The Himalayas are gigantic Mountain ranges, meaning the ‘Abode of snow’, in Sanskrit. They are located in the Northern region of India, separating the Tibetan plateau and the plains of the Indian subcontinent. Did you know these Mountain ranges consist of more than 50 mountains which exceed 7200 Metres ( 23, 600 feet) in altitude and of ten Mountain peaks over the 8000 Metres (26,246 feet, 8.63 inches) range, the highest among this extremely high altitude range, in the world. Mount Everest, the highest Mountain in the world, at 8848 Metres (29, 029 feet), is located in these ranges in the Nepal-China region? The Kanchenjunga, which is the third highest peak in the world, is located in the India-Nepal region. The Himalayas extend from the Himalayan ranges, the Karakoram, Hindu Kush and many other small ranges, spread across five countries namely, Nepal, India, China, Pakistan and Bhutan. They are home to the world’s highest glacier, the ‘Siachen’.

Listed here are five top Himalayan trek destinations, for keen trekkers from around the world:

1. KEDARKANTHA TREK:

The Kedarkantha trek is located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. This is one of the most amazing Himalayan treks for reasons more than one. This mountain trek can be reached via the charming hill-resort town of Dehradun which is easily accessible. The trek begins at a tiny hamlet called Sankri and proceeds through Juda Ka Talab, an absolutely idyllic place for camping en route to the base camp.The pine woods and the towering Mountain ranges skirting the location, make a splendid picture-postcard setting. The base camp is amidst a panoramic view of snowcapped Himalayan ranges. You are treated to the most stunning views of about thirteen Mountain peaks of the lofty Himalayan ranges from the summit on top of the Kedarkantha peak. 

The trek is rated as easy to moderate and advised for beginners as well as experienced trekkers. Warm and suitable clothing is recommended as temperatures could reach sub-zero limits when you close in towards the summit. The five-day summit gains an altitude of 2000 feet each day. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a possibility. Necessary precautions need to be taken. The best season for Kedarkantha trek is during winters when there is lots of snow. An awesome adventure trail in the mighty Himalayan terrain!

            Image source  Himanshu Dutt

2. CHADAR FROZEN RIVER TREK:

The state of Ladakh is located in one of the highest terrains of the Himalayan region, in the Indian state of Kashmir. This place is also known as the ’land of high passes’. The Chadar frozen river trek is also located in Leh, in the Ladakh region. Tucked away in the heart of the picturesque snow-capped mountain ranges, the Chadar frozen river trek is a welcome destination to all adventure seekers, from all over the world. In Hindi, ‘Chadar’ refers to the thick blanket of snow covering the Mountains. The starting point to the trek is a place called ‘Chilling’. The first base camp would be at ‘Tilat Do’.Further, you must proceed through Shingra Koma, via Tibb and Neerak. The best time for this trek is during January to February. The temperatures range from 10-15 degrees Celsius during the day and -3 to -35 degrees Celsius during Winter. Owing to the strategic location of this place, there is a strong Indian Military presence in the region of Ladakh. This trek demands a high level of stamina and is rated as ‘Challenging’. It takes 9 days to reach the trek destination.

A great trek for those of you looking for an exciting adventure!

3. BRAHMATAL LAKE:

This is one of the most sought-after treks and ranks among the top five best Indian treks.The Brahmataal lake is located in the highest reaches of the Indian state of Uttarakhand, at an altitude of 3,733.8 Metres(12, 250feet). This is rated as a moderate trek and is spread over 6 days.

This adventure trek is undertaken all the year round although the Winter months from January to March are chosen by many adventure lovers. The widespread blanket of snow all along the trek and fascinating views of sky-high snow drenched Himalayan wonder peaks, make this trek atop Winter favourite. Superlative views of the Mount Trishul and Nanda Ghunti from the Brahmatal Lake are an added attraction for trekkers to choose this amazing destination. An awesome adventure in the Himalayan setting!

            Image source  Sanyam Bahga

4. BINSAR LAKE TREK:

The Binsar Lake is a picturesque adventure spot located in the heart of the Garhwal Himalayan ranges, in the Indian State of Uttarakhand. Skirted by popular, mighty Himalayan peaks such as the Nanda Devi, Kedarnath, Panchachuli, Trishul, Chaukhamba and Nanda Kot, Binsar stands out as an easy and must trek destination for every beginner as well as seasoned trekkers. The 7-day trek begins at Rishikesh. You drive to Pauri from here, which is 136 km from Rishikesh. Your trek is filled with captivating views of woody green canopies of Deodar, oak and pine, interspersed with wild flora and lush green valleys that seem to follow you everywhere. A trek that could be undertaken all around the year, the Binsar Lake is a pleasant trail, amidst the most scintillating views of Nature!

          Image source Jaipal Hundal

5. BHRIGU LAKE TREK:

The Bhrigu Lake trek is located in the High altitude Mountain ranges, to the East of Rohtang Pass, in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. This popular Lake is situated at a height of 4300 Metres ( 14,100 feet).The Lake is named after the Legendary mythical sage, Bhrigu Maharishi taken from Hindu Mythology. Spectacular views of rolling gorgeous green Hills, endless grassy stretches of Alpine meadows treat you to picturesque sights all along your journey. You also pass through the temple of sage Vashisht, which is surrounded by many hot springs.

The trek is rated as ‘moderately difficult’. The starting place is Manali, from where, you drive to the Gulaba Village and trek to Gulaba base camp, which is at an altitude of 2599 Metres (8530 feet). The Bhrigu Lake trek could be completed in 4 days. The best time to undertake this trek is before June or after August, past the Monsoon season. Anytime between mid - May to October is also recommended as a suitable time. A much-preferred trekking adventure by every trek enthusiast! 

Adventure treks in these mighty Himalayan Mountains across the Indian States of Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Arunachal and Sikkim are extremely popular owing to the great trek facilities available and breathtaking landscapes along these treks. These Himalayan treks pose an exciting challenge to adventure lovers from all over the globe!