Trekking in the Himalayan Mountains

Oh, dear Himalayan Mountains, why are you so unique? Can I kiss your peak, or can I just let your silence speak?

Aren’t these lines overwhelming? Well, not half as much as the Himalayan expeditions that take you to the most dazzling locales cupped high in the mountains. Before exploring the trekking hotspots of the Himalayan region, let us give you an overview of what makes the Himalayan Mountains so alluring for worldwide tourists.

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The Himalayan Mountains

As they say, life is not about the destination. It is about the journey—ditto for the Himalayan Mountains. An expedition through the Himalayan Mountains will take you to the highest mountains in the world. You will experience the imposing peaks, steep jagged cliffs, expansive valleys, alpine lakes, and jaw-dropping gorges. And you’ll be in the middle of a diversified terrain that displays variegated biodiversity – a magnet for nature lovers. The diverse flora, fauna, and invigorating climate are added perks of any Himalayan rendezvous.

All this makes the Himalayan Mountains the best trekking destination on the planet.

Where Are The Himalayan Mountains?

Can you locate the Himalayas on the world map? The Himalayan Mountains stretch the borders of India, Bhutan, Pakistan, Nepal, and China. To discover the Himalayas on the map of India, you should explore the northeastern portion of India.

Map Of The Himalayan Mountains

Let’s take a virtual Himalayan Moutain tour! Here are the 13 Best Himalayan treks arranged in the ascending order of grade levels!

Accessible to Moderate Treks In The Himalayan Mountains

Kedarkantha Trek

Location: Uttarakhand Himalayas
Attitude: 12,500 feet
Trek Grade: Moderately easy
Duration: 6 days
Distance: 20 km
Best time to visit: December to March
Attractions: Sankri village, Swargarohini peak, and Juda ka Talab.

If you want to witness the idyllic beauty of the Himalayas while embarking on an easy trek route, then Kedarkantha Trek is your best bet. Kedarkantha trekking trail offers perfect Himalaya trekking for beginners.

The key attraction of the trek is the sacred glacial lake, Juda ka Talab. According to mythology, the water in this lake comes from Lord Shiva’s Juda (tied hair knot).

Above all, Kedarkantha is an all-season trek, and its beauty is unparalleled in winter. As a result, Kedarkantha is also touted as one of the most popular winter treks in the Himalayas.

Brahmatal Trek

Location: Uttarakhand Himalayas
Attitude: 12,100 feet
Trek Grade: Easy to moderate
Duration: 6 days
Distance: 24 km
Best time to visit: December to March
Attractions: Bekaltal lake and Brahmatal lake, spellbinding views of the majestic Himalayan peaks from the Brahmatal summit.

The trekking route to Brahmatal is soaked in spiritual mythology. Brahmatal lake is believed to be the meditation place of Lord Brahma. Bekaltal lake is believed to be the place where Lord Brahma hides.

The main attraction of the Brahmatal trek is the mesmerizing beauty of two alpine lakes.

Brahmatal trek is best suited for beginners.

Hampta Pass Trek

Location: Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh Himalayas
Attitude: 14 010 feet
Trek Grade: Easy to moderate
Duration: 5 days
Distance: 28 km
Best time to visit: Mid-June to mid-October
Attractions: The dramatic Himalayan scenery of the two states, stunning Hampta Pass, majestic views of contrasting landscapes, and the fascinating Chandratal lake.

Hampta Pass is a crossover trek that astounds trekkers with the sweeping landscapes of two adjoining states. On the one hand, the lush Kulu valley enthralls your senses. On the other hand, the stark vista of the cold naked Himalayan Mountains stuns. The sheer drama of this change in scenery is the marvel of the Hampta Pass trek. The best part is that admirers do not have to embark on a tedious journey to witness the sublime nuances of nature. One comes face to face with the grandeur in just five days of moderate trekking!

The star attraction of the Hampta Pass trek is Chandratal lake. An exquisite crescent-shaped water body perched at a staggering altitude of 14,000 feet.

Har Ki Dun Trek

Location: Uttarakhand Himalayas
Attitude: 11, 700 feet
Trek Grade: Moderate
Duration: 7 days
Distance: 47 km
Best time to visit: April to June
Attractions: Har ki Dun valley, Ancient Himalayan villages, the mesmerizing views of the divine SwargaRohini peak, Morinda Lake, Jaundhar glacier, and Borasu Pass.

