Most of the states of India have some kind of adventure treks but the treks that are at the foothills of the Himalayas show you the real side of adventure. These treks are mostly found in the upper northern regions including states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Since they are in the Himalayas, you will surely be going to high altitudes and that can be quite thrilling especially for someone who is into trekking expeditions.
The treks often lead to some ethereal locations such as passes, lakes and much more. Whichever trek you choose, you must be fully equipped about all the knowledge one needs before going on the adventure. Make sure you have all the trekking equipment and camping gear like sturdy tents, sleeping bags and sleeping mats.
The best time to do a Himalayan trek depends on the trek itself. While some are opened in summer season like Kashmir Great Lakes, others are done in winters like Chadar trek.
Below, we have listed some of the 5 must to do treks in the Himalayas for adventure enthusiasts. Some treks and tour operators in Kashmir arrange all these treks for you. Take a look!
Table of Contents
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
Kashmir Great lakes is undoubtedly one of the adventurous treks that is a must-do for every adventure enthusiast. The trek covers a distance of about 75 kilometres to be covered in 7-9 days depending on the routes taken and weather conditions.
The Kashmir Great Lakes trek begins from the stunning village of Shitkadi of Sonmarg town. As the name suggests, Kashmir Great lakes trek consists of visiting more than five serene lakes of Kashmir such as Vishansar lake, Kishansar Lake, Gadsar Lake, Satsar Lake, Nundkol Lake and Gangabal Lake. Other than these major water-bodies, there also lies many small streams along the way.
The gradient of the trek is moderate to difficult as it involves crossing three high-altitude passes. One of them is Thajiwas Glacier Pass. The wide-stretched meadows, the ever-calming lakes give you the perfect opportunity of camping near them. You can pitch a tent and light a bonfire and share conversation with fellow trekkers.
Since the trek goes as high as almost 14,000 ft, you must acclimatise before starting it. It is crucial to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness(AMS). Pack all the trekking and camping gears.
Tarsar Marsar Trek
Tarsar Marsar Trek is another trek of Kashmir that is perfect for every adventure buff out there. It is also perfect for someone who wants their maiden Himalayan adventure since the trek is of moderate level. Aru Valley in Pahalgam is the basecamp for this trek. Along with offering adventure, it is also one of the most breathtaking treks.
The name clearly shows that the trek is about two serene Lakes of Kashmir namely Tarsar Lake and Marsar Lake. They are heavenly and have perfect spots for camping. Other than these lakes, you will also come across some scenic villages, remote campsites etc. You will also see towering mountain ranges throughout the route.
The highlight that you go on this voyage is 13,165 ft. Summer is the best time to plan the Tarsar Marsar trek as the weather is enjoyable and routes are clear too. In winters, the trek is closed and inaccessible with snow seen all over the place. In Tarsar Marsar trek too, Acclimatisation is important.
Valley Of Flowers Trek
Valley of Flowers trek of Uttarakhand is a beginner friendly trek as the grade is easy to moderate. Completed in six days, the trek showcases some of the most surreal sides of nature. It is another high-altitude trek that goes as high as 14,400 ft. so you must acclimate properly. The trek starts from Govindghat and everyday you have to trek for an average of 10 kilometres in 6-7 hours.
The routes are easily trackable though you should be with a trek group and skilled and experienced trek leader. As soon as you enter the valley of flowers, you are in the presence of lakhs of alpine flowers, in different sizes, shapes and colours, enhancing the beauty all together. The prime highlight of Valley of flowers trek is the Hemkund Sahib which is the highest located Gurudwara of the world.
Before starting the trek, trekkers must obtain a permit from the Uttarakhand Forest Department. July to September is the best time to do this trek.
The Chadar Trek
One of the most challenging treks of Ladakh, Chadar trek or Frozen Lake trek is for those trek enthusiasts who actually want to get the adrenaline rushing through their veins. Due to extreme cold and slippery terrain, it poses quite difficulties for trekkers but they get rewarded with some brilliant views.
The major highlight of the trek is the frozen Zanskar river where you walk on it as it has turned into a thick sheet of ice. Other than the adventures, the trek also provides you a chance to get insight into the culture of Ladakh as the route passes through some remotest villages of India where locals live a very traditional way of life.
Since it is a winter trek, it is only done in the months of January and February. Wear proper layers of woollen clothes as the temperature drops heavily and it is shivering out there.
For doing this trek, a prior trek experience is highly appreciated.
The Markha Valley Trek
Another trek of Ladakh which you can plan as your next thrilling voyage is Markha Valley trek. There are three basecamps including Spituk, Stok and Chilling and you can choose either one of them. Also known as ‘tea house trek’, you have to reside in parachute tents here nearby villages falling through the trek.
The Markha Valley is an enriching region of ladakh where you will come across many scenic villages. The mud houses here and lush fields show you what we are missing in our daily lives. After the valley, you enter the Hemis National Park which is the biggest national park of India and is home to abundant species of animals here and wilfide photography is the non-negotiable thing to do here. The gradient of the trek is moderate to difficult. The major highlights during the adventure are the surreal view of Kang Yatse and Stok Kangri peaks, located at 21,000ft and 20,068ft respectively.
Summer is an excellent time to do the Markha Valley trek.
Conclusion
You have everything you need to know about some of the exciting treks of India where you will know what you are capable of. It is time to plan for one of them this year and set out on this exhilarating journey. Happy trekking!
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I am a passionate travel writer with a love for exploring new destinations. Specializing in adventure and cultural experiences, I share captivating stories and insights from around the world.
