What does trekking in India signify?
Trekking in India provides one with ample options to enjoy the natural
wealth of the verdant mountains and to explore the culture and lifestyle of
the people, thereby gaining an insight into the multifaceted land of India.
Trekking in the high altitude regions of the Himalayas is simply an amazing
experience. The Himalayas put forth a wide variety of landscapes to the
trekkers. Whether you go trekking in the Ladakh region, in the Zanskar
Valleys, in the Garhwal and Kumaon regions or in the Kashmir Valley, it's
like a dream coming true !
Which are the chief trekking zones?
Trekking in the Garhwal and the Kumaon Regions
Trekking in the Garhwal and the Kumaon regions is one of the fantastic
options for the adventure enthusiasts. The region consists of places like
Dehradun, Pauri, Tehri, Uttarkashi and Chamoli. As you go trekking through
these places you will come across a number of archaeological remains that
are proof to the fact that a rich and vibrant civilisation once flourished
here. Hieun Tsang, a Chinese traveller once traversed a part of the region.
Even the great Hindu epic, Mahabharata refers to the beauty and charm of
this land and its people.
Trekking in Darjeeling
The healthful climate and the magnificent views of the Kanchejanga and the
Everest are the key advantages of trekking in Darjeeling. One of the most
popular treks here is the Singalila range in the eastern Himalayas. For
adventurous high altitude treks one should head for the Kalimpong treks.
There can also be had splendid views of the rich varieties of the Himalayan
flora and fauna. Darjeeling is home to the celebrated Himalayan
Mountaineering Institute established by late Tenzing Norgay in the year
1954. From Tiger Hill, the highest point in Darjeeling, gives some fantastic
views of the Kanchejanga and the Everest peaks.
Trekking in Sikkim
There are dense forests, deep valleys and views of the ancient monasteries
to welcome you as you begin trekking in the Sikkim region. One of the most
adventurous trekking route in Sikkim is the
Gangtok-Pemanyangtse-Yoksum-Dzongri route. Adveturers can also head for the
Tendong Hill, located at an elevation of 8,530 ft. The trek from Menam Hill
to Ravangla is a good option for the trekkers.
Trekking in Ladakh
Ladakh
acquires a position between the Great Himalayan Range and the Tibetan
Plateau. The region is located at a height of 4,600 m in the outer
Himalayas. What is most interesting about Ladakh is the fact that it is
devoid of natural forests and the whole region appears to be naked with only
little greenery along the river banks. To the north of Ladakh lies the
Karakoram range which is a collection of ten peaks, each of the peaks
reaching up to a height of 7000 m. The Zanskar region is a fabulous
destination for the trekkers. Panikhar village is the base for long treks.
Kargil is located in the central region of the Himalayas, offering ample
adventure options.
Trekking in Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh provides options for both short and moderate treks as well
as long and tough ones. Kunzum Pass is one's entrance to the Lahaul Valley
and is safer for ascending and descending. Baralacha Pass is located at an
elevation of 16400 feet. This is the meeting point of the routes to Zanskar,
Lahaul and Ladakh. The Rohtang Pass offers challenging treks to the
adventurers. The Uttaranchal passes provide access to most of the pilgrimage
centres of the state. A trek to Kedarnath will give you some splendid views
of the Garhwal Himalayas.
What are the essentials of trekking?
Before you set out on your trekking journey, do not forget to take along the
essentials. Do take your sunglasses, sun cream, a self inflating mattress, a
sleeping bag, an electric torch or a frontal lamp, hiking shoes, a fleece
jacket, good pair of trousers, sweater, gloves and cap, plenty of fluid and
some vitamin C and aspirin tablets.
What is the ideal time?
Late spring to summer is the main trekking season in the Himalayas. For
trekking in the Garhwal and Kumaon Hills and in Darjeeling and Sikkim, the
ideal time is between the months of May and October.
