20 BEST TREKS IN THE HIMALAYAS

Best Himalayan Treks- Trekking is a perfect adventure sport for the adrenaline junky and nature lovers. Spending a few days in the lap of nature, surrounded by wildlife and breathtaking mountains, makes trekking an exquisite sport. The picturesque Himalayas crown the northern face of India and give us limitless options for trekking. The following factors determine the difficulty levels of treks-

• Daily altitude gain
• The Altitude of the highest point
• Daily walking distance
• Slope of the region
• Terrain conditions
• Water availability

You can start with the weekend best Himalayan treks, in which you come back to the original campsite. When you have enough experience, you can go to the easy trek expeditions. Experience is a significant factor in choosing the treks, and you can go on moderate and difficult trekking only if you have at least 4 or 5 expeditions that you have completed. In the following subsections, we are going to look at the best Himalayan treks depending on their difficulty, and discuss briefly about each one of them.

Weekend Treks:

Weekend treks are the perfect getaway to the beauty of nature when you have only 2 or 3 days at hand. You can go onto these treks alone or with friends without the need of a guide. The mesmerizing beauty of the Himalayas provides a soothing atmosphere for anyone going on some of the best Himalayan treks for beginners. You can pack your bags and head off to these best Himalayan treks on one day notice. They are perfect for the much-needed breaks from the monotony of life, and help to rejuvenate the mind.

Nag Tibba Trek: 

• Region: Uttarakhand, Himalayas
• District: Tehri Himalayas
• Altitude: 9,915 ft
• Duration: 2 days 
• Level of Difficulty: Easy
• Best time to visit: All season trek, except monsoon

If you have a fascination towards snakes and wish to have a religious insight on a trek, Nag Tibba is one of the best Himalayan treks for you. It is a circular trek rich in biodiversity and is perfect for beginners. Located in the Tehri Garhwal region of Himalayas, Nag Tibba is the highest peak and comes with trails that pass through dense forests. The trekking route has beautiful camps with mesmerizing views of Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, Black Peak and Srikanth. The Nag Devta Temple on the mountain summit is also a popular attraction. 

Prashar Lake Trek:

• Region:  Himachal Pradesh
• Altitude: 8,956 ft
• Duration: 2 days
• Level of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Best time to visit: Starting from May to July end, September till freezing winter starts.

Prashar Lake is Himachal Pradesh’s hidden treasure. A perfect getaway for your weekends, the Prashar Lake trek brings to you picturesque views of Pir Panjal, Dhauladhar, and Kinnaur ranges. The terrain is ideal for beginners, and passes through a village that exposes you to local culture. There is also a temple nearby dedicated to sage Prashar. If you are a sunrise lover, you are bound to like it here. 

Triund Trek:

• Region: Himachal Pradesh
• Altitude: 9,760 ft
• Duration: 2 days
• Level of Difficulty: Easy
• Best time to visit: March to June, October to the starting of December.

Triund Trek is a short Himalayan trek of 9 km. It comes with spectacular views of snow-capped Dhauladhar mountain range and Kangra Valley. Perfect for people with busy schedules, the trek takes only four hours. The hike is steep, and you need to walk through forests of rhododendron and oaks. If you manage to visit Triund during a starry night, camping is a must. Gallu Devi Temple, Norbulingka Monastery, Dalai Lama Complex are some of the major attractions.

Deoban Weekend Trek:

•  Region: Uttrakhand
• Altitude: 9842 ft
• Duration: 2 days
• Level of Difficulty: Easy 
• Best time to visit: Except for the monsoon months, it is suitable throughout the year. Winters receive heavy snowfall.

Deoban Trek is an easy Himalayan trek that is ideal for weekends. You get to experience the best of nature in the shortest time. Nanda Devi, Dunagiri, Bandarpooch, Kalanag, and Swargarohini are among the 55 peaks that are visible from Deoban at an elevation of 3000m. As the name suggests, the trail has innumerable Deodar trees. But it also comes with pine and oak trees, mountains of Uttarakhand, and lush green meadows adorning the campsites. You can also spot various types of birds here in the forests.

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   Beginners Trek/ Easy Grade Trek:

Easy treks are the starting point for any prospective trekker. These treks do not reach high altitude, and need a minimal amount of fitness. Forests and vast meadows are the attractions in the beginner’s treks. Some of the best Himalayan treks for beginners will only consist of 5-6 days, and a long, straight path along its way. The following treks are the best short Himalayan treks:

Kedarkantha Trek:

• Region: Uttarakhand
• Altitude: 12,500 ft
• Duration: 6 days
• Level of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Best time to visit: Middle of December to April

Kedarkantha Trek is one of the best treks in the Himalayas. It comes with views of snow-capped mountain summits, high peaks, pristine lakes, rich biodiversity, quaint hamlets and beautiful campsites. At night, Kedarkantha glistens due to the moonlight and looks heavenly. The interaction with the locals and feasting on traditional food are the major attractions of this trek.

