6 Exhilarating And Stunning Treks In The Indian Himalayas That Need To Be On Your Bucket List

If horror stories interest you, this definitely needs to be on your list. This trek rose to prominence once people found an estimated 500 human skeletons on the edge of Roopkund Lake. The trek has you covered if you are interested in high-altitude treks or bragging rights for the same. At 15,700 feet above sea level, this is one of the most impressive treks in the Garhwali Himalayas.

From oak forests above Wan to the largest high-altitude meadows, Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal, in the country, this trek gives you a flavour of various facets of the Himalayas.

If you are an inexperienced trekker, this trek is listed as one of the best beginner treks in the country; just make sure you have experienced instructors around you.

Details:

8 days and 7 nights from Kathgodam

Region: Uttarakhand | Highest Altitude: 15,700ft | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate | Duration: 8 days

Get ready to spot black bears, wild boars, barasinghas and the beautiful monal as soon as you start your trek in the Govind National Park. The trek is also famous for its place in Indian mythology, so you can score brownie points with your parents once they find out that you would be heading down the same path that the Pandavas took as they ascended to heaven via Swargarohini Mountain. In addition to that, you’ll get the best view there is of Swargarohini – I, II, III, Bandarpoonch and Blackpeak mountain ranges.

Experience a rustic lifestyle as you head through various villages over 3,000 years old. If you are longing to experience a simplistic lifestyle for a couple of days this is one of the best ways to do it.

Details:

6 days and 5 nights from Sankari (210km from Dehradun)

Region: Uttarakhand | Highest Altitude: 11,768ft | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate | Duration: 6 days

If you are short on time, but want the best experience possible, this is the trek for you. The problem with the most beautiful high-altitude meadows in our country is that in order to reach them you have to trek through treacherous terrains for days on end. However, where the meadows in this trek are concerned, they start as soon as you step out of the Gulaba basecamp, an hour’s drive away from Manali, and stay with you right until you reach the majestic Bhrigu Lake. As you move forward on the trail, you see the meadows changing texture, colour and shape, giving you a sense that they are taking this journey with you.

The lake has a story of its own though, it is believed to change colour every week exhibiting shades ranging from emerald green to clear blue. If you are here during winter, you’ll see the lake in its frozen form, bestowing upon you one of the most stunning views this country has to offer.

Details:

3 days and 2 nights from Manali

Region: Himachal | Highest Altitude: 14,009ft | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate | Duration: 3 days

One of the most picturesque treks in this country, Deo Tibba trail is known for the beautiful view you get of the snow-clad peaks of Deo Tibba and Indrasan, the glaciers of Deo Tibba and Jagatsukh as well as the serene and crystal clear Chandratal lake.

Try your hand at some rock climbing at Chhika, check out old temples along the trek, walk alongside hordes of Gaddi shepherds and meet locals living near these areas to get a real feel of the culture here. If you just want a few days of absolute peace nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, this is the perfect trek for you.

Details:

6 days and 5 nights from Manali

Region: Himachal | Highest Altitude: 14,400ft | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate |Duration: 6 days

Hampta Pass can best be described as a trek that takes you through multiple worlds. With just this one trek you can cover pine forests, lush green meadows, rock formations, snow-capped peaks and more. If you are into birdwatching, Hampta Pass boasts of being home to over 300 different varieties of birds, so keep your phone/DSLR handy.

In fact, the adventure begins even before you start trekking, the drive to Jobra basecamp from Manali is extremely picturesque. Jobra is known for its natural beauty and the great view of Rani Nallah flowing through the meadows.

The trek goes from Manali to Lahaul, so if you’ve been looking to cross Spiti off your bucket list, this is the way to do it. If this isn’t enough to get your heart racing, you’ll also be covering the famous Chandratal Lake on this trip.

Details:

5 days and 4 nights from Manali

Region: Himachal | Highest Altitude: 14,400ft | Difficulty: Moderate-Hard | Duration: 6 days

If all things frozen excite you, the Chadar trek is for you. Possibly India’s most glamorous trek, all the literature around Chadar barely does it any justice. This trek has you walking over the frozen river of Zanskar with stunning snow-capped mountains around you, living in caves and interacting with extremely warm locals living in one of the coldest regions of this country. If you are a hardcore thrill seeker and adventure enthusiast, you must have this feather in your cap.

Be warned however, this trek is not for the faint hearted, you must be prepared to brave extremely cold temperatures and at no cost should you attempt to head out on this trek without an experienced guide. You need to be prepared for strenuous physical activity and living without any comforts. Then again, the best things in life come at a price, and this experience is one you do not want to miss out on.

Details:

9 days and 8 nights from Leh

Region: Himachal | Highest Altitude: 11,123ft | Difficulty: Hard | Duration: 9 days

Have you been to any of these treks yet? The thrill of having conquered a mountain always gets my heart racing. How was your experience? Write about it on Tripoto and help travellers discover a new destination.