"The Best view comes after the hardest climb." Do you agree?
4 years back when I went on to my very first trek in the Himalayas, what I felt was unreal. First time in my life, felt as if I have accomplished something bigger than myself, much bigger. Walking up and down in the mountains, with the landscape changing from green to white within a day, calm yet furious river gushing down, camping under the stars away from real-world with no network, and what not, trekking makes you experience everything. Can't deny the fact that ever since we watched the iconic movie "YJHD", we have trek on our cards of travel horoscope.
But as it seems fun trekking is not a cup of tea for everyone. A person needs to be prepared physically and mentally. Starting with an easy trek should always be the first move towards being a trekker in the Himalayas.
Here's a list of 10 easy treks you can do in the Himalayas in Uttarakhand and Himachal as first-timers.
1. Triund Trek, Macleodganj, Himachal
This trek lies near Mcleodganj – Dharamshala region. You will get to see the panoramic views of the Dhauladhar range and aerial views of Dharamshala from the trek. In winter, you will see the snow on the trek and may experience the snowfall, too, depending on the weather. The whole trek is about 9 km in the distance for one side, you can do one-night camping and return the next day.
Altitude: 2800 meters Duration: 2 days
2. Chopta Chandrashila Trek, Uttarakhand
Seeing great mountain views on a winter trek is not easy. You have to get to a high vantage point to catch such a view. And hence Chopta Chandrashila Deoriatal is a window into Himalaya’s spring color vibrancy and a peek into Himalayan peaks. The whole trek covers a swoop to the Chandrashila Peak, passing by the enchanting Deoriatal lakeside, and opens up a gallery of stunning snow peaks all the way.
Chandrashila is the summit above Tungnath temple. It means "Moon Rock". This peak provides views of the Himalayas, including Nandadevi, Trisul, Kedar Peak, Bandarpunch, and Chaukhamba peaks.
Altitude: 3690meters Duration: 3-4 Days
3. Parashar lake Trek, Himachal
Surrounded by the Dhauladhar ranges in Kullu Valley is a blue-water lake called Parashar. Parashar Lake is a well-kept secret in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. Nestled in the bowl-shaped valley of the Dhauladhar range, the Parashar lake trek takes you through thick forests with views of snow-capped mountains, making it a real gem. It's an easy 2-day trek.
Altitude: 2730 meters Duration: 2 days
4. Nag Tibba Trek, Uttarakhand
Nag Tibba is located at an altitude of 3,022 meters that makes it the highest peak in the lower Himalayan region of Uttarakhand. The trek has got its name from 'Nag Devta'. During the Nag Tibba trekking, you'll witness beautiful flora and fauna, lush green mountains, and dense forests that will make you fall in love with its beauty.
Altitude: 3022 meters Duration: 2 days
5. Bhrigu Lake Trek, Himachal
With vast expanses of lush meadows, stunning natural beauty, and snow-capped mountains, the Bhrigu Lake trek is one of the scenic treks in Himachal. Located in the lush Kullu Valley, this serene lake has always been associated with Saint Bhrigu. According to legend, he used to meditate on the banks of the lake, which also attracts numerous worshippers. It’s believed that his blessings ensure the lake is never completely frozen.
From the top, soak in stunning views of Seven Sister peaks, Hanuman Tibba, Pir Panjal range, and Deo Tibba.
Altitude: 4300 meters Duration: 2-3 days
6. Kedarkantha Trek, Uttarakhand
Kedarkantha (not to be confused with the very popular Temple Kedarnath) is a 5-day long trek in Govind Pashu Vihar National Park in Uttarakhand. The summit climb of Kedarkantha is a very rewarding one. Right from the base camp of the trek, the summit looms large. This trek has a whole lot of fascinating mythical stories attached to it. Due to its magical view, it has gained a lot of popularity as a winter trek.
In winters, the temperature at night goes as low as -15 degrees so be prepared.
Altitude: 4115 meters Duration: 5 days
7. Kareri Lake Trek, Himachal
Surrounded by mountains and alpine trees, the Kareri Lake Trek is formed by the flow of the water bodies from the Minkiani peak. The trek to Kareri Lake Trek is one of the most scenic alpine treks in Himachal Pradesh that goes to several gushing streams and passes through green meadows. You will be facing a huge variety of terrains on this trek, ranging from straight roads to river crossings over wooden bridges, and steep ascents.
Altitude: 2934 meters Duration: 3 days
8. Panwali Kantha Trek, Uttarakhand
Panwali Kantha is a nice trek route that remains with different beauties in various seasons. The extraordinary panoramic snow-white beauty can be experienced in the winters. The complete view of Kedarnath, Badrinath, and even Gangotri with Yamunotri in this trek route will generate a feeling in your heart that nature is showing her best four kids.
Altitude: 4000 meters Duration: 5 days
9. Dayara Bugyal Trek, Uttarakhand
Not many people know but of all our treks Dayara has the biggest snow expanse. It is so big and wide that sometimes you cannot see the end of the whiteness. Seeing it in such a wide canvas as Dayara is a rarity. What is rarer is the sight of Mt Bandarpoonch and Black peak towering almost 21,000 feet over Dayara. Seeing these mountains just popping out of the snow expanse of Dayara is the reason why you must do this trek.
Altitude: 3639 meters Duration: 6 days
10. Patalsu Peak Trek, Manali, Himachal
Patalsu Peak is a moderately easy summit near Manali. The trail starts from Solang village, climbing through meadows and pine, deodar, and oak forests inhabited by Monals and Pheasants among other fauna for two days to the summit. The campsites offer panoramic views of the entire Kullu valley and Hanuman Tibba, Friendship Peak, and Manali Peak. From the Patalsu summit, you can see a sea of snow-covered mountains towering over the Kullu valley, and excellent views into Lahaul and Spiti.
Now that the adrenaline must be kicking in, which trek are you heading to? Let us know in the comments below!