Brahmatal Trek:

• Region: Chamoli district, Garhwal Himalayas
• Altitude: 12,100 ft
• Duration: 6 days
• Level of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Best time to visit: December to March

The Brahmatal Trek comes with dense forests, mountain peaks, and glacial lakes. It is one of the lesser-known treks, so the beauty is pure and undiscovered. You get to trek on a steady hike and a well-planned slope on the laps of nature. Views of Mount Trishul, Chaukhamba, Shivling, Nanda Ghunti, Neelkanth, and Hathi Ghoda peaks prove the name “Dev Bhoomi” to be true. You can also see the Auli Bugyal, Junargali and Bedni Bugyal due to the proximity of Roopkund Trek. It is undoubtedly one of the best treks in the Himalayas.

Sandakphu Phalut Trek:

• Region: West Bengal
• Altitude: 11,950 ft
• Duration: 6 days
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate
• Best time to visit: Mid September to April 

Sandakphu Phalut Trek is one of the highest altitude trekking expeditions in West Bengal. Located in the Singalila Range, it comes with a diverse terrain and introduces trekkers to both the culture and boundaries of Nepal and Sikkim. Clear views of Mount Kanchenjungha, Makalu, Everest and Lhotse greet on arrival. Some of the major attractions of this trek are Singalila National Park, Kalapokhri Lake, and Seven Sisters.

Har Ki Dun Trek:

• Region: Garhwal Himalayas
• Altitude: 11,700 ft
• Duration: 7 days
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
• Best time to visit: Suitable to trek the entire year, but most preferable during the summer and monsoon months (April to November).

Har Ki Dun Trek is one of the best hikes in the Himalayas. The trail has dense forests of pine trees and has a wide variety of wildlife. You can also watch the four peaks- Bandar Pooch, Swargrohini, Ruinsara and Black peak from the valley.

Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek:

• Region: Uttarakhand
• Altitude: 13,550 ft
• Duration: 4 days
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
• Best time to visit: March-May, September-December

Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek is an easy trek with a beautiful trail . You cover Chopta, Chandrashila Peak and Deoriatal Lake on the journey. Mesmerising views of Trishul and Nanda Devi, thick forests of rhododendrons, oak and maples and diverse landscape are few of the things that make this trek stand out.

Bhrigu lake Trek:

• Region: Himachal Pradesh
• Altitude: 14010 ft
• Duration: 4 days
• Level of Difficulty: Easy
• Best time to visit: May to October is most suitable as the surrounding valleys are also full of greenery. 

Bhrigu Lake is a popular tourist attraction for its beauty and link to mythology. The color of the lake fluctuates in different seasons. Snow-capped mountains surround the lake on both sides, and you can also spot Hanuman Tibba and Seven Sisters Peaks from here.

Beas Kund Trek:

• Region: Kullu Valley and Pir Panjal Range
• Altitude: 12,772 ft
• Duration: 3 days
• Level of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Best time to visit: Mid May to September

Beas Kund Trek is a short trek that comes with beautiful views of Beas River and the majestic Pir Panjal range. The trek trail is easy and suitable for beginners as well. Various vibrant flowers surround this glacial-fed river. You can also spot Bakarthatch, Dhundi and many other peaks while trekking.

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   Moderate-Difficult Grade Trek: 

Moderate to Difficult treks can consist of 6-7 days of struggling walk through the snow, dangerous terrain, and rocky cliffs. You will need prior experience in these treks, and a fit condition is mandatory in these situations. Daily trekking can last as long as 8 to 9 hours, and the camp temperatures may fall to the freezing point at night. Although the physical and mental stress goes to a limit during these treks, they also offer the best Himalayan trek experiences. 

Hampta Pass Trek:

• Region: Himachal Pradesh
• Altitude: 14,010 ft
• Duration: 5 days
• Level of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Best time to visit: Mid-June to mid-October

Hampta Pass Trek is a dream come true and the most famous trek of Himachal Pradesh. The wonderful diverse topography that this trek offers is out of the world. The trail has everything- lush green meadows, barren lands, sparkling waterfalls, rock walls, hanging glaciers, pristine streams and so on.  

Rupin Pass Trek:

• Region: Uttarakhand
• Altitude: 15,250 ft
• Duration: 8 days
• Level of Difficulty: Difficult
• Best time to visit: Summer: May or June, and Post monsoon during September/October

Rupin Pass Trek passes through many old mountain villages and the Rupin River. The terrain is mountainous and ideal for adventure lovers. You also cover three valleys having distinct characteristics- Rupin, Pin and Baspa. The view from Suruwas Thatch Campsite and the snow bridge is a major attraction of the trek.