The Har Ki Dun Trek is wrapped up in mythology as it is believed to be the route taken by the Pandavas on their way to heaven. Therefore, it is known as the “Valley Of Gods.” The holy Swargarohini peak entices trekkers from different points along the trekking trail. While on the journey, one can get attractive glimpses of the lofty heights of Kalanag and Bandarpoonch.

The star highlight of this Himalayan exploit is the hanging valley of Har Ki Dun. The cradle-shaped valley inhabits old mountain villages that are believed to be 3,000 years old. These traditional villages have preserved their rare cultural heritage for years.

The valley is also home to the diverse flora and fauna of the region. Most importantly, it delights wildlife connoisseurs with its magnificence.

One can also visit Morinda Lake, Jaundhar Glacier, and Borasu Pass from Har ki Dun valley.

Har Ki Dun is one of the moderately easy Himalayan treks best suited for beginners.

Valley of Flowers Trek

Location: Uttarakhand Himalayas
Attitude: 14,100 feet
Trek Grade: Easy
Duration: 6 days
Distance: 38 km
Best time to visit: July to August
Attractions: The exquisite Valley of Flowers, Nanda Devi biosphere, Shri Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara and lake, Laxman temple, and Joshimath.

Trekking in the Himalayas has never been more colorful and blissful than this mountain crusade. The Valley of Flowers trek is a travelers’ paradise. The journey enriches all aspects of a Himalayan expedition. Trekkers come face to face with the most endangered yet exotic Himalayan fauna. And trekkers will experience the thick vegetation of the Valley of Flowers that overwhelms their senses. Whether a nature enthusiast, a wanderer at heart, or an avid photographer, this trek continues to beckon tourists from all over the globe.

A visit to the highest Gurdwara – Sri Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara is lined by the Hemkund Lake. Hemkund Lake is the most critical aspect of the Valley of Flowers trek, providing the perfect environment for blooming flowers. Here, you can offer prayers at the Laxman temple located in the vicinity.

While on this trek, you can visit the holy town of Joshimath – a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus.

Nanda Devi’s biosphere reserve is another beckoning feature of this trek. It is a world heritage site and is a habitat for numerous species of unique plants and animals.

If you are seeking a colorful Himalayan odyssey amidst the rare biodiversity of the Himalayan region, then embark on the Valley of Flowers trek. It is also one of the best Himalayan treks for beginners.

Moderate to Difficult Treks In The Himalayan Mountains

Rupin Pass Trek

Location: Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh Himalayas
Attitude: 15, 250 feet
Trek Grade: Moderate to Difficult
Duration: 8 days
Distance: 52 km
Best time to visit: Mid-April to July
Attractions: Diverse terrain, distinct local culture of 2 states, the origin of the Rupin River, PokuDevta temple, and mesmeric views of the Kinnaur Kailash range.

The high-altitude trek of Rupin Pass is a delight for adventure seekers. The trekking route marvels trekkers with the diverse Himalayan topography ranging from serene alpine meadows and valleys to rough mountain terrain.

Throughout the route, trekkers love to trace the course and various forms of the effervescent Rupin river. Crossing the border of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh on a wooden log bridge is the feat of a lifetime. The hanging village of Jakha and an astonishing snow bridge are other thrilling adventures of the Rupin Pass expedition. The pretty campsites in the Meadows of Dandheras Thatch, Suruwas Thatch, and the Upper Waterfall campsite are added jewels.

In short, if you are looking for an expedition that offers both a thrilling adventure and a calm, serene experience of trekking in the Indian Himalayas, look no further than Rupin Pass.

However, the Rupin Pass trek has occasional ascends and descends in a diverse terrain that demands a good fitness level.

Roopkund Trek

Location: Uttarakhand Himalayas
Attitude: 15, 700 feet
Trek Grade: Moderate to difficult
Duration: 8 days
Distance: 53 km
Best time to visit: May to June
Attractions: The mysterious Roopkund Lake, breathtaking views of sacred Himalayan Mountains throughout the trek, and alpine Meadows of Bednibugyal and Ali Bugyal.

