges will make this adventure trek a thrilling one. You can also enjoy the
hot waters with medicinal values and spot a lot of medicinal plants during the
trek. Catch the views of Indrasan, Deo Tibba, and Hanuman Tibba. Bara Bhangal
also offers a great opportunity to explore the Dhauladhars and Pir Panjal
ranges of Himalayas and the nearby remote villages. The best time to visit in
the months of May to September.
Altitude:
2,850m
Difficulty:
Easy
Season:
Around the year
Duration:
2 days
One of the easiest treks in Himachal Pradesh
nestled in the mighty Dhauladhar ranges of the Himalayas. Triund trek is a
perfect weekend getaway. The trek will take you to the lush meadows, dense
forests of oaks & deodars, gushing waterfalls, unique variety of flora and
fauna, along with the alluring landscapes of snow-clad peaks. Triund top offers
spectacular views of Dhauladhar ranges and the alluring Kangra valley. Pitch
you camp at the top and watch the most amazing sunsets and sunrises. The
star-studded night will make you stay longer. Triund is a small trek of 8 km
and the first five kilometers are easy but the next few kilometers are tricky.
It is also called the 22 curves trail. Triund is perfect for beginners and
first-timers. The trek starts from Mcleodganj, a beautiful hill station in
Himachal Pradesh. If you have a couple of days then you can also explore the
nearby hill stations like Mcleodganj and Dharamshala.
Altitude:
4,342m
Difficulty: Moderate
Season:
June to Mid-October
Duration:
8-9 days
Indrahar
Pass is a high mountain pass which forms a border between the Kangra and Chamba
districts of Himachal Pradesh. One of the most alluring treks which offers
shimmering streams, tranquil lakes, dense forests of deodars &
rhododendrons, along with the snow-capped mountains will make you to fall for
this place. One can catch the clear views of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal
ranges of the Himalayas. The beautiful
campsites of Lahesh caves and Kareri lake will give you an unforgettable
experience.
You
can also visit the beautiful Chamba valley and explore the fascinating hamlets.
The trek starts from Mcleodganj near Dharamshala.
Uttarakhand
Altitude:
12,500ft
Difficulty:
Easy to Moderate
Season: September to March
Duration:
7 days
A
classic winter adventure in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. Kedarkantha
is a high mountain pass nestled in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary in the
Uttarakashi district. It is a popular trekking destination and
attracts a lot of experienced and beginners every year. A trek to Kedarkantha
Peak offers magnificent views of mighty 13 Himalayan peaks. The trek starts
from Sankri Village near Dehradun and passes through lakes, dense forests of
rhododendrons & pines, lush green meadows, tricky paths, and along with the
snow-covered mountains. Camping at the beautiful campsites of Juda ka Talab,
Kedarkantha, and Hargaon will give you an amazing experience. According to some
ancient facts, the Kedarkantha peak is dedicated to Lord Shiva. An old temple
of Lord Shiva is located at the top of the peak. If you are a snow lover then
you will definitely fall for this trek. Explore the rich beauty of nature with
pristine white snow.
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2.
Valley of flowers
Altitude:
12,00ft
Difficulty:
Easy to Moderate
Season:
May- June, Mid- September to December
Duration:
4-5 days
A
popular heritage site in the world, the Valley of flowers is a National Park in
Uttarakhand. As the name says, a valley of flowers having lush meadows of a
wide variety of beautiful and colorful flowers, Himalayan animals and bird
species, great views of snow-capped mountains, and a soothing environment. The
valley is about 8km long and 2 km wide and stretches in an area of 87.50 sq.
km. You can see some rare endangered animals like musk deer, brown bear, red
fox, snow leopard, and blue sheep. Himalayan flowers like Campanula latifolia,
Geranium, and Morina. Valley of flowers is a beautiful trek and offers great
scenic surroundings and splendid views of Himalayas. Explore the local nearby
villages and get to know about their mountainous life. If you more time or a
couple of days you can also visit the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara. Valley of
flowers is a fairyland for nature and wildlife lovers.
Altitude:
11,768ft
Difficulty:
Moderate
Season:
May-June & September to December
Duration:
7 days
A
valley in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand which was chosen as a path by
Pandavas to reach the Swargarohini Parvat to reach heaven. Har ki Doon valley
is a popular trekking destination. The trek will take you through quaint
villages like Seema, Osla, Taluka, and Sankri which are untouched by
civilization, rivers, lush meadows, dense forests of pine, deodar, and other
coniferous forests, unique variety of flora and fauna with some exotic wildlife
and rare species of birds and animals. The tranquility of the environment and
serene surroundings will make your trek an adventure to cherish forever. Catch
the amazing views of Swargarohini Parvat and other snow-covered Himalayan
peaks. Har ki Doon trek is an amazing
trek for fit beginners and experienced trekkers.
Altitude:
5,029m
Difficulty:
Moderate
Season:
Mid-April to June & September to October
Duration:
8 days
The
mysterious lake nestled in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Roopkund is a
popular trekking destination. A high alpine lake surrounded by rock-strewn
glaciers and snow-covered mountains. It is called a mystery lake because of so
many human skeletons and bones are found on the banks of the lake. Roopkund is
one of the moderate to difficult trek in Uttarakhand. The trek will take you to
the amazing Ali and Bedni Bugyals (meadows) and offers great spectacular views
of Nanda Ghunti, Chaukhamba, Trishul, and Rudragaira peaks. Roopkund is on the
bucket list of every trekker.
All
are some amazing adventures to try in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Plan
your next trip to these adventures and experience trekking in India at its
best.
Live.TRAVEL.
Explore!!
