The Himalayas are one of the most breathtaking mountain ranges in the world, and trekking here is an amazing experience that’s not to be missed. Make sure you choose wisely when deciding where to trek though, as each trek has its own set of challenges and rewards. Here are 10 of the best treks in the Himalayas, ordered by popularity and length of the trip.
1) Chadar Trek
The Chadar trek is one of the most adventurous treks in the Himalayas. It is also known as ‘the frozen river trek’ because during winter the Chadar (a type of snow) melts and forms a thin layer of ice on it. People can walk on this ice for about 15-20 minutes before reaching a steep gorge where it becomes too slippery and difficult for them to move forward.
2) Pin Parvati Pass
Located in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, Parvati Pass is an exhilarating trek that offers an experience you’ll never forget. The trek begins with a steep ascent from the town of Manali and ends at the Rohtang Pass. It’s about eight hours away from Manali and is one of the most popular treks in India, but it’s worth every step.
3) Rupin Pass
Rupin Pass is one of the most famous treks in the Himalayas. It offers a perfect mix of cultural and physical challenges, as well as spectacular views from the top. The route is relatively easygoing and has a few ups and downs, but it’s still high enough for spectacular views.
It starts from either Manali or Keylong, both towns in Himachal Pradesh, India.
4) Spiti Valley
The Spiti Valley is one of the most beautiful regions in all of India. Located on the border of Himachal Pradesh and Tibet, this region offers some of the most dramatic landscapes that you’ll find anywhere in the world. With a unique culture and incredible views, it’s no wonder that this valley has become such a popular destination for travelers.
5) Kashmir Great Lakes
The best trek in Kashmir is the Kashmir Great Lakes trek which starts at the Kashmak Pass and ends at Srinagar. You can also combine this trek with a visit to Ladakh, and a stopover in Sonamarg, which is an important Tibetan Buddhist site. The trail follows the Jhelum River before crossing over it in order to reach the Tarsar Marshes. It then winds its way through some villages before reaching Laripora.
6) Nanda Devi East Base Camp
Nanda Devi East Base Camp is the second-highest mountain in India and one of the most challenging treks in the Himalayas. The trek takes you through some of the most untouched parts of Uttarakhand, and along with Nanda Devi Peak, it forms part of the Char Dham yatra circuit.
The trail begins from Kedarnath and reaches Joshimath, where a campsite is set up for an overnight stay.
7) Sandakphu – Phalut
Sandakphu is the highest mountain in West Bengal at 2438 meters. Sandakphu is also known as The Roof of Bengal and is located only 18 kilometers from Darjeeling. There are two routes leading up to the top of Sandakphu, one from Darjeeling and one from Phalut.
8) The Stok Kangri Expedition
The Stok Kangri Expedition is one of the most popular treks in India and is considered one of the top ten Himalayan treks. The trek takes about six days on foot and offers some of the most scenic views in the Himalayas.
9) Everest Three Passes
One of the most famous treks in Nepal is the Everest Three Passes hike. This trek takes you through some of the best natural landscapes in Nepal, from snowy mountain peaks and glaciers to ancient villages and monasteries. The trail also passes through many different ethnic groups and cultures, including Gurungs, Tamangs, Brahmins, Newars, Sherpas, and Khas people. The trek starts at Jiri or Lukla airport and takes about five days.
10) Kanchenjunga
Kanchenjunga is the third-highest mountain in the world and, at 8,598 meters above sea level, the world’s second-highest peak. It is located on the border of Nepal and Sikkim state in India. The literal meaning of Kanchenjunga is the five treasures of snow. The five treasures are gold, silver, gems, grain, and holy books.