Roopkund Trek treats you to splendid views that traverse through diverse Himalayan terrain. The fact that the dominant Himalayan peaks of Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nanda Ghunti surround you throughout the trekking route is the unique selling point of this expedition. The most popular attraction of the trek remains the mystic Lake of Roopkund. Even though the lake is covered in ice most of the time in a year, one can still see human skeletal remains that arouse the curiosity of travelers all around the world.

In short, Roopkund Trek is an iconic trekking destination wrapped up in mystery and thrill. On top of that, the astounding beauty of holy peaks surrounded by rock-strewn glaciers is a sight to behold.

Even though Roopkund Trek is of moderate difficulty, it does demand preparation in advance for proper acclimatization.

Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

Location: Uttarakhand Himalayas
Attitude: 14, 600 feet
Trek Grade: Moderately difficult
Duration: 8 days
Distance: 46 km
Best time to visit: May to October, except July
Attractions: Gaumukh, the origin of the river Ganga, the beautiful grasslands, Gaumukh National Park, and mesmeric views of the Bhagirathi peaks and Mount Shivling.

The whole journey of Gaumukh Tapovan Trek emanates purity and spirituality. And why not? This trek takes us to the birthplace of the holy river Ganga.

Gaumukh, where Ganga originates, is located at a staggering elevation of 12 760 feet. Taking a dip in the chilling holy water is an experience that stays with you for a lifetime. The idyllic views of the Bhagirathi range leading to the Gaumukh glacier are another high point of this Himalayan odyssey.

Another attraction is the high-altitude grassland of Tapovan. It is located in the Gaumukh National Park near the elegant Mount Shivling. The calm and serene destination of Tapovan is becoming popular as you can indulge in many spiritual practices and meditation.

In short, GaumukhTapovan Trek is a beautiful jaunt for its religious ambiance and the bounty of nature one witness throughout the journey.

GaumukhTapovan Trek is of moderate difficulty. Before embarking on this one, you must have prior trekking experience, as it requires maneuvering deep gorges.

Buran Ghati Trek

Location: Himachal Pradesh Himalayas
Attitude: 15,000 feet
Trek Grade: Moderate to difficult
Duration: 7 days
Distance: 39 km
Best time to visit: April to June
Attractions: Dayara Bugyal Meadows, Chandernahan Lake, Snow Wall rappelling, and Barua village.

Buran Ghati is an overall Himalayan marvel that gives trekkers a heart-racing adventure. In addition to Himalayan hiking and climbing, trekkers participate in stimulating actions like sliding and snow rappelling. Throughout the trekking route, the dense forests, steep valleys, and glistening mountain lakes make a landscape look like a painted canvas. The glacial lake of Chandernahan, the glossy meadows of DyaraBugyal, and the spectacular 360-degree view of gigantic Kinner Kailash peaks are the star highlights of this expedition.

To sum up, Buran Ghati Trek is a wholesome trek where one can taste the finer nuances of Himalayan trekking. While thrill-seekers can get their pulse racing on this adventurous trek, the shutterbugs get to capture the stunning landscape through their lenses.

As the Buran Ghati Trek involves more than just typical trekking and hiking, it is difficult for beginners and amateurs.

Difficult Grade Treks In The Himalayan Mountains

Bali Pass Trek

Location: Uttarakhand Himalayas
Attitude: 16, 240 feet
Trek Grade: Difficult
Duration: 8 days
Distance: 64 km
Best times to visit: May, June, and September
Attractions: Sankri village, Govind Wildlife sanctuary, Supin river, Ghanghad village, DebshuBugyal, Ruinsara Lake, Yamunotri temple, and Bali Pass.

The Bali Pass trek Route commences at the beautiful hamlet of Sankri, which falls under the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary. The trek along the serene Supin river leading to the majestic meadow of DebshuBugyal is a whirlwind experience. The expansive pastures, stunning mountain views, and magnificent landscapes bring you to the beautiful campsites surrounding gushing rivers. En route, you also get to witness the unique wooden architecture of the Ghanghad village. Ruinsara Lake, Yamunotri temple, and the mighty Bali Pass are the other focal attractions of the Bali Pass trek.

So, if you are game for some tricky Himalayan adventure and love exploring challenging territories, get your ball rolling for Bali Pass Trek.