Buran Ghati Trek:

• Region: Himachal Pradesh
• Altitude: 15,000 ft
• Duration: 8 days
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
• Best time to visit: May to June and September to October.

Buran Ghati Trek is a complete package of adventure. It has mountains, lakes, streams, forests, meadows, tiny hamlets, and peaks. Apart from the varied landscape, the trek is famous for Chandranahan Lake- a glacial lake that is frozen for a major part of the year. You can also view the Kinner Kailash from the top of the Buran Pass. Other highlights of the trek include Dayara Bugyal meadows, Buran village and snow wall.

Annapurna Base camp:

• Region: Nepal Himalayas
• Altitude: 13,545 ft
• Duration: 9 days
• Level of Difficulty: Difficult
• Best time to visit: April and October ( fall and the spring)

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is in the bucket list of many trekkers. The trail moves along mountain peaks, well-planned rice fields, banana plantations, and rhododendrons. Annapurna 1, Machapure, Annapurna South and Huinchuli peaks are major attractions that enhance the beauty of this trek.

Gaumukh Tapovan Trek:

• Region: Uttarakhand
• Altitude: 14,600 ft
• Duration: 8 days
• Level of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Best time to visit: September to June

Gaumukh is the birth source of the holy river Ganga. As the name suggests, it is in the shape of a cow’s mouth. The Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is the most rewarding and satisfying in India. You get to experience hiking, mountaineering and travelling across glaciers. The views of Bhagirathi peaks make the journey to Gaumukh glacier even more alluring. 

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   Difficult Grade Trek:

The highest rewards come after consistent hard work. Such treks can take you above 5000 m, and make you walk for 8-9 hours every day through snow. There’s a possibility that you may have to cross glaciers and crevasses in these treks. These treks are only for people who are deft at this sport and have multiple accomplishments in the moderate to difficult treks. The weather makes it even more difficult as it is hard to breathe in the low oxygen, and the air is cold. The best Himalayan treks that fall in this category are: 

Goechala trek:

• Region: Sikkim
• Altitude: 15,100 ft
• Duration: 11 days
• Level of Difficulty: Difficult
• Best time to visit: Summer (April to June), Autumn ( October and November)

Goechala Trek is a popular trek of the north-eastern state, Sikkim. It offers a breathtaking view of Mount Kanchenjungha from the top of Goecha La and a beautiful landscape. The trek trail is rich in biodiversity and has innumerable orchards and thick forests to keep you going. Major attractions of the trek include Yuksom, Samiti Lake, Sachen, Tshokha, Dzongri, Thansing valley, and Goechala.

Everest Base camp:

• Region: Nepal
• Altitude: 18,513 ft
• Duration: 15 days
• Level of Difficulty: Difficult
• Best time to visit: April to May, September to October. But it can be easily accessible all around the year.

The highest mountain range of the world, Mount Everest is at the border between Tibet and Nepal. Everest Base Camp is truly an adventure-packed trek that takes you through the foothills of Everest. The trail covers dense forests, steep hikes, quaint hamlets, miniature waterfalls, and glacial crevasses. You get to connect with the friendly locals on the trek. Major attractions of this trek include Namche Museum, Namche Bazaar, Namche Monastery, Tengboche Monastery, Dingboche Monastery, Kala Patthar, Mount Makalu, Mount Lhotse, Mount Cho Yu and Khumbhu Icefall.                  

Bali pass Trek:

• Region: Garhwal Himalayas
• Altitude: 16,240 ft
• Duration: 8 days
• Level of Difficulty: Difficult
• Best time to visit: May to June and September to October

Bali Pass Trek is one of the best hikes in the Himalayas. It links two valleys – Ruinsara- Har Ki Dun and Yamunotri. The trail has verdant meadows, dense forests, Jaunsar villages, rocky turns, orchards and innumerable pristine rivers. A complete panoramic view of Swargarohini, Kala Nag and Bandarpooch also accompany you on this trek.

Dayara Bugyal Trek:

• Region: Uttarakhand
• Altitude: 12,000 ft
• Duration: 6 days
• Level of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Best time to visit: September to June

If you are looking for a perfect Himalayan Trek, look no further. Dayara Bugyal is extensive grassland nestled between the Himalayas that offer scintillating views of mountain peaks and lush meadows. You can see the Bhagirathi, Mount Srikanth, Jaonli, Draupadi ka Danda from here. Other highlights of this trek include Barnala Tal, Harshil and Gangotri Temple and Bakaria Top Summit.

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