Mountains have some kind of a magical aura. One can spend hours just staring at a high peak and feel enlightened. For a traveller, they are just a bliss. The challenge, both mental and physical to walk around these giants is an addiction that many like to get used to. When it comes to trekking in India, one can think of no better sight than the Himalayas. The northern hills, especially in Himachal, have plenty of seen and unseen treks that one can undertake to immerse in the beauty of these landscapes.

Himachal Pradesh and its neighbor offers more than 50 gorgeous treks to the mountains. To select a trek that suits your style, strength and budget is quite a tedious task. But most importantly, what one wishes to find at the end of a tiring trek is a stunning sight that takes away all your fatigue. We’ve tried to bring to you a list of the top seven stunning treks (in no order of preference) from Himachal Pradesh that will help you narrow down your list to a finer selection. Unlike many common treks, these are not overcrowded or touristy.  So go ahead, take a quick look and jump on to the next bus that takes you to the majestic mountains.

1. Charang Ghati Pass 

-The trek to this ghati is on the difficult side but it’s spectacular for more than the view it offers. One, it is cocooned near its starting point Kinnaur, which is surrounded by Tibet on the east, Garhwal on the south, Spiti Valley on the north and Kullu on the west. Second, given the diverse cultures around the location, one can meet Kinnauri tribe on the way and immerse in their language and culture, which is an experience in itself.The base camp for the trek is Reckong Po which is accessible by road from Shimla, Delhi and other locations.

• Originates from: Reconkg Po (Kinnaur), Himachal
• Difficulty level: Difficult
• Best time to go: July to September

By Theo10011 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Common  On your way up to the

 mountains, spend some time in the valleys of Kinnaur

2. Darati Pass Trek -

  One of the most unexplored treks in Himachal, this one takes you to the Pir Panjal range. It starts from Chamba and connects Churha valley with the Pangi Hills of the Himalayas.The way up to the pass is through the Gujjar settlements that can be very helpful to track your trail up the mountains. The trek starts easy and simple but it becomes quite an adventure as you get close to the Darati Pass. This trek is located in the high altitude of 4700 m, which makes it tough but spectacular experience. The snow, strong winds and even snow fall can be experienced and dealt with on the way.  The drive to Chamba, no matter which route you take is as difficult as the trek itself. So go prepared!

• Originates from: Chanju (Chamba), Himachal
• Difficulty level: Difficult
• Best time to go: May to October

 By KAUSTUBH PORLIKAR1998 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons  The Pir Panjal Range

3. Pin Parvati Trek - 

 Pin Parvati pass is not the most unheard location in the trekking circles, let alone Himachal-specific treks. This pass was first traveled in 1884 to find an alternate route to Spiti Valley. The beauty of the trek lies in the adventure and challenges it poses while you enjoy the lush green valley in Kullu and the beauty of Spiti. The trek links the Pin valley in Spiti and the Parvati Valley in Kullu, hence giving it the name it has. On the way, you will see thick alpine forests, glacier crests, lakes and ofocurse the heavy snowfall gives it a majestic feeling that will remain etched in your memory forever.

• Originates from: Kullu, Himachal
• Difficulty level: Moderate - Difficult
• Best time to go: July to September

By KP2385 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons  Pin Parvati peaks as seen from Sar Pass, Kullu

4. Trek through Pabbar Valley -

 This is one of the most unexplored treks that is tailor made for first-timers and amateurs in the trekking world. The trek connects Shimla district to the  Kinnaur valley,  while you pass through the dense forests,high meadows and the snow bound mountains that takes you into the apple orchards of the Sangia valley. It’s a great trek if you like to explore local culture while you climb your way up to the mountains.

• Originates from: Janglik, Himachal
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Best time to go: June to October

By Sunil Sharma (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Common The grasslands of Pabbar valley

5. Indrahar Pass Trek- 

This pass located at a height of 4,324,ft above the sea level is a globally famous trek. This enticing trek gets trekkers from all over the world. Given the fame, it is not a secret trek as such but a spectacular one nevertheless. It’s located in the Dhauladhar Range of the Himalayas, close to the touristy spot of Dharamshala. On the way, what you find is a gorgeous site of dense Deodar and Rhododendron forests.  You can literally walk on historical land of Gaddi shepherds who use to trek to take their flock to gaze.

• Originates from: McLeodganj (Dharamsala) in the Kangra valley of Himachal
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Best time to go: mid May to June and September to mid October.

By Gayatri Priyadarshini (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

       The snow filled Dhauladhar Range

6. Thachi Valley treks - 

At a height of 3000 m above sea level, this valley is located close to the stunning national Himalayan Park. It’s a highly serene, untouched and totally offbeat location to consider trekking to. One can reach the valley and then take simple treks to the peaks and waterfalls a few kms off the valley. You might not find any hotels, lodges or restaurants in Thachi but the local people will take care of that. Recently, locals have come together to promote their valley and get people to visit it.

• Originates from: Thachi valley, Himachal
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Best time to go: Snowfall:  Mid of December to Mid of January ,For flowers : June to July, For waterfalls and water streams - throughout the year.

    Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area, a World Heritage Site

                         View from Guntarao, Tirthan Valley

7. Bhaba Pass Trek -

 The Bhaba Pass trek makes its way into the list because of the diverse nature of beauty it is able to provide to trekkers. It’s a crossover trek which means that you start from the lush green grasslands of Kinnaur and arrive at the lonely peaks of Spiti valley. The cultural and geographical shift seen and experienced  during the trek is an experience to remember. From the highest point of the pass, the view is a 180 degree view of the Pin valley.

• Originates from: Kufnu, Himachal
• Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate
• Best time to go: June to September

By Carlos Adampol Galindo from DF, México (Camino a Spiti valley, Himachal Pradesh) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons  The trek arrives at the isolated and lonely valley of Spiti

Himachal is a land that throws up surprises at every corner. It’s landscapes, no matter which trek you go to, will leave you spellbound. Get off and get going already, then?