When one thinks of trekking, taking the family along is often an unpopular option for companionship. Trekking, despite its physical demands, is a great way to explore nature with family. En route to a stunning meadow, peak or lake, you will discover a renewed bond with people who spend a majority of their lives with you.
Here are some treks that are great to do with family. Don't worry; they are not too physically challenging and give enough time to explore campsites.
The trek to Kuari Pass is perfect for beginners who wish to enter the world of snow treks. The route is inside the massive Nanda Devi Biosphere, and provides views of the marvellous Mount Nanda Devi on the final day of ascend.
The first basecamp, also the starting point, is in Auli. From there you trek for four hours to reach Gorson Bugyal, a picturesque meadow, and camp at Chitrakantha the next night. On the final day, you trek through the Kuari Pass, exit via Khullara to Dhak and drive to Joshimath.
Eligible age: For above 7 year olds.
What to expect: Crossing of a high-altitude mountain pass with almost no tricky patches. Try this trek.
Har ki Dun is a valley dotted with ancient villages that witnessed the ascent of the Pandavas to heaven. Dating back to 3,000 years, the valley has many stories to tell and even more to witness. Situated inside the Govind National Park, the Har ki Dun trek offers stunning views of famous peaks such as Swargarohini – I, II, III, Bandarpunch and Blackpeak.
The starting point or the first basecamp of the trek is in Sankri. From there you trek for eight hours to reach Puani Garaat, a picturesque campsite, and then camp again at Kalkatiyadhaar the next night. You will spend more than a day exploring the Har ki Dun valley, and then head back via the same route.
Eligible age: Above 9 year olds.
What to expect: An exploratory trek of the mountain valley with the only tricky aspect being the length of the route. Try this trek.
The trek from Deoriatal Lake to Chandrashila Peak is considered the most beautiful winter trek in the Uttarakhand Himalayas. The gradual ascent on snow makes it ideal for beginners and the beautiful campsites are ideal for families wanting to step out to interact with nature. From the summit, you can even see the mighty Trishul peak.
The first basecamp, also the starting point, is in Sari. From there you trek for one hour to reach Deoriatal, a beautiful lake, and camp at Rohini Bugyal the next night. On the final day, you summit the Chandrashila Peak, exit via Tungnath to Bhrujgali and then descend to Chopta.
Eligible age: Above 7 year olds.
What to expect: To summit the Chandrashila mountain peak, the only tricky part is walking on snow. Try this trek.
If you don't have too much time on your hands, then take this weekend trek to Nag Tibba Peak near Mussoorie. Considered one of the best weekend treks near Delhi, this route requires only a day long ascent. From the top, you get a panoramic view of the Bandarpunch peak and Kedarnath peak.
The basecamp is at Pantwari. You reach the Nag Tibba peak after a five-hour long gradual climb. The descend is through the same route.
Eligible age: Above 7 year old.
What to expect: A summit to Nag Tibba peak. There are no tricky patches. Try this trek.
The trek from Dalhousie to Chamba takes you through the valleys of Kangra and Chamba. This route is a beautiful way to enter the Chamba Valley on foot, and is best enjoyed during winters. The camping sites on the way are on comfortable terrains, making them ideal for families.
The starting point or the first basecamp of the trek is in Dalhousie. From there you trek for five hours to reach Kalatop, a picturesque mountain peak, and then camp again at Khajjiar the next night. You will spend more than a day exploring the Mangla Village, and then head back via the same route.
What to expect: An exploratory trek of the mountain valley with the only tricky aspect being treading on snow. Try this trek.
The Hampta Circuit trek is not to be confused with the popular Hampta Pass trek. Unlike the latter one, this route is one of the lesser known treks in the same area. The trail is easy and unbelievably scenic, and you get to explore the Himachali culture through the small villages on the way. Stunning views of the Pir Panjal, Dhauladhar, and Bara Banghal ranges will keep you company throughout the way.
The starting point or the first basecamp of the trek is in Jagatsukh. From there you trek for five hours to reach Bhanara village, a picturesque village, and then camp again at Tilgan meadows the next night. You will spend the night at Jogi Dug. And then head to the last campsite at Chikka via Kharmandari.
Eligible age: Above 7 year olds.
What to expect: An exploratory trek of the mountain valley with the only tricky aspect being treading on snow (which remains till May).
The trek to Bhrigu Lake is famous for passing through India's most loved meadow of Bhrigu. Professional trekkers, who have seen the best of the Himalayas, claim that these Alpine meadows should be your motivation to do the trek.
The starting point of the trek is Gulaba. From there you trek for four hours to reach Rola Kholi, a picturesque village, and then camp again at Pandu Ropa via Bhrigu Lake for the night. And then head to the last campsite at Vashisht or drive to Manali directly.
Eligible age: Above 9 year olds.
What to expect: A snow trek (can also be done in summers) to a high-altitude lake; the only tricky part is treading through the snow. Try this trek.
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