When to go TREKKING IN THE INDIAN HIMALAYAS

The scale of the Himalayas makes them the ultimate trekking destination. Nowhere else on this planet, with perhaps the exception of the Polar regions, is such exalted beauty matched with such overwhelming remoteness. The sweeping arc of this mountain chain provides goals for every visitor and in its unity it displays an amazing variety of landscapes and a dazzling selection of contrasting scenes, climates and cultures. Trekking routes sometimes trace the footsteps of millions of pilgrims, who for hundreds of years have journeyed these trails to pay homage at religious shrines located high in the Himalayas. Others follow more remote routes, cut off from civilisation, across some of the most exciting terrain in the world. The mighty Himalayas form a sweeping arc spread across five Indian states. They compress in their expanse a wide mountainous geographical variety and contrasting cultures. Nowhere in the world can trekking be so exciting and challenging than it is in India.

Wide, sweeping valleys and deep gorges give way to thick deciduous forests and alpine meadows. Undulating tea gardens and somber slopes bar narrow terraces, looking like gigantic staircases flung down the mountains; as gently contoured hills merge into imposing, snow-draped peaks surrounded by a fluff of clouds look down upon thundering rivers and deeply fissured glaciers. In the Himalayas, time, like the terrain, is infinite, grand and majestic. The mountains impose upon mind and heart, and the silence of the wilderness dignifies their remoteness.

While trekkers in India are awakening to the exciting possibilities, beaten paths and trails such as Leh-Manali, Lahaul-Spiti and ancient pilgrim routes in Garhwal attract a majority of travelers. Countless exciting trekking options still wait for those willing to explore. Just enumerating the most exciting trekking options in the Indian Himalayas would be a formidable proposition and those willing to go beyond the vicarious experience of travel accounts have only one thing to do to savour a trekking experience. Get your backpacks ready and get out on to the trails.

PREPARING FOR YOUR TREK

The best option available for most first time travelers to the subcontinent would be to contact an established trekking tour operator. Most experienced operators can arrange treks ranging from the easy and moderate to the challenging. The advantage with going through them is that they can provide you with trails and treks suited to your fitness levels and time considerations. The treks on offer are usually off the beaten track and have all been reconnoitered previously. It also saves you from carrying heavy loads and leaves you free to enjoy the pleasures of the trek. On an organised trek you are not expected to carry anything more than your own water bottle and a rain proof jacket while walking. The accompanying mules and porters, cook and camp help and an English speaking guide takes care of all the essential details so that you can spend your time taking in the scenery without having to think about the mundane details of a hot meal and tents etc.

trekking in himalayas RISK/SKILL FACTOR

Trekking is one of the safest and most relaxing of all outdoor adventure activities. If you opt to join an organised trek, you don’t even have to carry you backpack yourself, since all the packs and camp equipment is carried by professional porters.

WHEN TO GO:

The best months for trekking in the Himalayas are from September to November, and then again from February to May.