One thing you should remember is that this challenging journey requires acclimatization. Therefore, you should be physically and mentally agile to embark on this.

Pin Bhaba Pass Trek

Location: Himachal Pradesh Himalayas
Attitude: 16, 100 feet
Trek Grade: Difficult
Duration: 7 days
Distance: 112 km
Best time to visit: June to September
Attractions: Sheer beauty of nature along the route, turquoise Bhaba river, and the Pin Bhaba Pass.

Pin Bhaba Pass Trek is a crossover trip. It spans from the glossy Bhabha valley, in Kinnaur, to the barren Pin valley, in Spiti.

The climax of this astonishing journey is the Pin Bhaba Pass. It is located at an imposing altitude of 16 100 feet. Witnessing nature’s sheer diversity from the top is a visual bonanza. As you stand on the snow at the Pass, the stark contrast of lush greenery on one side and icy desert on the other leaves you in a spell.

The Pin Bhaba Trek is a mind-boggling excursion that stupefies trekkers with its sheer magnificence. Moreover, it requires a high fitness level as one faces rapid attitude changes through challenging long-distance terrains.

Goecha La Trek

Location: Northeastern Sikkim Himalayas
Attitude: 15, 100 feet
Trek Grade: Difficult
Duration: 11 days
Distance: 75 km
Best time to visit: April to June and October
Attractions: Kanchenjunga National Park, Yuksom, Samiti Lake, Sachen, Tshokha, Dzongri, Thansing Valley, breathtaking sunrise views and sunsets from the Kanchenjunga range, and the Goecha La Pass.

Goecha La Pass Trek is perhaps the most indulgent expedition of the northeastern Himalayas. Everything is abundant, from snow-laden mountains to lush pastures, bubbling brooks, and the spell-blinding views of the mighty Kanchenjunga. Everything about this trek is charismatic. Visitors will witness the evergreen Himalayan Rockies from close quarters. Nature enthusiasts love to explore the endemic flora and fauna in the Kanchenjunga National Park.

The charming hamlet of Yuksom often touted as the “Gateway to Kanchenjunga,” treats one to the unique culture and history of the region. There is the glacial lake of Samiti and the virgin beauty of the camping site at Sachen. In addition, the bio-diverse refugee settlement of Tshokha, picturesque views from the Dzongri viewpoint, and the illustrious monasteries at Thansing offer more scenery. There is magic unfolding at every nook and corner!

And the most unforgettable part is the Goecha La Pass. It is nestled at an astounding height of 15 100 feet. The eureka moment is the sunrise and sunset over the Kanchenjunga range from Viewpoint 1 of the Pass- genuinely mesmerizing!

Goecha La Pass Trek is a mountain expedition of 11 days. Having a good fitness level and endurance is mandatory to reach the summit and travel back.

Everest Basecamp Trek

Location: Nepal (Kathmandu) Himalayas
Attitude: 18, 513 feet
Trek Grade: Difficult
Duration: 15 days
Distance: 130 km
Best time to visit: April to Mid-June
Attractions: Reaching the foothills of Mount Everest and exploring the local Nepalese culture and cuisine.

Scaling Mount Everest is a dream for every trekker, but it is not everyone’s cup of tea. As such, if you want to achieve this dream, you must get acclimatized long before you embark. Once you are ready, the Everest Basecamp trek should be on your priority list. This 130 km round trek takes you to the foothills of the highest mountain in the world and offers the closest encounter with the iconic mountain. While on this trekking route, it is an out-of-the-world experience to retrace the footsteps of the legendary Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary.

In conclusion, the Everest Basecamp trek is a true calling for adventure lovers who are game for the thrill, challenge, and adrenaline rush while soaking in the most spectacular Himalayan scenery.

All of the above-listed classic treks offer an all in all Himalayan excursion. It is entirely up to you to pick the one that best suits your needs depending on your experience and fitness levels.

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Author’s Bio: Shanu is a content writer at Moxtain. She is an accomplished content writer with more than five years of experience. She has penned an autobiography on her adorable pug, “Clifford The Great Indian Dog.” The book is available at Erin Mills Public Library, Mississauga, Canada. She has also penned many short stories for your online portal story.