Like a lot of life’s best experiences, you
don’t realize what you’re missing out on unless you’ve trekked once. And then, it’s almost like tasting blood
(quite literally sometimes, when the going gets tough!), you’ll only want more!
The world—with its high mountains, rugged terrains, uncombed forests and
gushing water bodies—becomes your playground, and you want to explore every
inch of it, scale greater heights! As we
begin the process of initiating you into the world of excursions, here are some
of the trails you could consider when planning on an adventure holiday.
(Dzukou Valley, Nagaland)
This
is not just one trek but a destination. Nagaland, one of the eastern most
states in India, borders Burma and is home to 16 different major tribes which
are further divided into sub tribes. Each tribe is unique in its character,
culture, food and customs making this a cradle of color and festivities Head
out to Dzukou Valley, a valley covered with bamboo stalks, to camp for the
night and catch a stunning sunset nad wake up early to witness ice crystals
frozen on bamboo leaves. If you crave even more adventure, then you can attempt
to climb Mt. Japfu, the highest peak overlooking Kohima at 3048m. A rugged
steep climb through rainforest and a little bit of rock climbing just before
the summit will test your endurance and quench your thirst for adventure.
Duration: 5-6 days
Time:
Throughout the year (Heavy rainfall during monsoon months can make it slippery)
2. Kashmir Great Lakes, J&K
(Vishansar & Kishansar Lakes)
One of the most scenic treks in India, the Great Lakes trek
is a fantastic walk in the meadows in Kashmir and also see 5 high altitude
lakes. Starting from Sonamarg and ending is Narnag, it is an easy to moderate
trek with Gadsar Pass (4200m) the highest altitude that you will be
walking. The twin Gangabal lakes,
nestled in the foothills of Mount Harmukh are the highlight of the trek. You
will be required to carry your ID with yourself. With high
mountains, deep valleys, numerous lakes, snow clad mountain peaks, thick
forests and sparkling rivers this trek is a dream come true for every
adventurer.
Duration: 8-9 days
Time:
April to September
(PC: Hajra Ahmad)
Ladakh
is well known for its cold arid desert landscape. But what if i told you there
were sand dunes as well? Nubra Valley nestled on the banks of Shyok river is
popular with its silver sand dunes and Bactrian camels. And
instead of taking the road to Nubra, trek from Leh to Nubra. This walk,
starting at Phyang, will take you to the high pass of Lasermo La (5400m) and
with views of snow capped Karakoram range and then walk through sand dunes of
the Nubra. A phenomenal experience! You can also visit monasteries in Phyang and Diskit on the trip. Note that it is a tiring trek and you have to be
well acclimatized to the thin air of Ladakh.
Duration
- 9 days
Time:
Mid July to September
(Goecha La viewpoint)
Kangchenjunga,
at 8586m, is the third highest mountain in the world. Revered by people of
Sikkim, climbers are not allowed to reach the summit of the mountain and have
to stop at least 10m short of the summit.
Goecha La trek provides the perfect trail for you to pay homage to this
mighty mountain and trekking in Sikkim. Walking through rhododendron, pine and
magnolia forests in the first days of the treks, the trail is a dream for bird
watching with thrushes, cuckoos, blood pheasant, monal pheasant and other
feathery friends. If lucky, you might also spot a yellow fronted marten. This moderate trek starts in Yuksom in North
Sikkim and is a great camping experience. There are even small lodges built at
the campsites which can be used by travelers. Great views of the Singalila
range, Mt. Pandim, Mt. Japuno, Goecha La peak can be seen from the view point
at Dzongri . And catching Kangchenjunga bathing in golden sunlight on the early
morning sojourn to viewpoint 1 on Goecha La pass is something that will remain
with you forever!
Duration
- 10-11 days
Time:
March-April, October-November
One of the most iconic trails in the world, to the most famous base
camp on the planet! On the 14 day Everest Base Camp Trek, we get to experience
astounding mountain views, glimpses of
the life of famous mountain climbers and Sherpas, enter Sagarmatha National
Park, a world heritage site and tour high altitude Buddhist monasteries.
Trekking to the Everest Base Camp of Nepal also provides us an opportunity to
embark on an epic journey that Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay set off to
in 1953. Guided by Sherpas, you will be
trekking to the base camp of the world’s tallest mountain, Mt. Everest! This
adventurous trek package also includes climbing Kala Pathhar (5643m) to admire
the panoramic views of Everest and other Himalayas. Nothing beats the thrill
and sense of accomplishment that grips hikers on seeing the power and grace of
the mighty mountain up close. The 14-day Everest Base Camp Trek
itinerary is designed for
trekkers who are in good health with average physical fitness. The ample
distance covered between daily itineraries, steady gain of altitude and
separate rest days ensures that we are properly acclimatized to fully enjoy our
trek to the Everest base camp.
Duration
– 14+ days
Time:
March-April, September to November
(Kang Yatse II climb, Ladakh)
The
good thing about the Indian Himalayas is that there is something for everyone.
From easy to moderate to technical climbs, you can gradually build your
experience in climbing in the Himalayas. Ladakh has the highest concentration
of 6000m plus peaks in the world. While most of them are isolated bordering
Tibet and are technical climbs, there are a few which are accessible and can be
attempted by people with decent camping and trekking experience. Stok Kangri(6150m) is the most popular of these peaks. One of the highest walking peaks in
India, the climb tests your stamina, fitness and mental fortitude. Golep Kangri(5900m) is another peak which can be attempted from the same base camp. These
climbs do require you to have proper winter gear, crampons, ice axe and
sometimes be roped together depending upon the guide and weather conditions.
Other semi technical climbs are Mentok Kangri II (6210m) overlooking the
stunning Tso Moriri and Kang Yatse II (6250m) in the Markha Valley. Ensure that
you attempt these climbs with experienced guides and proper gear. Climbing a peak will see you challenging
yourself physically and mentally and there is no better feeling when you reach
the summit!
Duration
- 10-14 days
Time:
Mid July to September
